Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/1480545
W hen Telic CEO Terry Stillman was a collegiate runner at Dartmouth in the 1990s, he would take his shoes off aer a hard workout and jog or walk barefoot on the grass to recover. In 2012, Stillman went on to create a brand based on that barefoot feeling, yet with added supportive shock absorbing propulsion. Recovery products were prevalent in 2012 – supplements, socks, hydration drinks, cooling towels – but there were not a lot of footwear options. Fast forward ten years, and product is proliferating not only for runners, but nurses, teachers, production line workers and more. Today's recovery category is for everyday athletes – which pretty much means each and every person who spends a significant amount of time on their feet! is new definition has opened up a wide variety of options to explore from a slew of brands. Here's a roundup of the newest and most innovative. What Is a Recovery Shoe? We asked brand execs: As offerings broaden, what makes a "recovery shoe" to you and who needs to own one? "It's all about arch support; if that is not a feature, then it's not a recovery shoe. It is far better for your feet to wear a supportive shoe even just around the house than to go barefoot. Personally, I was in a car accident that injured my hip. I underwent many chiropractic and acupuncture visits. During this time, I lived in our Ode thong as it provided the support I needed but is so lightweight, my hip was not aggravated during the healing process." Megan Gold, design director, Alegria "Recovery as a totality has, and is, continuing to grow as we learn more about the biomechanics of our bodies and science behind recovering. We've tailored our products to help both during and aer activity as a way to keep people moving pain free. e benefits of reduced fatigue, shock absorption, support and stability are positives that all can enjoy." Mindy Moreland, marketing manager, Foundation Wellness "Whether all these new products can be properly dubbed recovery shoes is an open question. To me recovery means two things: recovering from a workout/race; or recovering from an injury. In turn there are two approaches: there are the brands that provide a lot of cushioning that absorbs the majority of the initial impact from a step. e other is more supportive, aiming to provide arch support over the longer term that allows the foot to recover (our approach). A supported arch will recover better and help avoid injuries such as plantar fasciitis." Geoff Pedder, director of sales and marketing, Tread Labs "Cushion under the foot and support around the heel under the arches are crucial for a recovery shoe. Additionally, having an upper that can stretch allows for the foot to swell without being strangled. Sweat provides a poor environment for your feet. Everyone should have a fresh recovery shoe that provides the elements of cushion and support for their post workout walking." Matt Dieckhaus, VP of sales and marketing, Latitudes (mōshn) "is feels in alignment with the trend of a more balanced lifestyle and the availability of more casual slip-ons. Recovery shoes have been targeting true athletes, but in reality, can be healthy for anyone to enjoy. Recovery shoes should offer soness RED HOT RECOVERY THE RECOVERY CATEGORY IS EXPANDING & EVOLVING. BY SUZANNE BLECHER footwearinsight.com September/October 2022 ~ Footwear Insight • 31