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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

Like most runners, after a training run, you want to go to the hot springs and release your legs. However, even after descending the mountain, you must start walking normally, travelling by car, train, or restaurants.

It may end up being a bit of a luggage, but if there is no problem with transportation, you might want to bring your recovery shoes with you. Not only does it reduce fatigue, it can be used even before approaching the mountains, making it useful. You could just go straight to the sea!

table of contents

About recovery shoes compared this time

Recovery shoes are shoes that relax your legs and hips, mainly after activities, with the aim of absorbing impact to the extreme and speeding up the recovery of fatigue. In addition to specialized manufacturers, there are many brands available in recent years, including running shoe manufacturers and outdoor manufacturers that are resistant to trail running. This time we focused on models from specialized and outdoor brands, and used them after private training runs (Hakone, Kamakura, Tanzawa) and after setting up a power sports course. There are five points to evaluate:

  1. Comfort...Whether it feels good to wear or not. Judging the key points that are the core of recovery shoes.
  2. Weight: If the recovery shoes are heavy and seem to increase fatigue, it's no problem. It's fine as long as it's light.
  3. Stability: What stands out is the grip of the outsole. We decided whether there was any problem with not only walking but also driving a car.
  4. Functionality: We paid attention to its characteristics, such as breathability, shock absorption, cushioning, and the functionality of the material itself.
  5. Ease of movement: Determine whether you can move smoothly while wearing it.

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 with excellent cushioning EVA
Comfort ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★
weight ★★★★☆ ★★★★★ ★★★☆☆
Stability ★★★★★ ★★★★☆ ★★★★★
Functionality ★★★★☆ ★★★★★ ★★★★☆
Ease of movement ★★★★★ ★★★☆☆ ★★★★☆

Impressions for each model

HOKA ONE ONE ORA RECOVERY SLIDE

Hoka One One One's thick cushioning is comfortable, making it perfect for everyday use

ORA RECOVERY SLIDE
HOKA ONE ONE
8,640 yen

The top batter is recovery sandals from HOKA ONE ONE, which is well-known for its cushioning properties. When I put my feet in, it was slightly wider and fit perfectly. The structure gently supports its own arch, and holds the heel slightly deeper. The midsole uses HOKA ONE ONE's unique "oversized midsole." The thick cushioning makes it comfortable. (The image is like a bamboo stomping with the soles of the feet). It seems that the burden on the calves will also be reduced. The outsole is similar to that of a trail running shoe. You don't feel the unstableness that is typical of sandals, and you can move your feet firmly while walking. This pair of shoes is perfect for everyday use, not just when fatigue builds up after running.

OOFOS OOahh

The moment I put it on, I felt my feet sink in. The enveloping soft fit makes you addictive

OOahh
OOFOS
6,264 yen

OOFOS is a pioneer in recovery shoes. Its characteristic is shock absorption. The special material "OOfoam" is used in OOFOS products. Unlike the standard EVA midsole, this is a unique material that reduces impact rebound by 37%. It reduces the impact on the soles of your feet when you land, and also reduces strain on your knees, waist, and back. The foothead is ergonomically designed, and the entire sole of the foot sinks slightly, giving it a perfect fit. Its softness is also easy to bend with your hands. Due to its softness, what you should be careful about is that while walking, the toes come into contact with the ground and end up leaning outside. (It may be a problem with how I walk...) It's amazing how light it is so light it floats on water and it's also a washing machine.

SALOMON RX BREAK

The good balance of cushioning and stability makes it easy to walk while recovering

RX BREAK
SALOMON
7,560 yen

It has a design similar to a flip-flop, but these are also recovery shoes. When I put my feet in, I noticed that it is less cushioned than the other two shoes. However, the footbed has a fairly solid shape and the arches and heel cups provide a sense of clarity, making it easy to relax. Although it is slightly less light, the fit of the heel cup stands out, providing even support for postures such as the waist. You can walk comfortably and comfortably. The upper part is made of seamless material that feels good on the skin, so you will rarely feel any signs of rubbing or tightness. It's also extremely breathable. When you first start wearing them, the thongs may feel tight, but they will gradually become more comfortable, so don't worry.

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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We also recommend this article about trail running.

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