sportstyle

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 after 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 and cushioning with support, not be overly restrictive and easy to get on and off." Kelsey Jayne, footwear design director, Dansko "It comes as no surprise that recovery shoes are broadening out and expanding at a rapid pace. Recovery footwear gives the wearer much needed relief through support, shock absorption, and energy return. e shoes can be used for running errands, aer a long serving shi, traveling, or aer chasing your kids all day. Recovery is also oen worked towards aer an injury (when it is already too late)." Aaron Azzarito, president, Telic "Recovery is an important category of footwear, and athletes at every level have their own version of what recovery means to them. Skechers is e Comfort Technology Company, so recovery footwear is a natural component in our lineup." Greg Smith: VP of product development and merchandise, Skechers Performance RED HOT RECOVERY HOKA/ORA RECOVERY SLIDE While HOKA is rooted in performance, a balanced product portfolio is the brand's long-term strategic goal. Products like the Ora Recovery Slide are designed with cushioned HOKA foam midsoles for premium comfort, meta-rocker geometry complements the natural gait cycle and reduces the height differential between heel and toe, partnered within an Active Foot Frame to capture a tired foot for ultimate recovery. 12 • September/October 2022 sportstyle • sportstylemag.com

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