After a long run, the last thing tired feet want is a hard floor or a stiff pair of shoes. Recovery footwear is built for exactly that moment, and it's become one of the most popular things runners buy after their running shoes.
The Short Answer
Recovery shoes won't fix an injury, but they can make your feet feel noticeably better after a run. They take pressure off your feet and joints with soft, impact-absorbing foam and a supportive footbed, which is why many runners slip them on as soon as they get home.
What Makes a Recovery Shoe Different
- Soft, shock-absorbing foam. It absorbs more impact than typical sandals or flip-flops.
- A contoured footbed. It cradles the arch instead of leaving it unsupported on a flat surface.
- An easy-on design. Slides, thongs and clogs you can step into without lacing up.
Who Gets the Most From Them
- Runners after long runs, races or hard workouts
- Anyone with achy arches or heels in the morning or after runs
- People who spend the rest of the day on hard floors at home or work
- Anyone who goes barefoot at home and notices sore feet
OOFOS vs. HOKA Ora
| OOFOS | HOKA Ora | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel | Very soft and squishy | Soft with a rocker shape that rolls you forward |
| Footbed | Pronounced arch support | Cushioned and contoured |
| Styles | Slides, thongs, clogs, mules and more | Slide, mule and recovery shoe |
| Best for | Max softness and arch support | HOKA fans who like a rocker ride |
Popular OOFOS styles include the OOahh slide, the OOriginal thong and the OOcloog. HOKA's lineup includes the Ora Recovery Slide and Ora Recovery Mule.
Slide, Thong or Clog?
- Slides are the easiest on and off and work with socks.
- Thongs feel the most like a sandal and are great in summer.
- Clogs and mules cover the toes and work better for errands and cooler weather.
Recovery Shoes Aren't a Fix for Pain
If you have pain that's sharp, getting worse or not improving with rest, see a podiatrist or physical therapist. Recovery footwear is a comfort tool, not a treatment.
Give Your Feet a Break
Recovery slides are easy to try on and easy to love. Stop by one of our stores to feel the difference, or shop Recovery Shoes & Slides and OOFOS online.
