OOFOS sandals for painful feet

Quick boost #5 - a very scientific case report

The last 4 posts I’ve written were pretty deep dives. Thank you for the record number of “likes” and “upgrades.” A sincere welcome to new people reading here, too :)

This post is a quick read I do sometimes, enjoy.

Case study

A very young and still athletic appearing 48-year-old man is on vacation. Among other things he fails to pack good footwear for walking. The subject walks all day in very old sandals, and by the end of the evening he is limping with pain in the ball of his left foot. Recurrent metatarsalgia. He makes it through the rest of the trip hobbling around. Upon returning home he ditches the old sandals. Upon closer inspection they actually had holes in the soles. The subject puts his feet into OOFOS brand sandals that his wife bought him and feels an instant relief of pain while walking. He continues to walk squeakily around at home, outside, and even in the office with these hyper-cushioned foam sandals. As subject is typing a week later, he reports that his foot pain has resolved by 95%.

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Discussion

Technically the above amounts to a testimonial and not much of a formal case report or scientific study, but I do present it with sincerity. OOFOS is a brand of sandal that claims its products reduce the load on the feet and ankles, absorb “37% more impact,” and conform to the arches of the feet with ergonomic design. In so doing the manufacturer asserts that the sandals and shoes:

• cradle the arches

• reduce stress on sore feet, knees, and back

• enable a more natural walking motion

• reduce energy requirements at primary joints for walking

OOFOS references a 2018 study out of the University of Virginia School of Medicine Speed Clinic that showed their unique footbed and foam material “reduces energy exertion in the ankles by up to 47% compared to competitors’ footwear.” Alas I couldn’t find the actual study, so unlike my deep dives recently I’ll let this assertion stand unexamined.

But it follows that with less pain and energy spent during exertion, a kind of relative rest and recovery can take place even with some activity during the daytime.

Here is what my sandals look like:

I am not a shill for this company, and I have no affiliate links or even contact with OOFOS. I can say that in my experience this week I have to admit that the improvement in pain was dramatic and instantaneous while wearing the sandals, and that my foot is mostly back to normal in other shoes 10 days out from the original injury.

It is possible that such a design would be helpful for people with general foot pain, hardwood floors, and chronic discomfort. Once examined by a doctor or podiatrist and proper work up discussed, perhaps these shoes, sandals, and even clogs might be a merciful addition to one’s closet. I have read that sizing can be little tricky, extra-wide models are not available, and they do cost money. More information can be found on the brand website.

I am even considering asking Santa to please bring me a pair of these dark shoes to wear with my scrubs in the office. For any older individuals who might be losing an inch or two of height with age, the 1-2” boost gained with these foam soles also feels significant.

Take care, and feel free to share any other good hacks for aching feet :)