Runners World OOFOS OOmg Fibre Recovery Shoes

Runners World OOFOS OOmg Fibre Recovery Shoes

If you’ve not tried a pair of OOFOS recovery flip flops yet, you’ve been missing out. Designed to help your feet recover in ways your normal shoes can’t, OOFOS shoes absorb 37% more shock with every step than traditional footwear.

Yet as they venture into the market of recovery shoes, our gear editors decided to take a more in depth look at the technology. Here’s the lowdown:

Runners World Review

THE DAYS POST-RACE

Designed to be worn as ‘normal shoes’ to work, (or anywhere where sliders and socks isn’t appropriate), the obvious difference between the OOMG Fibre and OOFOS’s other models is the closed upper. Post-run or post-race, the shoes are built to reduce the stress placed on your sore feet, knees and back, with the footbed relieving pressure and helping your body recover.

After testing the shoes post a 30K race, our gear editor Kerry McCarthy said, “Supreme post-race comfort for a day or two after a tough event.” Our tech guru Kieran Alger agrees, adding OOFOS to his essential kit for ultra marathons guide, writing: “When you cross the finish line after a 100 mile run, the chances are your feet will want out of shoes (possibly forever), particularly if your bruised toenails have put in a transfer request. Sliders and cloggs might not be the height of running fashion, but stick a pair of these in your post-race bag and your feet will thank you for it.”

After testing the shoes post a 30K race, our gear editor Kerry McCarthy said, “Supreme post-race comfort for a day or two after a tough event.” Our tech guru Kieran Alger agrees, adding OOFOS to his essential kit for ultra marathons guide, writing: “When you cross the finish line after a 100 mile run, the chances are your feet will want out of shoes (possibly forever), particularly if your bruised toenails have put in a transfer request. Sliders and cloggs might not be the height of running fashion, but stick a pair of these in your post-race bag and your feet will thank you for it.”

THE DESIGN

As Kieran points out, these shoes probably won’t not be the most fashionable shoes you own, but unlike your trainers or ballet pumps, the fibre upper molds to your feet, helping them recover. Instead of laces, there’s a stable strap across the top of the shoes that stretches, offering support without being too tight around the foot.

The wide toe box means blistered toes won’t be rubbed and although they can feel tight to pull on, once your foot is in, the shoes are light and comfortable. Our Digital Deputy Editor Jane adds: “After getting some odd looks wearing my OOFOS OOah sliders in the rain after the Royal Parks Half Marathon, I switched to the OOMG Fibre’s as my ‘winter recovery shoes’. Fans of the flip flop or slider designs will quickly notice that these feel pretty different at first - more shoe-like and a little bit more restricted, but also more supportive when walking round on tired legs.”

THE SCIENCE

But how can 37% less shock really make a difference? Unlike your running shoes, which are designed to propel you forwards, OOFOS shoes are designed to do the opposite, absorbing the shock as your foot hits the ground and aiding recovery.

Whether you’re injured or just exhausted, most runners will want to be moving again quickly, and whether you wear them as slippers or on the move, these are designed to help. At £120, they’re the price of a good pair of running shoes, but think of them as an investment into your recovery. From a sustainability point of view, OOFOS have designed their shoes to last - most models are machine washable and the OOFOAM® cushioning will last the life of the shoe.

Runners World Review

Read the original review at runnersworld.co.uk