These Recovery Shoes Are *Chef's Kiss* for Nurses Who Work Long Shifts (2024)

The Kane Revive active recovery shoe wins gold for the masterful way it both cradles and comforts your foot after a long workout. Primarily, that’s thanks to the proprietary blend of elastomeric polymer (EVA) called restore foam, explains Dr. Geller. “The restore foam provides a great mix of firm and softcushioning, allowing you to recover well without compromising some support needed to allow tired muscles to relax while staying in motion.”

A slip-on shoe with built-in ventilation holes (similar to those made famous by Crocs) and internal air channels, the Kane Revive literally helps your foot breathe after your sweat session. This airflow-forward design combined with the material of the shoe keeps your foot from getting sweaty or sticky post-workout. In other words, you won’t have to worry about your post-workout shoe adding to your foot odor. There are a few bumps to consider — literally, the footbed has raised bumps that are designed to increase blood flow to key pressure points on the foot. These take some getting used to, but they’re not painful.

A quick note on sizing: These slides are only available in full-sizes. If your foot runs on the wider side or you are hoping to winterize these with a pair of wool socks, you’d be wise to go up a size.

Available in Wide: No | Weight: N/A | Sizes: 5-18 | Colors: 20 | Style: Slip-on

Do you work long shifts in a hospital or doctor's office? Then consider opening for a recovery sneaker like the OOFOS OOmg Low eeZee which will support recovery while also providing (more than) adequate support for all-day wear.

A slip-on sneaker that vaguely resembles the slide-on Keds that were popular in the early aughts, these recovery shoes may look basic — but they’re anything but. The footbed is made from an innovative foam (called OOfoam) that absorbs 37 percent more impact than the materials used in traditional footwear. Trust, your joints and feet will be especially thankful for this feature after a long day on your feet.

One of the most noteworthy features is that the shoes can be worn with or without socks, which is a rarity for sneakers. Wondering how the heck that’s possible? Thank the magical closed-cell footbed which keeps the shoes smelling fresh long after you slip them on. In fact, one of the Shape testers noted that the shoes still had that fresh-out-of-the-box smell even after a 3-mile walk!

Drop: 6mm | Available in Wide: No | Weight: 6oz | Sizes: 5-11 | Color: 2 | Style: Slip-on

The Hoka Restore TC may look like moon shoes, but actually, they are a recovery slide engineered to help runners' feet recover after a jaunt on the treadmill or trail.The sole of the Restore TC is engineered to cradle, comfort, and promote circulation in your feet. The insole is made with a 30 percent sugarcane-based EVA and the outsole is made from a 20 percent sugarcane-based EVA. Together, the different-density foams of the insole and outsole work together to hug your foot tight… but not too tight.

The upper of the shoes is made from a stretchy sock-like material that allows the shoe to move with (not against) your foot with each step — but not so stretchy that the muscles in your feet have to activate in order to keep your foot in the shoe.

Available in Wide: No | Weight: 11.3oz | Sizes: 5-15 | Color: 4 | Style: Slip-on

Many exercisers who are prone to plantar fasciitis know that they need an exercise shoe that supports their arch and heel. In reality, they should be aiming to do the same during the down, or recovery time, too.Enter: The OOFOS Women’s Sport Low Shoe. This recovery shoe is made with the same OOfoam technology (that absorbs impact 37% better than competitor products!) as the aforementioned OOmg Low eeZee.

Additionally, the footbed of the Sport Low Shoe footbed is from a material that helps support your arches, which again, is non-negotiable if you are prone to plantar fasciitis. Indeed, the Shape team of in-house testers said they felt almost immediate plantar fasciitis relief and reported less back pain on the days they wore these shoes. Due to the stretchy, no-tie upper the shoes felt a bit snug (but notuncomfortable).

Available in Wide: No | Weight: 5.5oz | Sizes: 5-12 | Color: 9 | Style: Slip-on

As anyone who ever played soccer growing up knows, the Adidas Adissage slides are basically the OG recovery shoe.To the naked eye, they might look like a basic pair of slip-on sandals. But actually, the footbed of these post-workout slides is formulated with flexible foot nodules (made from EVA). These spiky soles help massage your foot muscles with each and every step. One of the things that sets these Adidas slides apart from other recovery slides is that they have an adjustable fit. The strap is constructed with Velcro, so you can make the shoe tighter or looser depending on whether or not you’re wearing socks.

Available in Wide: No | Weight: N/A | Sizes: 5-19 | Color: 4 | Style: Slides

These closed-toe recovery slides from Nike are made from a soft and pliable foam that molds to your foot as you walk. Yep, a shoe that rings up at just $65 will eventually mold to the exact shape of your arch. It’s the fact that this shoe is both affordable and high-tech that led us to award it ‘best value’ over some of the cheaper recovery shoes on the list.

The Nike Jordan Hex also features a raised toe bar that naturally keeps your foot secure in the shoe. This reduces the amount of work your foot muscles have to do in some slides and mules, which is especially useful when your foot muscles have already been taxed from a workout.The mules also have slim vents along the slide that keep your foot from getting too sweaty within the shoe, without letting in cold air when the temps are cold.

Available in Wide: No | Weight: Not available | Sizes: 5-21 | Color: 5 | Style: Mule

What makes Crocs so comfortable, exactly? Their Croslite™ foam construction, which provides cradling comfort to your foot, while still being lightweight —a combination that is especially ideal after a long run or draining training session. Oh, and this foam will gradually mold to the exact shape of your foot so the more you wear them, the more comfortable they will get.

This particular pair of Croc clogs makes the list because in addition to aiding post-workout recovery, they help keep your feet warm even in the winter! Lined with (vegan) soft fuzz, the winterized Crocs Classic Lined Clogs are warm enough to protect your feet from even the coldest winter days.Just note: While these recovery clogs will keep you warm in the winter, the bottom doesn’t offer the same traction as a winter boot. So, on days when you’re worried about ice or snow, you’d be better off opting for a winter boot!

Available in Wide: No | Weight: 7oz | Sizes: 4-12 | Color: 11 | Style: Slip-on

Hey winter sports enthusiasts, here’s a recovery shoe for you. The Crocs Furever Crush are crafted from the same moldable Croslite™ foam as other Crocs. However, they are lined with faux-fur that will help warm your feet up after a long day in skis, snowshoes, or hiking boots.Each shoe also features a 2-inch platform that raises you up and out of the snow, making them optimal for wearing to and from the ski lodge.

Available in Wide: No | Weight:Not available | Sizes: 6-12 | Color: 5 | Style: Slip on

Birkenstocks have long been a subject as polarizing as period sex, Love is Blind, and relationship ultimatums, with some people singing their praises while others claiming that the shoe is as comfortable as cement.Well, people who typically fall into the ‘haters’ category will be pleased to learn that the company recently released a soft-footbed model. These look identical to the classic model but feature a layer of soft foam between the cork sole and suede footbed that makes them much (much!) more comfortable. This layer of foam also works overtime, absorbing the force of your foot landing on the ground with each step when you walk.

These soft-footbed options are a great investment for most people. After all, Birkenstocks are widely known to last and last and last. However, their comfortability makes them especially suitable for athletes, exercisers, and gym-goers looking for the best recovery shoes to slip on post-workout.

Available in Wide: Yes | Weight: 7.1oz | Sizes: 4-12.5 | Color: 4 | Style: Slides

If you’re someone who insists on going to the gym or hitting the outdoors even when the weather is suboptimal, the UGG Tasman Weather Hybrid booties are for you.In addition to its no-slip outsole, the shoe is also constructed with water-proof, seam-sealed suede so you won’t have to worry about your feet getting soggy when in transit from gym to life.Your feet will also be thrilled to learn that the footbed is made from contoured foam that works overtime absorbing impact, cradling your foot, and reducing strain on your delicate foot muscles.

Available in Wide: No | Weight:N/A | Sizes: 4-19 | Color: 4 | Style: Bootie

People who wear minimalist shoes don’t just like them, they love them! If you’re in this camp, then the Vibram V-Kumo 5-finger shoes are a sound recovery shoe option for you.The shoe is constructed with a breathable polyester upper. Plus, the outsole is made from Vibram’s signature XS Trek rubber, which provides good grip for everyday activities, including post-workout shenanigans.

Available in Wide: No | Weight: 7.2 ounces | Sizes: 36-42 | Color: 2 | Style: 5-finger

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are recovery shoes?

  Put simply, recovery shoes are shoes designed to be worn after some kind of physical activity.

  
  Sport-specific shoes (running shoes, hiking boots, lifters, etc) are great, but should be reserved for the specific sport they are built for, explains Dr. Geller.

  
  “Running shoes, for example, are typically great at absorbing the force from the ground when you run, but worn on the day-to-day may over-stress your feet muscles and leave you feeling fatigued,” he explains. Similarly, thanks to their heel drop weightlifting shoes can help you access greater depth and better form when you squat. But wearing these hefty shoes when you go grocery shopping can over-tax your feet muscles, as well as all the muscles along your anterior chain.

  
  When you switch from sport-specific shoes into recovery shoes following exercise, you give your feet the opportunity to breathe, while still providing some cushion and support, he explains.

• Who needs recovery shoes?

  “Truly everyone can benefit from having a pair of recovery shoes,” says Dr. Rimawi.

  
  However, the people who would most benefit from a recovery shoe are those with flat feet. “Flat feet, due to the collapse in the arch, can cause an imbalance to the distribution of pressure on the feet,” he explains. This can lead to increased strain on the muscles of the foot, thus leading to inflammation and pain. “Recovery shoes, due to their arch support, are a great extra step to take in preventing that from happening,” he says.

  
  People with plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis can also benefit from a recovery shoe, says Dr. Geller. Both conditions, he explains, are worsened when the connective tissues in the foot become inflamed from impact and over-use. So, “the support, cushioning, and heel shock absorption of a recovery shoe can be beneficial to folks with these conditions,” he explains.

  
  “Folks with diabetes also may appreciate the wide base of gait, the stimulating nodes on the footbed, and excellent ventilation of the upper,” says Dr. Geller. The more you know!

• When should I wear recovery shoes?

  Finish a workout? Put some recovery shoes on! “Your feet want to breathe,” explains Dr. Rimawi. “Taking your sport shoes off after they’ve been held in place inside a shoe during that activity helps them do just that.

  
  But you don’t have to limit your recovery shoe wear to post-exercise, says Dr. Geller. “Once you experience how comfortable and supportive they can be you’ll want to take out the dog, walk Madison Avenue, and shop all in your recovery shoe,” he says.

  For the record: There is no right or wrong amount of time to keep recovery shoes on —so long as your feet are comfortable. Just keep in mind that recovery shoes typically have a shorter lifespan than the other shoes in your closet, says Dr. Rimawi. “They are not built to last the way a boot is,” he says. So, be sure to assess the wear and tear of your recovery shoe every three months, and replace them accordingly.