Rumor has it that imitation is the best form of flattery, and when it comes to Team USA at the 2022 Winter Olympics, we totally agree. Unfortunately for (most) of us, casually landing a triple axel or landing a McTwist isn’t in our cards, leaving us to find other ways to show our appreciation. That’s why we didn’t try to copy Jamie Anderson’s bunny hill snowboarding tricks and instead embraced his daily wellness rituals. It’s also why we traded in our speed skates for a pair of Team USA skims, the most comfortable patriotic pants you’ll ever own.
Next on our list of things to copy is Ashley Caldwell’s recovery shoe of choice, aerobatic skier (and new gold medalist!!). If training and performance are essential for world champions, so is recovery. All that downhill skiing and 8-foot jumps take a toll on sensitive joints and muscles, after all. That’s why Caldwell swears by slipping into a pair of Oofos after a long day on the hill, giving his body a break to twist, turn and take hard landings.
“After practice, as soon as I take my ski boots off, I wear my Oofos,” Caldwell told Oofos, who is an Athlete Brand Ambassador. “My feet, my ankles, my knees feel so much better. Every athlete should have access to such an amazing recovery tool.”
We can confirm that these squishy shoes are a godsend for recovery and everyday comfort. Oofos has been a staple among Well + Good employees for years, thanks to its ridiculously plush foam sole technology that absorbs 37% more impact with every step. This shock absorption goes a too long way, reducing stress on joints, sore muscles and sore bones. These shock-absorbing superpowers have even earned the brand the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, meaning each pair has been officially A-OK’d by professionals to support good foot health. .
Sandals, boots, slippers – whatever your preference, Oofos has them in a wide range of colors, patterns (camo! cheetah! ombre!) and sizes. But as we’ve said before, we’re all for cutting an Olympian. If you’re with us, Caldwell has been reported to rock the Ooaah Slide Sandal ($60), a comfy update to the classic ’90s pool slide you know and love. In addition to its super sole, the slanted straps also feature a bit of padding, preventing you from slipping and sliding as you walk around. True to their name, they’ll make you ooooh and ahhh in delight.
Or you can step into the Oocoozie low-top shoe ($120), which has captured the hearts of more athletes, like Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Deion Sanders and retired NFL quarterback , Alex Smith. These closed-toe recovery shoes are covered in a dreamy vegan sherpa that will keep you warm all winter long. Come summer, they also make excellent house slippers.
Like we said, we’re never going to twist and turn like Ashley Caldwell and the rest of her victorious teammates. BUT we will recover like them and give our feet something better than a gold medal – rest and recovery that rivals walking on a cloud.
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