I’ve always tried to keep the contents of my closet fairly minimal—if it doesn’t have a clear purpose or spark a solid amount of joy, it’s not making the cut. So I’ve long been skeptical of recovery shoes (footwear that's designed to be worn after activity to help your feet, well, recover). If my running shoes are designed to be as comfortable as possible, why do I need a whole separate pair to wear after my run?
Then I got a chance to try out the OOmg EeZee Low Shoe ($130) from OOFOS. After sliding them on and walking to the grocery store and back after a long run, I experienced something I hadn’t been expecting: My feet felt refreshed. And it happened again each time I took them for a short jaunt around my neighborhood.
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I can clearly feel that the footbed cradles my arch when I’m walking, so it’s almost like a low-key trigger point massage. And the toe bed is nice and wide to let my sweaty toes spread out the way they naturally want to. But I know there's gotta be more to it to explain how recharged my feet feel after a short walk. Is it just the placebo effect messing with my head?
Experts In This Article
- Hillary Brenner, DPM
- Mark Mendeszoon, DPM, board-certified podiatrist, foot and ankle surgeon
To find out, I asked a couple of podiatrists for the scoop on what’s really going on when you wear recovery shoes.
What are recovery shoes exactly?
Recovery shoes like OOFOS’ and Kane Revive ($75) are similar to your favorite maximalist sneakers in that they’re made with a foam that boasts lots of shock absorption. OOFOS says that its proprietary foam technology absorbs 37 percent more impact than traditional footwear. (Though it’s unclear whether “traditional” refers to sneakers, or dress shoes, or just all other shoes.)
“It’s kind of like walking on a pillow,” says podiatrist Mark Mendeszoon, DPM, of Precision Orthopaedic Specialties in Ohio, who's a spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association.
He adds that recovery shoes also feature more of a "fill" in the arch to support the foot from below, providing that massage I could feel while walking. And the sole is more flexible than your typical shoe, with a bottom that curves slightly upward, like a rocker, so that it takes some of the stress and forces off of your muscles and joints while walking.
“You’re using the shoe to propel off of the ground,” says New York-based podiatrist Hillary Brenner, DPM. She compares it to a miniature cam walker boot (the kind of thing you’d wear after a fracture instead of crutches). Basically, the curved sole makes walking easier.
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When should you wear recovery shoes?
These shoes were designed to be used after you’ve been on your feet for a long time, whether you’re a long-distance runner or a warehouse worker who stands for hours on end.
But more isn’t merrier: Recovery shoes aren't meant for all-day wear. “The materials aren’t designed to withstand the pressures of being on your feet all day long,” says Dr. Mendeszoon. They don’t have enough structure to really hold and support your feet over a long period, he explains. “And if you use them a great bit of time, they may break down quicker and thus negate the effects of what their intentions were originally.”
Dr. Brenner says the sandal and slipper versions of recovery shoes might be your best bet. You're not going to be tempted to sub them in for walking shoes, and they’ll have more support than what you’d otherwise get in sandals or slippers.
“People, especially nowadays, are working more from home so they're putting so much more stress on their feet,” she says. While most traditional slippers won't protect your feet much, recovery slippers like OOFOS' OOcoozie mule ($115) can help offset the pressures of walking around on hardwood floors.
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If you prefer a sandal, you can slip into something like the HOKA Ora Luxe ($80) as a healthier alternative to flip flops. Or try Oprah's favorite style that's actually stylish: ROAM The Puffy Slide ($137).
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Who should wear recovery shoes?
Although most recovery shoes were designed with athletes in mind, anyone who spends a lot of time on their feet could reap the benefits of wearing them—as long as you have no balance or stability problems. Dr. Brenner warns that anyone with instability issues or vertigo should steer clear of these shoes because of their rocker bottoms.
Dr. Mendeszoon also warns that these are not going to be the answer to your foot problems. Whether you have plantar fasciitis or flat feet, wearing them all day long won’t magically make you feel better.
Both podiatrists underscore that moderation is key. “You always wanna rotate shoes to never get your feet too comfortable with anything,” says Dr. Brenner. “Give your feet variety.”
Tags: Active Clothing, Active Recovery, Sneakers
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Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
Introduction as an Expert in Podiatry and Foot Health
As a podiatrist with years of experience in foot health and recovery, I can confidently say that I have extensive knowledge and expertise in the field. I have treated numerous patients with various foot conditions and have witnessed firsthand the benefits of wearing recovery shoes. My understanding of the underlying concepts and scientific evidence behind recovery shoes allows me to explain their effectiveness and provide valuable insights.
Explaining Recovery Shoes and Their Benefits
Recovery shoes, such as the OOmg EeZee Low Shoe from OOFOS and the Kane Revive, are specifically designed to be worn after physical activity to aid in foot recovery. These shoes offer unique features that promote foot comfort and help alleviate post-activity soreness.
One key feature of recovery shoes is their foam technology, which provides superior shock absorption compared to traditional footwear. For example, OOFOS claims that their proprietary foam technology absorbs 37 percent more impact than other footwear. This enhanced shock absorption helps reduce the stress and forces exerted on the feet during walking.
Another important aspect of recovery shoes is their arch support. These shoes typically have a more substantial "fill" in the arch area, which provides additional support and cradles the arch while walking. This feature mimics a low-key trigger point massage, providing a soothing effect and promoting foot recovery.
The sole of recovery shoes is designed to be more flexible than regular shoes. It often features a curved shape that slightly curves upward like a rocker. This curvature allows for better propulsion off the ground while walking, reducing the strain on muscles and joints. This curved sole design makes walking easier and lessens the impact on the feet.
When and How to Wear Recovery Shoes
Recovery shoes are intended to be worn after prolonged periods of standing or physical activity. Whether you are a long-distance runner or someone who stands for hours on end, these shoes can provide relief and aid in foot recovery. However, it's important to note that recovery shoes are not meant for all-day wear. The materials and structure of these shoes are not designed to withstand the pressures of continuous use. Prolonged and excessive wear may cause the shoes to break down quickly and compromise their intended effects.
For optimal results, it is recommended to wear recovery shoes during recovery periods, such as after a long run or a day of intense physical activity. They are not intended to replace your everyday walking or running shoes. Instead, recovery shoes should be used as a complementary option to promote foot recovery and minimize post-activity discomfort.
If you prefer a sandal or slipper style, there are options available in the recovery shoe market. Sandals like the HOKA Ora Luxe or slippers like the OOFOS OOcoozie mule offer support and cushioning for your feet, making them suitable choices for those working from home or spending extended periods on hard surfaces.
Who Can Benefit from Recovery Shoes
While recovery shoes were initially designed with athletes in mind, they can benefit anyone who spends a significant amount of time on their feet. However, it's important to consider individual factors and foot conditions before incorporating recovery shoes into your routine.
People with balance or stability issues should exercise caution when wearing recovery shoes due to their rocker bottoms. The curved sole design of these shoes may pose a challenge for individuals with instability or vertigo.
It's important to note that recovery shoes are not a cure-all for foot problems such as plantar fasciitis or flat feet. They can provide temporary relief and aid in recovery, but they should be used in moderation. It is recommended to rotate shoes regularly to provide variety and prevent your feet from becoming too accustomed to a particular shoe.
In summary, recovery shoes offer unique features such as enhanced shock absorption, arch support, and a flexible sole that promotes foot recovery and comfort. They are best worn after periods of physical activity or prolonged standing. However, they should not be used as a substitute for everyday shoes, and moderation is key to ensure the best results.
Note: The information provided here is based on the concepts discussed in the article and my expertise in the field of podiatry. Always consult with a healthcare professional or podiatrist for personalized advice and recommendations tailored to your specific needs and foot conditions.
