OOFOS Fibre Low Shoes
Disclaimer: I received a pair of OOFOS OOMG Fibre Low Shoes to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!
I had never heard of OOFOS before last summer, but after getting my first pair, I wear them CONSTANTLY. The new OOFOS Fibre Low Shoes are my second pair of OOFOS and I think I actually may like these even more than the sports sandals I already have but I'll get into that a bit later.
What is Recovery Footwear?
First of all, let's talk a little about what the deal is with recovery footwear. What is it? You're feet take a beating during a run, there's no way around that, and I think every runner can relate to the AMAZING feeling of slipping out of your running shoes immediately following a run. Recovery footwear does exactly what it sounds like and helps your feet rest and recuperate, particularly after a tough workout, but how exactly? That's where Oofos "OOfoam technology" comes into play.
OOfoam Technology
OOfoam technology is precisely what makes OOFOS so amazing, and why I bring them with me to EVERY race I run. The foam that the shoes are made to absorb 37% more shock than most shoes which means that your legs, and more importantly, your feet, are absorbing 37% less shock post-run.
Running shoes, on the other hand, are designed to propel you forward as you run. They absorb the power of your stride and send it right back into your feet and legs to help you bound forward. Runners can experience a force of up to 3x their body weight with every step while running, so just think of that over the course of an entire run.
With OOfoam, your shoes are absorbing the lion's share of that force reducing the stress on sore feet, sore joints, and sore muscles. By switching into a pair of OOFOS post-run, you're able to jump-start your body's recovery process and trust me, your legs feet will notice a difference.
A Barefoot Feel
One of my favorite features of OOFOS shoes aside from the overall softness and comfort is the way they allow your foot to move more naturally while you walk. I'm a huge proponent of the barefoot life, so I like that the design of the sole allows your feet to spread out more naturally and grip the shoe as you walk. It almost mimics the feeling of walking barefoot but as if you're walking barefoot across the clouds.
The Closed Toe Option
The major difference between the OOFOS Fibre Low Shoes and my previous OOFOS is that these are an actual shoe as opposed to a sandal option. Although wearing a shoe seems like it would be more constricting on the foot, the shoes themselves have an incredibly wide toe box that still allows your feet to stretch out and breathe while you're wearing them.
Everything about these shoes was designed with comfort in mind. The tops of the shoes are actually made out of an incredibly lightweight and breathable mesh that flexes with your foot so you barely notice it while you're wearing the shoes. What's great about having the closed-toe shoes is that I can now wear them more frequently out in public. I've even worn them a few times to work on casual Fridays.
Project Pink
The last thing I want to touch on is OOFOS's commitment to charity. In support of breast cancer awareness and research, 3% of all sales of OOFOS is donated to the charity Project Pink to help fund research being done by the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Breast Cancer research is a cause that is very near and dear to my heart and I'm always happy to see brands and companies taking an active role in the causes they support.
Final Thoughts
If you've never tried OOFOS before, what are you waiting for? They are easily the most comfortable shoes I've ever owned and anyone who's tried them will tell you just how incredible they feel on your feet. OOFOS technology actually got its name because of the sound people made when they first slipped on a pair "Oooooo."
With the addition of the Fibre Low Shoes, OOFOS has plenty of style options to choose from, and most styles have plenty of color options for you to customize your look as well. I've seen them set up at several race expos as well so keep your eye's peeled for your chance to test out a pair or head to their website to see their full catalog of options.
Cheers!