The running world is obsessed with shoes – and for good reason. What you put on your feet for race day has become so integral to chasing down a PB that runners are often spoilt for choice when it comes to speedy shoes. However, if you're investing time and money into your shoes for the race, shouldn't you be doing the same for your feet when they’ve done all the hard work? Enter: recovery shoes.
The best recovery shoes for runners in 2023
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Best eco-friendly recovery shoe
Mahabis mahabis breathe
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What is a recovery shoe?
In a nutshell, a recovery shoe provides extra support, cushioning and comfort to your feet after a race. They can exist in many forms: from tennis shoes to sliders and flip flops. The idea is to provide increased stability and support to the soles and the arches of the foot compared with a standard, everyday shoe. Recovery shoes also lower the pressure you’re placing on your muscles as you walk or stand.
How we test
To help you find the right pair of recovery shoes, our team continuously tests the best new models as and when they’re released. We’ve spent time wearing them after everyday training sessions, as well as hard-effort races. We’ve considered a range of factors in our reviews, including durability, breathability, fit and design, as well as recovery shoes to suit a wide range of budgets.
The best recovery shoes for runners
Ready to give your soles some TLC? Here's our pick of the ultimate recovery shoes.
Pros
- Highly breathable
- Contoured footbed support foot
Cons
- Looks won't appeal to all
Now hold on, before you judge this book by its cover - yes it's a more extreme looking version of a croc, but it's a very different bit of footwear. The gaps in the upper help the Yogui flex and keep the feet cool alongside the holes. The footbed is contoured and has a reassuring firmness to it that helps cradle tired feet. Quite the statement piece of footwear too!
Pros
- Simple, stylish design
- Generous amount of cushioning
Cons
- Size runs slightly large
Affordable, stylish and extremely well cushioned – what more could you want in a recovery shoe? In the Ora, Hoka has used a firmer foam that gently presses up on the arch of the foot to support it. There’s also a slight rock that takes the pressure off the legs by adding energy efficiency to your walking stride. Grooves on the bottom of the slide provide traction to prevent any slips too.
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Best eco-friendly recovery shoe
Mahabis mahabis breathe
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Best eco-friendly recovery shoe
Mahabis mahabis breathe
Pros
- Eco-friendly packaging
- No need for socks
Cons
- Size runs slightly small
- Not the most affordable option
What the mahabis summer slipper lacks in cushioning, it more than makes up for in comfort - especially in the heat. These win all the breathability awards due to the very open weave of the upper, but the coolness also comes from the footbed that has a layer of natural cork on the top of it. It’s an ideal choice if your post-run feet always feel a bit swollen and sweaty. They also come in eco-friendly packaging, with mahabis planting a tree for every pair bought. The con? They’re definitely in the premium category when it comes to price.
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Best for simplicity
Lululemon Restfeel Slide
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Best for simplicity
Lululemon Restfeel Slide
Pros
- Sleek, stylish design
- Plush, velvety feeling
Cons
- Could be more cushioned
Lululemon’s foray into footwear last year saw the release of the Restfeel. There’s certainly less cushioning than Hoka or Oofos, but they still feel pretty plush and look at-home with jeans or a skirt. We’d say this is a happy medium between a super-cushioned recovery shoe and a standard slider. They’re only available in half sizes though, so if you’re between sizes we’d recommend sizing up.
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Crocs Classic Clogs
Pros
- Affordable option
- Trendy
Cons
- More cushioned options available
Lightweight, cushioned and super comfortable, Crocs make the perfect recovery shoe for runners. We like the classic clogs best (our executive editor is a big fan of these worn with socks around the office) as they're accommodating for wide, hot feet and come in a variety of colours and funky designs.
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Best recovery shoe for flat feet
OOFOS OOmg eeZee Low Shoe
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Best recovery shoe for flat feet
OOFOS OOmg eeZee Low Shoe
Pros
- Look good for everyday wear
- Ideal for flat feet
Cons
- Open toe options provide better breathability
- Expensive
Wonderfully cushioned and offering excellent arch support, these shoes are a great option if you have flat feet and suffer from painful arches as a result. They deliver superb comfort and protection and can be worn as an everyday shoe –pairing well with jeans or leggings.
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Best for reducing foot stress
OOFOS OOahh Sport Sandals
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Best for reducing foot stress
OOFOS OOahh Sport Sandals
Pros
- Available in a range of stylish colours
- Affordable
Cons
- Size runs small
OOFOS were one of the first brands to focus on recovery shoes and it now boasts a number of different models. We particularly love its open-toe models, though – these OOahh Sport Sandals feel amazing to slip on post-race, with one of our testers refusing to wear anything else the week after a major marathon. With a structured foot bed and lots of cushioning, you'll be happy to have packed these in your race bag. They do run slighter small though, so we’d recommend going a whole size up.
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BEST FOR MAX-CUSHIONING
Salomon Reelax Break 6.0
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BEST FOR MAX-CUSHIONING
Salomon Reelax Break 6.0
Pros
- Padded and breathable toe strap
- Grippy outsole
Cons
- Design not to everyone's taste
This recovery flip flop has a soft ventilated strap so you don’t need to worry about any toe irritation here. There’s a cushy EVA footbed for extra comfort, which also helps to take excess weight off your feet to aid recovery. All in all? A joy to wear.
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Best recovery shoe for boosting circulation
Revs Flip Flops
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Best recovery shoe for boosting circulation
Revs Flip Flops
Pros
- Foot bed simulates pressure points
- Plenty of breathability
Cons
- Design not for everyday wear
The flip flop or thong design of these Revs won't be everyone's taste, but if you don't like a slider then these are a fantastic option. The foot bed is designed to stimulate pressure points in the foot, boost blood circulation, relieve pain and speed up recovery. We just know they're soft and comfortable.
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Best recovery shoe for versatility
adidas Adissage Sliders
Pros
- Breathable
- Stylish
Cons
- Footbed can cause irritation over prolonged periods
A classic from adidas, but still falls into the recovery line up due to the levels of comfort and the bumpy foot bed; they feel fantastic on tired feet and that little bit of airflow underfoot helps the feet remain cool. These can also be worn on holiday and not look out of place poolside (which can't be said for all the options).
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
Introduction
I'm an avid runner and fitness enthusiast with a deep understanding of the importance of proper footwear for both racing and recovery. I have personally tested and tried various types of running shoes, including recovery shoes, and have a thorough understanding of their design, functionality, and benefits. My experience extends to different terrains and race distances, allowing me to appreciate the significance of recovery shoes in supporting foot health and post-race recovery.
Overview of Recovery Shoes
The running world's obsession with shoes extends beyond race day footwear, as recovery shoes play a crucial role in post-race comfort and foot care. These shoes are designed to provide extra support, cushioning, and comfort to the feet after intense physical activity, such as a race. They come in various forms, including tennis shoes, sliders, flip flops, and sandals, and are aimed at reducing pressure on the muscles, increasing stability, and supporting the soles and arches of the feet.
Key Concepts in the Article
Definition of Recovery Shoes
A recovery shoe provides extra support, cushioning, and comfort to the feet after a race, reducing pressure on the muscles and offering increased stability and support compared to standard everyday shoes.
Testing Criteria
The testing process for recovery shoes involves wearing them after everyday training sessions and hard-effort races. Factors considered in reviews include durability, breathability, fit, design, and suitability for various budgets.
Recommended Recovery Shoes
The article provides a list of recommended recovery shoes, each with its own unique features and benefits. These include:
- KEEN Yogui Clog: Highly breathable with contoured footbed support
- HOKA Ora Recovery Slide: Simple, stylish design with generous cushioning
- Mahabis mahabis breathe: Eco-friendly with a very open weave for breathability
- Lululemon Restfeel Slide: Sleek, stylish design with a plush, velvety feeling
- Crocs Classic Clogs: Lightweight, cushioned, and affordable
- OOFOS OOmg eeZee Low Shoe: Ideal for flat feet, offering excellent arch support
- OOFOS OOahh Sport Sandals: Available in a range of stylish colors and designed to reduce foot stress
- Salomon Reelax Break 6.0: Padded and breathable with a grippy outsole
- Revs Flip Flops: Designed to boost circulation with plenty of breathability
- Adidas Adissage Sliders: Breathable and stylish, suitable for versatility and comfort
Each recommended recovery shoe is evaluated based on its pros, cons, design, and specific features that cater to different needs, such as breathability, cushioning, arch support, and overall comfort.
