OOOOOOOOOH…these feel GOOD!!! This is our team’s (Bryan and Drew) full review of the OOFOS OOahh Slide, which, while not the original OOFOS product (that’s the OOriginal), is THE OOFOS Slide. OOFOS now has an entire product line including sandals, clogs, slippers, and shoes. But focusing on where it all began gives us the best view of OOFOS’ performance as recovery footwear.
You can find OOFOS Slides on our list of Best Slides. If you’re currently searching for the perfect pair of slides, be sure to check out that list.
OOFOS Slides – OOahh Slide
What are OOFOS Slides?
OOFOS is all about recovery. Here’s how they put it:
“Designed to jumpstart the recovery process, our incredible footwear offers unparalleled impact absorption and arch support. Whether you’ve just finished running, playing, lifting, or just a long day, keep in mind that the last step is the most important. Take yours into a pair of OOFOS.”
Bryan: At first, OOFOS Slides appear to be a variant of Crocs, and feel a lot like the footwear of all retirees across the country, but as soon as I put them on I knew they were different (yes, I have a pair of Crocs my mom gave me). There is a pronounced arch and a serious rocker effect from heel to toe. This lets your foot ease back into relaxation after running or sports but also keeps your foot from becoming too relaxed and unsupported.
I’ve never been big on recovery. When I get off the court I usually just grab my runners and load my bag and get out. The OOFOS Slides stayed with me and honestly did make my feet feel comfortable after long days at 24 Hour Fitness or some roadwork. I won’t say, scientifically, that there’s a distinct advantage. I will say the cushion from the OOfoam stayed resilient and bouncy as day one until now. Think Lunar that doesn’t bottom out – then make a whole shoe out of it.
Drew: I’ll disagree with Bryan on one thing, I don’t find OOFOS Slides particularly bouncy. To me, the OOfoam is like a black hole that absorbs impact from above and below and dissipates it. And to me that’s perfect for after hard running or hoops. You can learn more about the technology in OOFOS Slides here.
What I love about the OOFOS tech breakdown is that there is actual research proving how the OOfoam reduces stress on the body. And it’s not research done by nameless, faceless doctors, it’s done by leading physical therapist and biomechanist Jay Dicharry, the same guy who created one of our favorite recovery tools, the Mobo Board.
But the technology isn’t complicated. It absorbs more impact than traditional footwear so what Bryan found anecdotally is correct, OOFOS Slides speed up recovery by reducing strain on your body.
And I’ve found that to be true. My first move after finishing a marathon or half marathon is to remove my shoes and put on a pair of OOFOS. It lets my feet expand and helps me avoid subjecting my already tortured feet to as little extra impact as possible. That’s huge in jumpstarting the recovery process.
OOFOS Slides Fit
Bryan: The straps over the foot were my only complaint. I have a tall instep and the straps kept my foot from sliding completely into the shoe with ease. I got in, but after a few steps I could feel my feet moving to the back of the shoe. Probably just my foot structure (same reason I had trouble with KD’s shoes from Nike).
Drew: Initially I had a similar problem with getting the OOFOS Slides to fit just right but the strap slowly broke in around the top of my foot and the fit became more secure so there was less sliding to the rear of the slide (a common slide issue). OOFOS does make a version with a velcro strap for a $20 premium (the OOahh Sport Flex) if your foot doesn’t work with the integrated strap on the OOahh Slide.
My biggest complaint with the fit is walking long distances without socks. The back edges of the strap go all the way back to mid heel and whether your foot oscillates inward or outward as you walk, it’s a hot spot waiting to happen. Walking half a mile post race to my car left me with a gnarly blister on the inside of my heel. This issue was easy to rectify with socks. I walked a few miles post race in socks with OOFOS and didn’t have any blisters or even hot spots. Keep that in mind if you’re planning to use OOFOS Slides for longer walks.
Are OOFOS Slides durable?
Yes, OOFOS Slides will last you a long time. This is due to two factors. The midsole is thick and the OOfoam outsole wears surprisingly slowly for a foam outsole. Sure, it’d be better to have a rubber outsole for durability purposes but the OOfoam wears better than most foams.
The other factor is that OOfoam is closed-cell, which means OOFOS Slides are machine washable. Slides and sandals can get rank or gunky after months of use (especially when wearing them after sweat-soaked workouts). The ability to throw the slides in the wash with some towels or workout clothes is both convenient and increases the slides’ lifespan.
OOFOS Slides Summary
Bryan: If you’re looking for the ultimate foot massage after games or workouts, give OOFOS a look. I know after playing, especially outdoors, my heels and ankles are hurting. OOFOS comes through with an extremely cushioned and supportive slide that helps avoid foot aches or cramps after playing.
One minus is that they’re a little more expensive than normal slides at $60.Since I need to spend at least $40 on typical slides without recovery technology, OOFOS offers a worthy upgrade. They may not look as good (they’re a little bulky), but think this through – who really thinks slides look GOOD?
Drew: I’ve tested plenty of slides and the only one I keep in my bag for post workout, race, or basketball recovery is my pair of OOFOS Slides. They’re soft, comfortable, and I can feel the protection giving my recovery a small boost. They aren’t perfect and they aren’t fashionable, but I think OOFOS Slides are the best you can buy.
