In the following interview, we spoke with Dr. Mineo about appropriate recovery footwear, how to avoid foot and ankle injuries, and his favorite recovery shoes from VELOUS.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity
Velous Footwear: How does the type of footwear matter? And what shoe traits do you recommend for patients seeking better foot recovery?
Dr. Tim Mineo: Footwear plays a very important role in the function and recovery of the foot. I feel that most recovery footwear lacks the structural stability that makes it an appropriate fit. The idea is to support the foot but have enough movement range to allow motion, flexibility, and extreme comfort. The VELOUS sandal checks all these boxes by providing a deep heel cup to help control the calcaneal motion and enough support within the medial longitudinal arch. The rocker design allows for flexibility of the foot, and the foam material is extremely comforting.
VF: As an accomplished athlete, why must athletes include recovery in their overall workout routine?
Dr. Tim Mineo: Recovery is the key to building fitness. To train at our limits, we need to maximize recovery in all aspects of our training. I specifically focused on nutritional recovery, mindfulness, muscle support, and joint and muscle range of motion. Recovery footwear has allowed the foot to benefit from recovery.
Personally, I have found it extremely beneficial to go into my recovery sandals immediately after cycling in rigid cycling shoes. I have noticed the benefits of recovery footwear when training the following day.
VF: What is a common foot injury you see among athletes in your practice that could be prevented by wearing good recovery shoes?
Dr. Tim Mineo: The most common foot injuries I see in my practice are caused by overuse and a lack of proper recovery. These are usually soft tissue-type injuries involving the muscles and tendons that help control the foot and lower extremities. Patients may also complain of cramping and muscular fatigue when dealing with these types of foot injuries.
VF: With your practice, what types of regular foot issues do you see from your patients?
Dr. Tim Mineo: I treat many foot injuries caused by inappropriate footwear for the user or the activity. For example, I'll see patients with high arches using motion-controlled shoes — also known as stability shoes — that create biomechanical problems. Similarly, I've seen patients with very flexible pronated feet suffer from overuse because they're not wearing shoes offering proper support.
VF: Does taking care of your feet affect the rest of the body?
Dr. Tim Mineo: Yes, taking care of your feet, especially during recovery, allows for more mindfulness and full-body recovery from an activity.
VF: What features should a good recovery shoe have that a running shoe does not? Are running and recovery shoes really that different?
Dr. Tim Mineo: A running shoe is designed to support the foot during dynamic function and withstand the excessive forces exerted by the foot. While running, we can exert a force 5 to 7 times our body weight onto a single foot. Running shoes can minimize these forces, provide torsional support, and maximize performance. Recovery shoes differ greatly because they allow maximum flexibility, range of motion, and cushioning while maintaining some hindfoot control.
VF: What are popular “misconceptions” that you have heard about recovery footwear?
Dr. Tim Mineo: Using too much foam and not enough structural support in the design of a recovery shoe is a popular misconception among some shoe manufacturers. While using more foam can provide additional comfort, which can aid the recovery process, structural support is also required. The foot is a very complex structure and requires a large amount of structural support to allow the muscles and joints to be aligned appropriately for the most effective recovery.
VF: What are key features one should consider when shopping for active recovery footwear?
Dr. Tim Mineo: When shopping for recovery footwear, I recommend patients look for recovery shoes that provide some motion control of the hindfoot. More specifically, I recommend recovery shoes with a deeper heel cup and arch support; the latter can help relax the midfoot. In addition, it's good to pick a recovery shoe that provides a wider range of motion for the various joints throughout the foot.
VF: Why are these features important, and what do they do?
Dr. Tim Mineo: I find the features in VELOUS footwear to be spot on and what we are looking for in a recovery sandal or shoe. VELOUS understands the three main parts of the foot: hindfoot, midfoot, and forefoot. They understand the importance of controlling the hindfoot and supporting the arch to allow the midfoot to be lined up appropriately so that the joints are in a more neutral position. I also find the foam bed to be extremely comfortable and, at the same time, supportive. I describe the design as bringing the floor up to the foot to help reduce the strain on the joints and muscles.
VF: What is your favorite VELOUS recovery shoe, and why?
Dr. Tim Mineo: I am a big fan of the original VELOUS Pacific Flip; they have been my go-to for years. I am also a big fan of the new Active Flip with soft-toe webbing. My routine when getting off my bike is to immediately put these on to get instant relief from my fatigued feet. I now find myself using these as my daily flips, even when I am not training or cycling. They are really comfortable and provide the support I need.
Velous Footwear Recovery Shoes
Dr. Tim Mineo's insights from our interview highlight the critical role of recovery footwear in both preventing and treating foot and ankle injuries. With his background as a board-certified podiatrist and an athlete, Dr. Mineo brings a unique perspective on the importance of choosing the right recovery shoes. He emphasizes the need for shoes that offer structural stability, flexibility, and extreme comfort, such as the VELOUS sandals. These features aid in the recovery process and contribute to overall fitness and well-being.
Dr. Mineo's preference for the VELOUS Pacific Flip and the Active Flip underscores the significance of selecting recovery footwear that supports the foot's natural structure while providing immediate relief from fatigue. His expert advice serves as a valuable guide for anyone looking to enhance their recovery routine and safeguard their foot health, demonstrating how the proper recovery shoes can make a significant difference in an athlete's performance and daily life.
If you're ready to start improving your recovery, visit the VELOUS store to learn more about recovery shoes or to pick from a selection of high-end recovery shoes and sandals.