Oofos Vs. Crocs: Which Best-Selling Recovery Shoe Is Best for You?

You likely know all about the Crocs Classic Clog; it’s a shoe that’s become highly popular for its lightweight, highly comfortable construction that is easy on the joints—even professional chefs swear by them for long days on their feet. That’s partially because they’re made from Croslite, a proprietary waterproof material that isn’t quite rubber or plastic but the brand’s own special resin blend. They also have a hinged heel strap that can be positioned on top of the shoe or behind your ankle for added stability.

Oofos OOmy Stride

Features at a Glance

Sizes	Womens 5-11
Width	Standard, runs a little narrow
Weight	Approximately 7 ounces, depending on size

The Oofos Oomy Stride might not look like it has much in common with Crocs at first glance, but they are recovery shoes nonetheless. The bouncy sole is designed to give you impact-reducing cushion and support while you walk. And while these slide on, you can also tie them for extra stability. They are machine washable, and the breathable mesh upper makes these flexible even if your feet are feeling swollen. I grab the OOmy Zens after long runs and walks, but I like that the Oomy Strides can be tied more tightly to make my feet feel secure.

OOmy Stride overhead

Crocs Classic Clog overhead

Neither Crocs nor Oofos are perfect when it comes to fit. In fact, the Crocs sizing seems more like a general suggestion. They’re available in women’s sizes 4 to 12 with no half sizes; I typically wear a size 9, and they always feel a little too snug at first, then quickly stretch out and mold to my feet because of the pliable material. My daughter wears an 8 and steals my larger pairs, while my mother wears a 6.5 and has claimed a pair of my daughter’s size 8s. They don’t have different widths, but they tend to run wide, if not a little short.

The OOmy Stride comes in sizes 5 to 11, with multiple half-sizes available. They tend to run small according to some reviewers, and while my pair fit fine, I suggest that shoppers with a wide foot size up. The mesh is stretchy and the ties allow you to get a tight fit if you have a narrower foot.

If you’re looking for ample arch support for physical activity, Oofos is your best bet. For me, slip-ons like Crocs don’t offer enough support for long walks, as my feet tend to supinate. Because of this, the curved midsole of my OOmy Strides are my top choice for walks and errands, as they can really absorb the impact of walking on pavement. (Just note that I don’t recommend running in them.)

For shoppers who don’t plan on doing tons of walking—aside from around the house, the yard, or short stints of movement—I think Crocs offer adequate arch support. I particularly like them because they have a textured footbed that’s supposed to help support circulation. (It sort-of feels like a massage as you walk, especially if you wear them sans socks.) I struggle to do more than a mile of consistent walking in my Clogs, so I wouldn’t recommend them for people who are looking for an active shoe. So while they are well cushioned, the arch support isn’t particularly high or effective for any kind of long-distance walking.

The cushioning on the OOmy Stride is far superior than my Crocs. The midsole feels quite cloud-like when you put them on, and the brand claims that the midsole has advanced impact-absorbing features to protect your feet. In fact, there’s even extra padding in the heel to help better protect the Achilles.

That being said, I’ve found that the cushion wears down quickly. Much like a standard running sneaker, my Oofos typically have a lifespan of around 500 miles. The cushion on the Crocs is much more durable, so while it lacks that bouncy feel that the Oofos have, they have a lot of longevity on their side. Because of the single molding design, the Crocs only have one type of support, while the Oofos have a several lightweight layers that add to the padded feel.

I’ve been wearing both Oofos and Crocs for years, but for this test, I compared two very well-worn pairs of shoes to really get a feel for how they hold up over time. I’ve had this particular pair of Oofos Strides for over a year, and the Crocs Clogs for about five. I alternated them both when running errands, going on short walks, or walking around the house. I keep them in my car to put on anytime I have to work, and I have easily logged over 200 miles in both pairs.

The Oofos OOmy are my go-to recovery shoe. I love them after a long walk, as they still feel supportive while the mesh upper allows my foot to breathe. The cushioning is next level, but they do wear down really quickly. Because of this, I recommend them for walking around, post-workout recovery, and as a gentle walking shoe whenever you need some extra padding.

That being said, I do reach for my Crocs quite often—especially on days when I’ve done 20-mile walks and want to give my feet a break, as I really like the massaging soles and the wide toe box. They are easy and versatile, and while walking in them for distance isn’t great, they are a very comfortable shoe for standing. Plus, their affordable price tag is an added bonus. If you are standing on your feet for long periods of time, the Crocs Clogs are best for you.

If color variety is important to you, Crocs are offered in a wide range of shades and patterns to choose from. I even have a pair of the Mega Crush Platform sandals that are a bit more stylish than the clogs, and the lined-Crocs are almost like cozy slippers for the winter months. Fair warning: Crocs are a lifestyle choice for sure. These aren’t shoes I’d ever wear to work, even if I’d run a marathon the day before. The Oofos look enough like a regular sneaker or shoe that they don’t merit a glance from a stranger, and only you know how comfortable your feet truly are.

Easy-On Slide

OOFOS OOriginal Recovery Sandal

Now 16% Off

Slip-On Option

OOFOS Oomy Zen

Now 38% Off

Comfortable Flip Flop

Heavyweight Sandal

Crocs Stomp Fisherman Sandal

Extra Cushioning

Crocs Mega Crush Sandal

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Good for Winter

Crocs All Terrain Lined Clogs

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