comfy shoes

Product Review: OOFOS OOmg

- Mel 2 Comments

Disclaimer: I received a pair of OOFOS OOmg shoes to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!

OOFOS women shoes OOmg

One of my favorite things about being a BibRave Pro is the opportunity to review new products to the market. I’m already a HUGE fan of OOFOS — owning a pair of their recovery slides and randomly winning a pair of the OOriginal sandal during an Instagram contest last year — but never have properly reviewed. Getting the chance to try out their new OOMG shoes gave me that very opportunity!

The first fully closed shoe with OOfoam technology: A combined OOFOS patented footbed design with a 4-way stretch mesh upper that takes stress off your tired soles and joints — providing natural foot movement that allows you to wear the shoe all day, every day.

Short story: OOFOS is ALL about recovery. As a runner, this is super important to me. While the OOmg is good for recovery post-run, they are designed as a lifestyle shoe and meant to be worn at all times.

OOFOS OOmg shoes at yoga
Perfect for commuting to POPUP YOGA
First impression: When I first pulled these out of the box, my first reaction was, “Oh, these are fug.” But seriously, the ugliness wore off when I put them on. These shoes are COMFY. To be honest, they don’t look bad when they’re on my feet, and they were so light. I instantly dubbed these my commuter shoes, as I have to do a good amount of walking from car-to-cube on my work campus; I have worn these to work nearly every day since I got them. I don’t care if I’m wearing a skirt, pants, jeans… fug or not, they have not ripped up my feet like other flats have. AND they’re a lot sleeker than wearing tennis shoes to work.

OOFOS OOmg recovery shoe

Fit: I do want to talk about fit a little bit. Out of the box, these fit snugly and comfortably. I loved how my arch was cradled and the elastic mesh was breathable and didn’t compress the top of my foot at all. Though on my left foot (which is not the wider of the two), my toenails were catching something on the inside-top front of the shoe (I do NOT keep my toenails long, so it was a weird observation). I notice the toe catching — not with every step — it feels like it might rip my toenail off (it’s probably an exaggeration, but it’s a jolting reminder when it catches). I haven’t worn my OOmg shoes with socks and imagine that would prevent, but the no socks thing was exactly why I LOVED these shoes. This hasn’t prevented me from wearing the shoes nearly every day, however.

I’m generally not in-between sizes, but I feel as though that’s where this shoe would fit me better. I haven’t yet tried a size 9, and I feel it would be too big, but I don’t have the comparison. OOFOS OOmg is the perfect post-workout and commuter shoe for me, while also giving me the benefit of:

– Reducing stress on feet, knees, and back
– Enabling more natural motion
– Being extremely light weight
– And being machine washable — which makes these perfect for a rainy day shoe!

OOFOS OOmg commuter shoes

Science!

Learn more about the OOfoam technology:

30-something 40-something approved: I made an investment in comfort brands a few years ago because I was walking everywhere in Pittsburgh (I rarely drove), and I was tired of sore feet and nasty blisters or spots that rubbed (and eventually bled) — even from wearing flats. An ill-fitting shoe positively ruined my day! Though it’s expense to do so, I want to protect my feet; and dang it, I just want to walk comfortably and not have to travel with 382 shapes of band-aids.

OOFOS OOmg bibrave pro collage

The OOFOS OOmg shoe retails at $120, is sold in full sizes, and comes in three colors (black, gray, and citron green). I plan to get the OOmg in another color (likely gray) and can’t wait to see what’s next from OOFOS. At the moment, OOmg is sold in the women’s section of their website, but are considered unisex up to a certain size. Expanded men’s sizes are expected for next year.

Weekly Therapy: Habit wins every time.

- Mel

the week:
My anxiety has been calming, though my concentration factor is nil. So… see you next week!

weekend:
If you’ve been playing along, you know that I’m running a marathon this weekend. Which I will be pulling along my boyfriend for observation who is also celebrating his birthday. Poor guy/what-a-guy. 🙂

52 books in 52 weeks:
#35 Aziz Ansari: Modern Romance — hey, this was a fun book! Aziz cracks me up and the dating research and focus groups feedback made for an entertaining read.

seven things, seven days:
1. Went to Arts & Drafts again this week because Beauty Slap was performing…
2. … and we ended up with some new artwork.
3. I bought my second pair of Cobb Hill boots. They are SO COMFORTABLE — even the heels, in walking over a mile to work. And I just found out that they are made by New Balance!
4. Do you use Evernote? Let me know about your favorite features. Trying to figure out if it’s for me.
5. Give it up: Grit… isn’t all that great. Well, this is interesting. {via The Atlantic}
6. This was totally written for me, but maybe it resonates with you too: How to prioritize, pursue goals and focus when you have many interests. {via Tiny Buddha}
7. Who Am I Without My Uterus? You must read this. {via Huffington Post}

Every 30-something needs: comfortable shoes!

- Mel

It seems like every year, I’m asking all my fashion and beauty people for good recommendations for shoes — I’m talking comfortable boots for women, appropriate for the 30-something city person who walks everywhere, even in inclement weather (hello, Fall!). Because I am a sucker for comfort above all things.

This is where I insert a picture of a stylish, comfortable-looking boot. One that fits all my criteria. Notice how this space remains noticeably picture-free.

An uncomfortable foot is an uncomfortable person. FACT.
Hashtag, shoe therapy.

My checklist is:
No heels.
Real leather — footwear that will eventually “mold” to my foot. Not patent leather either. Nothing plastic-looking.
Low- or mid-calf height — that will. not. sag.
Not ugly.
And not those fuzzy UGGS, for that matter. C’mon, I’m 36, not 16!
COMFORTABLE FOR WALKING SEVERAL CITY BLOCKS IN ONE EVENING.
No heels!
Bonus: warm.
Bonus, bonus: won’t upset my bank account too terribly.

But seriously, people. I AM WILLING TO PAY.

I typically get a few of those from the list, but never the full package. I don’t need a snow boot, since I rotate between my Hunters (with liners) and Sperry’s on wet and flurry days. The Hunters are stylish, yes, but not easy on the feet for long walks — even with insoles. I love my cross trainers, but I haven’t signed away my life to yoga pants and tennis shoes. Yet. I find a cute pair, but they’re cheap; I find a slightly-expensive pair, and they’re ugly. Most often, I succumb to the cheap, but then I get one season out of them.

Why can’t I be stylish AND comfortable? And why can I still not find the right pair of boots? So, spill it, 30-somethings: what boots are your fave?

Week(s) of Therapy: take some time for reflection and relaxation

- Mel

the week:
With 3 wins out of 4 games in our Division 1 tournament in Asheville (whew, tough games!), our derby travel season for 2013 comes to a close. Bittersweet, knowing that some skaters won’t be returning next season. This was really an amazing (and long) year of roller derby. So proud to be part of this team and league. But also so ready to give my body a rest.

Also, Asheville? What a strange, and beautiful place.

asheville mountains biltmore

The Biltmore estate is incredible, however.

photo 1 photo 3

weekend:
I dunno… something about a Duck.

seven things, seven days:
1. Painful loss of a friend who had some struggles in recent years. I hope now that he’s found some peace. But it’s so tragic, and I’m still in shock.
2. Home & Garden tour in our neighborhood was a success! What we’ve labored over outdoors (and that will soon be covered in fall leaves and then snow) is completed and shown to hundreds of nebby strangers. 🙂
3. I had several emails about my submitted resume and phone calls from recruiters while I was gone. GAH! I can’t believe it, all at once.
4. Love, love, LOVE my new New Balance Minimus cross trainers; they are so light and comfortable (even with a weird food injury right now). They are made with Vibram style outsole, but without the separated toe thing. Maybe there’s something behind this barefoot running…
5. Completed my month-long CrossFit fundamentals classes (and did my first WOD with the regular class)! I’m totally pumped about it (and kinda getting used to the wake-up-at-5am thing).
6. As someone particularly interested in human sexuality, this Kinsey reporter app has incredible data about sexual behaviors. (And you can add your own!)
7. Do sexy breast cancer campaigns demean women? Short answer: yep. {via psychology today}

Want more group therapy throughout the week? Follow 30-something Therapy on Facebook.

Every 30-something needs… a pair of comfortable flats! (that are not tennis shoes)

- Mel

I am at a crossroads with my shoe collection. Aside from weddings, I can’t tell you the last time I wore a pair of heels in the last year. And yet, I own something like 80 pairs. Most of them still in storage from the move LAST October! And yes, I have plans for ridding my life of them. Interested?

This means that I’ve been rotating through my flats — a modest collection — and yet, none of them fit properly. Being comfortable has so much to do with well-being. Mood is directly tied to footwear: Flats for comfort, heels to make you feel powerful, boots to keep your feet dry, wedges to make you look like a dumbass when you’re tripping all over the sidewalk. Why else do we go shoe shopping when we’ve had a bad day, amiright?!

On my radar: are they really as comfy as advertised?
On my radar: are they really as comfy as advertised?

Seriously. I’ll pay ANYTHING to own a pair of flats that don’t tear apart my heels and inside of my foot or push on the outside bone near my pinky toe. (OK, probably within reason.) New Toms: terrible. I love my Toms wrap boots SO MUCH, but every time I wear the casual flats, I end up having to slip out of the heel and step on the back of the shoes for the remainder of my errands. Because, OUCH. This happens with SO many pairs of flats for me. The new slip-on Skechers I bought recently? Super comfy in the store, but ONE AFTERNOON of wear put horrible blisters on BOTH feet. Awful, terrible, bleeding blisters. Like, how the hell am I supposed to skate with open sores on my feet?! Strappy sandals are the worst — digging, rubbing, too tight… I refuse to wear flip-flops in the city, so don’t bother suggesting. I’ve tried brands like Mia, Converse, Chinese Laundry and BC Footwear.

Even wearing regular tennis shoes on a hike started rubbing rough on the side of my foot around mile 3. These were fitted by a shoe store professional, by the way. If you’re curious, even with semi-custom skate boots, I still have fit problems, mostly in the heel. It’s a never-ending battle with footwear.

Needs: comfort, support, prefer leather (so it’s something that will eventually mold to my feet AND hold up) — in a style that can go both casual-to-happy hour.

SEND HELP TO MY FEET, 30-somethings!

Drool over SHOES!!! with me on Pinterest.

April showers bring May credit card bills: rainy day retail therapy

- Mel

Have you done an audit on your closet yet this season? Spring is a good time to take account of what’s in your closet and what shouldn’t be. Still have items with tags, with the promise “I’ll wear you soon!” GET RID OF IT. I recommend the Poshmark app. For the rest of your wardrobe, ask individual pieces these questions: have you worn it since last year? Does it fit? Does it need tailored or repaired? Also, don’t forget storage: time to store your heavy winter sweaters for next season and redd-up the sandals collection.

I have at least five skirts that need to go to the tailor before I enjoy this spring (um, that I purchased LAST spring… I need to heed my own advice).

Regardless, after taking an audit of what I needed, I added these few items to my closet:

1. A raincoat. I have no idea how I’ve made it this far in life without a rain coat. This Columbia jacket was picked up at REI and stood the test of a couple-miles walk to the train stop AND an afternoon of tailgating in drizzle. Not to mention, it’s fitted super cute. 30-something APPROVED!

photo 1

photo 2

2. These slip-on sneaks from Skechers. Ugh, the first time I wore them (in the rain), gave me blisters on BOTH heels AND the inside of my toe box after walking just a few blocks between bars (yeah, I took a “personal day” during Beer Week to bar hop-day drink). They were so comfortable in the store, which is unfortunate. I’ll try again because I’m a sucker, but… Dammit.

skechers slip on sneakers

“Comfy” = wearing bandaids on my heels for an entire week.

3. I love easy-breezy spring dresses and also love polka dots. How can you resist this dress from LOFT? Super. Cute. I love the fit and material — a really easy get-up-and-go outfit for this upcoming spring weather (it’s on the way, right?)

optic dot dress

Add any fun spring pieces into your wardrobe? Have you completed a seasonal sweep of your closets?