I’m guessing that there are very few people out there who don’t experience a bit of pain or at least a little discomfort after a serious workout or outdoor activity. There’s a reason that folks repeat the phrase “feel the burn” like it’s a good thing. At least for me, the part of my body that generally hurts the most is my feet. And we all know that sore feet can be the difference between getting out there and having fun or curling in a ball on the couch and eating a bag of potato chips (maybe that’s a bit on the extreme side, but you get the point). What more would you be able to do if your feet hurt less after exercise? Would you be able to push through an extra mile on your jog, climb the more difficult trail you’ve wanted to try, or play that extra pick-up game with your friends? When OOFOS offered a pair of their recovery sandals to review, I went out with the goal of answering that question for myself.
The idea behind OOFOS is pretty simple: take some of the weight off of your feet so that they can get a bit of R&R. Execution of that idea takes a good amount of work and innovation, though. One major component is OOfoam: a proprietary material that tests have proven to be 37% more impact absorbing than EVA, meaning your feet get a break even when you are still on your feet. Think of it this way: it’s like working only 25.2 hours, but still getting paid for 40 (wouldn’t that be nice). The other secret behind the design of OOFOS is the arch support that, when combined with the OOfoam, molds itself perfectly to your unique arch. On top of that, the rest of the sandal is designed to fit your foot snugly, without being suffocating, making it useful for lounging in or walking around town. They even do well on wet surfaces (from what we hear, swimmers love them for this reason).
At first glance, the OOFOS OOahh Slide doesn’t appear to be anything special. In fact, we probably would have walked right past their booth at Outdoor Retailer had it not been for the OOs and ahhs (pun totally intended) we heard coming from there as people tried on their sandals. Upon taking a second glance, they still don’t look like they should be causing the kinds of reactions we were hearing. It took trying them on for us to realize what everyone was getting so worked up about. They really do provide an enormous amount of cushion for your feet, while still giving you the support that you need. You instantly feel like pounds of pressure have been taken off of your foot. Also, unlike some sandals that I’ve tried in the past, they are extremely easy to walk in.
Of course, the real test of these sandals wasn’t how they felt on my feet, but how they made my feet feel afterward. I’m happy to report that they are awesome. In the past, the day after strenuous exercise generally would be one of sore feet and as much laziness as possible, but by using OOFOS afterward, things have become much, much better. Instead of taking a day off from any major physical activity, I’ve been able to find something else to do the next day to keep myself active and working toward getting in better shape (consistently exercising has been a major struggle of mine for years, largely due to foot pain). My completely unscientific hypothesis is that my feet feel better because they are getting more circulation while I’m wearing OOFOS, but I could be completely wrong. Whatever method they use to magically make my feet feel better, these things are amazing.
As for the particulars, there are two styles – the OOahh Slide and the OOriginal Thong (the names should explain themselves), both of which retail for around $40. The Thong version comes in four colors (fuschia, tangerine, mocha, and black), while the Slide comes only in mocha and black. Check the OOFOS website to find a retailer near you. They should also have an online store on their website soon, but it’s currently under construction.
- David
It’s giveaway time! We’re looking for a couple of readers (especially skeptical ones) to try out OOFOS, and see if they’ll really “Make YOO feel better” too. Just post a comment telling us why your feet deserve a break, and we’ll pick two winners at random. Entries must be posted before 12 midnight Mountain time, Thursday, August 16th, 2012, and entrants must have a continental US shipping address. It’s that simple.
For more OOFOS info, and to see more comments on them (as well as find out who else is giving some away) check out the OOFOS Facebook page.
[edit] The winners are Matt P. from Indiana, Tamara A. from Utah, and OOFOS selected an extra winner, Lisa T. from Arizona. Congrats to all three! Thanks everyone for entering, and check back regularly for more giveaways.
- Brian
Okay, my feet totally deserve a break. I’m upping my running training over the next two months, plus I walk 5 miles a day to get to and from my 2 jobs, and I’m a full time student. Did I mention I’m a mother of 5. I’m seriously on my feet all day long!
I am on my feet all day while I am at work. We aren’t aloud to sit down any time but on our break. After work I go strait to school for 4 and a half more hours. After that I run a 5 k 3 times a week. When I am finally off my feet I have two children that think I need to spend the rest of my 4 hours awake playing in the back yard. My feet need some major R&R. Oh and it’s my birthday.
I have developed a massive hot spot on my right foot from cycling and a small one on my left foot. I am a bicycle commuter so taking time off of the bike is not an option. Each subsequent ride is more agonizing than the last.
When I get home, I have a 3 year old to tend to which means absolutely no sitting time.
Any help in recovery would be a welcome treat!
My legs and feet always hurt because I have arthritis. I need to lose weight to and be active to help ease the pain. Walking every day is the only way I can exercise. My feet need a little recovery!
I get pain in my right foot that this may help with during recovery after a workout or ride.
I get a hot spot on my right foot from cycling I also work on concrete all day and my feet and legs get tired. would be great to see if these really work.
My feet need a break! By the end of some days, they are so sore and tired. Chasing the kids around for hours on end really make my feet hurt. I’d love to try out these OOFOS Sandals!
My gross sweaty feet need a definite pampering and cool down post work out. Before the smell kills my wife!
I cycle, run, parent, and while at work I avg about 12 miles walking on concrete!
My feet are pretty tired and deserve a comfortable nest to rest in.
i’ve just turned forty this year. i’ve recently become a vegan, started eating gluten-free, and wear pretty much nothing but my birks or my purcells, because my back constantly hurts! i was a runner for years, but i’m just a speed walker these days…my chiropractor says my arches are falling:( so i’m looking for the perfect vegan shoe to change my life, and give me back my spunk! your shoes look like a very optimisyic option for me:)
I where a size 13 so first off it’s hard to find sandals in that size. I weight 368 lb. with a failed back surgery 37% lighter sound far fetched. I’ll try them out and let you know how it gos. but I’m not much of a believer.
So I did the math and in my life I’ve run about 8,000 miles and have cycled about 20,000 miles in my life (of course, not all at once)! Combine that with many years of hockey and my feet are pretty beat up! OOFOS sound great and I would love to try them to see if they really work!
I am a high school chemistry teacher. I’ve spent almost my entire summer in either cycling shoes or bare foot. I have only one week left before I have to return to heels all day and I will need something to make my feet forgive me.
Wow, the responses are awesome! I’m glad we’re going to choose winners at random, as there’s no way I could decide on my own – I’d want everyone to try a pair!
I am not an avid exerciser at the moment — trying to get back in to my running routine. However I do walk on concrete at work, work three jobs, and have two children still at home and 4 grandsons. I don’t necessarily think I am a better candidate than any of the rest of the people above. Infact, they are all probably better candidates than I am. However, I would love to try them out just like everyone else. I wouldn’t mind trying them at work — wonder if I could get away with that.
My feet work out in a chlorine filed pool that cuts up my feet daily. I have one pair of shoes that are flats and the rest my oldest three girls have used and destroyed. I am doing the single mom thing till june 2013 and I have 9 kids. I work 2 jobs and go to school taking 21 credits. I am never allowed to slow down and my feet feel that and that is why my feet deserve a walking break when the can not really get on eistting down.
by the end of the day my feet are numb, having been a runner for 30 plus years, and some years equaled 2K miles or more. Then came the lower back surgery after finding out one leg was shorter than the other, and that cause uneven disk ware. Now just being up and about can cause pain with every heal strike.
Living in New Mexico I wear flip flops for half a year and the regular, cheap, foamy flip flops make my feet hurt at the end of the day and also the part where the plastic top part connects to the sole is leaving marks on my feet. It would be so awesome to win these!
I would love to try ooffos my feet are quite touchy I cant wear flip flops seems I’m not wearing anything and hurts, I’ve tried different brands and thongs tend to hurt my toes, my arch is not great so I want to try something that really works thanks and good luck everyone
I Sure do wish I would have seen this review last week. I have been on the hunt for a better flip flop sandal for months. I currently wear CROCS Brand flip flops for the past three years. I thought they were the best for me until I was diagnosed with painful bone spurs. My doctor wanted me to find a flip flop with better arch support and suggested I look for REEF Brand flip flops. Upon my search for REEFs I stumbled upon OOFOS at a local retailer. I slipped them on briefly and took notes to go home and research the reviews. I was quite impressed by the way they felt during the 1.8 minute time frame I had them on. I would love a chance to try them out at length and give a detailed account of how they worked or didn’t work for me. I am hoping they are the answer I am looking for to relieve my constant pain. Thanks.
The folks at OOFOS selected the winners, plus they generously chose a 3rd winner. All have been notified, and as soon as I hear back from them, we’ll announce them.
Thanks to all that entered, and be sure to check back for more giveaways!
Brian