They might just be the best treat for your feet after a long day.
, or a busy day spent on your feet, there’s nothing more satisfying than slipping your feet into a pair of recovery sandals. And although these slides have been around for years, some people question whether or not they’re worth it, or if they’re just another marketing gimmick.
Spoiler alert: There are limited scientific studies on recovery sandals, but experts say these shoes can help ease some aches and pains.
“Recovery sandals can be a part of a healthy process to bring the body, especially the feet, back to a normal state after prolonged weight-bearing activity,” sharesLim explains that recovery sandals give your body and feet the time to rest so that inflamed soft tissue, like tendons, joints, and ligaments return to normal. The soft cushion, easy slip-on design, and shape of these sandals help to offload any foot stress.
Runners typically turn to recovery sandals for relief after long races, but individuals with foot conditions or flat feet and those who are on their feet all day may also benefit from using this type of footwear.
“And beyond relieving pressure on the feet and supporting tired muscles, wearing recovery sandals can also positively reduce any lower back fatigue,” addsKeep in mind that everyone has their own preferences in terms of cushioning level, footbed width, and more. We also highly recommend consulting your medical provider before purchasing a pair to add to your post-workout recovery routine. We took our learnings from Lim and Splichal, and reviewed dozens of recommendations for recovery sandals and slides.
So, whether you’re training for your next marathon or simply want a comfy new pair of house shoes, check out our top picks below. Seal of Acceptance, meaning they were evaluated by podiatrists affiliated with the APMA to ensure they support optimal foot wellness. A back lip helps keep your foot secure while walking . As you’re shopping, take note that several reviewers say these sandals run big and wide, so it’s best to size down.
“It's literally the most comfortable shoe in the world,” wrote one of the 2,000-plus five-star reviewers on the Hoka website. “This is post-op from a TAR and fusion in one foot and fusion in the other. These are MIRACLE SHOES. Somehow they steady me when I'm wobbly which is a lot.
They make it possible to function. They are wonderful! I want a pair in every color!!! ”for a reason.
Healthcare workers choose the brand’s clogs when working long shifts because they’re comfortable, easy to clean, and offer ample support. These slides are constructed from the same foam material as the original Crocs clogs, but they offer an easier slip-off, slip-on design. . The molded structure can help prevent tired muscles after an intense workout.
Users recommend sizing down one full size for the best fit. If you are diabetic and/or have neuropathy, these are the best shoes to wear! The toes go upward, so no pressure on your toes! Wish they'd make more colors!
” wrote one Amazon shopper. The OOFOS OOahh slide has amassed a cult following, plus it’s favored by Lim and the lab analysts at theOOFOS prides itself on the patented OOfoam of these sandals. This makes for a lightweight, cushioned wearing experience. Not to mention, it’s backed by more than 23,000 five-star reviews.
I have plantar fasciitis in both feet and these give me so much relief,” wrote one Amazon reviewer.
“There is a perfect balance of arch support. I like these a lot better than the more expensive brands. ”to use science to create shoes that promote whole-body balance. This shows through some of their podiatrist-designed shoes and claims to reduce foot pain.
“They have excellent arch support, they’re cute and I’ve noticed a marked improvement in my foot pain,” wrote an Amazon customer. “I have very high arches and these have been a godsend. These fit true size and despite being expensive were worth it. ”An Amazon favorite, these sandals have rave reviews with more than 5,500 five-star ratings.
Many reviewers especially praise the non-slip design. The footbed features aMy plantar faciitis literally crippled me to the point of needing surgery, until I bought these,” raved another Amazon customer.
“They are miraculous and my feet tolerate anything else at all. ”after impressing testers with their comfortable fit and cushioned design. One tester wore them the day after running a marathon and said she didn’t worry about foot pain the following day. Since the design takes over the entire foot, some might find it constricting.
However, all-over perforations enhance airflow and speed up the drying process. Plus,Alyssa Jung, Deputy Health Editor for the Hearst Health Newsroom, praised these shoes for giving her tired feet a much-needed rest.
“A regularisn’t in my budget, so I do the next best thing: I slip on these really cool kicks that are sort of like a walking massage,” she wrote in. “They have little raised nodes on the footbed that are meant to activate key pressure points for active relief and recovery. ”You may have seen these EVA Birkenstocks out and about the past several years, and that’s likely due to their versatility.
These sandals areDeputy Editor Emily Goldman’s podiatrist suggested she wear Birkenstocks post-injury for the brand’s supportive footbed. Now, she wears them constantly.
“Incredibly supportive, comfortable, and lightweight, I wear these around the house daily. 10/10 would recommend,” she says. Just note that these sandals have a flatter footbed, which is something to consider if you prefer more arch support.
“These Birkenstocks are supportive and comfortable. I like wearing them in the summer because I don’t worry about them getting wet,” wrote one reviewer on the Birkenstock website. Several reviewers claim that their Adilette slides lasted them for years —two to 10 years, on average. They’re affordable, lightweight, easy to take on and off, and offer Velcro straps for a custom fit.
Even more, these sandals have gone down in price over the years, and you can often find them for under $30. The Adilette Comfort 2.0 is made with the brand’s Cloudfoam technology, which is referred to as “a newly developed EVA compound. ”“I have neuropathy and my size 14 EEE feet always hurt, and hate wearing shoes now. I’m getting a second pair just in case they discontinue them.
”If you notice that the OOriginal sandals feel similar to the OOahh slides, that’s because they’re made of the same closed-cell foam technology. In fact, the OOriginal sandal came first and paved the way for future OOFOS styles like the OOahh slides. Lim prefers slides to flip-flops because “slides generally force the forefoot into contact with the sandal much more thoroughly than Y-style thongs.
” However,These shoes have garnered more than 20,000 five-star reviews, with one happy customer writing, “They feel like walking on marshmallows, yet supported. The sides come way back so you never feel like they'll fall off like a cheap pair of thongs. I love them! The day I ordered this pair was, unbelievably, the day the right foot of my old pair failed.
Good arch support. Not fancy but totally utilitarian. ”. While these don’t have much arch support, users say the deep heel cup and 7-inch sole provide a “cushioned, but firm” feel.
In addition, several users back up the marketing claim that the slippers dry quickly.
“We love these recovery sandals! It’s like walking on a big cloud puff,” shared one Amazon reviewer.
“I did have to size up a half-size on these and they fit perfectly! Get yourself a pair or two! ”Style is very much subjective, but along with the Joomra sandals, these Restfeel slides were among the few on this list that received high praise for appearance from reviewers.
Users like that the upper strap felt more forgiving compared to competitor sandals, and several described them asA couple of things to consider: one look at these slides will show you that these provide very little arch support, and unfortunately, the upper straps aren’t adjustable.
“These are like a little cloud for your feet—highly recommend! ” shared one Lululemon shopper.
“I wore them walking around for a week with the sand, water, and sun on a hot trip and didn’t get any blisters and they stayed in great shape. ”Recovery sandals can only provide relief if you choose the right pair.
“How well the sandal fits and keeps the feet in contact with the sandal is very important,” shares Lim. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when choosing the right recovery sandal for you:✔️ Check for a rocker sole All this means is that the sole curves slightly from the heel to the toe, almost like a stretched-out U-shape.
Splichal says this design helps make walking easier and reduces foot and leg strain. This may vary from person to person, but Lim suggests a thick heel cushioning. After all, high cushioning can minimize sports injuries, especially post-workout, according to a 2021beyond discomfort, like foot pain and foot disorders. Pay attention to size charts and real user reviews before placing your order.
The best candidates for recovery sandals are those looking to ease foot tension, and for anyone who spends long hours standing. The list goes on, including long-distance runners, athletes, people with foot disorders such as plantar fasciitis, and individuals who require prolonged standing or walking in their profession. Even though you might think these are overhyped or gimmicky, recovery sandals and slides have earned our experts’ seal of approval.
But both Lim and Splichal have shared plenty of benefits from wearing recovery sandals.
“As wonderful as sandals are, a proper fitting shoe with laces offer the most benefit,” Lim adds. He also shares that he misses a heel strap on some recovery sandals, which would allow for better heel contact to the sandal during all phases of the gait cycle, giving better overall support.
“However, I understand from a customer point of view, that the ease of putting on a slide is vital to daily usage,” he says. “It is a zero-sum game, you gain ease of use but sacrifice better support and function. ”It’s important to know that shoes alone won’t completely fix plantar fasciitis. The road to recovery might also require a combination of physical therapy, stretching, and specific exercises.
That said, our experts say that recovery sandals can help.
“Oftentimes one gets plantar fasciitis due to overworked foot muscles or foot instability,” Splichal shares. “So bringing support to the foot can help reduce heel pain. ” The plantar fascia is a large ligament in the foot that helps sustain and maintain the arch of the feet, Lim explains.
“Anything that can stabilize the arch will decrease the load the plantar fascia has to endure,” he says. And as long as recovery sandals help distribute weight evenly, they can help ease pains associated with plantar fasciitis. Probably not.
“Recovery sandals are good for what they are. Recovery. Sandals generally are not optimal for long-term use,” explains Lim. Splichal agrees, saying that the point of recovery sandals is to give your feet a break, but nothing beyond that.
She says they’re fine as a house shoe or used at the end of the day or after a long run. , D.P. M., Q.M. E., C.W.
S., a podiatrist at The Sunset Foot Clinic in California, who’s also known as “The Happy Foot Sad Foot Doctor. ” While researching, we referenced thehas been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections.
Additionally,also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.
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