Ok, so I’ve looked at these a few times over the last month and veered between confused amusement and seriously wondering if they’re the actual future. I’ve decided it’s probably the latter. Ironically, they look like the type of footwear you might initially feel self-conscious wearing, thus getting out of your comfort zone. But given the shape, fit and construction, they’re here for anything but discomfort.
If you subscribe to the idea that recovery deserves just as much attention as the run itself, then the new Hover Knit from UPPERVOID will make plenty of sense. Designed primarily as a recovery shoe for post-training feet, it’s built to soothe tired muscles after hard sessions or make short recovery walks that bit more comfortable. Even if your exertion levels are low, a shoe this comfortable is still interesting.
Built with a collapsible heel, the Hover Knit switches effortlessly between a supportive shoe and an easy slip-on depending on what your feet are asking for. A specialist cushioning system helps reduce fatigue during long days on your feet, while the high-stretch elastic collar wraps securely around the ankle without ever feeling restrictive. It’s very much a case of technical design quietly getting on with the job rather than shouting about it.
Inside, there’s plenty of clever stuff going on too. ORTHOLITE® foam insoles use eco-foam containing 5% recycled rubber to provide lightweight cushioning that’s breathable, moisture-wicking and naturally odour resistant, making barefoot wear a perfectly viable option. The supercritical gas-foamed midsole sounds disconcertingly technical and a little bit scary, but we’re told it is produced without chemical foaming agents, delivering soft cushioning with improved energy return while reducing environmental impact. Additional technologies including THERMOLITE® insulation and Swiss Sanitised antibacterial treatment help keep things comfortable, fresh and functional across changing conditions.
Like much of UPPERVOID‘s output, practicality is the starting point before distinctive design steps in. Inspired by the cushioning principles of air cushion boats and finished with a distinctive boat-shaped sole profile, the Hover Knit blends technical innovation with everyday versatility in a way that feels genuinely useful rather than gimmicky. Ok, it looks a bit gimmicky, but that’s not a bad thing in my eyes.
They’re a smart option whether you’re recovering from a marathon or simply heading out for a decent brew.
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