One vital aspect of post-run recovery that often goes unnoticed is footwear selection. Enter recovery sandals and recovery shoes for runners – a remarkable innovation designed to provide runners with ultimate comfort and support during their much-needed downtime. 
These specialized sandals offer unique features and technologies aimed at revitalizing tired feet, soothing sore muscles, and promoting efficient recovery. At least that’s the promise, so I’m all about testing to find out if it’s real or hype.
You know I love my warmups, cool down walks, and stretching. These are all important components of healthy running. They’re things that don’t need fancy equipment or a ton of time too.
But have you ever wondered if maybe there was some gear you could invest in that would help aid your recovery? Besides the CRAZY EXPENSIVE boots?? More like good shoes to slip into after long runs or races that will help your body recover?
To help in your search for the optimal recovery shoes, I’ve compiled a list of seven great options. There are a lot more on the market besides this group and more and more brands are creating their own versions.
Before we dig into the shoes, let’s talk about the “why” behind recovery shoes and what you want to look for in a good pair.
Why Buy Recovery Shoes?
While there doesn’t appear to be much research on the benefits of recovery shoes at this time, it’s not hard to see why athletes are choosing to add them to their running gear!
Recovery sandals are not your typical flip-flops or beachwear; they’re specifically designed to offer numerous benefits that aid in the post-run recovery process.
Let’s explore some of the key benefits of using recovery sandals:
- Arch Support and Cushioning: One of the primary advantages of recovery sandals is their exceptional arch support and cushioning properties. After a long run, your feet and arches can become fatigued and sore. Recovery sandals are engineered with contoured footbeds that provide targeted support to the arches, reducing strain and promoting proper foot alignment. The generous cushioning not only absorbs impact but also helps alleviate pressure points, allowing your feet to recover more comfortably.
- Enhanced Blood Circulation: Many recovery sandals are equipped with features like massaging footbeds or built-in acupressure points. These elements gently stimulate the feet, promoting better blood circulation. Improved blood flow aids in flushing out metabolic waste products from the muscles, hastening the recovery process and reducing the likelihood of cramps and stiffness.
- Muscle Recovery and Relaxation: Recovery sandals facilitate muscle recovery by providing a comfortable platform for your feet to rest and relax. The gentle support and cushioning alleviate the stress on muscles, allowing them to recuperate more effectively. Additionally, the open-toe design of most recovery sandals allows your feet to breathe, further aiding in relaxation and recovery.
- Convenience and Portability: Recovery sandals are lightweight and easy to slip on, making them a convenient choice for runners on the go. Whether you’re taking a post-run break in the park or traveling to a race, you can quickly put on your recovery sandals to give your feet the care they deserve.
- Post-Injury Support: If you’re recovering from a running-related injury (or dealing with plantar fasciitis), these sandals can be a game-changer. Their supportive design and cushioned footbeds offer comfort to injured areas, promoting a more comfortable healing process. However, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before using recovery sandals for injury recovery.
- Preventing Cross-Contamination: After a sweaty run, it’s common for your running shoes to harbor moisture and bacteria. By switching to recovery sandals during your post-run downtime, you can allow your running shoes to air out and prevent cross-contamination, which can reduce the risk of foot infections.
7 Best Recovery Sandals for Runners
Let’s be honest the first two for best recovery shoes that MOST runners know are HOKA vs Oofos recovery slides. Yes I did a full article comparison because so many of you couldn’t choose between them. And that’s likely because they are very similar.
BUT they aren’t they only one’s available and in fact, one of my favorites is newer to the market entirely!
Let’s look at options from the slides to some that are close toed for winter!
Overall Top Rated Running Recovery Shoes: Oofos OOahh Slide – $59.95
The original active recovery footwear brand, Oofos created shoes designed to help reduce load and stress and help the body recover.
Their shoes are made with OOfoam technology, which is a material that absorbs 37% more impact than traditional shoes. They are also designed to enable a more natural foot motion.
THe OOahh Slide is the next evolution on Oofos’s first sandal. The strap provides additional comfort and support, while their patented footbed helps reduce stress on knees, ankles, and joints.
An added bonus of these sandals is that they’re machine washable and the foam is designed to minimize odor. You can also try them 30 days risk free!
The OOahh Slide comes in a wide range of colors and designs and both men’s and women’s sizes.
Best Supportive Recovery Shoe: Hoka ORA Slide 3 – $60
The Hoka Ora Recovery Slide (or now flip flop) is on its third model and continues to evolve to provide ample comfort to wearers.
These slides, which boast The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance as a product beneficial to foot health, aren’t too different from the original ORA Slide. They are super plush when it comes to cushion with an injection molded sugarcane EVA foam midsole.
This newest model has added air vents for enhanced breathability and a wide base that provides moderate stability, good for both neutral gaits and those who need more support.
While not the sleekest of sandals, they are all-gender and come in a wide breadth of sizes.
Best Recovery Slides for Foot Motion: Velous Slides ($75)
I recently encountered these after 3 days on my feet non-stop for The Running Event. It was love at first step. Not just because the cushion felt so fabulous, but Velous has put some serious thought in to these shoes.
They actually developed the sandal in three pieces they call tri-motion: heel, arch support, toe-off. Once they had each section right, they pulled it all together in these incredible recovery sandals (also available in a flip flop).
Legit I love the way my foot moves in these and if you deal with any kind of foot pain, these feel like the top notice choice among what I’ve tested. The ONE and only thing I’m struggling a bit with is the strap across the foot is a little hard on the edges and I’m hoping in breaks in a little bit.
David was not bothered by it at all, so maybe I’m just a delicate flower.
Best Massaging Slide: PR Soles Sconset Recovery Flip Flops – $39.99
Looking for a massage with every step? Look no further than the lightweight PR Soles Sconset Flip Flops.
With each step, you’ll enjoy a stimulating foot massage thanks to their ACUPOINT footbed that provides acupressure point massage. According to PR Soles, this can improve circulation, relieve soreness in your feet, legs and lower back, and assist in recovery.
The flip flops are water resistant and apparently float too (if that’s important to you ha!). The wide strap is made with a stretchable sport fabric that also provides a secure fit.
While the outsole isn’t as thick as the two previous slides highlighted, it is impact-absorbing and is non-slip for good traction regardless of terrain.
The sandals come in both mens and womens sizes and four colors.
Old School Recovery Slide: Adidas Adissage Slides – $32
If you’re looking for something a bit more timeless, look no further than the Adidas Adissage Slides.
The slides with the 100s of nubs on the footbed massage your tired feet with every step. The strap is also adjustable for a custom fit. I can’t lie, I remember having these like 20 years ago…they were indeed comfy.
The outsole is cloudfoam and provides plenty of cushion without being super thick. These shoes are great for after your HIIT workout, a run, a long hike, or just because. They’re even fine to wear to the beach with a simple rinse to remove any sand.
Not into the nubs, check out Adidas’s Adilette Comfort Slides for another lightweight comfort option.
Best Winter Recovery Shoe: Topo Athletics Rekovr 2 – $120
While on the pricier end of things, the Topo Athletics Rekovr 2 is a great option for a stylish closed-toed shoe. They also have the APMA Seal of Acceptance.
The Rekovr shoes are designed to be worn without socks so you can experience the textured, wave-patterned ridges of the 3D Wave Sense footbed by Ortholite. It helps to stimulate and massage the nerves on the bottom of the feet.
The upper is made of an antimicrobial blended wool, which naturally resists odor while keeping your feet warm. However, you can wear these year-round. They come in two colors.
The Vibram XS Trek EVO outsole ensures traction and durability for a wide variety of activities.
Best Recovery Sandal for Water: Chaco Chillos Sport – $60
If you ever finish that run and then want to dip your feet in a stream or wade in some water for recovery, then you know that your slides are going to come flying off. Enter the sport sandal which is going to have the heel strap that helps to keep your foot locked in place.
Plus they float in water too!
These aren’t going to be your most stylish, but Chaco Chillos also come in sandals and clogs, so take your pick!
Best Close Toed Recovery Shoe: Kane Revive Active Recovery Shoes – $75
Ok, ok, I know these look a bit like Crocs…ok, maybe a lot like Crocs. But I can assure you that they’re not Crocs!
The Kane Revive shoes offer six recovery features that work together to enhance recovery. They are:
- Breathability – The holes throughout the shoe provide enhanced airflow and breathability.
- Stimulation – The footbed boasts raised nodes that help increase circulation and provides pressure point massage.
- Support – The shoes have an anatomical design securing the heal, arch, and instep.
- Rebound – They’re designed to roll smoothly from heel to toe with good energy return.
- Cushion – Made with RestoreFoam from Brazilian sugarcane.
- Grip – The outsole boasts oversized channels for both flexibility and traction.
The shoes follow standard sneaker sizing and are washable and quick drying.
What to Look for in a Recovery Shoe
There are a few key features you should look for in a recovery shoe or flip flop.
Arch Support
Look for a recovery shoe or sandal offering solid arch support. Regardless of the amount of cushion in a shoe, it’s important to make sure there’s proper support at the arch.
This support at the arch can really help with fatigue and help protect you from potential injury.
Wide Toe Box
Runners, especially those looking at closed-toed shoe options, should look for ones with a wide toe box. This will allow your toes and the rest of your foot to spread comfortably.
This is especially important if you run in a more narrow or restrictive shoe.
Comfort
Recovery shoes should provide comfort. If they don’t feel good, they’re not a good fit.
The sandals should have more cushioning than fashion or basic flips might and it should be placed in ways to reduce pressure and impact. The same goes for closed-toed shoes.
You might also notice that the soles of recovery shoes may be thick as a result of the added cushion.
Hopefully we’ve given you some ideas to help guide your hunt for the best running recovery shoe. They really all are going to be a great part of keeping your body feeling good as the miles pile up.
Looking for more recovery tips?
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