Are Oofos Sliders good for your feet?
If you partake in any running forums you will notice that a regular topic for discussion is what to pack in your post marathon kit bag. There are the obligatory items such as recovery fuel/fluid and warm clothes but something that reoccurs frequently, particularly in warmer weather is a pair of OOFOS.
Our Pick
Oofos Recovery Shoes
OOFOS, which come in either clog or thong/flip-flop design are primarily a performance recovery shoe, popular with runners and people who spend a lot of time on their feet. They are suitable for both men and women, average around £50 and come in a range of colours and sizes. The name derives from the unique type of technology used to make them – OOfoam™ technology, which makes them extra cushioned and absorbent for comfort and recovery. The soft patented insole with arch support.
Why are Oofos so good?
There seems to be a bit of a cult following for OOFOS amongst the running community and beyond but when you read the reviews it appears that the majority of these followers who swear by OOFOS have orthopaedic foot problems such as tendonitis or plantar fasciitis and cannot find any other footwear that relieves the symptoms in the same way. For specific issues, OOFOS popular with many podiatrists and physiotherapists are a great product. They are also worn by runners and non-runners with no existing foot issues for comfort and alignment but these wearers don’t appear to have the same attachment.
According to their website OOFOS absorb 37% more impact than traditional foam footwear materials. Each foot strike whilst walking apparently generates a force 1-1.5 times that of your bodyweight. The cushioning provided by OOfoam™ technology significantly reduces this force which has a knock on effect through the body thus reducing impact on the ankles, knees, hips and lower back, putting significantly less strain through the joints during each step.
Are Oofos they worth the money?
Based on a 2018 University of Virginia laboratory study the patented OOFOS insole supports arches to reduce energy exertion in the ankles by up to 47% when compared to competitors’ footwear. The theory/science behind this is that the body moves forwards through storage and release of energy through the ankle joints. This process causes fatigue. OOfoam™ technology reduces energy stored and generated through the ankles making walking more energy efficient which is great for recovery.
Our Pick
OOFOS Unisex Thong Flip Flops
Several reviews we’ve read about these Oofos flip flops state the experience is like ‘walking on air’. Others say they use these flip flops as house slippers, regardless as to whether or not they’ve just done a 10k run.
But we are runners on this site and it’s the Oofos’ (or is it Oofoses?!) recovery properties for our feet and legs we’re interested in. They are incredibly absorbant, in fact, the Oofos will absorb up to 40% more impact than a normal sandal, very helpful if you are suffering with the nasty condition of plantar fasciitis.
They’re made with a synthetic non permeable ‘Oofoam’ so they’ll dry pretty quickly should they get wet. The footbed (which Oofos have patented actually) is 1.25 inches from level ground, offering excellent cushioning for your arches and ankles. We used these after the London Marathon 2021 and they were most welcome on the delicate trudge back up to Euston to catch the train! Highly recommended recovery footwear after any long run upwards of 10k.
Those who benefit from OOFOS cushioning and support describe them as walking on clouds so you can see why they may be a popular choice for the post marathon kit bag.
Anything negative about OOFOS sliders?
Some reviews mentioned that due to the heavily cushioned sole and high platform they are not as “cool” looking as some other footwear on the market. They have a unique, futuristic design that may not appeal to everyone’s taste but this could be overlooked with specific function in mind.
Some also said that feet slipped around in them when worn in shower but not sure why you would need to do this and that they were difficult to walk in on uneven terrain which may or may not be an important consideration when making a decision. They are also slightly bigger than other flip flop designs so may take up more space in your bag.