A good pair of performance-oriented road cycling shoes is designed to be snug, light and ultra-stiff to maximise power transfer, stability and pedalling efficiency.
Still, after four or five hours of turning the pedals, I’m always relieved to unclip, peel my shoes off and set my feet free. I’m no podiatrist, but I can’t imagine that wearing rigid carbon soles day after day does our feet many favours.
And that’s where the emerging market of recovery footwear comes in. Initially created with runners in mind, they’re just as useful for cyclists, giving our feet room to breathe, stretch out and recover from the demands of grinding away at the pedals.
Even in the best cycling shoes, riding for extended periods of time keeps your feet in one position for hours, limiting natural movement and causing tension. Recovery slides counter that by letting your feet decompress, restoring a more natural stride, and easing stress on overworked muscles and tendons. And there’s science behind it, too. Early studies show recovery footwear can reduce lower-leg muscle forces and may even improve peripheral circulation, with ongoing research investigating benefits for joint pain and mobility.
Despite the name, SUPERPLUSH™, ROLL Recovery slides are actually firmer than plush. Compared with softer Nike or Adidas slides, these feel dense, with a firm, structured and supportive footbed. And that density and structure are what make the difference.
Supporters of recovery footwear argue that without proper structure, your plantar fascia, Achilles, and calves remain under strain. A shaped footbed helps distribute weight, improve alignment and boost circulation, making your feet feel better now and fresher tomorrow.
If nothing else, these slides are simply comfortable, and after eight months of daily wear, they’ve held their shape and support impressively well.
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