My two greatest passions converged last Wednesday: Survivor and foot health. Regarding the latter, I'm always on the lookout for innovations that make my feet feel better—whether that's a pair of $30 toe spreaders or a top-of-the-line foot massager that I keep under my desk. And regarding the former? I mean, it's Survivor, the now-48 season show that changed reality TV forever. So when I noticed a contestant wearing shoes that I've reviewed precisely for their amazing comfort...I wondered aloud: "Wait, how is Survivor letting her wear those?!"
I Can't Believe "Survivor" Is Letting a Contestant Wear These Shoes
Wait, are those OOFOS?
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Published Apr 24, 2025
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CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images
CBS
In a confessional with her feet just in frame, I eyed Eva Erickson wearing none other than the most comfortable, supportive shoes I've ever donned: OOFOS Slides. I'm not exaggerating when I say that after a couple days of wearing these sandals around my house, I went right back online and ordered three more pairs—another of the exact type for me, one for our nanny, and another style to try out! They are a total luxury of foot comfort.
OOFOS/CBS
And if Survivor is about anything, it's about getting uncomfortable. If you asked me what I would take with me to a deserted island I'd say: machete, flint, tarp and OOFOS. But contestants can't bring survival gear to camp. That's cheating! (Remember in the Amazon season when a contestant was accused of bringing a granola bar to camp?) So why do producers allow players to sport such fabulous foot tech?
In fact, now that I think about it, I've spotted way too many arch-support sneaks on the show in the "New Era." What happened to the gritty game that shocked viewers back in 2000? Where did the flip flops and completely impractical $1,600 crocodile loafers go? Now it seems like they're cast straight out of lululemon.
It's not that I want contestants to get hurt or be in danger, but, I don't know, spotting one of my greatest orthopedic luxuries on the hallowed shores of Survivor just kinda takes me out of it. Now I'm just kinda obsessing over footwear. I spotted New Balances on Mitch, but then Shauhin was going barefoot in a challenge!
As for Eva? I like her a lot. I hope nothing takes her out of the game too soon. But I know it won't be her feet.
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