Soleus Raises

Soleus Raises strengthens the soleus muscle which is the deep calf muscle. Bending the knee whilst performing heel raises shortens the gastrocnemius (visable calf muscle). Shortening the gastrocnemius decreases its activity relative to the soleus

Strengthening the soleus muscle may be beneficial for runners trying to avoid muscle tears. Quite often the soleus is torn rather then the gastrocnemius. Shifting to low heel drop shoes places a far greater load on the soleus muscle due to increased dorsi flexion. This may result in muscle tears if the soleus isn't given sufficent time to adapt