We outdoorists pour untold hours and amounts of energy into finding the perfect fitting footwear required to address each and every one of our ever expanding list of hobbies, be it hiking, running, climbing, cycling, and so on. But when the day’s over, most give little thought to what our foot slides into next–so long as it’s cozy.
In recent years that's begun to change, thanks to the advent of recovery footwear, designed specifically for athletes and those on their feet all day to stimulate muscle recovery and thwart fatigue. The love you show your tired feet will no doubt be repaid tenfold the next day as you put them through the wringer once again.
To keep your dogs from barking, treat them feet right and consider a pair of recovery sandals or slides made with multiple layers of cushioning foam, plush materials, and ideally, a heavy dose of style. Whether worn on the drive home after a long day of skiing or hiking, or simply with a thick pair of socks on a bodega run, the following top nine picks for best recovery slides for men and women will provide your feet with the support and comfort they deserve.
[Ed Note: If you’re just trying to keep your feet cozy and warm, check out our top picks for the best aprés slippers.]

All-Around Best Recovery Slide: HOKA ORA Recovery Slides
Sitting atop the throne of cush is HOKA ONE ONE (pronounced oh-nay oh-nay, sorry). It comes as no surprise that their ORA Recovery Slides are graced with the same supple and oversized midsoles that are found on their hiking, walking, and running shoes. The supportive midsoles usually seen on their other shoes has been swapped out for more lightweight materials, made specifically for post-run recovery in-mind. The smart grooves of the footbed are especially nice for keeping traction when worn with socks. Prefer the fit of a thong-equipped flip-flop? Check out the Ora Recovery Flip-Flops ($50).
Women's Option: YES.
Price: $50
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Best GORPCORE Recovery Slide: Keen Yogui
There’s no shortage of cheap foam sandal options out there, but few turn heads quite like the Keen Yogui, a perennial favorite in Japan. Cranking up the dial on both style and comfort, this option features an injection-molded EVA foam upper (with protected toe) and rubber outsole that’s rumored to be considerably more durable than the lightweight sandal named after a large semiaquatic reptile.
Women's Option: YES.
Price: $50
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Best Recovery Slides for Camping: Chaco Chillos Slide
Chaco has been churning out adventure-ready footwear for years. The Classic Z Sandal is a dirtbag staple. The new Chillos Slide is soon to be too. Lined with Chaco’s own Luvseat footbed made from EVA foam, styled with the company’s signature adjustable strap, and available in a range of colors, these minimalist slip-ons are an easy choice for everyone house shoes, aprés hike sandals, and the like.
Women's Option: YES
Price: $50
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Best Recovery Shoe for Cold Weather: Salomon RX Snow Moc 2 Advanced
If it feels like the entire world of recovery footwear only caters to indoor or warm-weather wear, then you’re not alone. This funky, elastic-tongued recovery shoe sits atop an oversized EVA midsole and treaded outsole to provide high levels of grip and plush cushioning at the same time. Soft ripstop fabric uppers provide way more weather protection than any slip-on or flip-flop, while also serving up throwback vibes to Salomon’s outdoor footwear heritage. If you’re a fan of the brand, but not this style, check out tier unisex Index Break ($80) recovery flip-flop.
Women's Option: Unisex sizing
Price: $140
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Best Budget Recovery Slide: Merrell Hydro Slide
You’ve likely spotted the sculpted Hydro Moc ($55) on the feet of gorpcore devotees, but the slide variant is well suited to recovering in affordable style. The contoured EVA foam footbed works well to provide arch support and the bulbous sole design channels riverbed stones. The Hydro Slide is of course well suited to exposure to water, so bring it along to any beach or river trip.
Women's Option: YES
Price: $45
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Most Adjustable Recovery Slide: PR Soles Recovery Slide
The PR Soles line from running soft goods company Gone For A Run utilizes their proprietary ACUPOINT footbed reminiscent of our favorite OG eggshell sleeping pads. The footbed of the adjustable slide is said to massage the foot during wear, and in turn improve circulation, which in turn refreshes both the legs and feet.
Women's Option: YES
Price: $35
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Best Recovery Slide for the Gym: The North Face Triarch Slide
A pair of slides in the gym bag can be pretty handy for traversing the locker room while relieving tired soles. The North Face’s slide is super lightweight, adding only 180 g to your gym bag haul and taking up minimal space. Molded EVA foam provides support and cushion from below, while a lined strap adds an extra layer of comfort from above.
Women's Option: YES
Price: $55
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Most Fancy Recovery Slides: Deckers Lab KO-Z Slide
The KO-Z Slide is the flagship slider from Deckers Lab, an experimental footwear company created by former Salomon CEO and HOKA ONE ONE founder, Jean-Luc Diard. Layers of memory foam, soft leather, and cozy wool orchestrate a highly supportive slide that’s also wildly luxurious.
Women's Option: YES
Price: $130
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Best Recovery Shoe for Active Recovery: Kane Revive
The initial offering from sustainable newcomers Kane Footwear is an aerated shoe made from a combination of renewable materials—including sugarcane, a low-carbon renewable biofuel processed near where it’s harvested in Brazil’s Rio Grande Do Sul region—created by an untold footwear designer formerly of Crocs, Under Armour, and Nike. Learn more about the brand and shoes in our Kane brand piece.
Women's Option: Unisex sizing
Price: $70
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Published 04-14-2022