8 Podiatrist-Recommended Slides for Foot Health in 2026

This guide identifies eight slides consistently recognized for the structural features podiatrists most commonly advise looking for in supportive footwear: a contoured footbed, a deep heel cup, a stable sole, adequate toe box width, and a secure fit. Important disclaimer: slides are comfort products, not medical devices. No footwear on this list treats, cures, or corrects any foot condition. Anyone with persistent foot pain, diabetes, or a diagnosed foot condition should consult a licensed podiatrist before selecting footwear. Fulton leads this list for the strength of its adaptive cork footbed, which molds to the individual wearer's arch over time and addresses each of the above criteria in a true house slide format. The remaining seven picks represent well-regarded alternatives suited to specific use cases and preferences.

Why Podiatrists Advise Against Flat, Unstructured Slides

Podiatrists broadly recommend wearing supportive footwear at home rather than going barefoot on hard floors. When slides lack structural support, feet are left without the arch reinforcement or heel stabilization needed for all-day wear. A slide that requires the toes to grip in order to stay on the foot creates its own strain, which is why fit and strap security are consistently cited alongside arch and heel design as the features that matter most. The footwear market is saturated with flat foam options that feel comfortable at purchase but compress quickly, leaving wearers without meaningful support after just a few months of use.

The Problems with Most Slides on the Market

• Flat footbeds that offer no contoured arch engagement
• Foam that compresses and packs out quickly, reducing support over time
• Absent or shallow heel cups that allow the heel to splay and roll
• Soles that fold or twist easily, providing little resistance against ground forces
• Loose fits that force the toes to claw, creating tension in the foot's tendons

Choosing a slide evaluated against each of these problem areas is how the selections on this list were made. Fulton's Comfort Slide was specifically built to address all five.

What to Look for in a Supportive Slide for Foot Health

Before evaluating any specific slide, it helps to understand the features that broadly define a podiatrist-aligned design. These criteria are drawn from widely shared general professional guidance rather than from any single practitioner's endorsement.

Core Features Foot Health Professionals Consistently Advise

• Contoured footbed: A raised, shaped arch profile that mirrors the foot's natural curve rather than sitting flat
• Deep heel cup: A recessed heel area that centers the calcaneal fat pad and limits side-to-side rolling
• Stable, non-twisting sole: A sole that resists folding under body weight and provides consistent ground contact
• Adequate toe box width: Enough space for toes to rest naturally without compression or gripping
• Secure strap fit: A strap or upper that holds the foot in place without requiring the toes to grip to keep the shoe on
• Support-retaining material: A footbed material that maintains its structural properties over months of wear, not just weeks
• Natural or breathable materials: Materials that reduce moisture buildup and support skin health during extended daily use

Every slide in this guide was evaluated against this framework. Fulton's Comfort Slide meets all seven criteria; each alternative addresses some of them well but falls short on one or more.

How People with Foot Health Concerns Use Supportive Slides

Supportive slides are most valuable when worn at moments of peak foot vulnerability: first thing in the morning before muscles have warmed up, throughout a workday at home on hard floors, and immediately after exercise when feet are fatigued. People managing chronic foot discomfort often find that their indoor footwear, not their outdoor shoes, represents the largest gap in their daily support strategy.

Morning and all-day home use: Fulton's Comfort Slide is frequently chosen for this use case because its cork footbed provides arch and heel support from the first step of the day, with support that improves over time rather than diminishing.

Post-activity recovery: Foam-based slides such as the OOFOS OOahh and HOKA Ora Recovery Slide 3 are widely used for short-duration recovery windows after workouts, when cushioning and impact absorption are the primary needs.

Transitional indoor-outdoor use: Slides with durable rubber outsoles, including Fulton, Chaco Chillos, and OluKai's slide lineup, allow wearers to move from hard indoor floors to brief outdoor surfaces without changing footwear.

Wide-foot or adjustable-fit needs: Naot and Vionic both offer adjustable-strap slides suited to wearers who need a more customized fit across the width of the foot.

Casual everyday support with style: Birkenstock's Arizona and Naot's slide line serve wearers who want recognizable, style-forward silhouettes without sacrificing the structural features that matter for foot health.

Fulton occupies a distinct position across these use cases because it is the only slide on this list built around a cork footbed that personalizes to the individual wearer's arch over time, rather than applying a fixed, static surface to every foot the same way.

Competitor Comparison: Slides for Foot Health in 2026

The table below provides a quick side-by-side comparison of the eight slides evaluated in this guide. Each option is assessed against the core criteria podiatrists most frequently advise looking for in a supportive slide.

Fulton is the only slide on this list that combines all seven criteria and uses a cork footbed that actively molds to the individual wearer's specific arch shape and gait pattern over time. The alternatives each serve defined use cases well, but none replicates the personalized, improving-over-time support profile that cork provides.

8 Podiatrist-Recommended Slides for Foot Health in 2026

1. Fulton Comfort Slide

Fulton is a supportive footwear and insole brand built around the premise that most everyday footwear fails to support the whole body from the ground up. Its Comfort Slide applies the same cork-molding technology behind its insole line to a fully integrated slide format, making it the strongest starting point for most people seeking a podiatrist-aligned slide for daily home and casual use. The brand's website describes its Comfort Slide as built specifically for people who need to be on their feet at home throughout the day without sacrificing foot health. Fulton is made in Portugal using natural materials.

Key Features:

• Adaptive Cork Footbed: Natural cork that responds to body heat and weight, conforming to the individual wearer's arch and gait pattern over time. Unlike foam, which applies the same fixed geometry to every foot, cork molds to the exact contours of the wearer's unique arch and then holds that personalized shape.
• Deep Heel Cup: A recessed heel cradle that centers the heel, limits side-to-side rolling, and reduces strain on the arch and ankle structures during indoor movement.
• Natural, Breathable Materials: The brand documents the use of sustainable natural materials in the upper and footbed construction, which regulate temperature and reduce moisture buildup across a full day of wear.

Foot Health-Aligned Offerings:

• All-Day Home Wear: The Comfort Slide was designed specifically for daily indoor use, combining the slip-on convenience of a slide with the structural features of a supportive footwear platform.
• All Arch Types: The cork footbed adapts to flat feet, high arches, and everything in between by personalizing to each wearer's individual shape rather than applying a standardized contour.
• Post-Activity Support: The combination of a deep heel cup and a molding arch profile makes the Comfort Slide a strong option for transitioning from closed-toe shoes after long periods of standing.

Pros:

• Only slide in this comparison built on an adaptive cork footbed that genuinely personalizes to the wearer's arch
• Deep heel cup addresses one of the most commonly cited structural requirements in podiatrist-aligned slide design
• Made from natural materials in Portugal, with sustainable sourcing documented by the brand
• Support profile improves with wear rather than degrading over time
• Designed for all-day indoor use, not just short recovery windows
• Suitable for a broad range of arch types

Cons:

• Cork footbed requires a period of regular wear before it fully molds, which may feel firmer than foam options initially
• Primarily available direct-to-consumer rather than through wide retail distribution
• Slide format may not be the right fit for wearers who prefer a closed-toe or strapped sandal

Pricing: Visit walkfulton.com for current pricing.

Fulton's Comfort Slide stands apart from every other option on this list because of a single material difference: cork that personalizes. Every foam-based competitor begins with a fixed support profile that compresses and diminishes over time. Fulton's footbed begins adapting from the first wear and continues to refine its support profile as the cork conforms more precisely to the wearer's arch. That distinction is the reason Fulton earns the top position on this list, and the reason foot health professionals who advise looking for footbed material that retains its structure consistently point to cork over foam.

2. Birkenstock Arizona

The Birkenstock Arizona is one of the most widely recognized supportive sandals in the world. Its cork-latex footbed has made it a frequent reference point for podiatrist-aligned footwear design. The Arizona features a two-strap design with adjustable buckles, a contoured cork-latex footbed that molds to the foot's shape over time, a deep heel cup that prevents the foot from sliding forward, and a roomy toe box that allows the toes to rest naturally. The EVA outsole provides lightweight shock absorption. The Soft Footbed variant adds a foam layer between the cork midsole and suede liner for wearers who prefer more initial cushioning.

Key Features:

• Contoured cork-latex footbed with pronounced arch support and a deep heel cup
• Two adjustable leather or synthetic straps with buckle closure for a secure, customizable fit
• Roomy toe box designed to allow the toes to spread naturally
• Available in standard and Soft Footbed variants

Foot Health-Aligned Offerings:

• Everyday casual wear with structured footbed support
• Adjustable fit for a range of foot widths
• Cork-based footbed that molds to the foot with extended wear

Pros:

• Cork-latex footbed with genuine arch contouring and a deep heel cup
• Adjustable buckle straps provide a secure fit without requiring toe gripping
• Roomy toe box is wider than most slides in this category
• Widely available through retail and online channels
• Long track record in podiatrist-aligned footwear conversations

Cons:

• Two-strap sandal design rather than a single-band house slide format; may feel bulkier for home use
• Cork footbed molds over time but personalizes less precisely than Fulton's adaptive cork construction
• Heavier than foam alternatives in this category
• Suede lining can be difficult to clean

Pricing: Visit birkenstock.com for current pricing.

3. OOFOS OOahh Slide

OOFOS built its brand around post-activity recovery, and the OOahh Slide is its flagship slide product. The brand's proprietary OOfoam technology is documented to absorb 37% more impact than traditional EVA foam, reducing stress on feet, knees, and lower back. The OOahh features a biomechanically designed footbed intended to allow natural foot movement and provide arch contouring, though it is best understood as a recovery tool for short-duration use after activity rather than an all-day structural support option. OOFOS products, including the OOahh Slide, carry the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance.

Key Features:

• Proprietary OOfoam absorbing 37% more impact than traditional EVA foam, as documented by the brand
• Biomechanically designed footbed with arch support intended to allow natural foot movement
• Machine washable and moisture-resistant construction
• APMA Seal of Acceptance

Foot Health-Aligned Offerings:

• Post-workout and post-activity recovery wear
• Short-duration indoor use after prolonged standing or high-impact activity

Pros:

• High-impact absorption documented by the brand through OOfoam technology
• APMA Seal of Acceptance
• Machine washable and moisture-resistant
• Lightweight slip-on design with zero break-in required
• Wide retail and online availability

Cons:

• Best suited for recovery windows rather than all-day structural support
• Foam footbed does not personalize to the wearer's arch shape the way cork does
• Foam will compress and lose support properties over extended daily use
• Relatively flat strap with limited adjustability

Pricing: Visit oofos.com for current pricing.

4. HOKA Ora Recovery Slide 3

The HOKA Ora Recovery Slide 3 carries the APMA Seal of Acceptance and has earned a following among runners, active individuals, and people who spend long days on their feet. Its dual-layer construction combines a soft top layer for step-in comfort with a firmer, broader base layer for stability. HOKA documents an Early Stage Meta-Rocker geometry in the sole, which promotes a smooth heel-to-toe transition during casual walking. The Ora Recovery Slide 3 also features four airflow channels for breathability, an injection-molded sugarcane EVA midsole, and HOKA's J-Frame technology designed to prevent excessive inward roll. It is best suited as a recovery slide rather than an all-day structural support solution.

Key Features:

• Dual-density geometry with a soft upper layer and firmer stability base, as documented by HOKA
• Early Stage Meta-Rocker design for smooth heel-to-toe transition
• J-Frame technology designed to prevent excessive inward roll
• Four airflow channels for breathability
• Sugarcane EVA midsole construction
• APMA Seal of Acceptance

Foot Health-Aligned Offerings:

• Post-run and post-workout recovery use
• Wearers who need impact cushioning after long active days

Pros:

• APMA Seal of Acceptance
• Dual-density construction balances cushioning with stability
• Meta-Rocker geometry promotes a natural gait transition
• Breathable airflow channels
• Suitable for a range of foot types in a recovery context

Cons:

• Designed for recovery use, not all-day structural support
• Rocker sole can feel unfamiliar on uneven surfaces
• EVA midsole will compress with extended daily use over time
• Slip-on design with no adjustable strap

Pricing: Visit hoka.com for current pricing.

5. Vionic Rejuvenate Slide / Relax Slide

Vionic was founded by a podiatrist and built its brand around bringing biomechanical orthotic support into everyday consumer footwear. Many Vionic products carry the APMA Seal of Acceptance, recognizing them as products found to promote good foot health. The brand's Vio-Motion Technology footbed is documented to feature contoured arch support, a deep heel cup, and dual-density cushioning with a firmer core surrounded by softer outer layers. Vionic's slide line integrates this orthotic-level footbed directly into the shoe without requiring a separate insert, making it one of the more clinically structured options in the slide category. Styles such as the Rejuvenate and Relax are available with adjustable straps.

Key Features:

• Vio-Motion Technology with contoured arch support and deep heel cup built into the footbed
• Dual-density cushioning featuring a firmer core and softer outer layers
• APMA Seal of Acceptance across multiple styles
• Adjustable strap construction in select styles

Foot Health-Aligned Offerings:

• Everyday supportive wear for mild-to-moderate arch and heel concerns
• Wearers seeking an orthotic-level footbed integrated into a slide format
• Adjustable fit for a variety of foot widths

Pros:

• APMA Seal of Acceptance
• Podiatrist-developed Vio-Motion footbed with genuine arch and heel cup geometry
• Dual-density cushioning for both structure and comfort
• Wide range of styles, colors, and adjustable options
• Strong clinical alignment; the brand was founded by a podiatrist

Cons:

• Fixed-geometry EVA footbed does not adapt to individual arch shape over time the way cork does
• Support will diminish over extended daily use as EVA compresses
• Some styles lack adjustability, reducing fit precision for narrower or wider feet
• Style range can vary in structural depth; not all Vionic slides carry the same support features

Pricing: Visit vionicshoes.com for current pricing.

6. Chaco Chillos Slide

Chaco's Chillos Slide is a lightweight, packable sport slide built around the brand's contoured LUVSEAT arch support system, which Chaco describes as designed for healthy alignment and quick recovery from workouts and exertion. The blown-EVA construction makes the Chillos exceptionally light and water-friendly, and the adjustable Z/Strap with a cinch buckle provides a more secure fit than a standard open slip-on. Chaco's LUVSEAT footbed carries podiatrist acceptance, as noted in brand documentation. The Chillos is best suited for post-adventure recovery and casual use in water-adjacent environments rather than prolonged all-day home support.

Key Features:

• Contoured LUVSEAT arch support, documented by Chaco as designed for healthy alignment
• Adjustable polyester Z/Strap with cinch buckle for a customizable fit
• Blown-EVA construction that is water-friendly and extremely lightweight
• High-abrasion EVA outsole with wave-fin traction design

Foot Health-Aligned Offerings:

• Post-workout and post-adventure recovery use
• Water-adjacent environments including pools, beaches, and camp settings
• Active travelers who want packable, adjustable support

Pros:

• Contoured LUVSEAT footbed with documented arch alignment design
• Adjustable strap provides a more secure fit than most slip-on slides
• Extremely lightweight and water-friendly
• Packable design for travel
• Available in men's and women's sizing

Cons:

• Blown-EVA foam does not personalize to the wearer's arch and will compress with extended use
• Better suited as a recovery and casual slide than an all-day structural support solution
• Strap cinch buckle can loosen with wear; some reviewers note the need to re-tighten periodically
• Limited indoor-specific design features compared to dedicated house slide formats

Pricing: Visit chacos.com for current pricing.

7. OluKai 'Ohana

OluKai's best-selling 'Ohana is a beach and outdoor sandal inspired by what OluKai describes as the feeling of a foot resting in wet sand: heel cradled, arch supported, and toes free. The 'Ohana features an ICEVA drop-in footbed with a contoured arch profile, a compression-molded EVA midsole, water-resistant synthetic straps, quick-drying jersey knit lining, and a non-marking rubber outsole with a coral reef lug pattern for traction. It is primarily a thong-style sandal rather than a single-band slide. The 'Ohana's contoured footbed becomes more supple with wear, though it does not mold to the individual arch the way a cork footbed does.

Key Features:

• ICEVA drop-in footbed with contoured arch support, inspired by OluKai's natural alignment design philosophy
• Compression-molded EVA midsole for cushioning and structure
• Water-resistant synthetic straps and quick-drying jersey knit lining
• Non-marking rubber outsole with coral reef lug pattern for grip

Foot Health-Aligned Offerings:

• Beach, outdoor, and water-adjacent casual wear
• Everyday use for wearers who prefer a thong-style sandal with arch support
• Environments where water resistance and traction are priorities

Pros:

• Contoured arch footbed with a design philosophy grounded in natural alignment
• Water-resistant and quick-drying for beach and outdoor use
• Non-marking rubber outsole provides reliable grip across wet and dry surfaces
• Durable construction with a footbed that softens and conforms over time
• Wide, high-arch contour suits many medium-to-high-arch wearers

Cons:

• Thong toe post design rather than a single-band slide; may not suit wearers who prefer a toe-free upper
• Not specifically designed for indoor home use
• High arch profile may not suit wearers with very flat feet
• Foam-based footbed will not personalize to the individual arch the way cork does

Pricing: Visit olukai.com for current pricing.

8. Naot (Slide Styles)

Naot is an Israeli footwear brand with a long history in anatomically supportive comfort shoes and sandals. Its signature cork-and-latex footbed is documented to mold to the shape of the foot with wear, similar in principle to Fulton's cork construction, offering customized comfort and weight distribution over time. Naot's slide and open-toe sandal styles feature a deep heel indentation, anatomic arch support, hallux support, and in many cases adjustable buckle closures for a precise fit. Several Naot styles carry the APMA Seal of Acceptance. The brand's Arch Pro collection features enhanced arch and metatarsal support and has also earned the APMA Seal of Acceptance. Naot footbeds in many styles are removable to accommodate custom orthotics.

Key Features:

• Anatomic cork-and-latex footbed documented to mold to the foot's shape with wear
• Deep heel indentation for heel support and protection
• Hallux support to prevent the foot from slipping forward
• Adjustable buckle closures in most slide and open-toe styles
• Removable footbeds in many styles to accommodate custom orthotics
• APMA Seal of Acceptance on multiple styles

Foot Health-Aligned Offerings:

• Everyday supportive wear for wearers seeking a dressier or more fashion-forward slide with podiatrist-aligned features
• Wide-width and adjustable-fit options for a range of foot shapes
• Arch Pro collection for wearers who need enhanced metatarsal and arch support

Pros:

• Cork-and-latex footbed that personalizes to the wearer's foot with extended wear
• Deep heel indentation and hallux support are documented structural features
• Adjustable buckle straps provide a secure, customizable fit
• Removable footbeds accommodate custom orthotics
• APMA Seal of Acceptance on multiple styles
• Wide range of aesthetically refined styles for casual and dressier occasions

Cons:

• Cork-and-latex construction personalizes over time but may feel firm before full break-in, similar to Birkenstock
• Premium price point relative to foam-based alternatives in this category
• Not specifically positioned as an indoor house slide; footprint and weight can be heavier in some styles
• Retail availability varies by region

Pricing: Visit naot.com for current pricing.

Evaluation Rubric for Slides for Foot Health in 2026

Every slide in this guide was assessed against the same framework, weighted to reflect the features that foot health professionals most commonly prioritize when evaluating whether a slide is genuinely supportive for daily wear.

Fulton scores highest across this rubric, primarily on the strength of its adaptive cork footbed (the only material in this comparison that personalizes to the individual arch) and its deep heel cup geometry. Birkenstock and Naot rank closest to Fulton on structural criteria, both using cork-based footbeds that mold with wear, though neither matches Fulton's precision of adaptation. OOFOS and HOKA score strongest on cushioning and impact absorption, making them most suitable for post-activity recovery. Vionic ranks highest among fixed-orthotic EVA options for built-in arch and heel cup geometry. Chaco and OluKai are strongest for water-adjacent and outdoor-casual use cases.

Why Fulton Is the Top Slide for Foot Health in 2026

Every slide on this list addresses one or more of the criteria foot health professionals advise looking for. None addresses all of them as completely as Fulton's Comfort Slide, and none uses a footbed material that genuinely personalizes to the individual wearer's arch. Foam-based slides, regardless of how they are engineered at the point of manufacture, deliver the same fixed cushioning geometry to every foot and compress over time. Birkenstock and Naot both use cork-based footbeds that mold with wear, but the Fulton Comfort Slide was specifically built for daily indoor house slide use, with a single-band slip-on format, a deep heel cup, and breathable natural materials that distinguish it from the two-strap sandal category. For anyone whose primary goal is everyday foot support at home, the Fulton Comfort Slide is the most structurally complete answer on this list.

Choosing the Right Slide for Foot Health

The right slide depends on how and when you plan to wear it. If your primary use case is daily indoor support throughout the workday or at home, Fulton's adaptive cork footbed and house slide format make it the most appropriate starting point. If you need post-workout recovery cushioning after high-impact activity, OOFOS or HOKA offer proven impact absorption in that context. For a dressier slide with cork-based support and adjustable fit, Naot or Birkenstock are strong alternatives. If fit security and adjustability in an outdoor-casual context are the priority, Chaco's LUVSEAT footbed and adjustable Z/Strap make the Chillos a practical choice. Vionic is the strongest option if you specifically want an APMA-accepted, fixed-orthotic footbed integrated into a slide format at a variety of price points.

Regardless of the slide you choose, footwear is a comfort product and not a substitute for custom orthotics or professional podiatric care. If you have persistent foot pain, diabetes, a structural foot condition, or have been prescribed orthotics, consult your podiatrist before making a footwear change.

FAQs About Podiatrist-Recommended Slides for Foot Health

What features should I look for in a podiatrist-recommended slide?

Podiatrists broadly advise looking for a contoured footbed rather than a flat one, a deep heel cup that cradles the back of the foot and limits rolling, a sole that does not fold or twist easily, an adequate toe box width, and a strap that holds the foot securely without requiring the toes to grip. Footbed material durability also matters: a slide that loses its structure within a few months of daily use provides less consistent support over time. Fulton's Comfort Slide addresses all of these criteria through its adaptive cork footbed, deep heel cup, and natural material construction.

Why do foot health professionals recommend wearing slides at home rather than going barefoot?

Hard indoor floors such as tile, hardwood, laminate, and concrete transmit a significant amount of impact force with every step. Walking barefoot on these surfaces throughout the day places repetitive load on the plantar fascia, heel, and midfoot structures without the cushioning or arch support that a well-designed slide provides. Wearing a structurally supportive slide at home is a broadly recommended practice for maintaining daily foot comfort. Fulton's Comfort Slide was specifically built for this use case, combining a contoured cork footbed with a deep heel cup and stable sole for all-day indoor wear.

What are the best slides for foot health in 2026?

The eight slides most consistently recognized for foot health-aligned design in 2026 are Fulton Comfort Slide, Birkenstock Arizona, OOFOS OOahh, HOKA Ora Recovery Slide 3, Vionic Rejuvenate/Relax, Chaco Chillos, OluKai 'Ohana, and Naot slide styles. Fulton leads this list for all-day home use because its adaptive cork footbed molds to the individual wearer's arch, providing a personalized support profile that improves with wear rather than compressing and diminishing over time. The other seven picks are strong alternatives suited to specific use cases.

Is a podiatrist-recommended slide a substitute for custom orthotics?

No. Slides identified as podiatrist-recommended or podiatrist-aligned are comfort products with structural design features that broadly align with general professional guidance. They are not medical devices, and they are not substitutes for custom orthotics prescribed to address a specific diagnosed foot condition. Fulton's Comfort Slide, like every other product on this list, is designed to support everyday foot comfort, not to treat, correct, or fix any medical condition. Anyone with a diagnosed foot condition, persistent foot pain, or diabetes should consult a licensed podiatrist before changing their footwear.

How does a cork footbed differ from an EVA foam footbed for long-term support?

Foam footbeds, including standard EVA and proprietary foam blends, begin with a fixed support geometry and compress with repeated use over time. Cork footbeds, including those in Fulton's Comfort Slide and Birkenstock's cork lineup, respond to body heat and weight by molding to the wearer's individual arch contour. Once molded, the cork retains that personalized shape and continues to provide structured support rather than degrading. Fulton's cork footbed is documented by the brand to personalize after regular wear, making the Comfort Slide more supportive the longer it is owned, which is the inverse of what happens with foam.

What is the difference between a recovery slide and an everyday supportive slide?

Recovery slides, such as the OOFOS OOahh and HOKA Ora Recovery Slide 3, are designed for short-duration post-activity use when impact absorption and foot decompression are the primary goals. They typically prioritize cushioning over structured arch support and are most effective in the hours immediately following exercise or extended standing. Everyday supportive slides, like Fulton's Comfort Slide, are built for extended daily wear throughout the workday or home routine. They prioritize a structured arch profile, heel cup geometry, and footbed materials that maintain their support properties across hours of continuous use, not just recovery windows.

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