Nicely, post-marathon (and, to be trustworthy, for a lot of weeks pre-marathon, contemplating the 90ish miles per week I used to be logging this cycle!) I’ve been testing three very totally different types of what I’d take into account “restoration sneakers” (actually non-running sneakers!).
From Teva, ROLL Restoration, and Vktry, every of those three choices presents a novel imaginative and prescient on what footwear may be… from the ugly, to the… Nicely, to be trustworthy, they’re all form of ugly in my guide (although I’m not somebody it’s best to take type recommendation from), but when they do the job, who cares?
Under are my ideas and emotions on every, together with an approximate comparability of what they every carry to the desk.
The Teva ReEmber Camp is a kind of sneakers that makes you pause earlier than you place it on — not since you’re uncertain when you’ll prefer it, however since you’re not completely positive what it’s. It’s half slipper, half camp shoe, half puffer jacket on your toes. It’s undeniably somewhat odd-looking, however when you slip into it, that hesitation disappears. It’s ridiculously snug — smooth underfoot, simple to slip into, and heat with out being suffocating.
Teva markets it as a flexible outside or tenting shoe, however I truthfully suppose it shines most indoors. Round the home, after a long term or exercise, it’s precisely what I need. The quilted higher feels cozy and forgiving, and the only real has simply sufficient substance to deal with a stroll outdoors to seize the mail or let the canine out.
The match is roomy, which makes it ideally suited for carrying with socks, although some would possibly discover it a bit unfastened if they need a locked-in really feel. It’s not a shoe you’d wish to hike miles in (or not less than, I positive wouldn’t), however as a restoration or lounge shoe, it’s glorious. In brief: form of ugly, to make certain, useful in its personal
The ROLL Restoration SUPERPLUSH Slide goes after the restoration sandal market immediately (from a model that is aware of restoration… I imply it’s within the identify?!). It appears to be like like an everyday slide…easy, no-nonsense, understated.
However! It hides a extra supportive footbed than your typical informal sandal. Underfoot, it has extra construction and contour than one thing like an adidas “fundamental” slide, so your arch and heel really feel guided relatively than simply floating over foam. The cushioning is agency however snug (I’m truly form of stunned that ”Superplush” is the identify right here), however it’s not that marshmallow softness you would possibly anticipate – it’s a strong, supportive underfoot really feel that also lets your foot calm down.
And truly, in contrast to the VKTRY clog (arising subsequent), I believe these have somewhat an excessive amount of quantity to the higher (or what little of the higher there may be). The middle arch is Roll’s cradle design, and whereas it holds the foot okay, I felt like my foot wasn’t “tall sufficient” to actually interact it. That stated, I had no blisters or irritations, so… they labored as deliberate.
Total, the SUPERPLUSH is a strong, easy possibility for post-run restoration. It does what you anticipate, and possibly a bit extra. The higher is fundamental and useful, and the molded footbed feels prefer it was designed by individuals who perceive what drained toes want, however..it doesn’t fairly hit the “wow” issue (to the extent you need that out of your sandals). It’s not drastically totally different from common slide, and for that cause I’d name it reliable relatively than transformative. I prefer it, however I wouldn’t name it important if you have already got a snug pair of slides.
The VKTRY Restoration Clog — or as I’ve come to name them, “carbon-plated Crocs” — is essentially the most polarizing of the bunch. These clogs are constructed round a carbon-fiber plate embedded in a three-layer sole, designed so as to add construction, stiffness, and a rocker really feel. You may’t bend them simply, which supplies them a way more steady and supportive platform than some other restoration shoe I’ve worn. They really feel strong and critical, like a software for restoration relatively than an informal shoe. Actually, I believe that’s in all probability their greatest use: to put on for an hour or two after a tough exercise, and against being a go-to shoe that simply occurs to present you some additional R&R.
On foot, the stiffness is instantly noticeable, however not uncomfortable per se. The rocker movement encourages a easy roll via every step, and the arch assist feels deliberate. They’re clearly made for drained, worked-over toes that want a little bit of construction.
My predominant difficulty is the amount — even when sizing up (I’ve a 9.0, whereas I often put on an 8.5), the higher sits low over the foot, which induced some gentle sizzling spots for me. They’re snug sufficient, however not one thing I’d wish to put on all day. The trade-off for the added assist and stability is a little bit of clunkiness and fewer plushness in comparison with Crocs. Nonetheless, they’ve their place — when your legs are trashed and also you want one thing supportive and strong underfoot, these match the invoice.
Comparisons
Closing Ideas
All three of those sneakers occupy totally different factors on the restoration spectrum.
The Teva ReEmber Camp is the ”consolation king” – ideally suited for lounging, restoration, or mild indoor/outside put on. After testing them indoors and out, I scrubbed them down and can use them as “slippers” because the temps get chilly.
The ROLL Restoration SUPERPLUSH Slide strikes a center floor: structured sufficient to really feel purpose-built, however nonetheless simple and acquainted. They appear ok, and I actually don’t have something dangerous to say – I’m simply not completely positive they’re vastly superior to, you understand, common slides.
The VKTRY Restoration Clog is the outlier — a restoration shoe with actual engineering behind it, buying and selling plushness for assist and stability.
For me, and to my important shock, the Teva is the one I attain for most frequently – it’s simply really easy and cozy. The ROLL slides are my decide after I need a bit extra construction, and the VKTRY clogs are my go-to when my toes are genuinely beat up after a marathon or laborious block of coaching. Every has its place,it simply relies upon whether or not you need softness, simplicity, or construction.
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AMAZON
Teva ReEmber Camp Slip On
Roll Restoration SuperPlush Slide
Vektry Restoration Clogs
Tester Profile
Michael is a patent lawyer and graduate of Northwestern College Regulation Faculty. Previous to regulation college, he competed collegiately at Washington College in St. Louis (10,000m PR of 30:21). Michael’s PRs embody a 66:46 half-marathon and a 2:20:41 marathon PR on the 2025 Houston Marathon. Michael continues to race on the roads, and is chasing a sub-2:20 marathon and potential OTQ sooner or later.
