By Rehan Iqbal
About a month ago, a friend asked me if I should buy OOFOS or Crocs.
So I said “OOFOS, what are those?”.
Seriously, I had actually never heard of them.
Since I’m on my feet all day at work and chasing my rugrats until they decide my day is done, I’m always looking for something, ANYTHING that will make my day a little less painful.
Over the last month, I tested both at work, at home, walking on the street, and doing some light work in the yard. I’m going to break down comfort, durability, SMELL, (YES, this matters), work performance, and, of course, pain relief.
I’m still wearing Crocs, but man OOFOS didn’t make it easy.
Let’s get to it.
OOFOS Vs. Crocs: Quick Overview
OOFOS are an insanely comfortable athletic recovery shoe founded by a former athlete who was sick and tired of hurting all day. I feel his pain.
The secret is in their OOFoam technology, which helps them absorb shock 37% better than other shoes. This takes the pressure off your ankles, toes, heel, arches, and knees while you’re walking around, so you aren’t screaming in agony all night after working out.
They are super popular among athletes these days, which is probably why I’d never heard of them.
Crocs on the other hand, are mainly work shoes designed for people in fast-paced, slippery environments. The whole idea behind Crocs was to make a shoe that was both comfortable and safe to work in, but was also breathable enough not to cause stinky feet or fungal infections when worn 8-12 hours a day or more.
The Croslite technology in Crocs makes them impervious to oil, water, grease, and other workplace shoe destructors.
They’re both super comfortable, but they are for totally different types of customers.
OOFOS vs. Crocs: Who Are They For?
Both these shoes are great, but they are clearly for two different people. That’s why I find it so weird everyone says they are competing with each other. Are you even reading the labels?
Get OOFOS if…
These are ultra comfortable shoes meant to be worn around the house for recovery.
To be fair, I don’t hit the gym as much as I used to, so maybe I just didn’t get the right experience with them! But when I came home from cycling, OOFOS felt like wearing chocolate peanut butter sundaes with whipped cream.
Get Crocs if…
OOFOS vs. Crocs: Quick Summary
Let me sum up my experience super quickly for you, so you know what you’re getting into before buying.
OOFOS are super comfortable, heavily padded recovery shoes that will feel like walking on air, but they don’t offer anywhere near the safety of Crocs.
The arch support and shock absorption of OOFOS is out of this world. I felt almost no pressure on my feet at all at home.
However, they’re lacking some of the safety and “wearability” of Crocs, and that’s a huge deal breaker for me.
OOFOS vs. Crocs: Head-to-Head
After 30 days, I’ve got 3 key observations that will make your decision dead simple. There’s no reason to over complicate things here.
1. OOFOS Are WAY More Comfortable
For just chilling around the house, there’s no comparison. First off, let me just say that I think OOFOS gets its name from the word you say when you first see them.
I was like “OOFOS, these things are ugly”.
But once I put them on, I never wanted to take them off. It’s like walking on clouds. The OOFoam absorbs 37% more shock than a standard shoe, and definitely more than Crocs (though Crocs are still great).
The pressure is distributed so well, and there’s so much arch support that you barely feel the ground.
If you just want a comfortable home slipper, get OOFOS.
2. Crocs Are Way Better for Work
This was priority #1 for me. I work 12-hour shifts in a nursing home. I can’t take any chances here.
Crocs are just way safer and better for work hands down.
Here’s why:
3. OOFOS Are Way More Expensive
OOFOS are more expensive straight out of the box AND they only last about 4-6 months according to the company site.
So not only are you paying more off the rack, you’re going back to the rack twice a year at minimum. Crocs could survive an asteroid impact on the Earth. They will inherit the world when humanity is gone.
If you treat your Crocs right, you should get 3-5 years out of them unless you work in a super busy and chemical-infested environment.
Expect to spend a few hundred dollars per year on OOFOS and about $50 every few years on Crocs.
My Verdict - Should You Buy OOFOS or Crocs?
I think it’s pretty clear.
OOFOS are the more comfortable shoe by far, and they are better at reducing aches and pains after intense exercise.
Crocs, on the other hand, are better and more secure for work due to ventilation, non-slip tech, and a more snug fit.
And here’s the kicker…if you aren’t exercising frequently, you won’t need the recovery tech in OOFOS. Like, I’m sure you work hard at Starbucks, but I doubt you’re running a marathon at work (if you are, please inbox me).
What I’m saying is that, even if you want the pain-reducing feeling of OOFOS, I doubt yours are bad enough to get the most benefit out of them.
So, if you’ve got the money and want a comfortable recovery shoe for home, get OOFOS. If you want something for work that’s comfortable, reduces pain, keeps you upright, and isn’t so ugly you want to cry, get Crocs.
Let me know which one you choose!
F.A.Q
Q: What is the difference between OOFOS and Crocs?
A: The difference between OOFOS and Crocs is that OOFOS are athletic recovery shoes and Crocs are non-slip, durable work shoes. One is primarily for active people to wear around the home and the other is for people working long shifts in slippery environments.
Q: Are OOFOS made by Crocs?
A: No, OOFOS are not made by Crocs. They are two separate brands.
Thank you for your thorough review! I absolutely appreciate your content regarding oofos vs crocs. Now I know what I need to get for work!
Glad you found it useful.
Do you think Oofos would be better for elderly people considering general age related aches and pains, decreased natural foot cushioning. Would Crocs be preferred for safety?
My choice would be Oofos. See lot of elderly people wearing Crocs too.
Best to get profeesional mediacal advise for your own situation, as the wrong shoe can aggravate matters
I bought a pair of Oofos a week ago and all I have to say is their comfort level beats Croc in every way. I work in the Operating Room and am on my feet all day, sometimes more than 12 hours. My feet did not get sweaty, and I wear good compression knee highs. If Crocs work for you then great. But the Oofos are the most comfortable shoe I’ve ever worn to work. And they are non-slip.