Blackroll Recovery Slopes: Sliding towards recovery - Test Blackroll Relax Sandal
Marc Strucken
· 19.01.2024
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Active recovery is the key! Even the gymnastics fathers of old knew that you need to stretch. But can you actively recover with slippers? At least that's what the manufacturer Blackroll claims and recommends its Blackroll Recovery Slopes.
Just a moment, Blackroll? Isn't that the name of those "evil" massage rollers that are supposed to help you relax, but cause you agony at first? Exactly, the brand name is now synonymous with the hard foam roller for fascia massage - and its initial pain. The plastic roller popularised the beneficial effects of this form of therapy, which the famous Moshé Feldenkrais, for example, used to improve the mobility of his clients and relieve their pain back in the last century - at that time with wooden rollers.
Blackroll sandals with built-in slope
And the Blackroll sandals, do they hurt too? Anyone who has ever enjoyed a real foot reflexology massage knows how disgusting the pain can be. But far from it: the Blackroll Recovery Slopes don't sting or pinch, they are as fluffy and soft as they look - just like the classic sandal from the beach kiosk in Punta Ala. But... when you take a closer look, you realise: They have a punch! In the words of the manufacturer:
The negative heel, which is characterised by a 3.7° incline towards the heel, supports your regeneration process. - Blackroll
On the foot, this means that the sandal has a significantly thinner sole at the heel than under the forefoot. You are virtually standing against the mountain with a slope inclination of 3.7 degrees. Hence the name of the recovery slippers; slope = incline.
The negative heel angle is actually immediately noticeable as a gentle stretching of the calf and the rear muscle chain occurs. The second effect is that the lower heel shifts the body's centre of gravity backwards, which causes you to straighten up a little - i.e. stand up straight.
Do I also need the Blackroll Recovery Slopes now?
The first question is: Do I even wear these rubber sandals? Question 2: Am I likely to walk around with the recovery slippers when I'm recovering from training - or do I prefer to chill out on a comfortable seat? If the answer is 2x YES - then the slippers are a nice-to-have.
They do indeed make you stand a little tighter, even after a strenuous workout. But especially for people who - like me - struggle with chronic shortening of the back thigh and calf muscles, the slight stretching when walking and standing is very pleasant. Incidentally, you have to "practise" walking a little. At the very least, you may find that you are a bit of a mess at first if you stand up without thinking and just want to go to the kitchen.
The sole of the Blackroll shoes is rounded at the front and back, which Blackroll calls the "Dynamic Rocking Sole". The material feels nice and cushioning. The slightly raised footbed at the edges, together with the wide strap, provides good support. And because the sauna is also part of the recovery wellness programme, the soles are not slippery even on wet tiles. Blackroll adds at this point: "The Recovery Slopes are made of 100% high-quality and durable PU foam." Incidentally, like the entire sandal, it is made in Germany.
In terms of fit, I would recommend choosing the next size up if you have a wide foot and/or a high instep, as the sandals have a rather narrow cut.
Conclusion on the Blackroll Recovery Slopes in the practical test
If you are looking for presumably long-lasting bathing shoes and are prepared to pay just under 70 euros for them, the Blackroll Recovery Slopes offer a subtle yet noticeable stretching effect for free. Visually, the Blackroll slippers are rather conservative - perhaps with the exception of the pink versions. In addition to the black and pink shown, the sandals are also available in white and green. To be fair, Blackroll offers a 90-day trial period during which you can try out the regeneration slippers. However, the products "must not show any signs of use, i.e. they must not have been damaged, soiled, washed or worn for any length of time", according to the manufacturer's website. - Marc Strucken, BIKE editor
Details about the Blackroll Recovery Slopes
- Improve your posture
- Forefoot and joint relief
- Improvement of blood circulation
- Reduction of tension
- Water-repellent & non-slip
- Made in Germany
- Material: PU foam
- Sizes: S (38.5 - 40) // M (40.5 - 42) // L (42.5 - 44) // XL (44.5 - 46)
- Price 69,90 Euro
Marc Strucken
Editor
