OOriginal Sandal

The verdict

The OOriginal is a flip-flop made of OOfoam, a closed-cell foam that squashes on landing and springs back slowly. Oofos says it absorbs more impact than traditional footwear foam, and after a long run it feels true: the first steps are noticeably softer than bare floor.

The footbed has a pronounced arch that cups the foot instead of letting it flatten. That is the part tired feet tend to notice most, and it is why the OOriginal works for plantar-fascia-prone runners who hate flat slides.

It is not a shoe for walking far. The foam is so soft that it feels vague on long walks, and the toe post takes a few wears to stop rubbing. As something to slip on after a run and wear round the house, it is hard to beat for the money.

“The cheapest recovery upgrade we know of.”