Is the HOKA Restore TC Really a Recovery Sneaker?

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Restore TC HOKA ONE ONE® Restore TC for | HOKA ONE ONE®

When slogans convey that everyone is an athlete, it’s important that brands realize injuries are a part of that lifestyle. I’ve long regarded Birkenstock as a tool for recovery. Having a dedicated high school track and field daughter after being a collegiate athlete who was injured and had to stop competing, I’ve made it a point to shut down her training when she is favoring or showing fatigue. In the past as a coach I was a victim of old school tactics of, “pushing through the pain.” Now as an older athlete training my daughter and assisting with her high school team, I have a more developed understanding of physiology as it relates to youth sports. When she got plantar fasciitis, I got her Birks and she took a couple of weeks off. She was able to finish the year with a championship in the high jump. What does all of this have to do with HOKA’s Restore TC?

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Restore TC

I’ve become a proponent of Birk’s footbed for recovery. I’ve found that the design reinforces natural toe splay and supports the foot and arch allowing the foot to properly rest after intense activities. HOKA has entered this market with a max cushioned slip-on sneaker. In essence, it’s a lot like their running sneakers without the supportive design elements in the upper. Even on their site description the shoe is touted as “guarding against trail debris”. It’s a mixed message speaking to the reality of those looking at the Restore TC will probably wear them as casual sneaker without any interest in if the sneaker really does help the athlete to recover.

Restore TC

The Restore TC rings up at a fraction of the cost of HOKA’s trainers. At only $110 it is less than a pair of Birkenstock Arizona and is definitely more less expensive than the Oomg Sport Low by OOFOS (below), which is a lace up model being positioned as a recovery model at a Birks like 149.99. While I haven’t tried the HOKA Restore TC I’m considering it heavily. Is the Restore TC a product being intentionally positioned as a recovery model? At 110 are you considering purchasing a pair?

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