Comparison impressions: Once you wear them, you can't let them go! We compared recovery shoes to softly soothe tired feet

Outdoor Gearzine Editorial Department

7 years ago

Like most runners, I like to relax my feet in a hot spring after trail running. However, even after descending the mountain, I still have to start walking normally, and move around by car, train, go to restaurants, etc

It may be a bit of a burden, but if you can carry them easily, it's a good idea to bring recovery shoes. Not only will they reduce fatigue, but they'll also come in handy before you approach the mountain. You can even go straight to the beach!

table of contents

table of contents
About the recovery shoes we compared this time
Test results and spec comparison table
Impressions for each model
Looking for reviewers

About the items we compared and tested this time
Test results and spec comparison table
Evaluation results for each shoe

About the recovery shoes we compared this time

Recovery shoes are shoes that are primarily designed to relax the legs and hips after activities, absorbing shock to the maximum extent possible and speeding up recovery from fatigue. In recent years, there are many brands to choose from, including specialist manufacturers, running shoe manufacturers, and outdoor manufacturers that specialize in trail running. This time, we've picked out models from specialist and outdoor brands, and used them after private trail runs (Hakone, Kamakura, Tanzawa) and after setting up courses for power sports. We'll evaluate them based on the following five points

Comfort: Whether or not the shoes feel comfortable when worn is a key factor in determining whether or not a recovery shoe is suitable for you
Weight: Recovery shoes should not be too heavy and increase fatigue. Lightweight is good
Stability: The most important factor in stability is the grip of the outsole. We check whether it will not interfere with walking or driving a car
Functionality: We focused on the characteristics of the material, such as breathability, shock absorption, cushioning, and the functionality of the material itself
Ease of movement: Determine whether you can walk smoothly while wearing the shoes

Test results and spec comparison table

evaluation	★★★★★	★★★★☆	★★★★☆
item	HOKA ONE ONE ORA RECOVERY SLIDE	OOFOS OOahh	SALOMON RX BREAK
Reference price	8,640 yen	6,264 yen	7,560 yen
Weight (g)	Approximately 180	Approximately 130	Approximately 200
Midsole	Unique oversized midsole with excellent cushioning	Unique OOfoam with excellent shock absorption	Unique injection EVA for excellent cushioning
Comfort	★★★★★	★★★★★	★★★★★
weight	★★★★☆	★★★★★	★★★☆☆
Stability	★★★★★	★★★★☆	★★★★★
Functionality	★★★★☆	★★★★★	★★★★☆
Ease of movement	★★★★★	★★★☆☆	★★★★☆

Impressions for each model

HOKA ONE ONE ORA RECOVERY SLIDE

The thick cushioning that only Hoka One One can offer is comfortable, making this a great pair of shoes for everyday use

ORAL RECOVERY SLIDE

HOKA ONE ONE

8,640 yen

First up are recovery sandals from HOKA ONE ONE, known for their cushioning. When I put my feet in, I found they were slightly wider, giving me a perfect fit. They gently supported my arch, and the heel was held a little deeper. The midsole uses HOKA ONE ONE's unique "oversized midsole." The thick cushioning is comfortable. (It's like stepping on a bamboo pole with your feet.) It also seems to reduce the strain on the calves. The outsole is similar to that of trail running shoes. There's no sense of instability typical of sandals, and I can walk with firm foot control. These are great shoes for everyday use, not just when you're tired from running

OOFOS OOahh

The moment you put them on, your feet will feel like they're sinking in. The soft, enveloping fit will become addictive

OOahh

OOFOS

6,264 yen

OOFOS is a pioneer in recovery shoes. Their special feature is shock absorption. OOFOS products use a special material called OOfoam. Unlike typical EVA midsoles, this unique material reduces impact rebound by 37%. It reduces the impact on the soles of your feet when you land, minimizing strain on your knees, hips, and back. The foot head is ergonomically designed, allowing the entire sole of your foot to sink in slightly for a perfect fit. It's also soft enough to bend easily by hand. Because of its softness, you need to be careful not to let your toes come into contact with the ground and arch outward while walking (though this may just be down to my walking style). They're so light they float on water, and surprisingly, they're machine washable

SALOMON RX BREAK

A good balance of cushioning and stability allows you to walk comfortably while recovering

RX BREAK

SALOMON

7,560 yen

Although designed like flip-flops, these are also recovery shoes. When you put your feet in, you'll notice that they're less cushioned than the other two pairs. That said, the footbed's contours are quite solid, and the arch and heel cup are well defined, allowing for a relaxed fit. While they're slightly less lightweight, the heel cup offers an outstanding fit, even providing support for your posture, especially your lower back. You can walk comfortably and securely. The upper is made of a seamless material that feels pleasant against the skin, so you won't feel any chafing or tightness. They're also extremely breathable. The thong may feel tight when you first put them on, but don't worry; it will gradually become more comfortable

Okuyama Kenji

Trailist (trail photo writer, tournament management staff, woodblock apprentice, mountain hut supporters, etc.). As a freelance trail writer, I write articles for trail running media. As a staff member of the tournament management staff, he is a member of Kitatanzawatake Center → Power Sports (Kokoro Now). The course development led me to complete the basic forest maintenance training and the forest practice course (that is, the woods apprentice). Occasionally, I help out at Hirugatake Mountain Lodge, the highest peak in Tanzawa.

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