How are the two calf muscles different from one another? They both point the foot downward, so aren’t they the same? Their roles become more prominent depending on the position of the knee. If the knee is straight, more of the gastrocnemius will be active when plantar flexing (pointing the foot down). If the knee is bent, more of the soleus will be active when plantar flexing. Keep in mind that both muscles are still always active, just not as much as the other, depending on the knee position. I