Saturday, November 23, 2024
HomeWeight LossThe 12 Best Recovery Shoes of 2024, Tested

The 12 Best Recovery Shoes of 2024, Tested


Recovery is an essential part of any well-rounded fitness routine. While there are many ways to help your body recover from a workout, wearing recovery shoes—shoes designed to encourage post-workout recovery—is one great option. Recovery shoes, worn after athletic activity, can help loosen knots, relax fatigued muscles, and support feet and ankles, says Dan Geller, DPM, a foot and ankle surgeon. Geller says the best recovery shoes have a few things in common, including cushioning, support, and aeration to prevent moisture and heat buildup.

Put simply, great recovery shoes are comfortable, supportive, and breathable—and some use pressure points to massage and relieve tension in your feet when you wear them. To find the best recovery shoes, we spent hours testing best-in-class options in the real world during our normal daily routines. We wore the shoes at least three times a week after workouts for a month. We assessed each pair for comfort, durability, cushioning, and value. We also interviewed experts for advice on what to consider when buying recovery shoes. Plus, we had a physical therapist from our Review Board check this article to ensure our testing process and product recommendations are effective and reliable.

Hoka Ora Luxe Recovery Shoes

PHOTO: Zappos
Pros

  • Eight color options

  • APMA Seal of Acceptance

  • Side support

Key Specs:

Sizes: Men’s 3-14, Women’s 5-16 | Materials: Sugarcane foam, mesh | Weight: 11.6 ounces (per shoe) | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5

Who They’re For

Best for wearers who want super cushioned support for recovery and need an adjustable, easy to clean shoe.

Why We Love Them

The Hoka brand is well known for super supportive and cushy shoes, and the Ora Luxe Slides are no exception. These slides are so comfortable that we not only wore them after workouts to facilitate recovery but also started wearing them to run all kinds of errands. The plush cushioning and oversized midsole absorb the impact of each step, relieving stress and fatigue. Every time we slid into our pair of Ora Luxe after a long day of being on our feet, it felt like sliding into luxurious comfort.

We like that they carry the APMA Seal of Acceptance, meaning they promote good foot health. And we can see why—the wide footbed wraps around to give added side support and is bouncy with mild arch support, which is helpful for flat feet. The Velcro straps on top are durable and allow you to adjust the fit. We noted that dirt sometimes collected easily in the crevices of the sole, but we appreciated being able to clean them by just giving them a quick hose-off when needed.

Also available in women’s sizes at Zappos and Amazon.

Potential Flaws

  • The lightweight foam sole is super cushy but may not hold up well on rocky or rough terrain.

Most Valuable Insight

“I absolutely look forward to stepping into these shoes when I get a chance; they are my slides of choice now. There’s definitely a difference when wearing these after working out.” —Henry Yung, Verywell Fit product tester

Athleta Saysh Slide

PHOTO: Athleta
Cons

  • Not adjustable

  • Small size range

Key Specs:

Sizes: Women’s 6-10 | Materials: Leather, synthetic suede, rubber | Weight: 8 ounces (per shoe) | Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who They’re For

Best for wearers who want stylish recovery support and don’t need an adjustable shoe.

Why We Love Them

Athleta’s Saysh Slides are made by women for women and are specifically designed to fit a woman’s foot shape. When we tested these recovery shoes, they felt like walking on air and quickly became our go-to shoe for post-workout relaxation and running errands. We like the slight platform look and find the sole durable enough that it won’t wear out so fast. These slides feel extremely well made and not flimsy at all. We feel perfectly secure wearing them to run errands, to yoga class, or just around the house.

They provide great support and comfort. They’re very well cushioned, with an insole that almost feels like memory foam and is lined with soft suede. They’re plush and a little bouncy to help reduce fatigue and provide mild energy return for a little more support. These slides are easily one of the most comfortable pairs of shoes we own. And with three color options, we think they’re worth the investment.

Potential Flaws

  • These slides don’t have an adjustable upper, so they may be too wide for those with narrow feet.
  • They come in fewer sizes than other options on our list.

Most Valuable Insight

“The bottom feels like a plush, memory foam cushion that provides great support and comfort. I could wear these all day! The shape of the slide is perfect.” —Michelle Parente, Verywell Fit editor and product tester

Adidas Adilette Comfort Slides

PHOTO: Amazon
Pros

  • Unisex sizing

  • Contoured footbed

  • Easy to clean

Key Specs:

Sizes: Women’s 6-12, Men’s 5-18 | Materials: Rubber | Weight: 8 ounces (per shoe) | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5

Who They’re For

Best for wearers who like a slide-style shoe and want some energy return.

Why We Love Them

Adidas’s Adilette Comfort Slides were an easy choice for our best budget category because of their contoured, cushioned footbed, durability, and budget-friendly price tag. Featuring a sole made with tiny pockets of air, they have excellent cushioning and energy return. Sliding these on after a long day of work helped us fight off leg fatigue and tightness in our feet and felt far better than going barefoot.

These slides were very well made and built to last. We also appreciate that you can easily clean them by wiping them down or rinsing them off. The cushioning is consistent throughout the midsole and gently conforms to our feet. At a reasonable price, with lots of color options and unisex sizing, you can find just the right pair for wearing after a long run, a walk along the beach, or just around the house.

Potential Flaws

  • These slides are not adjustable, so they may not be a great fit for narrower feet.

Most Valuable Insight

“I did look forward to putting these slides on. I went from being barefoot a lot to putting these on after workouts, and I can feel the difference since wearing them. These are great recovery slides for someone on a budget!” —Lauren Coughlin, Verywell Fit product tester

lululemon Restfeel Women's Slide

PHOTO: Lululemon
Pros

  • Six available colors

  • Easy to clean

  • Firm but cushy support

Key Specs:

Sizes: Women’s 5-12 | Materials: Foam, rubber | Weight: 5.6 ounces (per shoe) | Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5

Who They’re For

Best for wearers needing soft, supportive, and easy-to-wear shoes.

Why We Love Them

The dual-density foam in lululemon’s Restfeel Women’s Slides makes them super comfortable and easy to wear. The midsole features two layers of foam: the bottom layer is firm for support, and the top layer is softer for cushioning. The simple upper strap is also foam-lined for softness and comfort across the top of your foot. The full rubber sole provides plenty of traction, even on wet or slick surfaces.

During testing, these slides proved very durable, showing almost no sign of wear and tear after a month of testing. Because they’re made with foam, these slides are super lightweight but still offer solid, slightly firm cushioning for support. We especially appreciate how easy they are to clean—we spilled coffee, red wine, and cat food on them while testing, and it all came right off.

Potential Flaws

  • The light color options show dirt easily, but these slides are easy to clean.

Most Valuable Insight

“These slides are immediately and thoroughly so comfortable! Wearing them has honestly been a dream; I think these are my dream house shoes, especially for the summer when I want something breathable.” — Elizabeth Theriot, Verywell Fit product tester

Hoka Ora Recovery Slide 3

PHOTO: REI

Key Specs:

Sizes: Women’s 5-16, Men’s 3-14 | Materials: Sugarcane foam | Weight: 7.2 ounces (per shoe) | Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who They’re For

Best for wearers who run or do hard workouts often and need support for body aches.

Why We Love Them

Hoka’s Ora Recovery Slide 3 is made specifically to support recovery after hard workouts and long runs. We love that Hoka’s signature thick, cushy support is built right into the shoe, giving you the sensation of walking on a cloud. The wide sole cradles your foot and actually wraps up the side a bit to provide some lateral stability. The mild rocker shape makes transitions between steps easier, propelling you forward to help fight fatigue. The thick foam insole has good arch support, and airflow channels cut into the upper to keep you cool.

We like how sturdy these slides feel and appreciate that they mold to our feet after we wear them for a while. During testing, we noted that they even helped manage hip and lower back pain. We easily wore them all day and they felt like heaven every time we put them on. We found these slides unexpectedly stylish, and they felt like walking on air despite the overall chunkiness of the design. Plus, they have the APMA Seal of Acceptance for good foot health.

Potential Flaws

  • You can’t adjust the fit of these slides, so make sure you pick the right size for you.

Most Valuable Insight

“Putting these on after an hour-long cardio workout comprised of uphill walking/jogging is a dream.” —Kelsey Chapman, Verywell Fit product tester

Birkenstock Madrid Vegan Big Buckle Sandal

PHOTO: Birkenstock
Pros

  • Vegan materials

  • Molded footbed

  • Adjustable strap

Key Specs:

Sizes: Women’s 4-12.5 | Materials: Canvas, cork, rubber | Weight: 6.7 ounces (per shoe) | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5

Who They’re For

Best for wearers who want a stylish shoe to wear around town or to work with recovery benefits.

Why We Love Them

If you want a recovery shoe you can wear around town and after workouts, Birkenstock’s Madrid Big Buckle Sandal is the perfect pick. These vegan sandals have a stylish, adjustable canvas strap and Birkenstock’s signature cork and microfiber insole molded for comfortable support. They’re very comfortable and feel almost like wearing slippers, which makes us want to slide them on every time we’re lounging around our house.

These sandals are also lightweight and fit well with no rubbing or pinching. The footbed and upper strap are soft, cushiony, and flexible. We’re so impressed with how good these make our feet and calves feel. They support our legs and feet nicely after work or the gym. They’re also very durable and held up well with no wear and tear or odor retention during our test period.

Potential Flaws

  • The strap on these sandals could benefit from having more buckle holes for narrower feet.

Most Valuable Insights

“I was so impressed with the comfort of these sandals and by how good they made my feet and calves feel.” — Connie Kelehan, Verywell Fit product tester

Birkenstock Kyoto Nubuck Suede Leather Sandal

PHOTO: Birkenstock
Pros

  • Soft, adjustable upper

  • Contoured footbed

  • Available in two widths

Key Specs:

Sizes: Women’s 4-12.5, Men’s 6-13.5 | Materials: Leather, cork, rubber | Weight: 10 ounces (per shoe) | Our Overall Rating: 4.4/5

Who They’re For

Best for wearers suffering from foot ailments like bunions who need to be able to adjust the fit of their sandals and can benefit from soft comfort.

Why We Love Them

Finding comfortable shoes can be challenging if you have foot ailments like plantar fasciitis or bunions. Birkenstock’s Kyoto Leather Sandal is soft and doesn’t irritate your feet, making it a great choice for recovery if you suffer from bunions. Not only are these sandals available in two widths, but they also have an adjustable two-part upper. The first part is super soft, wide leather that crosses over with a velcro closure. The second part is a thinner velcro strap to secure the shoe. These combine to make the sandals very easy to adjust and able to accommodate many different foot types and widths.

We found the signature Birkenstock contoured footbed to be very soft and comfortable. It also cradles our feet, especially our heels, and promotes good foot alignment. We like the sleek, stylish design and appreciate that the leather is supple enough not to cause any irritation. These sandals come in seven different colors and have unisex sizing options.

Potential Flaws

  • These sandals are one of the priciest pairs on our list.
  • While they are comfortable, we found them to be heavier than some other options we tested.

Most Valuable Insight

“The leather is very soft and nice to the touch, and these are especially great for anyone who has bunions because the leather is so supple.” —Donna Freydkin, Verywell Fit product tester

Under Armour Ignite Pro Graphic Strap Slides

PHOTO: Under Armour
Pros

  • Textured footbed

  • Adjustable upper

  • Deeply grooved sole

Key Specs:

Sizes: Men’s 7-18, Women’s 6-12 | Materials: Polyester, rubber | Weight: 7 ounces (per shoe) | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Who They’re For

Best for wearers who want a more minimal shoe and need stability on a variety of surfaces.

Why We Love Them

If you routinely walk on slick, wet, or rough terrain, Under Armour’s Ignite Pro Slides are a budget-friendly choice for recovery and relaxation that offer great traction as well. The adjustable upper strap is lined with foam and tiny perforations for breathability. We found they dried quickly if they got wet or when we needed to clean them. The soles and the shoe overall are much thinner compared to many other options on our list, but they’re not flimsy at all.

We like their sleek design, and their textured foam footbed felt comfortable from the very first try-on. We also love how they feel very lightweight and fit true to size. But don’t worry that the lightweight and minimalist design won’t give you the support you need. We found these slides plenty supportive with firm cushioning and a slightly rigid sole that features deep grooves and pods in the heel for solid traction. We looked forward to putting these on after a workout or long work day.

Also available in women’s sizes at Amazon and Under Armour.

Potential Flaws

  • These slides provided plenty of support but they don’t offer as much cushioning as other options on our list.

Most Valuable Insight

“I have no soreness in my arches. These are performing exactly how I wanted them to. I wore them outside of the house, and they were very comfy to wear out and about.” —Jacob Fox, Verywell Fit product tester

Vionic Rejuvenate Recovery Sandals

PHOTO: Nordstrom
Pros

  • APMA Seal of Acceptance

  • Textured footbed

  • Orthotic-like insole

Key Specs:

Sizes: Women’s 5-13, Men’s 7.5-11.5 | Materials: Foam, rubber | Weight: 8.8 ounces (per shoe) | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5

Who They’re For

Best for wearers with high arches or who need added arch support.

Why We Love Them

People with plantar fasciitis can wear recovery shoes as a way to comfortably walk around the house without being barefoot, says Emily Splichal, DPM, Doctor of Podiatric Medicine. Vionic’s Rejuvenate Recovery Sandals provide plenty of arch support and carry the APMA Seal of Acceptance, so they will help you maintain good foot health. The upper is adjustable, helping you get just the right fit. They feature a textured footbed to give your feet a comfortable massage that eases any points of tension—a key feature of recovery shoes.

We like that these slides contour to the natural shape of your foot with a deep heel cup and sidewalls. The orthotic-like insole cradles our feet and provides lots of support, especially in the arches. Slipping on these slides feels like a mini massage for our feet, and they help relieve hamstring and glute aches and stiffness after an intense workout. The sole is made of two layers of foam, one firm and one softer, for equal amounts of cushion and support. Their unisex sizing and durability make them well worth their price.

Potential Flaws

  • These slides have very thick soles, so some wearers may find them a bit clunky.

Most Valuable Insight

“I love how these respond so well to the shape of my feet. And they really help with recovery, especially after an intense leg day.” —Stella Yu, Verywell Fit product tester

Verywell Fit / Stella Yu


Oofos OOahh Sport Flex Sandal

PHOTO: Oofos
Pros

  • Unisex sizing

  • APMA Seal of Acceptance

  • Machine washable

Key Specs:

Sizes: Men’s 4-13, Women’s 6-15 | Materials: Foam | Weight: 6.8 ounces (per shoe) | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Who They’re For

Best for wearers who need recovery from intense workouts.

Why We Love Them

The Oofos brand is known for designs that reduce stress on joints and feet, so it’s no surprise that they offer great workout recovery shoes. According to the manufacturer, Oofos’ OOahh Sport Flex Sandals are designed with a footbed that’s meant to support while absorbing more impact than average footwear. These slides look bulky, but we never felt weighed down when wearing them because the foam makes them super lightweight—they’re so lightweight that they float! We also love that they’re machine washable.

These sandals remained as bouncy and cushy on the last day of testing as they did on the first, so you can be sure they will fully support your recovery from tough workouts like HIIT. We like how they hug our feet and offer plenty of arch support. They feel like an anti-fatigue mat in shoe form and even make our feet feel better after a long day in heels when we develop blisters and hot spots. The textured footbed makes the shoes a bit grippy, so they stay in place and are a dream to wear.

Also available in women’s sizes at REI and Oofos.

Potential Flaws

  • When testing these sandals, we noticed they’re not very breathable for long periods in hot or humid weather.

Most Valuable Insight

“In addition to wearing them post-workout, I also wear them at my standing desk at home, and they feel like an anti-fatigue mat in shoe form. I can stand for longer periods of time without hurting my back when I wear these.” —Ashleigh Morley, commerce group director and Verywell Fit product tester

Crocs Mellow Recovery Slide

PHOTO: Crocs
Pros

  • Seamless construction

  • Unisex sizing

  • Roomy fit

Key Specs:

Sizes: Women’s 4-17, Men’s 2-15 | Materials: Foam | Weight: 5.2 ounces (per shoe) | Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5

Who They’re For

Best for wearers who need plenty of room in their shoes to splay their feet and want maximum cushioning.

Why We Love Them

Crocs’ Mellow Recovery Slides offer unisex sizing, sidewall cutouts for breathability, and a roomy fit—good for those with wider feet. It’s worth noting that Crocs recommends sizing down because these shoes are so roomy. We found that even though they had a wider fit, our feet stayed put, and there was no pinching or rubbing. We especially loved the seamless construction, which made them more durable than other pairs we tested and reduced the chance of irritating our feet.

The soft foam lets your feet almost melt into the footbed and is slow to rebound, so you get maximum comfort and cushiness. We looked forward to slipping into these slides after long runs and found they helped alleviate some heel pain. The arch support and outsole grip made these easy to wear all day around the house and even to run errands around town.

Potential Flaws

  • These may be too wide for wearers with narrower feet.

Most Valuable Insight

“The whole bed of the shoe is made from a thick foam, and there is additional cushioning in the arch, which is really nice since I have flat feet.” —Britney Johnson, commerce updates writer and Verywell Fit product tester

Hoka Restore TC Recovery Shoes

PHOTO: Hoka
Pros

  • Slip-in design

  • Seamless upper

  • Plush cushioning

Key Specs:

Sizes: Women’s 5-15, Men’s 4-14 | Materials: Polyester, sugarcane rubber | Weight: 6.3 ounces (per shoe) | Our Overall Rating: 4.4/5

Who They’re For

Best for regular runners or wearers who want the added support of a full shoe.

Why We Love Them

If you’re a regular runner or are looking for a full recovery shoe, Hoka’s Restore TC Recovery Shoes are a good choice. Their super plush cushioning and stability make them optimal for slipping on after a long run or a hard speed workout on the track. These recovery shoes have a simple three-part construction of a sock-like upper, sugarcane rubber midsole, and outsole. They’re easy enough to slip into and can even be worn barefoot.

During our test, we found these shoes to be very squishy and pillow-like. They offer so much cushion and impact absorption that they help minimize our knee pain. While they’re not as breathable as a pair of sandals, they still provide plenty of airflow and don’t hold onto odor, even when we wear them without socks. We also appreciate their seamless design, which kept our feet from getting irritated, even when wearing these shoes all day. They have good traction and stability, so you can be confident wearing them around town on any terrain.

Potential Flaws

  • While we think they’re worth the price, note that these are the priciest pair of recovery shoes on our list.
  • The sock-like upper is convenient, but without laces, the shoes’ fit can’t be adjusted.

Most Valuable Insight

“The insole completely forms to your feet. It’s so nice having these little gel pads on my feet. I’ve also worn these barefoot, and they didn’t cause any issues with my feet.” —Jenni May, Verywell Fit product tester

Recovery Shoes We Also Tested

We tested 18 pairs of recovery shoes in total, but only 12 impressed us enough to make our final list of recommendations. These recovery shoes didn’t make our list of top picks, but they still have some features worth noting.

  • Chaco’s Townes Slide Midform is well-made, durable, and very cushiony. However, these slides are very heavy, and the straps on the upper were tight and uncomfortable.
  • Welltree’s Cloud Slides felt very soft and provided cloud-like cushioning at a very reasonable price point. However, we felt they were uncomfortably narrow and didn’t provide enough arch support.
  • Reef’s Water Vista Slides are lightweight, cushiony, and water-friendly. They also have good traction and are stylish. Unfortunately, they’re very narrow and didn’t stay on our feet during our test.

What to Look for in Recovery Shoes

  • Support: First, make sure the shoes you’re eyeing offer ample arch support. Then, look for rocker-style soles that curve up at the front and sometimes the back, making it easy to rock from your heels to your toes. This gives you what experts call “smooth heel-to-toe transfer,” reducing muscle stress as you walk. Or, look for raised heels that make it easy to shift your weight forward and can give you the same easy heel-to-toe transfer you’d get from rocker-style soles.
  • Comfort: Recovery shoes are supposed to feel comfortable, so when shopping, Danni Alderson, CPT, trainer at Rumble Training, looks for shoes that are padded and roomy. She also recommends looking for shoes that allow you to splay out your toes and relax. Make sure the shoes you’re eyeing are cushioned with padding or made of a plush material (like foam). And be sure the shoes are the right size and width for your feet.
  • Breathability: During a workout, your feet can get hot and sweaty—so finding breathable recovery shoes is key. Open-toe shoes are naturally breathable. So, if you stick with slides or sandals, your feet should get plenty of airflow. However, closed-toe recovery shoes can also be breathable. Just ensure they’re made of breathable materials (like mesh) or ventilated with airflow-friendly holes and cutouts.
  • Textured footbeds: To be good recovery shoes, shoes need to be supportive, comfortable, and breathable. But one nice-to-have feature you might also want to look for? Stimulating footbeds. According to Geller, some recovery shoe footbeds are lined with pressure points that stimulate blood flow and help relax tired feet. And while these textured insoles won’t make or break your recovery shoes, they can certainly improve them.
  • Style: Recovery shoes come in a range of styles—and some look more stylish than others. Consider where you’ll wear your recovery shoes, Alderson says, and look for a shoe you’ll definitely wear. Recovery shoes only work if you actually wear them.

How We Tested the Best Recovery Shoes

To find the best recovery shoes, we tested 18 pairs in the real world during our normal daily routines. We wore the shoes after workouts, around the house, and to run light errands at least three times a week for a month. When testing recovery shoes, we evaluate each shoe based on the following key criteria:

  • Durability: To evaluate durability, upon unboxing the shoes, we note if they are made with high-quality materials and solid construction. If the shoes feel flimsy and cheap, we give them a lower score in this category. We also assess whether the shoes can be worn outside our home and withstand surfaces like dirt, grass, and concrete. As we continue to test, we note if the shoes hold on to odor, show stains, or show signs of wear and tear after being worn for weeks.
  • Comfort: After trying on the shoes for the first time, we ask ourselves questions like: Is there any immediate discomfort? Do the shoes fit as expected? Do we notice any squeezing, pinching, or other irritation? Throughout the test, we note if we develop any blisters, chafing, or hot spots. After several weeks of testing, we evaluate whether the shoes remain as comfortable as they did when we first put them on.
  • Cushioning: Cushioning is an important feature of recovery shoes. While wearing the shoes, we note whether the cushioning feels firm or pillow-like and plush. We check for additional cushioning in the arch or heel. We also note whether the cushioning makes the shoes feel heavy and clunky or light and airy. Finally, we assess whether the cushioning holds up throughout the test period or becomes compressed or flattened.
  • Value: To determine the value of the recovery shoes, we wait to check the price until the end of the testing period, when all other key features have been evaluated. We ask ourselves whether the price is fair based on the shoe’s performance. Would we only buy the shoes if they were on sale? Would we recommend these shoes to friends and family?

Our Experts

We consulted several experts at every stage of researching, testing, and reporting for this story. They helped us understand what recovery shoes can do for us, who they’re for, how they work, and what features to look for in the best recovery shoes.

  • Dan Geller, DPM, foot and ankle surgeon
  • Danni Alderson, CPT, trainer at Rumble Training
  • Emily Splichal, DPM, Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, New York College of Podiatric Medicine, Master’s in Human Movement (MS)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a recovery shoe?

Recovery shoes are exactly what they sound like. They’re shoes designed to help your body recover from a workout. Recovery shoes support the active recovery phase of fitness, Geller says. He adds that they provide support and cushioning, ease the heel-to-toe transfer, lower stress, increase blood flow, and help tired muscles recover.

Can and should you wear recovery shoes all day?

Most people wear recovery shoes right after a workout, but you can technically wear them all the time. Recovery shoes are for all the hours after a workout—and beyond, Alderson says.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Lindsey Lanquist is a contributing writer for Verywell Fit and has seven years of experience in the health and fitness space. As an avid exerciser, Lindsey understands the importance of post-workout recovery. And since she knows bad recovery shoes can actually be counterproductive—making your body feel more tired—she made sure all the shoes she featured here were supportive, comfortable, and breathable (key criteria experts told her to look for).

Additional reporting by Jen Zeltwanger

Jen Zeltwanger has 25 years of experience in the health and fitness industry and knows how important it is to find quality products that add value to your fitness routine. She is particularly focused on finding and recommending products for effective home workouts.



RELATED ARTICLES

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Most Popular

Recent Comments