Buyer's Guide | Fleet Feet
By Mandy Wahl, Tom Rivett, Evan Matsumoto Updated on
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If you are a runner, athlete, or even just stand up all day at work, you put your feet through a lot. As nice as it would be to sit on the couch for hours after a long run, life gets in the way—there are errands to run, friends to hang out with and dinner to make.
Wearing cheap sandals can be uncomfortable, cause foot pain or, at the very least, doesn’t help with recovery. So, when picking the best recovery sandals for runners, we chose sandals (and other footwear) that support your feet and give you the cushion you crave after a hard run.
Alongside the best massage tools and compression socks, these sandals and footwear can help support those tired feet and legs so you are ready for your run the next day.
There are three different types of recovery footwear: flip flop or thong sandals, slides or traditional sandals, and closed-toed shoes. Make a couple of considerations when deciding which type of recovery footwear is best for you, such as how hot or cold the weather is, if you like to wear socks or want to show off your pedicure.
Here are our suggestions for the best recovery sandals and footwear to keep your feet happy and ready to run:
Best Recovery Flip Flops
- OOFOS OOriginal and OOlala Sandals
- OluKai Ohana Sandals
- HOKA Ora Recovery Flip 2
- Archies Support Sandals
Best Recovery Slides
- HOKA Ora Recovery Slides 3
- OOFOS OOahh Sandals
- Birkenstock Arizona Birkibuc Sandals
- Chacos Chillos Slide
Best Recovery Shoes
- OOFOS OOmg Sport Shoes
- OOFOS OOcoozie Shoes
- OOFOS OOCloog Clogs
[This article is part of the Fleet Feet Buyer's Guide for The Best Running Shoes 2024. Find all the best running shoes from the top brands for all situations.]
Best Recovery Flip Flops
Flip flops are a summer staple, but these recovery flip flops aren’t your cheap drug store sandals. With footbeds designed to support your feet and relieve strained muscles, these flip flops will help you recover quicker from your runs and feel better throughout.
OOFOS OOriginal Sandals
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OOFOS was one of the first companies to make recovery footwear and is still a leader in the industry. These super comfortable sandals absorb 37% more impact than traditional footwear and reduce stress on sore feet, knees and lower back thanks to the patented footbed. Not only are these great to slip on after a run, but they are moisture and bacteria resistant so they work for the pool or beach as well.
There is also a women’s specific OOlala Sandal that has the same great footbed, but a narrower and more stylish strap. These can fit the shape of women’s feet better and look dressier for running errands around town or even to an outdoor wedding.
OluKai Ohana Sandals
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OluKai Ohana Sandals offer both comfort and lasting support thanks to an anatomically contoured footbed, complete with a deep heel and arch support. The water-resistant synthetic straps, soft nylon toe post and quick-drying jersey knit lining make sure that you can slip these sandals on after sweaty runs and be comfortable wearing them all day (no chafing or blisters between the toes).
The non-marking rubber outsole with coral reef lug design gives them extra grip so you won’t slip or slide. Plus, these are the least athletic-looking flip-flops on our list and look like traditional sandals.
HOKA Ora Recovery Flip 2
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If you love HOKA shoes, you will love the HOKA Ora Recovery Flip 2. These recovery flip flops have HOKA’s signature cushion and Early Stage Meta-Rocker allowing your feet to roll through every step in comfort. Plus, they have the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance, which recognizes products that have been found to be beneficial to foot health. Recover after your runs in comfort with a pair of HOKA Ora Recovery Flip 2s.
Archies Support Sandals
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Archies Arch Support Sandals look like your classic flip-flops, but they are so much more. Unlike the traditional, flexible flip flops, Archies contain orthotic support that cradles your arches to encourage optimal foot alignment.
The one-time adjustable straps on Archies flip flops make sure that they will fit your foot perfectly to support you all summer long. Plus, they are super lightweight and comfortable.
Best Recovery Slides
Recovery slides are another great option for recovery footwear. If you hate things between your toes, then slides can be a great choice. Also, if you have a higher volume or wider foot, slides tend to give your feet a bit more room than the flip flop or thong options. Plus, you can wear compression socks with your slides to help you recover even quicker.
HOKA Ora Recovery Slides 3
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Slip on a pair of the HOKA Ora Recovery Slides and your feet will be in heaven. These plush and cushioned slides will be comfortable underfoot after a long tiring run or day at work. HOKA incorporated their signature Active-Rocker into these slides to make sure your feet have the support and structure they need to recover. Whether you are wearing them around the house or putting them on after a speedwork session, pamper your feet by putting on a pair of HOKA Ora Recovery Slides.
OOFOS OOahh Slides
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“Ahhh” is what you will be saying when you put your feet into a pair of OOFOS OOahh Slides. The OOfoam feels soft and comfortable underfoot and absorbs 37% more than traditional footwear. Plus, the patented footbed design reduces stress on your feet, knees and lower back.
If you have a wider or higher volume foot, there is also the OOFOS OOahh Sport Flex that has a hook-and-loop strap so it is adjustable to fit your feet perfectly. You put your feet through a lot, so treat them to a pair of OOFOS OOahh Slides.
Birkenstock Arizona Birkibuc Sandal
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Birkenstocks are known for their all-day comfort and the timeless Arizona Birkibuc Sandal is a classic for a reason. The contoured cork footbed conforms to the shape of your foot and features pronounced arch support, a deep heel cup, and a roomy toe box to give your feet what they need in a sandal.
The upper is made with durable, synthetic material with a nubuck leather-like texture and a soft backing, so your feet will be comfortable. The lightweight EVA sole gives you great cushion and shock absorption underfoot. The Birkenstock Arizona Birkibuc Sandals are a great sandal for most lifestyles.
Chacos Chillos Slide
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After a hard run or day on your feet, slipping on a pair of Chacos Chillos Slides will feel like pure perfection. The pronounced LUVSEAT arch support combined with the contoured footbed help promote proper alignment and recovery after your workout.
These sandals will be soft thanks to the blown EVA construction and the classic adjustable Chaco straps will make sure that they fit your feet to a tee. Relax and recover in a pair of Chacos Chillos Slides.
Best Recovery Shoes
Your feet crave the comfort and support of a recovery sandal, but there are times when sandals are not practical and you need something closed-toes. Whether it is because it is snowing outside and the last thing you want to do is put on a pair of flip flops, or you want to hide that black toenail, here are some options for recovery shoes.
OOFOS OOmg Sport Shoes
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Recover in comfort after a tough workout in a pair of OOFOS OOmg Sport Shoes. These fully-closed shoes have a four-way mesh upper that stretches to fit most feet comfortably. This cloth upper is paired with the same OOFOS footbed and bottom that you love in their sandals.
OOFOS’ patented footbed design reduces stress on your feet, legs and lower back, while the OOfoam midsole is so soft that it absorbs 37% more impact than traditional footwear. Plus, you don’t need to wear socks with these shoes—they are designed to minimize odor and they are machine washable. The OOFOS OOmg Sport shoes are perfect to throw on to walk your dog or after a track workout.
OOFOS OOcoozie Low
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Runners don’t hibernate and you need a good recovery shoe for the winter, that’s why OOFOS made the OOcoozie Low. These recovery shoes feature the same OOfoam and footbed as the OOFOS Sandals that you know and love. It cradles your foot and reduces stress on your knees and ankles by 37% as opposed to traditional footwear.
OOFOS took its great footbed and paired it with a cozy vegan sherpa material on top to keep your feet warm in the cold—perfect for wearing around the house, grabbing a cup of coffee, dropping kids off at school or running errands. Your feet will be comfortable and cozy all winter long in OOFOS OOcoozie Low Shoes.
OOFOS OOCloog Clog
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Want something to slip on while running errands, taking the dog out or gardening while also helping your post-run recovery? Look no further than the OOFOS OOCloog.
These clogs feature OOFOS’ patented footbed design that cradles your arches and reduces stress on your knees, ankles and other joints, so you can recover quicker from your tough workouts. Plus, thanks to the closed toe, these are great for throwing on with socks after a winter run or while you’re at work.
How We Picked the Best Recovery Footwear
We used data from our fit id® outfitting process, interviews with designers and real-life wear testing to determine the best recovery footwear for most runners.
You can shop with confidence at Fleet Feet: We offer free shipping on orders over $99, and you have 60 days to return any gear if you don’t like the way it looks, fits or feels. Plus, with our price-match guarantee, you can make sure you never pay too much for a new pair of running shoes.
