Footwear designed to give new life to achy feet.
What are Recovery Shoes and Sandals?
Recovery footwear comes in a variety of forms that range from recovery sandals, clogs, tennis shoes, and even boots. The most well-known manufacturers of recovery shoes and sandals are Oofos and Hoka, and they have a wide variety of different footwear styles to choose from. The purpose of recovery footwear in short is to protect your feet. As athletes and people in general, a goal is to keep doing the things we love in life, as often as we can and for as long as we can. Recovery sandals are designed with this mission in mind, which is why many people are choosing to wear them after long runs or just long days on their feet.
Using a rocker style bottom (kind of like a rocking chair) with a low heel and toe design, recovery sandals help reduce the stress placed on specific areas of the foot in order to distribute and absorb impact while walking. The unique design of recovery sandals makes them an excellent post-exercise piece of footwear for anyone who will remain on their feet after their workout. Using extra-thick cushions that offer excellent support, recovery footwear can create a cloud-like experience while also letting your feet breathe. These are the best Recovery Sandals of 2021 so far!
Who are recovery sandals for?
Many people will live many years of their lives without feet problems. They buy cheap flip-flops and run on cheap shoes. However many people don’t realize until it is too late that walking or running in the wrong footwear can have lasting effects and lead to feet issues down the road. There are some that say that cheap thong type of flip flops can actually change the way you walk and it can become permanent. For runners and athletes, it is not uncommon to develop conditions such as plantar fasciitis or tendonitis.
While these types of conditions can be common for runners, you don’t have to be an athlete to have foot pain. Maybe you are an avid runner or someone who just spent the afternoon chasing their kids at a park. Perhaps or you have a job that requires you to stand for long hours or you go for long walks. Maybe you are all of the above depending on which day of the week it is. After an intense workout or even just a long day on your feet, your feet can become swollen, achy and your muscles could be inflamed. One thing we do know is that foot pain doesn’t discriminate and if you find yourself looking for relief, recovery footwear could be a good option to try. Check out our top picks for the best recovery sandals.
how to choose recovery footwear
When choosing a pair of recovery sandals there are a few things to look for to make sure you are getting the right type of footwear for your feet. The first thing to look for is the shape of the sole of the shoe or sandal to make sure that it is both wide enough for movement and also has a rounded shape. The shape of the sole is a key component to reducing pressure on areas of your foot. Along with the shape of the sole, you want to make sure there is ample cushion to reduce the impact as you walk.
Most recovery footwear comes with at least an inch of extra soft padding, but it is important to make sure the padding is both soft, but also provides support. Companies like Oofos claim their cushion absorbs up to “37% more impact than traditional footwear”. Finally, the last thing to look for is the type of materials used in the footwear. Recovery footwear should be made of lightweight materials that are durable and breathable to keep your feet cool. after a workout or a long day, the last thing you want is to wear a pair of shoes that will make your feet hot and sweaty.
Can Recovery Shoes Correct Foot Problems?
Let’s be clear that recovery footwear is not designed to be a cure for foot issues or deformations, and it should not be purchased with that as an expectation. Recovery sandals are designed to be a source of pain relief and protection to your feet, in order to accelerate recovery. If you have a foot condition such as plantar fasciitis or tendonitis, recovery footwear can be a great investment for managing pain these types of issues that flare up at any given time. While recovery shoes are not a cure for a foot condition, the extra cushion and reduction of impact can help reduce the amount of swelling and increase recovery speed.
Are Recovery Sandals Worth it?
The body has a powerful ability to heal itself and protect itself but if you find yourself battling foot pain, then your feet may just need a little help and recovery sandals could be extra protection your feet need. There is no doubt that recovery footwear can be on the expensive side but when you are talking about your long-term health, buying recovery shoes or sandals will be far cheaper than injections, surgeries, and other medical treatments. Ultimately as long as you get the right type of recovery shoe, with the right fit, they can most certainly be a positive source of pain relief.
Why do Recovery Sandals Look so Goofy?
There is no doubt that some people will take one look at a pair of recovery sandals and be a little dismayed by their general look. Most pairs of recovery sandals look rather plain, boring, and even a little goofy with their extra-thick soles. It is not to say that there are no good-looking pairs, but let’s just say the general engineering of the shoes is undoubtedly going to make them an acquired taste when it comes to style. As a result, some may find their odd look to be a deal-breaker but it is important to remember that this footwear was specifically made for function over fashion.
Companies like Hoka and Oofos who have made the crafting of recovery footwear their primary focus, have already greatly improved the overall look and style for recovery sandals. They offer a variety of styles of recovery shoes and sandals and I would expect that as they continue to improve their technology, that they will also adopt some new modern styles. That being said, being the nerdy one with the weird sandals seems like a small price to pay for relief from foot pain, especially if you are someone primarily wearing them at home.
Looking for the best recovery sandals? Check out our list of the top recovery sandals currently available!