VKTRY Recovery Clog Review

VKTRY Carbon Fiber Performance Insoles have made waves on the internet with viral commercials of the insoles popping over football goalposts. They’re incredibly stiff and thick and not our favorite insoles (these are). But VKTRY’s back at it, adding carbon fiber to another sporting goods related product that doesn’t usually have it. The VKTRY Recovery Clog is a new take on post-competition footwear.

Does the VKTRY Recovery Clog deliver a comfortable post game experience? WearTesters is the internet’s resident team of footwear experts, so we’re going to find out.

What is the VKTRY Recovery Clog?

According to VKTRY, the Recovery Clog “helps athletes recover faster with a soft EVA upper dual-density footbed for cushioning and a carbon fiber plate for stability.”

Now, the helping “athletes recover faster” part is often claimed and rarely backed up with science. We don’t have research or medical experience so we won’t be touching that claim. We’ll leave that to those that focus more on the science of sport and gear.

But we’ll tell you if the VKTRY Recovery Clog includes the technology as advertised and delivers the promised comfort.

Cushion

The VKTRY Recovery Clog features a soft wave-textured EVA footbed atop a VKTRY carbon fiber plate which sits above the EVA outsole which is molded into the rest of the Clog.

Other than the carbon fiber plate, this is a fairly standard clog format, of which there are two. One where the entire body is made of the same material and the other where there’s a softer footbed inserted for extra comfort.

The Crocs Classic Clog is an example of using one foam for the whole body and cushion. The Kane Revive is an example of the dual density setup with a carrier foam and softer footbed. If you’ve tried various clogs, you likely have a preference.

I like both at different times. Sometimes I want the simpler firmer ride and sometimes I want the softer cushion underfoot. That largely depends on my body. And as I age, I’ve leaned more towards the firmer ride.

Which is why the VKTRY Recovery Clog is so interesting. Because of the carbon fiber plate and the foams used, it is a firmer, stiffer clog. The footbed starts out firmer than expected but does start to break in with wear. At that point, I started sinking into the foam a bit, just enough to up the comfort from a traditional Croc-like Clog.

The footbed also contours against the foot with a slightly elevated arch. It’s just enough arch support to be helpful while staying unobtrusive. It’s hardly noticeable but adds a degree of comfort to the footbed that many clogs can’t touch.

The Recovery Clog always stays stiff but that’s part of the design. If you enjoy the stiffness carbon fiber plates add to your running or basketball shoes, you’ll enjoy it here.

Support

The VKTRY Recovery Clog is the most stable, supportive clog on the market. Some Kane models come close but they can’t match the work the carbon fiber plate does in this shoe.

The firmer midsole carrier foam also helps, allowing VKTRY’s clog to maintain its shape and support across uneven surfaces.

Traction

The outsole pattern on the VKTRY Recovery Clog is thick wavy lines carved into the foam build of the clog. It grips well in wet and dry conditions and may even be usable in an industrial kitchen environment (though I didn’t get to test it in one, please comment down below if you have).

Durability-wise I expect the VKTRY Recovery Clog to have a slightly longer lifespan than other foam clogs but fall short of clogs with outsole rubber. It’s a firmer, more resilient foam than most clogs but no foam can match the lifespan of a rubber outsole.

Upper

The upper of VKTRY Recovery Clog is a hard shell foam sort of like what Crocs uses, but it’s firmer and more readily handles abrasions. It also shows less wear.

Unlike many clogs, the VKTRY Recovery Clog only has holes along the lateral and medial sides, preserving breathability while hiding those valuable toes from prying eyes [Editor’s Note:if they want to see the toes, they gotta pay]. This has the added benefit of making it harder for the upper to deform when, say, someone accidentally steps on your foot. You’re much more protected from stomps and falling objects in VKTRY’s clog than many others.

Is the VKTRY Recovery Clog wide foot friendly?

Yes, the VKTRY Recovery Clog is wide foot friendly. From heel to toe there’s plenty of room for wide footers. The space for forefoot toe splay is much appreciated and makes a huge difference in jumpstarting recovery for overworked feet.

As for length, the Recovery Clog runs true-to-size but is only available in half size increments. If you order your true size (for example, if you’re size 11 you’d order 10.5-11) it will feel about how you’d expect a shoe to feel with the typical amount of room you’d get on a running or basketball shoe. If you want extra room around your foot, you can size up. VKTRY recommends sizing up if you’re undecided.

VKTRY also realizes the sizing can be tricky and has a 90 day return policy. You can try them on at home and see if the fit is correct. If not, it’s straightforward to make an exchange for the proper size.

Is the VKTRY Recovery Clog worth $99?

That’s a hard question. You can get two pairs of Classic Crocs for that price. If you’re a value clog shopper and aren’t as concerned with the build, longevity, or comfort then you’ve got plenty of options on Amazon, Crocs, and various other brands and retailers.

But, if you want a firmer but still comfortable ride that’s built more substantially than the majority of clogs, the VKTRY Recovery Clog is a good option. The price is going to feel high, there’s no way around that. But if durability, comfort, and the extra support are key targets of your clog search, you’ll end up feeling like you got proper value from your purchase.

How to use the VKTRY Recovery Clog

The VKTRY Recovery Clog is best used post sports and for casual wear.

VKTRY Recovery Clog Summary

The VKTRY Recovery Clog is one of the most substantial, stiff, supportive, and pricey Clog options on the market. For some, it’ll check all the boxes and be exactly what they’re looking for from an elevated clog. For others, it won’t make sense due to the price or their preference for a different experience underfoot. The VKTRY Recovery Clog has a viewpoint on post game footwear and delivers on that thesis. Whether that matches what you want from a recovery clog is up to you.

How does the Author Run?

Drew Whitcomb (age 43, 6’6″ 200lbs): Runs daily with a once a week rest day. Runs a lot of miles due to testing needs and a growing affinity for long-distance races. Regularly competes in marathons, half-marathons, 10k, and 5k races.

Disclosure

While VKTRY did provide a pair of its Recovery Clog to facilitate this review, the company had no involvement in this review, didn’t receive an advance look at it, and has not attempted to influence it.