Want to Recover Like An Olympian? These Squishy Shoes Win a Gold Medal From Team USA’s Ashley Caldwell (and Us, Too)

Rumor has it mimicry is the best form of flattery, and when it comes to Team USA in the 2022 Winter Olympics, we couldn’t agree more. Unfortunately for (most) of us, casually laying down a triple axel or landing a McTwist is not in our cards, leaving us to find other ways to show our appreciation. That’s why we’ve skipped trying to copy Jamie Anderson’s snowboarding tricks on the bunny hill and adopted her daily wellness rituals instead. It’s also why we traded our speed skates for a pair of Team USA Skims, the most comfy, patriotic panties you’ll ever own.

Next on our list of things to copy is aerialist freestyle skier (and new gold medalist!!) Ashley Caldwell’s recovery shoe of choice. While practice and performance are key for world champions, recovery is too. All that skiing around the slopes and yeeting off of 8-foot jumps takes a toll on tender 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 her body a break from twisting, turning, and taking up hard landings.

Oofos, Ooahh Slide Sandal — $60.00

Available in black, maroon, navy, and grey. Also find them on Amazon.

“After training, as soon as I take my ski boots off, I wear my Oofos,” Caldwell told Oofos, who is an athlete ambassador for the brand. “My feet, my ankles, my knees feel so much better. Every single athlete should have access to such an incredible recovery tool.”

We can confirm—these squishy shoes are a godsend for both recovery and everyday comfort. Oofos have been a staple amongst Well+Good staffers for years, thanks to its ridiculously cushy foam sole technology that absorb 37 percent more impact in every step. That shock absorption goes a looong way, reducing stress on joints, sore muscles, and achy bones. These shock-sopping super powers have even landed the brand the American Podiatric Medical Assocation’s (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, meaning each pair has been officially A-OK’d by professionals for supporting good foot health.

Sandals, boots, slippers—whatever your preference, Oofos has it in a wide array of colors, patterns (camo! cheetah! ombre!), and sizes. But like we said before, we’re all for copping an Olympian lewk. If you’re with us, it’s reported that Caldwell (alongside other athletes like football Hall of Fame-r Deion Sanders and retired quarterback Alex Smith) pads around in the Ooaah Slide Sandal ($60), a cushy update to the classic ’90s pool slide you know and love. In addition to its super sole, the angled straps also feature a little bit of padding, preventing you from slipping and sliding as you stroll. True to its name, they’ll make you ooooh and ahhh in delight.

Or you can step into the Oocoozie Low Shoe ($120), which has won Caldwell’s heart, too. These closed-toe recovery shoes are covered in a dreamy vegan sherpa that’ll keep you warm through the rest of winter. Come summer, they make a great round-the-house slipper for staying comfy on cold, hard floors.

Oofos, Oocoozie Low Shoe — $120.00

Available in black, brown, and light pink sherpa.

Like we said, we’re never going to be twist and turn like Ashley Caldwell and the rest of her winning aerialist teammates. BUT we will recover like them and give our feet something arguably better than a gold medal—rest and recovery that rivals walking on a cloud.

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