How do you pronounce OESH?
“OESH” is pronounced like the sound in ‘ocean’…a one syllable o sound with a silent e.
Where did the name OESH come from?
A superdupercool friend from college came up with the name. Much as we’ve done with the idea of footwear, “O-E-S-H” are the letters of s-h-o-e turned around and inside-out.
Is OESH a women’s shoe or a men’s shoe?
The core footwear and physiology aspects which OESH addresses apply to either gender. But, given that women have a greater need (women are, on average, twice as prone to running, walking and other lower extremity injuries as compared to men and have always had the worst footwear choices), OESH manufacturing “responds” to women, first. But certainly the OESH technology works for both men and women. Our current OESH Classic & Lizard styles easily fit up to size 10 men’s (our size 11 OESH). Moreover, the feedback and response from men wearing OESH has been overwhelmingly positive, just as it has been from women. As we continue to grow we will offer more variety and larger sizes for men.
Is OESH a running shoe or a walking shoe?
It’s both. We actually like to say that OESH is an “All Purpose Trainer” because it works well for any weight bearing activity, whether/not it is sport-specific. OESH has proven to be especially impressive as a training shoe for runners.
Can I wear OESH to the gym?
Yes! OESH provide superior ankle stability for lateral movement. Further, the concept promotes wearing OESH all day, every day–whether you are working out or simply busy. Once you get them, you may never want to take them off, precisely the way OESH were designed for you.
Is there any special size I need to order?
The length of OESH is very “true” to typical athletic footwear sizing. However, the word on the OESH fit has been universally spectacular. OESH are constructed to fit the unique anatomy of a female foot, leading to tremendous consumer satisfaction. If the OESH you ordered are too long or short, just send them back to us and we will immediately ship you the appropriate size you need.
Does OESH come in size 6.5?
Presently, our sizes begin at a women’s size 7. However, the unique OESH interior–designed to conform to a woman’s classic foot shape, which includes a narrower heel and expanded forefoot volume per a given size–has resulted in a great surprise. The secure fit around the heel in all sizes, but especially the size 7, has resulted in the unexpected benefit of seeing more than 90% of women usually wearing size 6.5 now comfortable and healthy in our OESH size 7!
Where are OESH sold?
OESH are only sold from our website, www.oeshshoes.com & click “Buy”. This distribution system allows us to present you the lowest possible price for a pair of OESH, without having you incur the retailer’s price markup. Also, our highly-regarded exchange/returns/customer service policy allows you to ship your OESH back to us FOR FREE in the event the size you first order is off. The hidden benefit of the OESH distribution system? You work directly with OESH during the information-gathering & fitting process (our email is always open: service@oeshshoes.com), ensuring superior communication for each and every OESHer!
How should I clean my OESH after a muddy walk?
The outsole of the OESH shoe can be cleaned like any other athletic shoe (including prying debris from the flex grooves). The midsole of OESH—the spectacular carbon fiber cantilevers and “open” medial/middle—is very rugged. The interior can handle most anything (kitchen knife, chopstick, skewer, screwdriver, etc.) to knock out mud, etc. But one point we always make…you are rarely going to get debris in the OESH Void. It’s because when you walk, the Void is actually closing as you begin weight bearing. Though of course, if a loose pebble kicked in by your other foot gets in there, it would come out in your next step—the upshot is ‘easy-in = easy-out’. In all the stories we hear from OESHers, we’ve never heard of anyone stumbling from debris in the midsole. The upper of OESH is made of standard footwear materials, athletic leathers and mesh—if it gets messy, we use a soft scrub brush with soap and water. Letting OESH air dry (like most all other footwear) is best.
Does OESH promote overpronation?
OESH does not promote overpronation. Rather, OESH provides space for uninhibited, free-floating movement (from supination to pronation back to supination) as your foot cycles through 1. ground impact; 2. midstance; and 3. toe-off. OESH provides an unobstructed platform that allows your foot to move as nature intended. Further, OESH allows a healthy relay of information to occur throughout your body with each step you take. This allowance for clear proprioception is another wholly unique and significant bonus of the sole structure in OESH.
What are the cantilevers made from?
Carbon fiber, also known as graphite. The physical structure was conceived and perfected by Dr. Kerrigan and her colleagues in material sciences at the University of Virginia mechanical & aerospace engineering department at our headquarters in Charlottesville, VA.
If the carbon fiber cantilevers in OESH work like a spring, wouldn’t a simple coiled metal spring work similarly?
No, because it is the spring leaf type design of the cantilevers and how they are positioned in the side to side plane of the shoe that ensure that the sole compresses and releases at just the right time, in perfect tune with when the body is vulnerable to injury. A simple spring in the shoe typically compresses at the wrong time (at impact) and bottoms out before the “critical instant” later in stance when the body needs protection.
Will there be more styles of OESH?
Yes! The OESH Classic & Lizard have sold very, very well since they were launched, as have the eight separate colors of OESH Sandals (4 Soft Suede and 4 Athletic) since their 2012 release. As these Limited Editions continue to be sold out, we’ll keep you posted as we offer a wider assortment of OESH to keep up with your demand.