Recovery footwear has become increasingly popular among athletes and active individuals looking to give their feet some extra love. Two of the biggest names in recovery footwear are Oofos and Oolala. But with different styles available, how do you know which is best for you?
This article examines the key differences between Oofos original and Oolala shoes to help you make the right choice.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Oofos Original | Oolala |
| Cushioning | OOfoam footbed absorbs 37% more impact than traditional foam | OOfoam in midsole and memory foam in footbed |
| Support | Arch support from contoured OOfoam footbed | Arch support pod built into midsole |
| Style | Casual, sporty, minimalist | Fashion-forward, athletic leisure |
| Use Case | Recovery, lounging post-workout | Active lifestyle, being on your feet |
| Price | $$ – $$$ | $$ – $$$ (Luxe $$$+) |
| Models | Slides like OOahh, closed-toe like OOmg | Low and high tops like Breeze, Sea |
Overview Of Oofos And Oolala
Oofos and Oolala were both created by footwear experts who recognized the need for footwear that aids recovery after activity.
Oofos was founded in 2009 by a team of footwear veterans who wanted to make footwear that reduces stress on feet. Their original design features a patented footbed with a soft OOfoam recovery technology to absorb impact.
Oolala was created in 2020 by the founders of Sanuk footwear. They designed Oolala as an athletic leisure shoe to promote foot health through arch support, cushioning and rebound. Oolala shoes also feature a squishy foam midsole.
While both brands aim to give feet a break, there are some notable differences between Oofos original and Oolala shoes when it comes to materials, technology, style and price point.
Oofos Original
The original Oofos are designed with recovery in mind. Their footbed contains patented OOfoam which is soft, resilient and durable. It absorbs 37% more impact per step than traditional footwear foam.
Here are some key features of Oofos original:
- OOfoam technology footbed molds to your feet and absorbs impact
- Arch support to reduce foot fatigue
- Moisture-wicking lining keeps feet cool and dry
- Durable yet flexible outsole for natural motion
- Open-toe and closed toe styles available
- Machine washable
- Vegan and no animal byproduct materials
The footbed is the real star of Oofos originals. The thick, squishy OOfoam offers excellent arch support and cushioning. The footbed is also contoured to cradle heels and toes to align the body naturally. This helps reduce sore, tired feet after exercise or long days on your feet.
Oofos have a casual athleisure style making them ideal for recovery after sport or wear on the go. They have a strap over the midfoot for a secure fit. While they aren’t designed for intense workouts, their comfort and foot-pampering abilities make them a popular choice for pre- and post-workout.
Original Oofos retail for $$$ – $$$ depending on the style.
Oolala
Oolala markets itself as an “athleisure comfort” shoe. It combines the cushioning properties of athletic footwear with a more stylish silhouette.
Here are the key features of Oolala shoes:
- Proprietary OOfoam midsole for plush cushioning
- Memory foam insole molds to feet
- Arch support pod in midsole supports arches
- Textured antimicrobial footbed inhibits odor
- Breathable mesh uppers
- Machine washable
- Vegan materials
Oolala has focused on creating an ultra-cushioned ride to support active lifestyles. Their midsole foam provides responsive cushioning and bounce while the molded footbed offers more arch shaping than Oofos originals.
The upper has performance features like moisture-wicking lining to manage sweat and antimicrobial properties for odor control. So while they aren’t gym shoes, Oolalas do have some extra tech to support an on-the-go lifestyle.
In terms of style, Oolala has more of a fashion-athletic look than Oofos originals. They have a sleeker silhouette and come in an array of fun, stylish patterns and colors.
Oolala shoes retail between $$ – $$$.
Oofos And Oolala: Key Comparisons
Now that we’ve covered the basics of each brand, let’s compare some key features:
Cushioning
- Oofos uses patented OOfoam footbed which absorbs 37% more impact than traditional footwear
- Oolala uses OOfoam in midsole and memory foam in footbed for plush cushioning
- Both provide excellent cushioning, but Oofos original likely has a slight edge in pure softness
Support
- Oofos original provides arch support from contoured OOfoam footbed
- Oolala has arch support pod built into midsole for active arch shaping
- Oolala likely provides more enhanced arch shaping and support
Style
- Oofos has a casual, minimalist athletic style
- Oolala has more stylish, fashion-forward look with fun colors/patterns
- Oolala has sleeker silhouette while Oofos is chunkier
Use Case
- Oofos original best for pure recovery and lounging
- Oolala better suited for active lifestyle and being on your feet
Price
- Both have similar price points ranging from $$ – $$$
- Oolala Luxe styles are most expensive at $$$
So in summary:
- Oofos offers excellent cushioning with its OOfoam footbed
- Oolala provides cushioning plus enhanced arch support for an athletic leisure shoe
- Oofos has a casual sporty style while Oolala is more fashionable
- Oolala is better for active days while Oofos focuses purely on recovery
Also Read: Is Dr. Scholl’s Madison Better Than Nova?
Oofos Styles
Oofos come in both open-toe and closed-toe options. Some of their most popular styles include:
OOahh Slide – The original Oofos slide with OOfoam footbed. Features side logo stripes and can be customized. Approximately $$$.
OOahh Sport Slide – Open-toe athletic slide ideal for post-workout. Has moisture-wicking lining and comes in fun colors. Approximately $$.
Yogi Flip Flop – Everyday thong-style flip flop with OOfoam cushioning. Available in solids and patterns. Approximately $$.
OOmg Low Wedge – Low-profile closed toe shoe with subtle wedge. Cushioning OOfoam footbed and textured outsole. Approximately $$$.
Oolala Styles
Oolala comes in low-top and high-top silhouettes with both athletic and leisure styles. Some popular models include:
Energize – Lace-up high-top with athletic mesh upper in fun color combos. OOfoam cushioning. Approximately $$.
Breeze – Low-top slip-on sneaker with woven textile upper. Features memory foam insole. Approximately $$.
Sea – Thong-style flip flop with pearlized patent straps. OOfoam cushioning. Approximately $$.
Spirit – High-top lace-up wedge sneaker with jersey knit upper. Approximately $$$.
Oolala Vs. Oolala Luxe
Within the Oolala line, the Luxe styles represent their most premium shoes. The Luxe models feature enhanced cushioning and support with higher quality materials.
Here are the key differences between regular Oolala and Oolala Luxe:
- Oolala Luxe has full-length OOfoam midsole instead of just heel and forefoot
- Added latex foam layer for extra cushioning
- Memory foam footbed is anti-microbial and provides arch support
- Upper made of buttery soft leather or velvety suede
- Retails for $$$ – the highest price point
So in summary, Oolala Luxe provides the maximum amount of plush cushioning and support. The Luxe styles are geared towards leisure over athletic activities.
Podiatrist Perspective On Oofos
Podiatrists largely praise Oofos footwear for their recovery-focused design. The American Podiatric Medical Association recognizes Oofos as an APMA-approved product. This means Oofos promote good foot health by following these principles:
- Shock absorption and cushioning materials reduce impact to feet, ankles and knees
- Contoured footbeds provide arch support and promote proper foot alignment
- Durable yet flexible materials allow feet to move naturally
- Moisture management technology keeps feet dry to prevent conditions like blisters or fungus
- Wide toe boxes give toes room to splay and reduce compression
Doctors especially recommend Oofos for those recovering from foot injuries or surgery when extra cushioning is needed. Oofos are also suggested for people whose jobs require prolonged standing or walking to reduce foot fatigue. Those with conditions like plantar fasciitis or diabetes may also benefit from Oofos cushioning properties.
While Oolala hasn’t obtained APMA approval yet, podiatrists would likely recommend their athletic leisure shoes over conventional footwear. Oolala’s cushioning and arch support make them a good choice for mild foot issues or long days on your feet provided there are no major foot deformities or sensitivities. Those needing extra recovery may favor Oofos, however.
Also Read: Differences Between Aerothotic And Oofos.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The main differences are that Oolala has more enhanced arch support from its midsole pod while Oofos focuses purely on cushioning. Oolala also has more of an athletic leisure style versus the casual sporty look of Oofos.
Oofos come in both open-toe slides/sandals and closed-toe shoes. The slide styles like OOahh and Yogi are best for casual wear and recovery while closed-toe options like OOmg provide more foot coverage for being active. Materials and colors vary by style but all contain the signature OOfoam footbed.
Oolala Luxe shoes use premium materials like leather and suede on the upper. They also contain more layers of foam for enhanced cushioning including a full OOfoam midsole. Luxe styles provide the ultimate cushioned leisure wear experience with a higher price point than regular Oolala.
Podiatrists recommend Oofos for recovery and reducing foot fatigue. The cushioning and support features help absorb impact and keep feet properly aligned. Those with plantar fasciitis, diabetes, and jobs requiring prolonged standing may especially benefit from Oofos, although they aren’t meant for serious foot deformities. Oofos have APMA approval for promoting good foot health.
Also Read: Comparison Between Birkenstock Soft Footbed And Birko-Flor.
Conclusion
Recovery footwear like Oofos and Oolala pamper your feet when you need rest and rejuvenation. Oofos originals excel at providing cushy comfort to reduce foot fatigue thanks to their OOfoam footbed. Oolala takes recovery a step further by adding an athletic element with enhanced arch support and moisture wicking features.
Those needing pure cushioning may favor Oofos, but Oolala covers more bases for an active lifestyle. With options ranging from slides to low and high-tops in both brands, you can find the right recovery footwear to give your feet a little extra OOoohhh.