OOFOS Recovery and Comfort Sandals Review: We felt the OO!

The OOFOS tagline is "Feel the OO!" Is it possible that a humble slide, thong, or clog is so much more comfortable than the usual, and worthy, of a heart felt "OO"?  Well Nicole and I set out to find out. 
OOFOS kindly sent Nicole, at no charge for review purposes, their OOcloog ($49.95). I received the clog, OOriginal thong ($39.95),  and OOAHH slide (39.95).

Our conclusion is that OOFoam is far more comfortable and lively than what one finds in a typical recovery sandal. The OO is real! Read on to see what we thought.

Sam and Nicole

Nicole is an active runner and Boston Marathon qualifier who has suffered from multiple foot problems over the years. She is also a food scientist who is on her feet all day in her lab. So her feet take a beating.

Nicole: When looking for a pair of every day shoes, comfort is of the utmost importance to me.  As I mentioned on my previous guest blog reviewing Correct Toes , I have just about every foot problem you can imagine.  People with foot problems, bunions in particular, are always looking for the holy grail of comfortable shoes.   My problems are compounded by having a job that requires me to spend a lot of time on my feet, often followed by a post-work run.  In other words, if a shoe can pass my stress test, it must make the grade in several categories.
I chose to review the OOFOS OoCloog because, as it states on the website, I was looking for a shoe that I could wear to work or kick around in post-run or around town on the weekends.  The Women’s OoCloog comes in two colors- black and plum.  I selected the plum as I wanted a color that would stand out more and have the other ladies in the lab asking me what shoes I was wearing.  I wore them over the course of a week to get a true impression of whether they would be a shoe for the long haul.  

Sam: I am older runner and Boston Marathon qualifier. I have no particular foot or leg problems beyond old age aches and pains.

Technical Features

Here is what OOFOS says about the OOfoam™. All models share the foam, general construction and outsole pattern:

Technical advantages of OOfoam™ over traditional cushioning materials:

• Significantly more comfort, cushioning and natural articulation
• 37% more impact absorption
• Longer lasting support and cushioning
• Arch support for most foot-types
• Durable wear
• Machine washable

Appearance

OOCloogs

Nicole: These are not Minolo Blahniks, nor did I expect them to be given they’re a comfort shoe.  However, they are definitely more attractive than something like a Croc and the design lines and features are very subtle.  I received compliments on the plum color when I wore them with jeans to work, but they didn’t quite pair as well with shorts when I wore them on a warm day.  I would say if your goal is comfort, they’re stylish enough.  I’d like to see these in more colors- the plum is nice, but it would be great if they had more variety.

Sam: My clogs are basic black but also available in the Plum Nicole received . With the exception of some venting holes on the the medial side smooth and almost dressy if a bit bulky looking. I have no problems wearing them for more casual work or after work situations.

The Ladies OOriginal is available in many more colors than the slides and clogs.

Fit

Nicole: When I first put them on, I thought they might be too big.  It only took a few minutes of walking around to recognize  that the larger size wasn’t a problem.  There was plenty of room for my toes to move around, which is very important for a person with bunions.  The toe box is also large enough to accommodate a toe spacing product such as Correct Toes.  Despite being roomy, they didn’t slide  or feel sloppy at all.  I tried them barefoot and with several different types of socks over the course of the week and had no issues.  The arch support made them feel a bit strange the first time I put them on.  Not strange in a bad way- they positioned my foot in a way I’ve never experienced with a shoe.  They pushed up the arch, allowing the toes to lift and gently splay.  In fact, it felt like my toes were barely touching the ground, as there was no pressure on them.  I own a few pairs of Dansko work clogs and, while they are very supportive, they tend to push me forward into my toes.  It was refreshing to have the benefits of good arch support without toe pain.  However, I don't know if I could recommend these to someone with flat feet- the arch support might be a little too extreme. 

Sam: The clogs fit me fine but agree with Nicole they are a bit roomy and long. I am typically a size 8.5. As far as sizing of both the clogs and thongs it feels to me that they are sized at the upper middle of the size, no half sizes being available. So a size 9, what I received for all three types, feels like  about a size 9.5. The slides are a bit different as the band over the foot is fairly snug for me over the foot or maybe it is the foam grips a bit too well so the 9 fits fine but must say is my least favorite of the three in terms of comfort. The thongs fit perfectly. As they are molded all in one piece I was a bit worried the fairly thick, compared to usual webbing,  "strap" between the toes would irritate but this has not been the case. 

The important stuff!

Comfort

Nicole: Have you ever worn a shoe that makes you think “My feet feel sooooo good right now” every time you stand up?  That’s what I experienced with the OoCloog.  I imagine if they turned a memory foam mattress into a pair of shoes, this is what they’d feel like.  They’re both cushy and supportive at the same time.  They had a nice bounce to them when I walked, probably due to the special rubber material they’re made of.  Normally, the first thing I want to do when I get home is take off my shoes, but I was more than happy to keep them on.  I also noticed that my legs didn’t feel tired after a long day and this helped me enjoy my post-work runs more.  My only complaint is they get a little warm when you wear them without socks.  My feet got a little sweaty after a warm day outside, but not quite as much as I would’ve thought due to the small vent holes located between the sole and upper. 

Sam: OOFOS are significantly more comfortable and cushioned than my Crocs, or other recovery sandals and flip flops I have tried. OOFOS does not tell us what they compare their impact absorption to so as to say they achieve 37% more absorption. So, I did a little test... I put the Oofos clog on one foot and a Crocs clog on the other... The difference was immediately apparent. The Croc felt far harsher and firmer than the Oofos and had far less bounce when walking. I did a bit of a fingernail midsole push test and my sense is that the proprietary OOfoam has more rebound/give back that regular running shoe foam or the Crocs. The arch support is apparent and pleasant on my high arch feet. I am in my OOFOS all the time!

Utility and Uses

Nicole: I would recommend these to anyone who spends a lot of time on their feet.  I know several hospital and food service workers who would love a pair.  They’re also machine-washable, which is a nice feature for those of us who get a little dirty at work.  They would make a great post-run recovery shoe.  I’m sure they could sell a million pairs at marathon finish lines.  Anyone with foot problems, bunions in particular, would really benefit from a pair. 

Sam: The OO is great comfort and utility for sports and work! recovery,  in the garden, by the water, and for workers who are on their feet all day. I hope they try the OOFoam in a pair of running shoes to be used for those easy recovery runs. 

Conclusion
Nicole: I was very pleased with the OOCloog.  In fact, I would go so far as to say they make my feet feel better than any other pair of shoes I’ve ever owned.  Remember the old Dr. Scholl’s commercial about “gellin’”?  Well, instead of gellin’, I’m feeling the “oo.”

Sam: OO OO they feel good!

To find your own OO visit OOFOS online store here. Also available at many running and comfort shoe stores. Store locator here