Are Recovery Shoes Worth It?
Author: Matt C | March 15th, 2024
The Ultimate Guide to Recovery Shoes Part 2: Are Recovery Shoes Worth It?
Previously, I covered what recovery shoes are and how they have helped me in my recovery journey. Today, we'll delve into the world of recovery footwear, exploring who recovery shoes are for, their potential benefits, their cost, and whether they're worth adding to your shoe collection.
What Are Recovery Shoes?
Recovery shoes are specially designed footwear that prioritizes comfort and support, particularly after intense physical activity or prolonged periods of standing. Unlike traditional athletic shoes, which focus on performance and stability, recovery shoes aim to promote relaxation and recovery for tired feet and muscles.
These shoes typically feature cushioned midsoles, soft and breathable uppers, and ergonomic designs that conform to the natural shape of the foot. Some recovery shoes also incorporate specialized features such as arch support, massaging footbeds, and shock-absorbing materials to enhance comfort and alleviate fatigue.
Who Are Recovery Shoes For?
Recovery shoes are suitable for anyone, whether you’re a 28 year old actively participating in weight lifting and recreational sports or a 60 year old trying to reach your daily step count goals. If you find yourself to be one of the listed types of people, then there may be greater alignment on whether recovery shoes are for you.
- Athletes: The most obvious. Whether you're a professional athlete or a weekend warrior, incorporating recovery shoes into your post-workout routine can help reduce muscle soreness, speed up recovery, and improve overall performance.
- Fitness Enthusiasts: This can be just about anyone. From gym-goers to outdoor enthusiasts to dog-walkers. Anyone engaging in regular physical activity can benefit from wearing recovery shoes to alleviate post-exercise fatigue and enhance muscle recovery.
- Individuals with Standing Jobs: If your profession requires long hours of standing or walking, such as healthcare workers, retail employees, or hospitality staff, wearing recovery shoes can provide much-needed relief and prevent foot-related discomfort.
- Travelers: Whether embarking on a long-haul flight or exploring a new destination on foot, wearing recovery shoes during travel can help mitigate the effects of prolonged sitting or walking, ensuring you arrive at your destination feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
The Benefits of Recovery Shoes:
So what do recovery shoes actually do? Are there any tangible, proven benefits? It all depends on who you hear from. There are just as many supporters as there are critics. However, from those who support, these were the top benefits:
- Enhanced Recovery: Recovery shoes are engineered to promote faster recovery by reducing strain on the feet and lower limbs. The cushioned midsoles help absorb impact forces, while the supportive arches and heel cups provide stability and alignment, allowing muscles and tendons to relax and recover more effectively.
- Improved Circulation: Many recovery shoes feature ergonomic designs that encourage better blood flow to the feet. This increased circulation can help reduce swelling and inflammation, speeding up the recovery process after strenuous activity.
- Reduced Fatigue: The cushioning and support provided by recovery shoes can help alleviate fatigue and soreness, allowing you to stay on your feet for longer periods without discomfort. Whether you're recovering from a workout or a long day on your feet, wearing recovery shoes can help you feel more refreshed and rejuvenated.
How Much Are Recovery Shoes?
Shoes haven’t been immune to the effects of inflation. Since 2003, shoe prices have increased more than 50% while in the past 5 years, shoe prices have increased 17%. This is below overall inflation, which is at 20%, but no inflation is better than some when I think about how it affects my wallet.
Depending on quality and build, recovery shoes and slippers can range from $10-$200. Many brands compete around $60-$140. Beware of hidden fees, like shipping, taxes, etc. that can add $5-$20 to the price. I personally think anything less than $100 is a godsend in this world of high inflation. The Somexc After 1s seem to hit the sweet spot at $89 with FREE shipping.
Are Recovery Shoes Worth It?
The big question remains, are recovery shoes worth it? My findings after testing some are:
- Extremely comfortable: They’re extremely comfortable with the extra cushioned sole, soft EVA upper, and roomy toe box.
- Affordable: Often retailing for less than $100. Such a rarity to find after inflation these days.
- Recovery boost: Footbed nodes that massage your feet. Supposedly it helps promote blood flow and circulation. Maybe a placebo BUT it has helped me with my IT band ailment, an issue that hadn’t progressed in recovery until I began wearing recovery shoes (several months!!).
Therefore, my conclusion is that recovery shoes are definitely worth it! There are more outsized benefits and relatively little to no cons from having a pair in your wardrobe. My go-to choice is Somexc After 1. These are the recovery sneakers that helped with my IT band, check all the features I noted above AND are versatile in function AND style. Not many recovery shoes are stylish…
Ultimately, the decision to invest in recovery shoes depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you frequently engage in high-impact activities or spend long hours on your feet, recovery shoes can be a valuable addition to your footwear arsenal. However, if you have specific foot conditions or medical concerns, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional. The solution probably isn’t recovery shoes but instead professional treatment and care.
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