Bounce Back by Recovering in Birkenstocks

You know recovery is a key element in achieving peak running performance, avoiding injuries, and sustaining long-term health. You know about the benefits of things like yoga and foam rolling. But did you know that you can recover from a tough run just by walking around in the right recovery footwear?

That’s right. You can enhance your recovery routine with active recovery footwear such as Birkenstock sandals.

How Does Active Recovery Footwear Work?

According to Birkenstock, the main problem with traditional “recovery” footwear is that it mimics the environment the foot experiences during a training run by doing what running shoes do - propelling the runner forward while absorbing shock.

This passive approach of providing the feet with additional cushioning between runs helps tired feet rest but doesn’t trigger the benefits of recovery.

Instead, Birkenstock sandals trigger an adaptive response by providing the body, particularly the feet, a new, different environment. Rather than allow the feet to completely rest, these sandals instigate a response in the feet that helps promote muscular benefits while reducing the likelihood of injury.

Birkenstocks promote active recovery by offering “stable support, a neutral stance with room for toes to stretch and spread, and a natural walking motion that encourages optimal toe movement and blood flow.”

How Does the Birkenstock Footbed Promote Active Recovery?

Birkenstock’s famous contoured footbed is the foundation of the brand’s active recovery process. The footbed has four main elements, each of which serves a specific purpose in encouraging foot health.

1. Deep Heel Cup
   The deep heel cup cradles the heel and keeps your natural cushioning right under the heel bone.

2. Longitudinal Arch Support
   The longitudinal arch support runs along the side of the footbed, providing stability with each step

3. Transverse Arch Support
   The transverse arch support runs through the middle of the footbed, helping ensure proper alignment and a solid stance.

4. Raised Toe Bar & Roomy Toe Box
   The raised toe bar encourages the natural gripping motion of your feet, exercises the legs, and stimulates circulation. The roomy toe box allows toes to move, spread and stretch freely.

Cushion is great for absorbing shock while you’re running, but in between runs, you want your footwear to feel stable, not squishy. The firm cork footbed of Birkenstock sandals is a great way to take an active approach to your recovery to help you get back on the road, track, or trails faster and injury-free. Head to John’s Run/Walk Shop in Lexington, Kentucky to find the perfect pair of Birkenstock sandals for you.