Footwear Insight

"e need is very similar, but how they look at it is quite different. An elite athlete wants to perform at their best the next day. Recovery is a key part of their overall training. e everyday athlete is looking to feel better as soon as possible and very much focus on comfort." – Tim Bartels, VELOUS "Elite athletes and weekend warriors are learning that they are solely responsible for taking care of themselves. ey have learned, sometimes the hard way, that without proper recovery, they cannot compete at a high level." – Mike Arce, Xelero "All athletes and active people want to get back into the activity that they love following an injury or ailment. Our Dynamic Ankle Support Sock allows for healthy movement of the ankle, not lock the ankle in place. This flexibility allows for proprioceptive therapy to continue and gives the athlete the confidence to get back into the game." – Jay Cain, Foundation Wellness "Each wants a product that is comfortable, stylish, and versatile, relieving stress on their body aer a workout. Some professional athletes may be able to stay off their feet aer their workout, but most other athletes will still go to work, run errands, or meet up with friends after a hard session." – Russ Stevens, Topo Athletic "Both want real technology with proven benefits. It's not enough for shoes to be comfortable. What is driving the growth of the recovery category is a desire for s omet hing t hat can tr uly help wit h workout recovery and provide relief from ever yday soreness, aches and pains." – Darren Brown, OOFOS "Ever yday athletes prioritize comfort and practicality in recovery footwear, focusing on everyday wearability. They want cushioning, breathability, lightweight construction and adaptive support. Elite athletes may prioritize performance- en hancing fe atures, such as energ y return and stability, over comfort alone." – Mark Paigen, Tread Labs "Post workout, athletes are looking for a shoe that provides cushion, support, ease of use and versatility." – Matt Dieckhaus, Latitudes Inc. RECOVERY FOR ALL What is the active consumer looking for in a recovery shoe and how is this different from what an elite athlete is looking for? 36 • Footwear Insight ~ March/April 2024 footwearinsight.com mōshn/PULSE The mōshn Pulse offers versatility for post workout wear, while also being very easy to slide on and off. Exclusive Dynamic Motion Technology provides stability while standing and an enhanced toe spring naturally moves the wearer forward. All of the brand's shoes feature TRUComfort insoles, offering the cushion and support needed post workout. MSRP $170. Tread Labs/Salinas Execs at Tread Labs call this the "yes" sandal for good reason. is versatile offering features optimal arch support, is quick-drying and has a microfiber suede footbed that dissipates moisture, keeping feet comfortable throughout the day. Ultra-lightweight polyurethane midsoles deliver the resiliency and durability of PU with the weightlessness of EVA foam. Other super squishy make the feet and lower legs work harder to maintain stability. MSRP $130. OOFOS/OOcoozie Sport Designed for post workout, this breezy mule option offers a mesh upper for lightweight breathability and instant relief during active recovery. Like all OOFOS products, the OOcoozie Sport features the unique OOfoam technology that absorbs impact, reducing stress on joints and more evenly distributing pressure, allowing people of any activity level to be more active in their day-to-day lives. MSRP $114.95. Xelero/TRU Sandal The TRU Sandal is built on a contoured footbed with built-in posting to help those that suffer from supination and pronation issues. The stability tied into the control plate helps those suffering from plantar fasciitis. A metatarsal roll bar limits forefoot flexion. It makes for a lot of technology built into one thong (which retails for $89.99) or 3-strap sandal. MSRP $119.99.

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