feeling the oo: oofos oomg shoe review

Disclaimer: I received an a pair of OOFOS OOmg Shoes to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!

Last summer I reviewed the OOFOS Original Sports Sandal and loved how comfortable and supportive they were. Not your typical flip flop at all. When I heard that OOFOS was coming out with their first closed-toe design, I knew I had to try them out. While I love the sandals, I couldn't quite wear them post-race here in Chicago, as it's too dang cold for no socks. 

The OOFOS OOmg comes in three colors: white and black, black and grey, and black and citron. You know how much I love bright colors, so naturally I chose the black and citron. I will say, they are way brighter in person than they appear online. I think they are super fun, but for those that might want to wear these for work, you'll get away with it better in the other two muted colors ;) I know that's what a lot of BibRave Pros did. Tip for sizing: If you are a half size order the next size up. Express orders must be placed by 2 pm PST/ 5pm EST to ship same day. You can find the OOmg shoe in the women's section of the website. Men's specific OOmg is expected out in 2018. They are working on a design that widens the toe box and makes the strap along the top of the foot thicker to hold a bigger and heavier foot. If you are a men's size 9–10, try the unisex version.

Please excuse the dirty car floor...

Let's talk about the technology that went into these amazing recovery shoes.

"These are the first fully closed shoe to feature OOfoam technology! They have combined the OOFOS patented footbed design you know and love with a 4-way stretch mesh upper to create an unbelievably comfortable shoe that enhances the recovery process. Take the stress off your tired soles, joints and give your feet the freedom of natural movement in a shoe you can wear all day, every day."

Perfect to toss in your car or gear check bag for post-race.

"Revolutionary OOfoam technology absorbs 37% more impact than traditional footwear foam materials to reduce the stress on your feet and joints. The OOmg features a breakthrough in shoe construction that eliminates unnecessary layers and leaves only OOfoam between your foot and the ground. New OOtex 4-way stretch mesh upper conforms to your feet and the stretchable strap adds support over the arch without binding. These technologies combine to aid in the recovery process and create an incredibly comfortable shoe you can wear anywhere."

It's not just another shoe, but it's a tool for recovery:

• Reduces stress on sore feet, knees, and back
• Enables more natural motion - The 4-way stretch mesh upper allows a lot more give, so it helps the foot to move naturally post-run
• Minimalist construction technology for extreme light weight (5.5 oz for women’s size 7)
• Machine washable (mesh won't bleed and you can also spot wipe. Wash on a cold wash, avoid bleach and fabric softener)
• Close cell foam, which means that you can get them wet and water just drips off, no water stays in the shoe, no bacteria.
• Typical wear is 6 months – 1 year, depending on the amount of wear (and other considerations). The bottoms will wear out before the foam is condensed.
• Wear it all day; not just for post-race/run. It's a lifestyle shoe.

These shoes are a "make you feel better" product - the OOfoam technology is extremely unique and defining to the market. OOFOS has created a whole market for recovery.

You might be weary of the price point of the OOFOS OOmg  but take into consideration that it's a recovery tool. How much do we pay for other recovery tools, massages, going to the chiropractor, etc? The $120 price point for the shoe fits into the market for a lifestyle shoe with all of the tech benefits, and the amount of wear you get out of them makes the cost not so bad – if you wear them for a year, that's only $.32 a day ;) 

Not bad without socks, either.

As far as my experience with them, ohhh they've been a lifesaver. I was hoping to receive them for after Illinois Marathon, but unfortunately they came a bit later. I wore them after my half marathon two weeks later (a half that was tired and sore, as my body probably could have used some more rest before going for that longer mileage so soon). 

Went to Downtown Disney to grab dinner.

The real test of these shoes was the following weekend (aka last weekend) when I was at Disneyland for runDisney Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend. I debated bringing them at all, because I try to pack light going out there, as I know I need space for the mugs and glassware and shirts and shoes I buy at the expo. I figured they squished and didn't take up too much space, and were lightweight, so I would fit them in. 

Mickey!

Boy, am I SO glad I did. I spent the majority of the days on my feet – standing in lines for the expo, for security, for entrance into the parks, for rides, and then all of the running + walking to and from the parks to the hotel. I got there Wednesday and left the following Tuesday. My milage for those days were: 5.21, 7.01, 12.91, 12.79, 22.38, 10.91, and 5.14 (clearly a travel day haha). 

After the races, my heels were giving me a throbbing pain all day long. I tossed on the OOmg shoe to wander the parks or when I went out to grab food, and the heel pain would dissipate. There were times where I wasn't sure I would be able to walk much more, but putting on the OOmg helped meet keep moving so I could have fun at the parks with my mom. 

I ordered a size 9 (my usual running shoe size is an 8.5). They are a tad big, so I think maybe going with an 8 would have worked (I wear a 7/7.5 in non running shoes usually such as heels or fancy flats... these days I tend to just get the 8.5 in any gym shoe, even if I'm not wearing it to run in). I usually wear them with socks, but I know a lot of other Pros prefer to wear them without socks. I say you can go either way... just depends on your style, preference, fashion sense (I don't have much of one, so didn't care if I looked dorky with the socks or not... I'm just about the comfort level haha). 

Would I recommend these shoes? Definitely. Again, I know the cost might shock you, but it's like a pair of running shoes – you get fitted to have the right style for your running and foot, and these shoes aren't just shoes, but they are an aid in recovery. Something us runners really need to focus on to avoid injury and to help keep us at the top of our game so we can continue to run those miles. 

Connect with OOFOS:
website | twitter | instagram | facebook | pinterest | youtube | LinkedIn

Check out the reviews from other BibRave Pros:
Mel | Tedrick | Lindsey | Jeannine | Nora | Angie | Vanessa | Emily