When you’re looking for sandals to help you stay comfortable and recover faster, you’re bound to come across the Oofos and Vionic brands.
They’re both popular, and you’ll find loyal fans of each one. If you’re trying to decide between Oofos vs. Vionic, we’ve made it easier for you in this review. You’ll be able to compare the two directly and determine which is likely best for you and your needs.
Ultimately, they’re both great sandals. But some differences could change your mind in favor of one or the other.
Let’s have a look at the Oofos slides and flip-flops vs. Vionic slides and flip-flops.
Main Differences & Similarities Between Brands
The biggest difference—that’s easy to see—is that Oofos are made of a single piece of material while the Vionic have uppers that are distinctly separate from the footbed and made from a different material.
Another notable difference is that Oofos slides and flip-flops are all machine-washable, whereas Vionic shoes aren’t.
Both shoes are approved by the APMA—American Podiatric Medical Association. This means both brands manufacture shoes that are excellent for foot health.
They’re similar enough in price to be on par in terms of budget.
Upper
Oofos
The Oofos flip-flops—Ooriginal sandal—has an upper that’s carved out of the same piece of material that the footbed is.
Similarly, the slide sandal—the OoahhSlide—features an upper made of the same piece of material as the rest of the shoe.
Neither are adjustable, so getting the right fit is imperative. Both uppers have small holes in them for extra breathability—the slide, a large slit on the top of the foot, and the flip flops, small triangles on either side.
Vionic
The Vionic flip flop—the Wave—features an upper made of nylon webbing. It’s quite obviously a different material from the footbed and is lined with soft material underneath to prevent chafing on your feet.
Their slide sandal—the Kiwi—features a thick hook-and-loop strap that can easily be adjusted to fit your foot. You can get the upper in synthetic leather or suede, so it has a sleek, classy look to it.
There’s no additional venting for breathability on the Vionic sandals.
Midsole
Oofos
Oofos’ footbed features a proprietary footbed designed by a team that includes footwear veterans and a foam chemist. This has resulted in a sculpted footbed that gently aligns the foot’s joints, improving ankle, knee, and even hip health.
It’s made of OOfoam, a foam compound that absorbs up to 37 percent more shock than other similar materials. It’s also moisture-resistant, water-resistant, and odor-resistant, as well as lightly textured.
Their footbed features surprisingly good arch support, which is the starting point for aligning the feet.
Vionic
The Vionic shoes use a biomechanically-designed EVA footbed that’s been created by podiatrists. The Orthaheel Orthotic footbed is contoured to provide support in all the right places, aligning your feet and leading to better foot health.
It’s quite a bit more textured than the Oofos footbed, so if you need extra grip when you’re walking, this could be the better choice. They also feature great arch support.
Outsole
Oofos
The outsole of the Oofos sandals is made of the same material as the rest of the shoe. It’s designed to be “separate” from the rest of the shoe by being cut ever so slightly smaller than the midsole section.
It has a light texture for better grip when walking and a mild rocker sole to help make the heel-to-toe transition easier and quicker. You’ll find two flex grooves—one running from the heel to the ball of the foot area and one across the back of the midfoot.
It’s also excellent for shock absorption, as a good chunk of it underfoot is added to the midsole.
Vionic
Vionic’s outsoles are distinctly separate from the midsole. They’re made of TPR—thermoplastic rubber—and have a tight wave-patterned tread that offers good grip on several different surfaces.
This rubber is likely to be more durable than Oofos’ foam outsole. Vionic’s midsole and outsole combination is a little thinner than Oofos, so it may not absorb shock quite as well, although it does a good job.
Other Features
Fit & Comfort
Oofos
Oofos sandals tend to run slightly larger than Vionics. It’s difficult to say whether or not they run torque to size, as reports vary. However, the company suggests that if you’re between sizes, you size up for women and size down for men.
They’re known to be extremely comfortable, even if you do get a slightly larger fit. For comparison purposes, they’re softer and more comfortable than Crocs.
Vionic
Vionic shoes typically run true to size, although they recommend sizing down if you usually wear a half size. In terms of comfort, they’re a little firmer than the Oofos, but they provide excellent support and comfort.
Vionic shoes are made to be worn all day, whereas Oofos are made for recovery. Their comfort level is high when wearing them for an extended period.
Weight
Oofos
The Oofos Ooriginal Flip Flops and Ooahh Slide both weigh less than 6 ounces. The Ooriginal flip flops weigh around 5.6 ounces for an average-sized shoe, while the Ooahh weighs 4.6 ounces.
Vionic
The Vionics are a little heavier than the Oofos, possibly due to the various layers of material included in the shoe. The Wave flip-flop weighs around 7 ounces for an average-sized shoe, while the Kiwi Slide comes in at around 9 ounces.
Price
Both shoes are quite comparable in price, so the cost shouldn’t be a big factor in deciding which one works for you. The Vionic shoes are both available for $69.95 on the company website, while the Oofos sandals cost a little less, $59.95.
Color Options
Both the sandals come in muted, neutral colors rather than bright colors. Oofos has more color options than Vionic, although Vionic’s shoes are two-toned due to the separate layers.
Durability
Oofos
Oofos’ single-material design makes the shoe fairly durable. There’s no stitching, gluing, or otherwise connecting the shoe, which adds to the shoe’s durability.
If you use them often, the outsole may begin to wear away. However, the thick chunk of foam should mean that you’ll get many miles of use out of these shoes.
Vionic
Vionic sandals are naturally more prone to wear and tear than the Oofos due to their multi-material upper. There’s more chance of wear where two materials meet.
Vionic sandals use TPR rubber on the outsole, which is significantly more durable than the foam on Oofos.
However, the outsole is thinner than that on the Oofos, which means they’re quite comparable in terms of durability. The Vionics’ outsole is likely to handle rough terrain more easily than the Oofos.
Summary
Both Oofos and Vionic are high-quality shoes with an APMA certification. They’re both great for keeping your joints aligned, providing comfort, and keeping you safe on uneven ground.
But which one comes out on top? Ultimately, it depends on the person buying and their unique needs and wants.
The Oofos is an excellent choice for those looking for a soft, comfortable, and supportive recovery sandal to wear in the home. That being said, they can still be taken outdoors, as they’re waterproof and odor-proof.
The Vionics are a great option for those who wish to wear good-looking, comfortable, and supportive shoes when leaving the house. They’re designed to be worn for hours at a time while supporting the feet adequately and comfortably.
There’s no right or wrong answer to the Oofos vs. Vionic question. In the end, it depends on you and your preferences. There’s nothing wrong with getting one of each!
