So, keeping the calf’s loose, strong and free from niggles can help many active people to be able to keep hitting the miles free from injury.
Below we have reviewed a selection of boards and rockers that help stretch the calf, which can be useful for everyday stretching or rehabilitation of the calf muscle.
But before we get to the products, lets quickly explain how slant boards and rockers work.
How do Slant Boards Work?
Slant boards enable the foot to be placed in an upright position pointing towards the sky (dorsiflexion of the foot) to create a stretch of the calf muscles.
How do Rockers Work?
Foot rockers work by placing the foot on top of an ark designed board. The ark design enables you to rock your foot and ankle back and forth to create a stretch through the ankles range of motion.
StrongTek Professional Slant Board
The StrongTek Slant Board has two variations, one that is made out of plastic and the other is made out of wood. The plastic board is slightly less sturdy and feels more breakable than its sturdier wooden counterpart. The plastic board does seem to flex under intense weight or pressure.
But for budget shoppers the plastic version works just fine for regular calf stretching around the home or home gyms.
They are both ideal for travel as they fold neatly and compact, however, the plastic version is lighter to carry.
Design Type: Stretcher board
Material: Plastic or Wood
Variations: Plastic version or wood version
Price:
Plastic = £32.99
Wood = £50.99
Our Verdict
If you are looking to test it out or need it just for a short period of time the plastic version is a good option. If you plan to regularly use it over a prolonged period of time then the wooden version is recommended.
Level of fitness: all levels of fitness but you will need a basic level of balance.
ProStretch Calf Rocker
We couldn’t review calf stretchers or at least calf rockers without mentioning ProStretch. They were the original manufacturers of the calf rocker concept and hold on to that claim throughout their marketing.
That said, their calf rocker is an excellent design. It has an adjustable heel strap to increase the degree of the stretch and ensure that it fits all foot sizes. Also, it enables movement of the calf and ankle to stretch the calf muscle through a range of move that most static stretches would struggle to replicate.
Design Type: Rocker
Material: Plastic
Variations: Single leg and double leg versions as shown in the video
Price: £39.95
Our Verdict
There are cheaper alternatives available to the ProStretch Calf Rocker but if you suffer with regular calf tightness or injury then it’s worth spending a little extra for the ProStretch. It’s an excellent and comfortable design that will ensure you can stretch and move the calf safely and through a full range of movement.
Level of fitness: all levels of fitness but you will need a good level of balance. Also, people with any ankle mobility impairment should use with caution.
The CalfPRO Stretcher
The CalfPRO stretcher is designed to provide a static calf stretch to create a deeper and more relieving stretch. It works on the premise that by placing your foot in an incline (or dorsiflexed for the technically minded of us) position and locking the heel into a fixed position, you can push the stretch further than if your foot was planted flat to the ground.
And yes, it works! If you have ever found yourself stretch your calf by leaning your foot against a wall or against an object that points the toes to the ceiling then this is the stretcher for you.
Design Type: Stretcher board
Material: Plastic
Variations: None
Price: £113.27
Our Verdict
The CalfPRO stretcher is an effective bit of equipment to get those calf’s nice and stretched. It increases the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles (main group of calf muscles) than standalone static stretches. But it does come at a hefty price. If you do not suffer from chronic calf tightness or injury then this may not be worth the investment. But for those of you who rely on regular stretching in a dorsiflexed foot position then this could be a worthwhile purchase.
Level of fitness: all levels of fitness but you will need a basic level of balance.
Rolling With It Foot Rocker
A similar concept to the ProStretch Calf Rocker but it provides a one size fits all design. It has a robust rocker design and positions itself as a premium and quality made rocker that outlasts cheaper plastic rocker alternatives.
Design Type: Rocker
Material: Plastic and Wood
Variations: None
Price: £37.00
Our Verdict
The Rolling With It Calf Rocker is another excellent rocker product. As their own marketing material suggests, there are cheaper plastic alternatives on the market. However, for comfort and safety when moving your calf and ankle into deeper stretch positions it is worth having a robust and well designed product. It’s competitively priced with the StretchPro Calf Rocker, so it’s down to your preference on whether the adjustable heel position of the StretchPro versus the wider and one size fits all Rolling With It is better for you.
Level of fitness: all levels of fitness but you will need a good level of balance. Also, people with any ankle mobility impairment should use with caution.
