Post-workout recovery is as vital as the training itself for serious athletes and recreational runners alike. It’s during this period that the body gets to recharge, repair, and strengthen itself. For this reason, our team at Marathon Sports decided to jump into the world of recovery footwear, with a specific focus on OOFOS recovery sandals.
The right amount of recovery can reduce your risk of injury, allow you to recharge mentally, and can keep you on track with your running or fitness goals. It also allows you to maximize your performance on training and race days.
OOFOS boasts of their innovative foam technology and unique designs that claim to speed up recovery time and alleviate the common discomforts runners experience post-workout. Our reviewers took it upon themselves to test these claims made about OOFOS recovery sandals. Here’s what we discovered.
Our Review Process
Our Marathon Sports team of reviewers are well-versed in testing the world’s best running shoes. However, this is the first set of recovery sandals and slides we’ve put on their feet for review.
Unlike running shoes, where they critique the latest technologies and how the shoes hold up throughout miles and miles of running, they tested OOFOS around the house, yard, and neighborhood on recovery days. The goal was to see if OOFOS slides and sandals really do improve the training recovery process. This review outlines what our team of avid runners and racers found.
Highlights of OOFOS Sandals, Slides, and Shoes
Here’s the skinny on OOFOS sandals for those who don’t have time to read the entire review.
- OOFOS sandals and slides are available up to size 14
- They feature OOfoam™ technology in the strap and underfoot
- They’re vailable in a variety of styles and colors
- They absorb 37 percent more impact than average footwear
Outstanding OOFOS Features
OOFOS sandals are designed for recovery. Their unique structure and technology relieve muscle tightness, soreness, pain, and fatigue after intense exercise.
OOfoam™ Technology
The key feature in every pair of OOFOS sandals and slides is the brand’s OOfoam™ technology. OOfoam™ is a unique foam that absorbs 37 percent more impact than standard shoe foams. It’s stable yet extremely soft.
Patented Footbed
Another key feature of OOFOS slides and sandals is their unique shape. The patented footbed supports and cradles the arches to reduce energy exertion in the user’s ankles, making walking easier and more comfortable. Our reviewers noted a remarkable reduction in foot fatigue when wearing OOFOS following a rigorous or extended workout session.
When it comes to promoting faster recovery, the secret lies in the blend of OOfoam™ technology and the shoe’s unique footbed design, a staple in all OOFOS slides and sandals. So, when selecting your perfect pair, the only decision left to make is the style, color, and size that best fits your personal taste and comfort.
How OOFOS Fit
Our reviewers commented that wearing OOFOS is even more comfortable than going barefoot. Slipping off your running shoes and into OOFOS feels like a dream, thanks to the ultra-soft yet supportive OOfoam™. The relief of pain and fatigue in the feet and knees is immediate.
Our reviewers felt that OOFOS fit true to size. Although, there are no half sizes. They suggested men wearing half sizes choose the next closest size up and women choose the closest size down. OOFOS are not currently available in wide or extra-wide sizing.
Our team of experts can help you find the right fitting OOFOS via our The Right Fit™ system. Stop by any Marathon Sports location to get fitted for OOFOS and receive recommendations on running shoes specifically chosen for your foot shape, gait, pronation, running style, former injuries, and other factors.
New Improvements in Style
Formerly, OOFOS were designed for wear after running and around the house. They weren’t particularly stylish for venturing farther than the mailbox. However, the brand has been rising in popularity, and new styles have emerged.
OOFOS now offers slides, sandals, slippers, clogs, and even everyday shoes, so you can enjoy ultimate comfort without feeling unfashionable.
The sandals and slides are especially versatile with new colorways for women, including Leopard, Evening Tide, Cotton Candy, Latte, and others. A new platform-style sandal includes an additional 15mm of OOfoam™ for even more comfort and a fashionable new look.
With the introduction of delightful styles and prints, OOFOS is evolving from being purely recovery sandals to footwear versatile enough for a dinner outing, errand run, or even globetrotting.
Pros and Cons
OOFOS sandals have a reputation for being remarkably comfortable yet expensive and not especially fashionable. Analyzing the pros and cons can help you determine if they’re the right recovery sandals for you.
Pros
- Arguably the most comfortable sandals available
- May speed up recovery
- Numerous designs and colors
- OOFOS donates millions to finding a cure for breast cancer
- Highly durable for years of use
Cons
- Some consumers still find them unattractive despite new colorways/designs
- High prices, ranging from about $60 to $80 per pair
Who Will OOFOS Work Best For?
OOFOS sandals are for men and women who want to recover comfortably after intense runs or workouts. The unique footbed and OOfoam™ technology help the body work less and use less energy in the recovery process. This can lead to faster recovery with reduced soreness and pain.
OOFOS may not be ideal if you’re a stickler for fashion. However, most athletes care less about how OOFOS look once they feel them on their feet.
They’re also not available in half sizes, which can provide a trickier fit for people needing those sizes. OOFOS are also not yet available in wide or extra-wide, so they can’t accommodate all the unique foot shapes out there.
How OOFOS Compare
Several other companies have joined the recovery sandal game. One of them is HOKA, one of our favorite running shoe brands here at Marathon Sports.
OOFOS are similar to the HOKA Ora Recovery Slide 3. However, OOFOS sandals are available in a much wider array of designs, and our reviewers find OOFOS more fashionable overall. The HOKA® version includes ventilated airflow channels, a unique dual-density geometry, and a meta rocker sole that OOFOS sandals do not offer.
Despite the numerous technical features of the HOKA® Recovery Slide 3, our reviewers chose OOFOS in terms of all-around comfort and a more subtle recovery sandal style.
Cushionaire Running Recovery Sandals are another competitor. Our reviewers found them just as comfortable as OOFOS but lacking in various designs and fun color options. They also lack the arch support found in OOFOS’ patented footbed. All-in-all, they’re a close contender with OOFOS and are a good deal cheaper.
The Finish Line
At Marathon Sports, we have quickly taken to OOFOS as our go-to recovery sandals and slides. Our reviewers are enthusiastic about the unmatched comfort these sandals provide. Beyond comfort, they also noticed an impressive reduction in muscle soreness, pain, and fatigue following demanding workout sessions.
It’s common for OOFOS reviews to note the distinct and sometimes less-than-trendy aesthetics. Yet, our reviewers have noticed that newer styles offer a significant upgrade in the fashion department. The OOFOS of yesteryears might not have ventured past our front doors, but the contemporary models have found their way into many casual outings – from grocery runs and beach trips to dinner dates.
Experience the OOFOS difference for yourself by visiting one of our stores, or grab a pair from our online store right away!
