There’s nothing better than taking off your shoes after wearing them for hours — actually there is: taking them off and putting on a pair of recovery shoes. Simply put, podiatrists say this specific type of footwear is designed to give your feet a break. They’re made with shock-absorbing materials that feel equal parts soft and supportive, allowing your feet to get rid of tension, aches and pains between activities. And when I say “activities,” I don’t just mean running, lifting weights, walking and playing sports — recovery shoes can benefit anyone on their feet all day who needs a little relief.
To narrow down the absolute best recovery shoes on the market, the NBC Selected staff and I spent over a month testing almost 11 pairs to share our first-hand experiences with them. I also interviewed two podiatrists, gathering information about the most important features to look for while shopping and why you shouldn’t wear recovery shoes all day.
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The best recovery shoes, tested and reviewed
The NBC Selected staff tested the recovery shoes below for over a month to share their hands-on experiences with them. Before I assigned each tester a shoe, I made sure it had features that align with podiatrists’ shopping advice, including contoured insoles, deep heel cups, balanced cushioning and effective traction on the outsoles. I also noted which shoes are water-resistant and earned the American Podiatric Medical Association’s Seal of Acceptance. Learn more about how to shop for recovery shoes here and how we tested our picks here.
Best basic slides
Oofos was one of the first brands to introduce the idea of recovery shoes, and over the years, it’s expanded its reach from runners to anyone looking to relieve fatigued feet, says Dr. Anne Sharkey, a podiatrist at the North Austin Foot and Ankle Institute. The OOahh Recovery Slide is one of the most well-known styles, and it’s also the first recovery shoe I tried. I’ve worn it ever since I trained for my first 10K over a decade ago — after seeing how much I love my slides, my dad even bought a pair to use after golf.
When I put on the OOahh slides after a run, my swollen feet instantly breathe a sigh of relief. The insoles delicately cradle my arches, and the outsoles are semi-curved: They’re not totally flat, and they’re not severely rocker-shaped to the point that I have trouble balancing. The outsoles taper inward toward the middle of my feet, which the brand says forces them to stay centered on the base instead of sliding side to side — the textured insoles also help with this. I feel where the outsole gets narrower when I’m wearing the shoes, and while it’s not uncomfortable, the sensation took a little getting used to.
These shoes are made with a medium-thick layer of cushioning that has a bit of give. However, it isn’t so soft that I sink into it. I also love that the straps have a cutout in the center, which lets air flow through and adds a bit of flexibility, securing my feet without restricting them.
Best for the flip flop obsessed
While the OOahh slide is arguably Oofos’ most popular recovery shoe, the brand’s first-ever style was the OOriginal sandal. These two shoes are nearly identical: they’re made from the same type of impact-absorbing material and have similar outsole shapes. The biggest difference is that the OOriginal Sandal has a toe post, so it’s a flip flop, not a slide. The sandal is also 0.4 oz. lighter than the slide, which, in my experience, isn’t noticeable.
NBC Selected commerce editor Cory Fernandez says the toe post felt comfortable the whole time he wore these sandals, and that the material didn’t bother his skin. He also found the shoes to be well-constructed. “I appreciate that they don’t feel cheap, and they provide great arch support without it being painful the first time I wore them,” he says. “They have a somewhat bouncy feel to them, so I felt like I could walk for a while.”
Best for someone who likes maximum cushioning
In true Hoka fashion, the Ora recovery slides are one of the most highly cushioned pairs I tested with a substantial rocker-shaped outsole — they lift me off the ground more than most other options on this list, and they help me roll through strides so I’m noticeably using less energy to walk post-activity. Thanks to the wider base and medium-soft foam, my feet and ankles are surprisingly stable while I’m moving and standing still. The shoe is also very solid — it’s as far away from a flimsy sandal as it could get, and the support is obvious as soon as I slip my feet inside.
These recovery shoes have four cutouts on the straps to allow for lots of airflow, and their textured outsoles have a lug-shaped design for maximum traction. NBC Selected editorial director (and three-time marathoner) Lauren Swanson swears by them. “I’ve worn Hoka’s recovery slides for years — pretty much since I started running long distances,” she says. “After a long run, my feet swell enough that most shoes feel like punishment; these are the only things I want to put on.”
Best clog (and biggest fashion statement)
I’m not exaggerating when I say that I see multiple people wearing the Kane Revive in New York City every day, so I feel confident naming them one of the “it” shoes right now. They were one of two recovery shoes our team tested that are a clog style: They fully surround the feet, have a marginally curved outsole and are made with firmer cushioning, so we determined that they’re a sturdy recovery shoe that really locks feet in place, giving you extra support while walking.
“Overall, the material is durable and the quality is great,” says NBC Selected senior editor Nikki Brown. She added that when she put these shoes on, she had to bend down to get the back of her feet inside using the built-in heel loop, so they’re pull-ons more than they are slip-ons.
One of the most unique parts of this shoe is that its upper (the part covering the top of your feet) is perforated, which increases airflow. Our testers liked the breathability, but found that the material made noise when they were barefoot. There’s also raised nodes on the insoles that activate blood flow in key pressure points, according to the brand — it feels good apart from some minor tickling, says NBC Selected video producer Josh Rios. Because of these factors, Brown and Rios say wearing socks with the Revive OB is a must.
Best for slipping on while hiding your toes
If you like the look and sturdiness of the Kane Revive but want a true slip-on shoe, try the Kane Revive OB — “OB” stands for open-back, referring to the mule style of these shoes. Because you can shove your feet in these in seconds, they’re the more convenient option. And while there’s a larger heel cup to help keep your feet in place in the back, the Revive OB doesn’t feel as stable or secure as the standard Revive — they’re similar to any slide or flip flip, according to our testers. Regardless, Rios says wearing the Revive OB at home made his feet feel much more relaxed, and he used socks with them since they have the raised nodes on the insoles like the original Revive.
Best Crocs that aren’t actually “Crocs”
Crocs is known for comfortable shoes that make you say “I don’t want to take these off,” which was our general takeaway after testing the brand’s Mellow Recovery Slide. It’s made with foam that’s just soft enough for your feet to relax into, while also giving you firmer support as needed. “I feel like these shoes have molded to my feet over time, but they still maintain their shape and sturdiness,” says Brown. She has flat feet and finds it painful to walk barefoot on her apartment’s hardwood floors, so she keeps them next to her bed and outside the shower to slip on immediately. She uses them after exercising, be it a dumbbell workout, power walk or light jog.
Brown says these slides have a snug fit, but they never felt tight, and that the material didn’t cause blistering or sensitivity. Because of that, she happily wore them with and without socks, which she didn’t experience with the other shoe she tested. The slides’ straps have breathability windows for extra airflow, and their outsole is on the flatter side, which made me feel balanced while standing and walking.
Best for year-round wear
Similar to the Kane Revive, these Nike recovery shoes are a clog style, so they cover the whole foot and you pull them on your feet, making them feel secure while you’re walking. They have perforations that allow for airflow, but only on the top of the shoe rather than across all parts of it — this makes them less breathable than the Kane Revives, so in hot temperatures, your feet might feel sweaty, says NBC Selected associate social media editor Caitlin Cusack. To avoid that, she paired them with socks and was comfortable for hours.
“My feet always felt supported and cushioned while wearing these,” says Cusack. “Especially after a long workout or walk, it felt nice to have something so soft under my feet.” She added that the shoe’s material is durable and feels high quality — she didn’t notice any visible wear and tear during the testing period and can tell that they’ll last a long time.
One of the biggest benefits of having fewer perforations on the Nike ReactX Rejuven8 shoes is that it makes them better for year-round wear — you can add thicker socks to keep your feet cozy in the fall and winter, and thinner socks in the spring and summer. Since you’ll likely want to add socks, Cusack recommends sizing up in these shoes.
Best for frequently swollen feet
Vionic’s recovery sandal has one of the deepest (if not the deepest) heel cups out of all the pairs we tested, making its side walls higher toward the middle — together, these features stabilize your feet and encourage them to stay in a position that aligns them with the ankles, according to the brand. The slides are designed with highly contoured insoles to maximize arch support, and cushioning that makes them feel firm with a little bit of cushiness and bounce, according to NBC Selected associate SEO reporter Ashley Morris. There’s also tons of traction thanks to the lugged outsoles.
One of Morris’ favorite parts of these slides is the adjustable strap. It lets her customize how tight or loose she wants it to feel across her feet depending on how swollen they are post-activity. Depending on which option you buy, the strap is made from either suede or synthetic nubuck, which gives it a more stylish rather than sporty look and makes it feel soft against Morris’ skin. One important note: Vionic’s slides have a taller platform, which is not ideal for those with balance issues.
Best for someone who suffers in heels all day
As someone who often wears heels for hours, NBC Selected senior editor Shalwah Evans is a prime candidate for recovery shoes. But she didn’t know how much she needed them until trying Kuru’s. “My feet kind of just relax as soon as I slide them on, and I feel all the tension in my legs and thighs come down and then disappear,” says Evans. “They have a thick heel with cushioning that feels just right — it’s not too soft and it’s not hard.”
Evans mainly keeps her recovery slides at the office, giving her something to change into when her feet decide they’re done with heels. She loves the adjustable strap on Kuru’s Moment Recovery Slides, which lets her make them tighter or looser depending on how swollen her feet are at any given moment. The slides also have a built-in orthotic insole and targeted cushioning that cradles the heels to boost ankle stability and arch support, according to the brand.
Best design specifically for women’s feet
NBC Selected commerce editor Mili Godio reached for Fitflop’s slides after exercising and spending long days in heels at the office. She says her feet felt great resting on them for a few hours, and because they’re not bulky looking, she could pair them with casual outfits and look cute. The slides are firmer overall, making them very sturdy, but the footbed is semi-flexible, so they’re not too stiff. They also have three types of cushioning to align with what type of support each stage of a step needs, promoting natural movement, absorbing impact and conserving your energy, according to the brand: The cushioning is firmer around the heel, soft in the middle and medium-soft by the toes.
Godio immediately noticed these slides’ arch support when she wore them for the first time, and she finds it effective as someone with high arches. She only has one drawback: Fitflop says these slides have a wider fit, but Godio, who has wide feet, experienced some rubbing underneath the ventilated straps. That said, she still comfortably wore the slides, so it wasn’t terribly noticeable.
Most stable, grounded feel
Almost everything about Nobull’s Recharge Slides remind me of Crocs’ Mellow Slides. Their overall look, shape and feel are comparable: They both have a moderate layer of semi-soft cushioning with a flatter outsole, making me feel comfortable, stable and grounded while wearing them. They’re also each designed with a textured insole to help feet stay in place. The biggest difference is that unlike the Crocs Mellows, Nobulls’ slides don’t have cutouts on the straps, so there’s no airflow around that part of my foot. The strap rests on top of my foot to keep it secure, but overtime, it gets hot against my skin, and the rubbing has led to chaffing, in my experience, especially since my foot is on the wider side. To prevent irritation, I only wear these slides with socks — I don’t mind, but I would like the option of wearing them without socks similar to how I can with other recovery slides I tested.
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How to shop for recovery shoes
Before we tested recovery shoes, I talked to two podiatrists about the most important factors to consider while shopping for and evaluating them. Here’s what they recommend.
- APMA Seal of Acceptance: Brands can pay a fee and submit their recovery shoes to get independently evaluated by the American Podiatric Medical Association. If shoes meet specific safety and quality criteria, the third-party organization deems them to promote good foot health and gives them the APMA Seal of Acceptance, which is the gold standard in the shoe world, experts told me. That doesn’t mean shoes that don’t have the seal are ineffective — most likely, the brand just didn’t opt into the evaluation process yet.
- Cushioning: “Well-designed recovery shoes are constructed with materials that remove shock from the joints,” says Sharkey. “But softer doesn’t equal better. If the shoe feels like a marshmallow and your feet sink into the cushioning, it’s not giving you stability. A true recovery shoe is going to be cushioned plus supportive and stabilizing.”
- Insole and heel cup: The recovery shoe’s insole should be contoured, not flat, and the heel area should be somewhat sunken in to hug the back of your foot (this is technically called a deep heel cup), says Sharkey. These features add support and help the shoes stay on your feet. Your foot shape and arch type determine whether you find a shoe’s contoured footbed and heel cup comfortable, so it may take a trial-and-error to find a pair that feels like it’s tailored to your feet — it shouldn’t feel like the insole and heel cup are forcing them into a position they don’t want to be in, says Sharkey.
- Base shape: The base of the shoe should be wide enough to accommodate the width of your feet, says Sharkey. Make sure your feet aren’t hanging off the sides or spilling over the back or front. The base should also add stability. Many recovery shoes have a curved, rocker-shaped base, which helps propel you forward while walking. It also helps take stress off the metatarsals, which are the long bones in the ball of your foot — the curved base transfers pressure away from this area and reduces motion in the toe joints, says Dr. Bobby Pourziaee, a podiatrist at Rodeo Drive Podiatry.. Some people have no problem walking in a shoe with a rocker-shaped base, but others find it destabilizing and should choose a recovery shoe with a flat base instead.
- Grip: Your recovery shoes should have enough grip on the outsoles to give you traction on indoor and outdoor surfaces, says Sharkey. You shouldn’t feel like you’re slipping and sliding while walking in them.
- Fit: Recovery shoes come as slides, flip flops, mules and clogs. The style you choose is a personal preference — fit is the most important thing to pay attention to. Too much room around your feet might cause you to grip the insoles with your toes to keep the shoes on while you walk, which can lead to toe, foot and leg strain, says Sharkey. On the other hand, not enough room around your feet might cause chafing, blisters and pain. When evaluating fit, make sure your feet rest comfortably in the shoes while standing and walking so you can get the full recovery benefits.
- Water resistance: Buying recovery shoes made from a water-resistant material lets you wear them outside regardless of weather conditions, and in the shower while you’re in public places like locker rooms and hotels, says Sharkey.
How we tested recovery shoes
Our methodology
Before the NBC Selected staff tested recovery shoes, I talked to two podiatrists about them to learn what they are, how they work, how to appropriately wear them and what factors to pay attention to while shopping for and evaluating them. I also asked experts about the most popular brands on the market. I researched each one they mentioned and made a list of 11 recovery shoes from nine brands that are highly-rated among customers and experts for the NBC Selected staff to test. I noted which ones earned the APMA Seal of Acceptance. Brands sent us the recovery shoes as courtesy samples.
Up to two people tested each recovery shoe on our list for over a month and evaluated them according to the criteria I detail below. Testers submitted their feedback via a form, and I reviewed the results to compile our comprehensive list of recommendations.
Recovery shoe testing criteria
- Cushioning: Experts say that ideally, recovery shoes’ cushioning feels soft enough to relieve foot tension, but firm enough to avoid sinking into it. Testers noted how close their shoes got to this description.
- Insole and heel cup: Testers described how contoured, if at all, their shoes’ insoles were, and how prominent of a deep heel cup their shoes had. They shared how supportive and comfortable they found the insole and heel cup, and shared details about their foot shape and arch type to contextualize their feedback.
- Base shape: We tested recovery shoes with flat and rocker-shaped outsoles, as well as those that land somewhere in between. Testers described the shape of their shoes’ outsole and how stable it made them feel while walking and standing. They also shared information about their foot size and width to contextualize how well their feet fit on their shoes’ base.
- Grip: Testers looked at the bottom of their recovery shoes to see what it looked like, identifying any texture or other components that added grip. They paid attention to how much traction the outsoles gave them on various indoor and outdoor surfaces (including in different weather conditions) to prevent slipping and sliding.
- Fit and feel: Each tester used the size charts on brands’ websites to choose the appropriate size recovery shoe for their feet. We assessed whether each shoe was true-to-size and how they accommodated the shape, width and length of our feet. If the shoes did not fit well, testers specified areas that were too roomy, tight, narrow, wide, short or long.
- Style: We tested recovery slides, mules and clogs, noting the benefits and drawbacks of each style to make comparisons.
- Activity: Per experts’ recommendations, testers wore their recovery shoes directly after physical activity, after being on their feet for hours and at home to avoid going barefoot. They walked and stood in them, and wore them inside and outside. Testers regularly wore their recovery shoes for over a month before submitting feedback about them.
- Durability: After a month of testing, we evaluated how much visible wear and tear we saw on our recovery shoes, and whether their fit, comfort level and support level changed at all with consistent use.
- Cleaning and maintenance: Testers cared for their recovery shoes as recommended by the brand, which could involve machine-washing or hand-washing, and air drying. After cleaning their recovery shoes, testers described any changes they noticed, especially in regard to fit, look and material quality.
Frequently asked questions
“Recovery shoes are designed to reduce stress on the feet after high demand, like when you’ve been active,” says Pourziaee. “Unlike performance or athletic shoes, which are meant for movement and propulsion, recovery shoes are meant to offload pressure, absorb shock and allow your feet and soft tissues to decompress.”
It’s important to note that “recovery shoes” is a marketing term used to categorize a specific type of footwear — they’re not guaranteed to accelerate tissue healing, says Sharkey. Think of them as a way to temporarily alleviate foot pain, soreness, achiness and tension, not a long-term solution or “cure.”
Anyone who spends a lot of time on their feet and/or does regular exercise that involves their feet and legs is a good candidate for recovery shoes, says Pourziaee. They’re popular among runners, and he also recommends them for people like healthcare, restaurant and retail workers who don’t sit down much during their shifts. Additionally, recovery shoes are beneficial if you’re actively dealing with foot or leg pain, like you have plantar fasciitis, achilles tendonitis, shin splints or heel pain.
That said, almost everyone can benefit from recovery shoes, even if you just wear them at home to avoid being barefoot, which can be tough on your body. “When your heel strikes the ground, that load comes up our kinetic chain: our feet, ankles, knees, hips and lower back,” says Sharkey. “If you’re barefoot, that shock is entirely absorbed by your body. But if you now add an interface between your joints and the ground, like a well-constructed recovery shoe, you’re taking some of that shock that would have gone through your body and having the shoe absorb it.”
Overall, if your feet are sore or tired at the end of the day, regardless of what it’s from, recovery shoes are an ideal tool to alleviate that discomfort. For example, Sharkey says she packs a pair of recovery shoes while traveling to places like Disney World since she spends the entire day walking.
“You should wear recovery shoes immediately after activity,” says Pourziaee. “It’s something to put your feet into and allow them to start to decompress.” Sharkey recommends bringing a pair of recovery shoes with you to the gym, sports games, races and other athletic events so you can take off your shoes and hot, sweaty socks the second you’re done using them — not only does doing so alleviate foot tension, but it also helps prevent athlete’s foot.
No, it’s not okay to wear recovery shoes all the time. “Recovery shoes are not your all-day shoes, something you should wear continuously or something you should live in all day long,” says Sharkey. “You should view them as a tool in your rotation with a specific purpose, not an all-day, everyday shoe. Wearing them for shorter periods of time here and there is ideal.”
Because recovery shoes come in so many different styles, there’s likely a pair out there that works for everyone. However, if you have balance issues, be extra cautious, says Sharkey. Recovery shoes are inherently cushioned, and many of them have curved, rocker-shaped outsoles, which can be destabilizing for those who have trouble balancing. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns or need help finding a pair that works for your specific needs.
Sharkey also doesn’t recommend recovery shoes for those who have neuropathy or other conditions that cause a loss of sensation in the feet. You need a much more stabilizing shoe in these cases, so talk to your doctor about the best options.
You should replace recovery shoes about once a year. “With regular use, they eventually start to feel like a mattress that’s not giving you support anymore,” says Sharkey. The 1-year mark is usually around when you’ll start to notice signs of wear and tear, like the midsole feeling flattened or compressed, worn-down or uneven treads on the outsole, and general loss of comfort, says Pourziaee. Also, if you notice that the shoe feels stretched out and find yourself gripping the insole with your toes to keep them on your feet, you need a new pair.
Meet our podiatry experts
At NBC Selected, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Anne Sharkey is a podiatrist at the North Austin Foot and Ankle Institute.
- Dr. Bobby Pourziaee is a podiatrist at Rodeo Drive Podiatry.
Why trust NBC Selected?
I’m a reporter at NBC Selected who has covered footwear for over six years. For example, I’ve written about running sneakers, walking sneakers, running sneakers with arch support and sneakers for plantar fasciitis. I also try dozens of shoes from various brands each year.
To write this article, I talked to two podiatrists about recovery shoes, how to appropriately wear them and what to consider while shopping for and evaluating them. I also researched the most popular recovery shoes, requested courtesy samples from brands and coordinated a month of testing among the NBC Selected staff so we could share our first-hand experiences with them. As a long-distance runner, I’ve worn recovery shoes for years and have in-depth knowledge about their benefits.
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