Hey there, shoe lover! If you‘re anything like me, you‘re always on the hunt for the most comfortable, stylish kicks to add to your wardrobe. And let me tell you, I think I‘ve found the holy grail with Oofos.
Oofos is a recovery footwear brand that‘s been gaining serious buzz in recent years, and for good reason. Their sandals, slides, clogs and sneakers are all engineered with a special OOfoam technology that‘s designed to absorb impact and reduce stress on your feet and joints.
As someone who‘s on my feet all day chasing after kids and running errands, I was intrigued by Oofos‘ promises of "revolutionary comfort" and "all-day wearability." Spoiler alert: they totally delivered.
I‘ve now owned multiple pairs of Oofos sandals for about two years, and I can confidently say they‘ve changed the game for my foot health and overall comfort. In this comprehensive review, I‘ll be sharing my honest thoughts on everything from the sizing and fit to the durability and style.
By the end, you‘ll know whether Oofos is worth the hype (and the admittedly steep price tag). So sit back, kick up your feet, and let‘s dive in!
Why Oofos Is Unlike Any Other Sandal
So what exactly makes Oofos so special? It all comes down to their signature OOfoam material. This proprietary foam is engineered to absorb 37% more impact than traditional foam materials. That means that with every step you take, Oofos is working overtime to minimize the shock and stress on your feet, ankles, knees and back.
Here‘s a quick rundown of what else sets Oofos apart:
-
Superior arch support: Oofos sandals have an anatomical footbed that conforms to the natural shape of your foot and provides ample arch support. This is crucial for preventing foot fatigue and pain, especially if you have high arches or conditions like plantar fasciitis.
-
Machine washable: Unlike most sandals, you can toss your Oofos right in the washing machine for easy cleaning. The foam material is moisture and bacteria-resistant, so you don‘t have to worry about funky odors or grime building up over time.
-
Lightweight and flexible: Oofos are incredibly lightweight, making them easy to pack for travel or slip on for quick errands. The foam is also super flexible, allowing your feet to move and bend naturally as you walk.
-
Rocker sole design: The curved sole on Oofos sandals promotes a healthy rolling motion from heel to toe, which can help reduce pressure points and body aches. It takes some getting used to, but I find it makes for a more natural, comfortable stride.
-
Variety of styles: Whether you prefer a thong flip flop, a slide sandal, or a clog, Oofos has a style to suit your needs. They even make sneakers and boots for when you need a bit more coverage and support.
Clearly, these aren‘t your average drugstore flip flops! But does the innovative design actually translate to improved comfort and performance? Let‘s take a closer look.
Putting Oofos to the Test: My Experience
I first discovered Oofos a couple years ago while researching comfortable sandals for an upcoming vacation. I was intrigued by the glowing reviews from customers with foot pain and decided to give them a shot. I ordered a pair of the OOlala thong sandals in basic black, and eagerly awaited their arrival.
When I first unboxed my Oofos, I was struck by how lightweight and cushioned they felt. The footbed was pillowy soft, but still had enough density to feel supportive. I couldn‘t resist immediately slipping them on for a test run around the house.
From the very first step, I could feel the difference in impact absorption compared to my other sandals. It was like walking on marshmallows! The toe post was also surprisingly comfortable, with no rubbing or chafing against my skin.
I wore my Oofos for the entirety of my week-long beach vacation, logging over 20,000 steps a day exploring coastal towns and wandering the sand. Normally, my feet would be screaming after a few hours in regular flip flops, but with the Oofos I was able to go all day without any discomfort.
Since then, Oofos have become an integral part of my shoe rotation. I reach for them constantly in the summer for everyday wear, travel, and trips to the pool or beach. I‘ve even started wearing them as house slippers for puttering around the kitchen or tackling laundry.
One of my favorite things about Oofos is how well they‘ve held up over time. I‘ve had my original pair for over two years now, and they still look and feel almost new. I‘ve worn them on countless adventures, tossed them in the washing machine dozens of times, and they‘ve never let me down. The foam is still just as springy and supportive as the day I got them.
Of course, no shoe is perfect, and there are a few minor drawbacks to Oofos. The biggest one is the price – expect to pay around $50-$80 for most of their sandals and slides. As someone who usually buys cheap flip flops in bulk, it was definitely an adjustment to shell out that much for a single pair of sandals.
However, I‘ve found that the cost per wear of Oofos is actually quite reasonable given how often I reach for them and how long they last. It‘s an investment in your foot health and comfort that I think is well worth it.
The other potential issue is sizing, as Oofos only come in whole sizes and take some trial and error to find the perfect fit. I‘m usually a 7.5 in sandals and ended up going with a size 8 in Oofos for a little extra room. They were slightly loose at first but quickly molded to my feet for a personalized fit. If you‘re between sizes, I‘d recommend sizing up for the most comfortable experience.
"I‘m a Believer!": What Other Fans Have to Say
Combing through reviews of Oofos online, it‘s clear I‘m far from alone in my love for these sandals. Here are a few quotes that stood out to me:
"I‘m an nurse and spend 12+ hours a day on my feet. These are the only shoes that get me through my shifts without any pain. Worth every penny!" – Jennifer S.
"I have plantar fasciitis and Oofos have been a game changer. I can actually walk all day sightseeing on vacation without limping by the end! My podiatrist recommended them and I‘m so glad I listened." -Dave T.
"I thought the price was a little ridiculous for flip flops at first, but after wearing my Oofos for a few weeks I completely understand the hype. It‘s like walking on yoga mats!" – Rachel K.
"I‘m training for a marathon and Oofos have become an essential part of my recovery routine. I slip them on after long runs and my feet feel rejuvenated. Plus I don‘t feel guilty wearing them all day because they‘re so supportive." – Mike P.
There are countless more Oofos devotees who credit the sandals for relieving their chronic foot pain, speeding up post-workout recovery, and simply making life more comfortable. The reviews are overwhelmingly glowing, with the only consistent complaint being the steep cost.
How Oofos Stacks Up to Competitors
Of course, Oofos isn‘t the only player in the recovery footwear game. Here‘s how they compare to a couple other popular options:
-
Hoka One One: Like Oofos, Hoka uses a special lightweight foam and rocker sole to absorb impact and reduce foot fatigue. However, Hoka‘s soles tend to be much thicker and have a more exaggerated rocker, which some people find clunky for all-day wear. Oofos strikes a better balance of cushioning and support for me.
-
Vionic: This brand is known for combining trend-forward style with built-in orthotic support. They have a much wider variety of sandal options than Oofos, including dressier styles that are great for the office or special events. However, I don‘t find Vionic to be quite as plush and marshmallowy as Oofos – they feel more like a traditional orthopedic shoe.
If I had to choose, Oofos would be my top pick for pure comfort and recovery benefits. No other sandal can match the dreamy, sink-into-a-cloud sensation of their OOfoam material. That said, I do like that Hoka has more of a sporty aesthetic and that Vionic offers additional color and style options. It may be worth trying a couple brands to see what works best for your personal needs.
Why Experts Love Oofos Too
Don‘t just take my word for it – countless podiatrists, physical therapists, and sports medicine doctors recommend Oofos to their patients. In fact, Oofos has its own medical advisory board made up of experts who help inform the design and technology behind every shoe.
According to Dr. Jacqueline Sutera, a board-certified podiatrist, Oofos sandals are "the closest thing to walking on a cloud." She explains that the proprietary OOfoam material "absorbs shock and gives you an added layer of cushion that reduces stress in the feet and body."
Dr. Sutera especially recommends Oofos for people with plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, flat feet, and bunions, as the contoured footbed helps redistribute pressure and align the feet into a more natural position. However, she notes that Oofos can benefit anyone who wants to reduce foot fatigue and improve overall comfort.
Additional studies back up the potential health benefits of recovery footwear like Oofos:
-
A 2019 systematic review found that wearing shoes with cushioning and arch support can help prevent and treat foot conditions like plantar fasciitis, especially when worn for long periods of standing or walking.
-
A 2020 randomized controlled trial discovered that wearing recovery shoes with arch support immediately after running reduced muscle damage and inflammation compared to wearing standard flip flops.
-
A 2021 study on healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic showed that those who wore supportive footwear like Oofos had significantly less foot pain and fatigue after long shifts compared to those in regular shoes.
While more research is certainly needed, the evidence suggests that investing in proper recovery footwear can have a profound impact on foot health and comfort.
The Final Verdict
So, is Oofos the miracle sandal it claims to be? In my honest opinion, 100% yes. I‘ve tried countless brands of flip flops and recovery shoes over the years, and nothing has come close to the pure joy my feet feel when I slip on my Oofos.
Yes, they‘re pricey. Yes, the sizing can be a bit tricky. Yes, they‘re not exactly red carpet ready in terms of style. But when it comes to the one thing that matters most – how they feel – Oofos knocks it out of the park.
These sandals have allowed me to be on my feet all day without pain, fatigue, or soreness. They‘ve become an integral part of my post-workout recovery and an essential for warm weather travel. Most importantly, they‘ve made the mundane act of running errands or doing yardwork downright luxurious, all thanks to the magic of their marshmallow-soft soles.
In my book, it doesn‘t get much better than that. So if you‘re ready to treat your feet to the TLC they deserve, head to oofos.com and join the countless fans who have made the leap. Your tootsies will be forever grateful!
