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RECOVERY TIME! BRANDS FOCUS ON MODERN STYLING AND ADVANCED INNOVATION IN RECOVERY. 22 • September/October 2023 sportstyle • sportstylemag.com By Suzanne Blecher T he recovery footwear category is reaching a new level. As recovery becomes a more signif- icant part of daily life, "the need for different silhouettes has also increased," comments Velous co-founder Brad Bischel. Offerings are being updated in new technologies and materials as consumers seek out recovery footwear with a "more casual, refined look… that doesn't scream 'plastic'," notes Tread Labs founder Mark Paigen. "Athletes want to not only recover aer exercising or their morning run, but all day while they are at work," he adds. Customers now expect their re- covery footwear to be comfortable enough to feel good and aid in recovery aer a workout, stylish enough to wear around town, and "functional enough that the customer can feel confident using the product in a variety of conditions," says Russell Stevens, product manager, Topo. Dan Werremeyer, president, Instride (Xelero) notes that con- sumers also want a shoe that can help them "pursue the ultimate goals of enhanced health and an elevated quality of life." He says, "As the world of recovery and exercise footwear evolves, it's not just about the shoes; it's about the journey to a healthier, more fulfilling life." For runners, specifically, the sport "can take a toll on the body," explains OOFOS head of mar- keting, Darren Brown. Wearing recovery sandals can help relieve sore muscles and reduce stress on joints. Podiatrist and Vionic Innovation Lab contributor, Dr. Jacqueline Sutera, explains that a textured footbed like Vionic's can help massage the feet and increase circulation. is can, she notes, "reduce pain and minimize swell- ing aer high impact workouts to help you recover faster." Recovery shoes can also con- tribute to injury prevention. "When your feet are properly aligned and cushioned, you're less likely to experience overuse injuries, stress fractures and other common running-related inju- ries," says Telic founder Aaron Azzarito. "e act of putting on recovery shoes aer a run can also have psychological benefits. It signals the transition from intense exercise to recovery mode." n FOOTWEAR Alegria/Ode