While I’m far from a marathon runner, I’m still a very active person. I walk a determined Icelandic sheepdog named Hanna for miles every day, I hit the gym a few times each week, and I’m the proud owner of a Cybex Arc Trainer (a piece of home gym equipment I credit with losing all my pregnancy weight).
After all of this activity, sometimes my body just wants to chill. And, as I age, my feet often can be the loudest parts begging for downtime and recovery. For these times, I’m always looking for shoes to help them achieve recovery from all that movement, because feet need more TLC than we sometimes give them. Dr. Chris Pappas of Pappas Podiatry in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, couldn’t agree more.
“Active recovery is incredibly important for your feet, no matter the scenario—whether you’re coming off a casual walk, tackling a marathon, or dealing with plantar fasciitis,” he says and goes on to explain you'll want to focus on gentle exercise following activity that keeps the body moving without overexertion or strain (think stretching, walking slowly on soft surfaces or a treadmill, Pilates, or light cardio). “It’s a fine balance between rest and movement. By staying gently active, your body actively repairs and restores itself.”
That’s why the Oofos Ooahh Slide Sandals, noted to recharge your body and reduce the stress on feet and joints, could be the aprés-workout slides I’ve been looking for.
Oofos Ooahh Slide Sandal
- Soft foam material
- Lightweight
- Get used to rocker design
- No half sizes
Sizes: 5-16 | Colors: 10+ | Materials: Foam/rubber
What is the Oofos Ooahh Slide Sandal?
According to Pappas, the footwear you choose makes all the difference in active recovery, with certain elements ensuring optimal comfort, support and recovery. The Ooahh Slide checks several boxes needed for an 'oooahhh' moment.
First and foremost, he suggests a well-padded midsole made of materials like EVA foam or gel to absorb impact, reduce stress on your feet and joints, and provide a soft, supportive base. “A sole with good shock-absorbing properties protects your feet from unnecessary impact during low-intensity movement.” It just so happens that this is the Ooaah’s M.O. — the Oofoam technology claims to absorb 37% more impact than other foam footwear.
The slides’ lightweight design (weighing in at only 10 ounces) is also perfect for recovery footwear, supporting Pappas’ suggestion that “lightweight footwear reduces the effort your feet need to move, allowing for easier, strain-free recovery.” The sandal’s lack of a toe box also allows your toes space to splay naturally: “Which can help alleviate pressure and promote healthy foot alignment. Many recovery shoes are designed to be easy to slip on and off, ensuring comfort and usability even when your feet are sore or swollen,” he adds.
Another nonnegotiable for active recovery, according to Dr. Bradley Schaeffer, New York City-based podiatrist and board-certified foot surgeon, is a rocker bottom. “The main priority is offloading pressure. A rocker bottom helps to offload from heel strike to toe-off. This will stimulate muscles and improve blood flow while offloading and offering appropriate support,” he explains, adding he likes sandals to have one strap over the foot (which the OOahh Slide does).
Why I tried it
After a day of running errands, a gym visit, and a particularly long dog walk, my feet were barking. I put the Ooahh Slide Sandals on for the remainder of the day, just walking around the house. I also had them on for a short walk around the block after dinner, and the day after an event that found me wearing high heels. If there’s one thing I can say, it was like walking on clouds.
They’re so incredibly lightweight that they felt like I had nothing on my feet, save for the comfortable way they almost hugged my heel and the bridge of my foot. Although the rocker motion took a bit to get used to, it kept me from working my muscles, which helped my entire lower body feel less fatigued than it normally would after such a busy day.
What I like
They’re super light. After a day of [insert your activity here], the last thing you want to wear is chunky, heavy shoes. These definitely are a welcome weight, giving the muscles of my legs and feet a break.
While the back is open, you’ll never feel like these slides are going to slip off. The design cradles the arches and keeps your foot in place. The large strap across the top also felt snug and structured while remaining comfortable.
Plus, they are machine washable. Tossing sandals into the washing machine isn’t intuitive, but these slides’ closed-cell foam lets you do just that. But you probably won’t need to, as they’re actually designed to minimize odor, which is something we can all appreciate during the hot summer months.
I like the versatility of these sandals and that they don't look too "sporty." They can be worn with shorts or leggings on walks, while looking great when tossed on with casual sundresses. I got the blush color, so they would play well with almost any outfit color.
What to consider
There is the word “active” in active recovery, and that means you need to keep moving. Wearing these sandals while you’re plopped on the couch won’t get you anywhere. These shoes do their job (supporting you) while you do yours (continuing to move after a workout).
Because the slides don’t come in half sizes, the pair I have is a little big on me. I was also looking for a little more arch support, but they still felt great on my feet after being on them for hours.
In the end, it’s important to listen to your body. Because I actually suffer from a torn labrum in my right hip, I took that into consideration and found that they did help me find comfort with each step, especially the day after a big walk or workout. These can help me with my footing when I’m having a bad day. I’m going to kick the other “recovery” shoes to the curb and stick with Oofos.
Frequently Asked Questions
After a long run or day on your feet, you might want to plop down and put your feet up, but that’s actually the last thing you should do. According to Schaeffer, he suggests you’ll want to continue moving and stimulating the muscle process and regeneration by actively stretching and putting on a recovery slide.
“When you’re sedentary and putting your feet up because you’re tired, blood flow starts to go away,” Schaeffer explains. “When you continue moving, [you] keep the blood flow in that muscle. It will help that muscle that was just being worked out to repair itself.” He mentions that increased blood flow delivers oxygen and nutrients to fatigued muscles while removing waste products like lactic acid to reduce swelling and soreness.
“Light activity stimulates cellular processes that aid in muscle repair,” adds Pappas. “It signals your body to rebuild damaged tissues and strengthens them without causing additional strain.”
More foot health products to shop
Mind Bodhi Toe Spacers
- Helps relax foot muscles
- Supports foot alignment
- Takes getting used to
Material: Medical-grade gel | Best for: Pain, discomfort in feet
Podiatrists previously told Shop TODAY that toe spacers can help with several foot problems (like bunions, ingrown toenails and pain) by spreading your toes to support the foot's natural alignment.
Dr. Scholl’s Prevent Pain Lower Body Protective Insoles
- Offers arch support
- Absorbs impact
- Trim to fit shoe size
Material: Gel/foam | Best for: Lower body pain, shock absorption
One Shop TODAY writer loves these Dr. Scholl's insoles for extra arch support. "The heel part of the insole is also shock-absorbing and feels sturdy, so I don’t feel like the cushioning will disappear after a few wears," says commerce writer Jannely Espinal.
- Offers arch support
- Supportive foot arch
- Reviewers say to size up
Sizes: 5-16 | Colors: 18 | Materials: Foam
These podiatrist-approved flip flops are ideal for those with plantar fasciitis, flat feet or heel pain, making walking easier by providing extra arch support, says the brand.
Meet the experts
- Dr. Christopher J. Pappas, owner of Pappas Podiatry and board-certified foot and ankle surgeon
- Dr. Bradley Schaeffer, podiatrist and board-certified foot surgeon, former star of TLC’s “My Feet Are Killing Me,” and owner of Central Park Sole.
Why trust Shop TODAY?
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources and use our own personal experiences with the product and brand to make shopping easier for our readers.
Cheryl Fenton is a Shop TODAY contributor, freelance writer and editor with 25 years of experience writing on the lifestyle beat. She’s also the co-host of Everything Hurts, a podcast for middle-aged women who want to laugh about getting older.
