Oofos Recovery Shoes Review & Giveaway!

One thing that is never far from my mind as a runner is recovery. I have accumulated a lot of recovery gear like compression socks, compression shorts, ice packs, foam rollers...you get the idea. Recently I was sent a pair of recovery shoes from Oofos.

Oofos footwear is built using the "proprietary OOfoam™ technology" and "patented footbed design" to "comfort and support while reducing fatigue and enhancing recovery." At first glance, it's a clod-hopper with a very thick sole, but it's surprisingly lightweight.

As soon as I put on my Oofos Ooriginals, I forgot about how awkward looking they are and immediately felt their cushion-iness. After standing on classroom tiled floors for the first three days of school, my legs and feet were tired.

I like to wear slip on shoes around the house (my normal go-to pair are some Addidas that I have had for years). After just a few steps, I could feel some bounce in my walk. According to the Oofos blog, these shoes make an excellent training buddy because they'll "help absorb 37% of stress."

After spending some quality time in my new Oofos shoes, I can see why they have made the Sneaker Report's Top 10 Recovery Shoes list.

Oofos Footwear would like you to feel the #RejOOv for yourself. Use the rafflecopter below to enter. This giveaway is for US residents only and ends Sunday evening September 22.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary pair of Oofos footwear for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

Fitness Friday: Five Recovery Tips

Anyone who engages in fitness has experienced the post workout soreness at some point. Pushing muscles beyond their normal threshold causes small muscle tears. Until our muscles adapt to the new type or level of workout, they will continue to need time to recover.

Here are some tips I have learned to help speed up the recovery process:

1. Compression gear - Invest in some good compression gear such as socks, sleeves, and shorts and put it on as soon as you finish an intense workout. The basic principle behind wearing compression gear is that it allows better blood flow to the muscles thereby helping to decrease muscle soreness.

Aspaeris, Zensah, Pro Compression, Feetures, Nike

2. Foam Roll/Stretch - Avoid letting muscles stiffen up by stretching or foam rolling after exercise when the muscles are still warm. Again this will help increase the blood flow and help get rid of any lactic acid build up which could contribute to muscle soreness.

3. Rest - After strenuous exercise your body will need, and deserve, a break. Muscles need time to repair and rebuild. It's good to schedule some down time. Most training schedules include a rest day for this reason.

4. Active Recovery - While giving your body some rest is important, it is also a good idea to keep moving. Take a walk, go for a casual bike ride, swim a little. Light activities that allow your muscles to move will help prevent tightness from setting in which can lead to increased muscle soreness.

5. Replenish - Drink plenty of water to rehydrate and eat protein and carbs to aid muscle recovery and replace nutrients lost during workouts. Not only will this replenish your body, but it will also help keep your muscles at peak performance for your next workout.

What is your favorite recovery technique?