Recover faster? Gotta be the shoes

From racing to training to trails, running shoe companies make shoes they say can handle any condition, any surface, any distance, any where, any time.

They can help you run faster, certainly more comfortably and definitely in fine style, while they're laced onto your feet.

Consider the Saucony Reco.

It's lightweight, cushioned, flexible, stylish and has a lace-free system for ease of slipping on an off. Sounds ideal for those short, quick training sessions.

But don't do it.

Because the Reco is not a running shoe.

It's a post-run recovery shoe.

Post-run? Yep.

The world's first, says Saucony, and it is, they add, amazing. It will help you "recover faster with Amp Pro Technology." It is billed as "the world's first post-run recovery shoe with Celliant Fibers."

They are described by their maker as "lightweight, ultra comfortable and scientifically proven to increase oxygenated blood flow to your feet."

They have memory foam that provides a "soft and plush underfoot feel."

They will "reenergize your feet," Saucony says.

Hmmm. No small claims.

OK. Bottom line. Do they work?

I tried them out. After runs and bike rides, too, I slipped them on and wore them around the house, kind of like slippers, which is what they look and feel like.

Here's my conclusion.

They're darn comfortable, a pleasure to wear. On those days after long runs when my legs were beat and weary, I wore the Recos. They gave me a nice, smooth, ride - make that, walk. Remember, I'm not running in the Reco, though I'm thinking they would be fine for a short race.

I have no idea if they actually increased oxygenated blood flow to my feet, and I can't confirm the memory foam worked its wonders. But I do know, after a few weeks, they seemed to make a difference. My legs got the cushion they needed to bounce back for another run the next day. And if I'm recovering faster, that means more quality workouts, which should mean that I can run faster.

After developing a sore left heel from running in a worn pair of running shoes, I turned to the Reco to help with recovery.

And they're definitely a nice break from wearing another pair of running shoes around the house. I don't wear them to the store though, because I don't want folks to think I'm wandering around in slippers.

Overall, I give the Recos high praise.

But they did leave me wondering one thing: When will we see the world's first pre-run shoe?

Bill Buley is city editor of the Press. He can be reached at 664-8176, ext. 2016, or bbuley@cdapress.com