Deckers X Lab is brought to you from the minds of HOKA ONE ONE, Teva, and UGG – a natural evolution of the Deckers Brands Innovation Team. Testing and perfecting performance technology across brands and categories (from running shoes and athletic wear to sandals), the Deckers X Lab team of footwear specialists brings a wide range of expertise into everything they do.
As a label rather than a brand, Deckers X Lab is not limited to one type of product, application or environment – they are in the business of creating all kinds of designs to help individuals push all kinds of boundaries. And they’re committed to three core beliefs: best-in-class dynamic comfort, elevated performance, and better products for a better planet. For each of these values, they seek to go above and beyond, listening to their customers to collaboratively build solutions for enhancing their everyday.
Merging lifestyle construction and performance innovations, Deckers X Lab strives to bring you the best of both worlds, combining fashion and tech to help you excel in style!
We’re fortunate to test out a few models from the Deckers X Lab KO-Z Series (Sneaker x Slipper x Recovery). KO-Z shoes offer dynamic comfort at home or on the go by combining the softness of a slipper with the style and stability of a sneaker.
Note: These shoes are strictly used by our team for recovery – we don’t run in them as it would mess up our minimalist running form. For those who run in HOKA ONE ONE, you’ll feel right at home walking AND running in them 🙂
The KO-Z SNPR blends the relaxed coziness of your house slipper with the street performance of your everyday sneaker and the ultimate cushion of a recovery shoe. The KO-Z SNPR is constructed of EcoTan sheepskin and EcoTan cow suede leather along with recycled Looped Wool which are natural thermo regulators, keeping your feet at an ideal temperature in both hot and cold weather. The anatomical fit, oversized cushion and signature Meta-Rocker creates a smooth ride all day long.
After weekly runs with minimalist running shoes, KO-Z shoes are great for recovery walks – cushioned, warm, soft, and wide toe box for maximum toe splay! Always mix and match minimal cushioning with cushioned shoes to work different muscles – just like running trails (grass, packed dirt, gravel) versus road running (asphalt, concrete). They are a welcomed addition to our recovery and casual wear collection. Lightweight and warmth are key features we are looking for!
The Deckers X Lab KO-Z GLDTR 3 sandal, the simplest of footwear has been injected with extra doses of comfort in the places it matters most, whether for post-race recovery or a marathon of video conference calls.
It starts with five layers of foam to rest your foot upon, with ultra-soft memory foam closest to the foot. The memory foam embraces your foot’s shape and gives back a delightful cushion sensation that helps stabilize the foot. In the arch is wool providing natural cushioning and moisture management. On top of the foot is thermo regulating sheepskin giving you easy slip on-comfort of a flip without the flop. With the addition of a rocker in the midfoot and an extended squaretail rear, KO-Z sandals stay with your foot as you walk or run.
Being able to wear these sandals during the cold AND warm seasons make the KO-Z GLDRT 3 sandal a great year round recovery tool!
Check out these great recovery shoes and other models from Deckers X Lab online store – all models available now while they last!