Shoe Has "Rock Protection Plate" - What Is It?

What is a rock protection plate? See http://www.asicsamerica.com/products/product.aspx?PRODUCT_ID=240014164&TITLE_CATEGORY_ID=250001545&PARENT_CATEGORY_ID=250001538

I'm guessing it's just a piece of hard material on the bottom of the shoe, under the balls of your feet, for when you step on pointy rocks =)

Just like the description states. It's a plate that can be located under the shoe or even at the front of the shoe to protect your toes against rocks and other type of debris.

Thanks guys. I found this description of TNF's rock plate which they have trademarked as Snake Plate: http://www.thenorthface.com/catalog/sc-brand/snake-plate.html.

The rock plate in the Asics shoes I am currently running in must be effective because I am no longer getting bruises on very sharp rocks.