Deckers x Lab Recovery Footwear Review - X-SCAPE, Ko-Z Collection (2024)

Matt: It has been a long time since I have had a shoe actually meant for casual purposes and I have used the X-SCAPE Mid exclusively. In clinic, while teaching, running through airports, on errands. Even a few 2-3 mile runs. The X-SCAPE Mid takes everything from the X-SCAPE Low and adds a significant amount of wool and a higher ankle collar. This creates both the look and feel of a very big shoe. The shoe itself is very comfortable. The upper is thick, but very supportive. There is a flexible heel counter and the H-Brace provides a very good lockdown on the arch and ankle. The platform is very wide, which when combined with the H-brace, heel counter and overall lockdown makes the shoe very naturally stable. There is a significant of medial and lateral heel flare. However, it is beveled, which still provides a smooth ride but certainly increases stability at the heel (which is noticeable in a good way). The ride is fairly rockered and features a metarocker design. Despite the rocker, the forefoot actually has a good amount of flexibility, making toe off very smooth. Heel contacts initially were a bit premature due to the posterior heel flare/swallow tail design. As I got used to this, the PU midsole foam compressed nicely and the shoe rolls along with me efficiently without feeling weird.

The ride is fairly soft throughout the length of the shoe between the PU and wool insole and the PU midsole. PU is a heavier material, but it is more resilient and bouncy than EVA. Running along the shoe feels lighter than my measured weight of 18.1 oz for a men's size 10. This certainly is not a performance running shoe, although running a few miles in them was not horrible. The X-SCAPE MID is definitely more of a long casual day shoe however. The upper has a good amount of volume. The laces integrate well with the upper and the heel, midfoot and forefoot can be widened or tightened down depending on what you need. The upper responds very well to the laces, which I encourage people to mess with to create your best fit. There is plenty of room in the toebox, with a more anatomic fit up front. The midfoot and heel vary in width depending on how tight the laces are. At a normal tightness, there is a medium width with potential for more room as needed. The tongue is gusseted, is very thick and does not slip at all. I have worn this shoe sockless for up to 6-7 hours at a time and had no blisters or hotspots. The wool heel collar and insole provide a very nice against skin feel, so this is definitely a shoe you can do that in.

Despite the weight, the X-SCAPE Mid is a well-designed casual shoe that has keep my feet fresh over long days. I have not noticed my feet fatigue and there is a mild arch. The styles are great. Know that you are purchasing a $200 performance inspired shoe. This is not a running shoe, although I did run without too much issue (outside of the weight) in these, it can be used to run, has a high amount of cushion, features an incredibly comfortable and adjustable upper, features a great deal of wool and there is a lot of shoe here. The combination of these factors plus a leather and wool upper makes it worth $200 in my mind due to the quality of materials. I would not normally spend this much on a casual shoe, but the quality is clearly there. So if you want a performance leather, high ankle collared, highly cushioned, rockered but flexible, against skin comfort, and a large amount of shoe, the X-SCAPE Mid is a shoe you should check out.

David: The KO-Z Collection is indeed quite cozy. I have found myself wearing this collection of footwear SO much more than I though I was going to. The KO-Z Collection utilizes some familiar components from several of the Deckers companies including HOKA ONE ONE, UGGS, and Sanuk to some degree. They all utilize a memory foam platform that is closest to the foot bed with a total of a 5 layer foam underneath. All of the foams are of different density. This seems to make the foam having components of both suspension, cushion, and support at the same time. The outsoles are full contact and they all feel very stable for how much foam there is. It is an interesting combination of soft and firm. The shoe also uses a metarocker in the heel to help with transitions at initial contact (much more prevalent in the GLDTR and SLIDES). At first it feels a little bit clunky but overall it works pretty well, especially in standing for the bevel angle is large, but not rounded so much that it feels like your weight is shifting when you are standing. Below are some distinguishing and unique features for each model.

The KO-Z SLIDES utilize the same memory foam foot bed and 5 layer midsole. The upper is constructed of a soft wool an d leather like upper on the outside. The inside of the upper is constructed of the same wool in the SNPR mid. The hold is really good over the dorsum of the foot and I had no problems with slippage or foot translation. It is incredibly cozy and comfortable. There are 2 straps along the lateral aspect of the shoe that you can adjust to help make the lockdown more comfortable for you. I think these are the most versatile of the collection for me personally, for aesthetically I can wear them in warm/hot conditions as well as slightly cold conditions as well. Pricing is at 130 dollars. It is pretty steep for the sandals, but I do wear these almost every weekend when I am out or after my runs. I do stay away from some "dirty" areas like walking trails out of fear of making the wool dirty and retaining material, but this model is definitely worth consideration as well.

The KO-Z GLDTR and the SLIDES are similar but different at the same time. The GLDTR utilizes a more traditional flip flop like design with a sturdy thong strap between the great toe and second toe. The hold and lockdown is done really well in this model. The inside of the strap also utilizes the temperature resistant wool and continues to do a great job. The lateral three toes are exposed outside of the wool, but this didn't seem to be a problem for me with temperature. I am more of a SLIDES guy personally, but for those that like having a thong strap and a solid lockdown the GLDTR could be an option worth looking into.

Nathan: The SLIDES are my secondfavorite in the KO-Z collection. I find the adjustable strap very useful and makes fit much easier to adjust. My history with slides is that the straps are too loose, but the strap mechanism here is slick and effective. The wool underlay of the strap is also quite comfortable and even kept my foot mostly warm throughout the winter. There are some things that I had to get used to/had issues with. First is the footbed. It utilizes a memory foam bed that is mostly a synthetic feeling material with the arch being of wool. Without socks, I felt that the foot bed felt a bit sticky as my foot interacted with it more and started sweating a bit. Therefore, I wore socks with them and really enjoyed the comfort (yes, I know...I'm super fashionable). The other issue I had with this shoe (as well as the Mule) is the extended heel. I understand some of the theory of extended heels that are beveled for running (prolonging the weight absorption time and therefore decreasing impact forces), but this actually functioned more as a tripping hazard for me. Given that the heel isn't secure on the foot, it would separate from the heel when walking (as sandals should). When going down stairs, I would regularly catch the heel on the stair above. I never fell, but for people who are at a fall risk, I'd be cautious before investing in these. All things considered, I love the ease of sliding in and out of these and will certainly utilize them this summer.

Bach: Working from home means I’ve had a lot of time spent in the Slides and Glidtr. When you think about sandals and flip-flops, you typically are looking at a very thin material or a slab of foam. There’s something jarring at first to sudden be atop such a huge platform like this. The foam does take a minor bit of break before you start feeling the benefits of the many layers of cushioning. Once the foam is broken in though and the top layer starts conforming to your feet, the sandals provide a soft step-in that feels good after long runs and on rest days. I do take issue with the amount of foam that extends past the heel, making for an uncomfortable transition there unlike the X-SCAPE Low design. It's also a lot of foam to crash into the ground, which makes me hesitate from moving quickly in either pair.

I went with my typical walking shoe/sneaker size [eg. Vans, Converse] instead of sizing up to my running shoe size and felt that was the right decision for the Slides. For the Glidtr though, there are some issues compared to the Slide.

The key difference between the Glidtr and Slides is how the upper wraps your foot. The Slide uses velcro to help strap the upper to the midfoot while the Glidtr fits like a regular flip-flop that you simply slide your feet. Due to the significant amount of foam underneath and slightly heavier weight than your typical sandal, the lockdown of the Slide feels significantly more secure and stable for daily use and helps make you feel like you’re really getting the full benefits of the foam underneath. There’s the added benefit of all the soft fur from the full length strap over your midfoot. I wasn’t able to get that with the Glidtr due to the loose fit. The strap will surely also accommodate a large range of foot widths which is another advantage. The Glidtr may benefit from sizing down in order to get better footing, but the extra security of the velcro from the Slides is hard to pass after trying the two side-by-side over time.

There are a couple of quirks with the sandals. The top foam is a slightly slick, squeaky material. The outsole is also very grippy which is great for walks outdoors, but for use at home it’s hard to not hear the noise on hardwood flooring or tile.

KO-Z SNPR MID
$150 at Deckers x Lab

Nathan: The KO-Z Collection sports a combination of 5 foams throughout the midsole, and I must say that it is really a great combination. It feels cushioned, supportive, and stable (with some issues I'll dive into on individual shoes). Each of the shoes I tested have unique features like being more of a boot slipper vs. a slide vs. a fancy clog, which make them suitable for different times of year (for me in Wisconsin) and personal preferences.

This is the shoe of all 4 that I was sent that I can vouch for the most on a number of different levels. First, the platform is great. Very cushioned, strategically placed areas of memory foam and material to prevent breakdown and distribute pressure (like under the heel and the ball of the foot), and the wool interior make it an incredibly comfortable "slipper". This was my absolute go-to throughout the Wisconsin winter. If I hadn't been testing out other shoes, I would have worn it at home every day. During the winter, it was the perfect blend where it kept my feet warm without making them sweat. That said, I do prefer to wear socks in them versus going barefoot for the sweating reason. The outsole is robust where I've also worn them out of the house quite a bit, and work really well for transitioning from running/hiking back to casual wear during the winter because of the comfort and how warm they keep your feet. The kicker is that everyone that saw them absolutely loved the looks. Top to bottom a very comfortable, warm, and cushioned slipper. The price sits at $150. It's a lot, but for the amount that I've used them I would pick up a pair for myself. Definitely holding their value for me. As for sizing, I appreciated the fit in my size 9 (my typical running shoe size). It felt slightly snug initially, but quickly the memory foam compressed and the wool did as well, making a very nice fit.

David: The KO-Z SNPR MID on the surface looks very similar to a pair of UGGs. The construction is of high quality throughout. The shoe is water resistant throughout on the outside with a soft leather like material. The inside is a temperature resistant wool that is incredibly comfortable. The shoe is wearable both with and without socks. The foot bed does have a couple of high contact areas with a different like material that has some texture with more grab for a bare foot if you are wearing them that way. The wool does a great job of keeping your foot warm without overheating it. The pricing is not up on the site as I am typing this, but I remember it being around the 180 to 200 range. Given the colorway works for you, this is one is definitely worth consideration. Incredibly comfortable throughout. If you are in between sizes, order a half size down.

Matt: The KO-Z SNPR Mid has the softest and most comfortable upper I have ever tried. It beats all the slippers I have had. The upper can easily be worn barefoot and the upper and insole, with the extensive amount of wool, it is very comfortable. The fit is very slipper like. It does fit very true to size, if almost a hair short, in my normal men's size 10. I have to wear this sockless as it feels short with socks. The width is normal to slightly wide. There is a plenty of room throughout the shoe and the wool will accommodate a variety of foot types.There isn't much of an arch in this shoe, but there is a low heel clip around the medial and lateral sides of the heel. As the fit is a bit higher volume, I did not notice the clip. So overall a stable ride due to the wide platform, but not much other influence. However, due to the wider volume fit, the lock down is not best. While walking, I get a great deal of heel slippage and rise with every step. The wool upper protects against rubbing. The ride is not the smoothest. This is definitely a shoe that you should use for short distances. The wool insole is comfortable, but it sits on top of a firmer EVA midsole. There is an 8 mm drop with a 25 mm / 17 mm stack height. Although a meta-rocker is listed as a component here, there is not much of a rocker. There is a very small heel bevel and a posterior heel flare that does cause an early initial contact. While that are holes cut through the forefoot to supposedly add flexibility, The forefoot is fairly stiff with very subtle toe spring. The wool upper though makes up for all this by keep the feet very comfy. It has kept my feet warm during cold weather, but can get a little warm during heat. A great shoe for keeping your feet warm and walking around the house or shorter distances. While this a large shoe with a high quality upper with sheepskin and wool, it is a very expensive, but comfortable pair of slippers that double as casual shoes.

KO-Z VENTURE
KO-Z Venture | $140

Nathan: This has been a new arrival for testing here at Doctors of Running, and it quickly became my non-winter go-to and the SLIDES were relegated. I tested this throughout the entire summer of 2021 and it was on my feet from the minute I get home to the time I go to bed. Much of the construction mirrors what was happening with the SLIDE, including the 5 layers of foam, wool underlays, and extended heel. However, there is more coverage over the top of the foot and it has a heel strap. the heel strap is what makes this a sandal/slipper that I can use for almost anything around the house and even taking my kids for walks around the block. There are two adjustable areas to secure the foot. One is the heel strap itself and the second is a small strap on the outside of the coverage of the top of the foot. The way it worked best for me was to secure the heel strap to fit and then never touch it again, while using the second, smaller strap for loosening the sandal to take it on and off. With having multiple velcro adjustments, I was worried about longevity and security. But even after daily use for the last several months, it has stayed secure with no slippage or worsening in the velcro security and stability.

The footbed has also been very comfortable for daily use during hot summer days. Even with the increased coverage, I did not fight with overheating or excess sweating in the feet. Given the heel strap and securing the foot to the foot bed, the extended heel was not as much of an issue as it was for the SLIDES, but it still was "in the way" when descending stairs or even when sitting on the floor with my legs extended. The extended heel just elevates the entire leg off the ground, so if I want to hang out on the floor with my kiddos or just to watch TV or read, I have to take them off. I think this could be modified and really improve the overall functionality and comfort of the VENTURA (and other models). Finally I should talk about aesthetic. I personally am fine with anything that feels good on my feet, and this certainly does. However, my wife has, more than once, asked me to change footwear before we went somewhere. It may just be one person's opinion, but I think she's pretty "hip", so that might be worth considering. I think that a less extreme heel and different colorway options may temper the aesthetic.

There is very little research on recovery shoes. Most of it has been done privately by cmpanies and has not been released to the public. The few studies out there do not have the best methodology and make some exaggerated claims. One of the most notable studies thus far has been from Nakagawa et al., (2018) that suggested that soft, maximalist, rockered shoes improved isometric force output and muscle hardness after a marathon within 24 hours compared to 8 days in the control group. This author did another study in 2014, but I will not cite it or discuss it further here because it is absolute garbage. For a very thorough and well done analysis of that article, I encourage you to read Craig Payne's thoughts HERE. The 2018 article (while not perfect) does suggest that a few shoe components may facilitate recovery faster. Additional extrapolated evidence may come from a systematic review done last year on shoe types that may impact lower limb blood flow (Lerebourg et al., 2020). Similar conclusions were made, with unstable and soft shoes facilitate better blood flow compared to shoes with firmer, high heeled, immobilization or barefoot conditions. This may be due to the muscle pump effect on the venous system. The veins do not have muscles in them to pump blood out of the limbs and back to the heart. They rely on pressure from external forces and from the arteries. That pressure frequently comes from muscle pumps, ie the surrounding muscle tissue contracting and helping squeeze blood back to the heart. This is the basis for the concept of active recovery and why staying moving in a way that doesn't overtax the system tends to improve recovery.

In this case, soft unstable shoes may continue to increase muscle activation, which may help keep the body and blood flow going. However, you have to stay moving in some way to get this. Just sitting while wearing these shoes may not have much of an impact. Walking around in them however might. The rockered sole will reduce work at the ankle (which is a common place for fatigue after long distance running). The softer and thicker midsoles will reduce the perception of impact, potentailly allowing for more mobility. The instability may improve muscle activation (this is a debatable topic for another day). However, you have to be moving to get the benefits. So remember, active recovery post exercise is very helpful. These footwear types MIGHT help with that, but we need a great deal more research before we make definite conclusions on this subject.

References

Lerebourg, L., L'Hermette, M., Menez, C., & Coquart, J. (2020). The effects of shoe type on lower limb venous status during gait or exercise: A systematic review. PloS one, 15(11), e0239787.Nakagawa, K., Inami, T., Yonezu, T., Kenmotsu, Y., Narita, T., Kawakami, Y., & Kanosue, K. (2018). Unstable rocker shoes promote recovery from marathon‐induced muscle damage in novice runners. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 28(2), 621-629.

Matt: I really enjoyed my pairs of X-SCAPE Mid and KO-Z SNPR Mid. The X-SCAPE Mid has been a great casual shoe (and doubles as a strengthening tool for my hip flexors while walking) and the KO-Z SNPR Mid has been a fantastic, comfortable around the house shoe. The lock down is great, the shoes are stable, the foams are resilient and the fits are good. My suggestions for Deckers X-Lab centers around weight, performance and the rockers. The X-SCAPE Mid is a heavy shoe. If the goal is to keep the sole the same height, I would suggest reducing the thickness of the upper. There is a great deal going on up top and likely more than necessary. While the wool and leather are comfortable, I challenge Deckers Lab to see what they can learn from some of their Hoka racing shoe uppers. While the swallow tail designs are becoming more popular, I also encourage Deckers to focus on the heel bevel and reduce the posterior flare. The greater the flare, the more work the anterior tibialis and quads are going to have to do for shock absorption. That is not optimal for a recovery shoe, so increase the heel bevel and reduce the posterior flare. On the same topic, the rockers need to be increased. The KO-Z Chukka has a thick midsole and very little rocker, making for a stiff ride particularly at the forefoot. If the midsole is going to be that thick, the rocker needs to be improved. There is barely any heel bevel, which when combined with the posterior flare makes for a very early and initial contact. This is much less noticeable in the X-SCAPE Mid, but right now the SNPR is limited to very short distances because it isn't the most pleasant to walk around in for long distances. The lock down in the SNPR is also not great. That much heel slippage in a running shoe would be an instant return. It certainly isn't a running shoe and the wool is very protective from any issues, but the lock down needs to be dramatically improve without reducing the wonderful volume. These are great (albeit expensive) shoes that certainly have unique positions. However there is some work to be done to refine them.

David: Overall I was really happy with what Deckers X Lab did with all of these models. The foam and midsole took a little bit of convincing but after some wear and break in I was really happy with it. I think the wool is integrated really well into all of the models. The lockdown is solid on all of the models. I think my main recommendation for the models might actually be in the heel component. The meta rocker in the sandals could be slightly rounded a little bit more to make the transition a little bit more natural. The X-SCAPE Low could have improved heel security, for I did have to lace lock it. The uppers are really solid and comfortable. I think heel refinement would be the place to look for more improvement in these shoes.

Nathan:

Bach: While comfort is without a doubt present in all of Decker X Lab’s products, I’d really love to see Version 2’s focused on lockdown in the KO-Z sandals. For flip-flop lovers, the Glidtr could use a more dialed in fit to help provide better lockdown for carrying the five layers of foam. I also agree that the heel of the sandals is extremely aggressive and could be dialed back with a slight bevel added for smooth transitions while walking.

For the X-SCAPE, I think it’s a fantastic product as it is, but a bit controversial in design. I’d love to see a slimmer, low profile product that captures the feeling of the upper and some of the midsole, but refined for everyday office settings. I believe it would open it to a broader audience potentially if they can dial the same comforts found in the X-SCAPE Low.