Why Runners Need the Perfect Post-Race Recovery Sandals

Your feet endure a lot more than you realize. Each day they carry the burden of your weight, get you to your destination, and are restricted inside of your shoes for hours. However, they take even more of a beating while you're running. After playing sports, exercising, or running a marathon your feet must be revitalized. Thankfully, recovery sandals are available to help nurture your soles and get you going again. If you’ve never worn recovery shoes and you’re not sure if they’re necessary, here are a few reasons why post-run shoes are important.

The Impact Running Has on Your Feet

You must understand the impact that running has on your feet. It's not enough to slow your pace after you're done sprinting—your soles need an instant break. If you were to burn yourself or get a cut, you'd treat it immediately, right? Well, why not do the same for your feet? Sure, running isn't the same as getting injured, but if your feet are left unattended, it can cause serious problems. Check out this list of common issues.

Athlete's Foot

Athlete's foot happens as a result of a fungal infection. It grows in sweaty areas like the crevices of your toes. Therefore, it's important to change out of damp socks as soon as possible and let your shoes dry after each run. Unfortunately, you can get contaminated by walking on locker room floors or coming in contact with an infected person. Keeping your feet dry after physical activity is key to avoiding athlete's foot, and also why wearing recovery shoes is vital. Recovery sandals allow your feet to breathe and get them out of a damp environment.

Blisters

Blisters aren't a huge deal, but they're extremely painful. Not to mention, they can prevent you from running if the condition worsens. Blisters are caused by constant friction against your shoes. The skin on your toes become soft as you sweat, creating welts on your feet. That's why wearing sandals after a run is the best option. It frees your toes from tight areas that could further cause agitation.

Numbness

Most runners experience numbness in their feet due to improper footwear or tight shoelaces. When you're taking a jog or playing sports, your feet must have circulation. It's understandable to try and prevent your shoestrings from coming undone, but you need to be careful. Interfering with the blood flow to your feet turns off the sensation in your soles, making it challenging to run or walk. Plus, it's weird not to be able to feel your body parts.

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis is one of the more serious conditions that runners get. It causes heel pain that's stimulated by swelling of the plantar fascia, which is the strip of tissue that supports the base of your foot. Furthermore, it creates a sharp pain in your feet— especially in the morning. Luckily, the sensation reduces as the day goes on. However, the symptoms return after standing for long periods, so you must stay off your feet.

What to Look for When Buying Recovery Sandals

Recovery sandals don't hold that title for no reason. After an intense workout, your feet need to rest inside of footwear that's the complete opposite of tennis shoes. The best recovery sandals take your soles on a mini vacation after running. Sometimes it's not an option to soak your feet after being active, so you have to provide them relief in other ways. Below are some features to look for when shopping for running recovery sandals.

Comfort

Comfort is essential when looking for recovery sandals. Think about it...if your post-run shoes feel the same as your tennis shoes, what's the difference? Choose sandals that are soft and have lots of cushion — your feet will thank you for it. Good recovery sandals should contain material that relaxes the feet and provide ease as you walk. Shop for recovery shoes that are unlike traditional sandals by staying away from hard bases and heel platforms.

Lightweight Feel

The weight of your recovery sandals plays a huge role in how quickly your feet bounce back. If your feet feel heavy and weighted from an intense run, you don't need to wear heavy recovery shoes. Choose footwear that's featherweight and easy to walk with.

Stability

In addition to the other features needed in recovery sandals, stability and durability are important. If you run marathons or sprint for long periods, you need dependable footwear. It's a good idea to find sandals with straps so you have support while walking. Additionally, your post-run shoes should withstand wear and tear, especially if you use them often. You won't like buying a new pair of sandals every few weeks, so get a pair that's good quality.

Contour

Lastly, look for running recovery sandals that fit the groove of your feet. You want footwear that hugs your soles and adapts to your arches. Wearing shoes that fit you correctly prevents additional pain and provides support.

Treat Your Feet With Kindness

Listen, running and being active is great. Doing so helps you stay healthy, fit, and happy. But while you're enjoying the physical activity, don't forget about the strain you're putting on your soles. The reason why recovery sandals are a thing is that you need your feet to keep performing. They take such a hard hit while running, and they'll give out on you if they're neglected. Thankfully, you don't have to go through that because there's plenty of post-run shoe options available. If you're in the market for some comfy sandals, browse our online store to find a great selection of footwear!