Your footwear choices can make a big impact on your post-workout recovery—especially if you struggle with foot and leg fatigue. Recovery slides go several steps (or miles) beyond the average slipper with features designed to alleviate impact from your lower body. The best recovery slides allow you to comfortably walk around after an intense workout or long day on your feet with built-in arch support, ample cushioning, and plenty of room for your toes to spread, says Anna Terry, soft tissue health expert and functional movement specialist at Total Athlete Care.
To find the best recovery slides on the market, we started by talking to three experts in the field—a podiatrist, a soft tissue specialist, and a sports biomechanist—to learn more about what to look for during testing. After researching top sellers from major names in the space, we put 18 pairs to the test by walking for over 3,000 hours in various indoor and outdoor settings. Our top picks provide a comfortable fit, cushioning, support, durability, and relief from lower body fatigue.
Top Picks
Best Women's Overall
Ryka Women's Restore Recovery Slide
Lightweight, supportive feel
Durable and easy to clean
Versatile enough for indoor and outdoor wear
Unstable on uneven surfaces
Key Specs
Sizes: Women’s 5-12 Materials: Foam Straps: None (slip-on) Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5
Who They’re For
Best for lightweight support for everyday use and to accelerate post-workout recovery.
Why We Love Them
Ryka’s Restore Recovery Slides offer lightweight cushioning and comfortable support that help us bounce back faster after workouts and a long night of wearing high heels. During testing, they effectively supported our recovery process and kept our feet feeling healthy while running two half-marathons and cycling over 80 miles per week. They also kept us comfortable around the house, preventing lower leg fatigue while we cooked and washed dishes.
These women’s slides are built to last with a durable, waterproof design. Their soles effectively withstood a three-day camping trip, and they even work well as a shower shoe. Since they’re very easy to clean, we easily switched between wearing them indoors and outdoors, pairing them with any casual or athleisure look.
Potential Flaws
- We experienced some instability on uneven surfaces while wearing these slides. Given that slides aren’t designed for hiking trails or rocky conditions, this isn’t a major concern.
Most Valuable Insight
“I look forward to wearing these slides. I love wearing them around my apartment, which has hardwood floors. It makes tasks like washing the dishes and food prep take way less of a toll on my feet without having an unsightly anti-fatigue mat in my small space. I put a lot of miles on my feet, and I don’t feel so beat up after long runs when I wear these.” —Christine D., Verywell Fit product tester
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The Ryka Women's Restore Recovery Slide is durable and waterproof. Credit: Verywell Fit -
The Ryka Women's Restore Recovery Slides can be worn both indoors and outdoors. Credit: Verywell Fit -
The Ryka Women's Restore Recovery Slides are built to last and may help prevent lower leg fatigue. Credit: Verywell Fit -
The Ryka Women's Restore Recovery Slides offer lightweight support and are easy to clean. Credit: Verywell Fit -
The Ryka Women's Restore Recovery Slides offer cushioning for feet after long runs. Credit: Verywell Fit
Best Men’s Overall
Kuru Men's Moment Slide Sandal
Durable and easy to clean
Supportive built-in arch
Good traction on all surfaces
Firmer than other options
Key Specs
Sizes: Men’s 7–13, Women’s 5–12 Materials: Synthetic, foam Straps: Hook-and-loop adjustable closure Our Overall Rating: 5/5
Who They’re For
Best for active individuals seeking durable, supportive slides with a secure fit for everyday and post-workout wear.
Why We Love Them
Kuru’s Moment Slide Sandals are a lightweight, well-rounded pick for various indoor and outdoor settings. While wearing them after running, jogging, and walking the dog, we noticed that the built-in arch support helped reduce foot fatigue. They provide a comfortable, non-restrictive fit with no blisters, chafing, or irritation, and we look forward to slipping into them after a long day on our feet.
These men’s slides look and feel like they’re built to last. We had no trouble with stains or scuffs, and we could wipe away any accumulated dirt with ease. The grippy outsole provides excellent traction and keeps us from slipping or sliding on various surfaces. We were also pleased to find that our feet didn’t get sweaty after wearing these slides, even for several hours outdoors.
Also available in a women's version at Kuru.
Potential Flaws
- These slides have a firmer feel than other options we tested, so they’re best for people who prioritize support over plush cushioning.
Most Valuable Insight
“I look forward to slipping these slides on, as they were a nice break from my everyday shoes. I felt comfortable wearing them while I was at home or out and about. They’re easy to slip into, and the quality is what I need after a long day on my feet.” —Jacob F., Verywell Fit product tester
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The Kuru Men's Moment Slide Sandal is lightweight and has a supportive built-in arch. Credit: Verywell Fit -
The Kuru Men's Moment Slide Sandals have a comfortable and non-resistant feel. Credit: Verywell Fit -
The Kuru Men's Moment Slide Sandals have good traction for a range of surfaces. Credit: Verywell Fit -
The Kuru Men's Moment Slide Sandals offer a secure fit and are easy to clean. Credit: Verywell Fit -
The Kuru Men's Moment Slide Sandal can be worn indoors or outdoors for post-workout support. Credit: Verywell Fit
Best for Plantar Fasciitis
OluKai Maha’Olu
Lightweight, supportive feel
Stylish design
Good traction on all surfaces
Pricier than other options
May run narrow
Key Specs
Sizes: Men’s 7–15 Materials: Foam, rubber Straps: None (slip-on) Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5
Who They’re For
Best for people with average-width feet who want supportive slides for plantar fasciitis or general foot discomfort.
Why We Love Them
Recovery slides can help people with plantar fasciitis—inflammation of the tissues that link the heel and toes—walk around comfortably at home, says Emily Splichal, DPM, a podiatrist at the Center for Functional and Regenerative Podiatric Medicine. OluKai Maha 'Olu’s Recovery Slides deliver on this benefit with lightweight, pliable cushioning that feels like walking on clouds, especially after walking commutes, tennis matches, and cardio sessions. Since walking barefoot is often uncomfortable with plantar fasciitis, we experienced significant pain relief with these slides, choosing to wear them from the moment we arrived home until the moment we went to bed.
Their stylish design is more attractive than others we’ve seen, with a textured outsole for traction. They feel sturdy enough for outdoor use, with strong seams and a durable rubber material. Plus, these slides are resistant to water and odor, making them a dependable choice for daily wear.
Potential Flaws
- These slides were one of the priciest options we tested, although their quality, durability, and comfort justified the price.
- Our tester has wide feet and had to size up for a comfortable fit.
Most Valuable Insight
“I definitely look forward to wearing these shoes, as walking around the house barefoot is uncomfortable for me. I do feel I benefited from wearing them. My feet always feel better when I wear them.” —Richard M., Verywell Fit product tester
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The OluKai Maha 'Olu’s Recovery Slides have a lightweight, pliable cushioning. Credit: Verywell Fit -
The OluKai Maha 'Olu’s Recovery Slides feel like you're walking on a cloud. Credit: Verywell Fit -
These recovery slides offer support for plantar fasciitis or general foot discomfort. Credit: Verywell Fit -
The OluKai Maha 'Olu’s Recovery Slides have a stylish design and are water-resistant. Credit: Verywell Fit -
The OluKai Maha 'Olu’s Recovery Slides are sturdy enough for outdoor use. Credit: Verywell Fit -
OluKai Maha 'Olu’s Recovery Slides have strong seams and are made with durable rubber. Credit: Verywell Fit -
The OluKai Maha 'Olu’s Recovery Slides have textured outsoles for good traction. Credit: Verywell Fit
Best for Flat Feet
Ryka Tao Recovery Slide
Bouncy cushioning
Supportive built-in arch
Padded strap for a customized fit
Gets dirty easily
Not ideal for ankle instabilities
Key Specs
Sizes: Women’s 5–12 Materials: Fabric, rubber Straps: Adjustable velcro strap Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5
Who They’re For
Best for people with flat feet seeking adjustable, highly cushioned slides to alleviate post-workout foot pain.
Why We Love Them
Ryka’s Tao Recovery Slide Sandals have a bouncy, energizing feel for comfort and relief after an intense workout or day on your feet. The robust arch support curves toward the inner heel, which significantly calmed our post-running and cardio foot pain. We noticed that our feet felt healthier and more comfortable after a few weeks of wearing them after gym workouts, with the greatest benefit when we slipped them on right after exercise.
These slides’ grounded, secure fit complements the bouncy cushioning, helping to curb post-workout achiness and inflammation. The padded, adjustable strap creates a more customized fit and easily accommodates swollen feet. These slides have also earned the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, so they’ve been officially recognized for promoting foot health.
Potential Flaws
- These slides accumulate dirt relatively easily, especially if you choose a lighter color. To prevent this issue, select a darker color, only wear them indoors, or plan on cleaning them regularly.
- For individuals with ankle instabilities, they may be challenging to wear for long periods. We’d suggest wearing them for short stints, with minimal walking.
Most Valuable Insight
“The cushion made them bouncy and energetic, which was exactly what my flat arches needed post-workout. I have noticed that my feet feel better over the weeks of using them after the gym, which makes doing cardio easier. It felt like I was given a boost with every step, which is what I need when my legs and feet are super tired.” —Brittany M., Verywell Fit product tester
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The Ryka Women's Tao Recovery Slide Sandals have padded straps for a snug, comfortable fit. Credit: Verywell Fit -
The Ryka Women's Tao Recovery Slide Sandal has a bouncy, energizing feel after workouts. Credit: Verywell Fit -
The Ryka Women's Tao Recovery Slide Sandals have adjustable Velcro straps. Credit: Verywell Fit -
These recovery slides earned the APMA Seal of Acceptance for promoting foot health. Credit: Verywell Fit -
The Ryka Women's Tao Recovery Slide Sandals have built-in arch support. Credit: Verywell Fit
Best for Narrow Feet
OOFOS Women's OOmega OOahh Slide Sandal
Plush, comfortable cushioning
Machine washable
Good impact absorption
Relatively tight fit
Key Specs
Sizes: Women’s 5–11, Men’s 3–14 Materials: Foam Straps: None (slip-on) Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5
Who They’re For
Best for people with narrow feet seeking slides with plush cushioning and an attractive design for post-workout recovery and indoor wear.
Why We Love Them
After jogging, HIIT training, and doing yoga while hitting our 10,000 steps per day, OOFOS OOmega OOahh Slide Sandals were like a dream to step into. Their plush, bouncy, cloud-like cushioning felt like it was propelling our steps, helping us to keep going (even with swollen, fatigued feet). They greatly improved our usual post-workout soreness, especially when we wore them around the house. With a patented impact-absorbing footbed and silky-soft material, we can see why OOFOS is widely considered a frontrunner in the recovery slide space.
Despite wearing these slides frequently around the house and for occasional errands, they didn’t develop a smell and stayed quite clean. And, when the time comes, you can either wipe them down or throw them in the washing machine—both convenient options for busy schedules.
Also available in a men's version at OOFOS and Amazon.
Potential Flaws
- These slides were a bit tight, although the fit wasn’t an issue for at-home wear. We’d recommend sizing up, especially if you have wide feet.
Most Valuable Insight
“It's really just like walking on clouds! From the moment I took them out of the box, I had a feeling they would become my favorite. They’re really cushioned, but still feel supportive.” —Kelly B., Verywell Fit product tester
Best Cushioned
Adidas Adilette 22 Slides
Thick, durable sole
Stylish design
Breathable design prevents odor
Limited arch support
Relatively loose fit
Key Specs
Sizes: Women’s 4–14, Men’s 3–15 Materials: Synthetic Straps: None (slip-on) Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Who They’re For
Best for people with average to wide feet seeking comfortable, stylish slides to wear around the house.
Why We Love Them
Adidas’ Adilette 22 Slides offer plush cushioning to complement your at-home recovery routine. At the thickest point, these slides measure over an inch high, with a durable, contoured sole. Despite this thickness, we didn’t feel like we were sinking into the shoe, and their textured insoles felt good against our fatigued feet. They helped us recover from long walks, intense cardio workouts, and wearing high heels with a comfortable, cushioned feel.
These slides have a unique, modern design that mimics the look of 3D printing. It pairs well with athleticwear, although we primarily wore them at home. Unlike any other slide we tested, they were highly breathable, with a textured footbed that separates your foot from the foam. This prevented overheating, sweating, odors, and staining.
Also available in a men's version at Amazon and Adidas.
Potential Flaws
- Despite their ample cushioning, these slides lack robust arch support. This isn’t ideal for people with flat feet, but it may not be an issue for average and high arches.
- They’re fairly loose, particularly for narrow feet, so they’re best suited to individuals with wide feet who want plenty of room for toe spread.
Most Valuable Insight
“Adidas’ Adilette Slides are well made, and I'm certain they'll last a long time. They’re just one solid piece, so nothing should rip or fall apart, and the sole is very thick, so it shouldn't wear down easily. When I first saw these slides, they looked like they had been 3-D printed. That 3-D printed texture is also present in the footbed, which feels good against my feet and also keeps my feet from getting sweaty. There is plenty of cushioning throughout to make these sandals comfortable.” —Hildara A., Verywell Fit product tester
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The breathable design of the Adidas Adilette 22 Slide helps prevent odor. Credit: Verywell Fit -
The Adidas Adilette 22 Slides have a contoured sole and textured footbed. Credit: Verywell Fit -
The design of these recovery slides can help prevent overheating and staining. Credit: Verywell Fit -
The Adidas Adilette 22 Slides have thick and durable soles. Credit: Verywell Fit -
The Adidas Adilette 22 Slides have a modern design and plush cushioning. Credit: Verywell Fit
Best Budget
ARISIC Recovery Slides
Supportive built-in arch
Durable and easy to clean
Waterproof
May slow down your walking pace
Can cause chafing with moisture
Key Specs
Sizes: Women’s 5.5–14, Men’s 3.5–12 Materials: Foam Straps: None (slip-on) Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5
Who They’re For
Best for people seeking affordable slides that don’t sacrifice comfort or support, especially for home and casual outdoor wear.
Why We Love Them
ARISIC’s Recovery Slides are gentle on your budget—and your feet! Despite their competitive price tag, these slides looked brand-new after several weeks of daily wear, with no changes to their shape or support. They’re comfortable as soon as you slip them on, and we loved that they didn’t pinch our wide feet. Their design features a supportive, contoured arch with a cupped heel to keep your foot secure.
After wearing these slides for short walks around the neighborhood and on the boathouse docks we row at, we were impressed by their durability. Their grippy textured outsole and waterproof design are convenient for various outdoor settings, and their foam material is easy to wipe clean. Their ultra-lightweight design is also well-suited to wearing around the house after HIIT classes, rowing, yoga, walking, or just a long day at the office.
Also available in a men's version at Amazon.
Potential Flaws
- Their thick cushioning may slow you down while running errands when you want to walk briskly. They’re better suited to leisurely wear at home.
- When we sweat in these slides, we experience some chafing on the tops of our feet, although this can be fixed by wearing socks.
Most Valuable Insight
“I put these slides on first thing in the morning as I’m getting ready for the day and love to wear them around the house as house shoes. I usually wear slippers around the house, but these add additional support. I also love that they’re waterproof and are very easy to wipe clean.” —Tatiana K., Verywell Fit product tester
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The ARISIC Recovery Slides are durable for both indoor or outdoor wear. Credit: Verywell Fit -
The ARISIC Recovery Slides have cupped heels to keep feet secure. Credit: Verywell Fit -
The ARISIC Recovery Slides are waterproof and easy to clean. Credit: Verywell Fit -
The ARISIC Recovery Slides have a grippy, textured outsole and are waterproof. Credit: Verywell Fit -
The ARISIC Recovery Slides are budget-friendly and ultra-lightweight. Credit: Verywell Fit
Best for Everyday Wear
Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed Sandal
Versatile enough for indoor and outdoor wear
Supportive built-in arch
Adjustable leather straps
Pricier than other options
Key Specs
Sizes: Women’s 4–12.5, Men’s 6–17.5 Materials: Leather, cork, foam Straps: Two adjustable straps with metal pin buckles Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5
Who They’re For
Best for people seeking stylish slides with excellent arch support to wear for everyday activities, from running errands to strolling the neighborhood.
Why We Love Them
Birkenstock’s Arizona Soft Footbed Slides strike a balance between support and style, making them a great way to care for your feet when you’re out and about. Their durable leather construction is attractive enough to pair with all types of outfits, including business casual attire, while offering excellent durability. Plus, their adjustable leather straps create a customized fit while accommodating post-workout swelling. When we left a workout with achy, painful feet, we reached for this pair to soothe discomfort and stimulate recovery.
With twice-weekly runs and regular weightlifting sessions, these slides’ raised arch support was immediately comfortable. They feel lightweight as you walk, with a secure fit and good traction—even on gravel in the park. While we decided to designate our pair as outdoor shoes, their style is versatile enough for indoor and outdoor settings.
Also available in a men's version at Zappos and Nordstrom.
Potential Flaws
- These slides are significantly pricier than other options, likely due to the leather material and brand name. While we think they’re a good investment, we’d keep an eye out for sales and discounts.
Most Valuable Insight
“The arch support and the style are my favorite things about these slides. I can wear them with anything while doing casual errand-running or even going to the office with some nice pants. They make my feet feel better when they're in pain post-workout (those calf raises really do a number on the ball of my foot!). They’re versatile, comfortable, and durable.” —Patricia H., Verywell Fit product tester
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The Birkenstock’s Arizona Soft Footbed Slides have an adjustable fit and good traction. Credit: Verywell Fit -
The Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed Slides have raised arch support and durable leather. Credit: Verywell Fit -
The Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed Slides are versatile for indoor and outdoor wear. Credit: Verywell Fit -
The Birkenstock’s Arizona Soft Footbed Slides are comfortable and lightweight. Credit: Verywell Fit
Best Lightweight
Nike Calm Men's Slides
Supportive built-in arch
Footbed ridges for extra comfort
Budget-friendly
May run small
Stiffer cushioning than other options
Key Specs
Sizes: Men’s 4–15, Women’s 5–16 Materials: Rubber, foam Straps: None (slip-on) Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5
Who They’re For
Best for active individuals seeking lightweight slides with excellent arch support for post-workout foot pain.
Why We Love Them
If you tend to finish workouts with sore, painful feet, Nike’s Calm Slides are worth a look. Especially after running up to four times weekly, we could feel the difference in our feet, and they noticeably encouraged blood circulation—an important feature to look for in recovery slides, according to Terry. They helped us overcome discomfort from plantar fasciitis and we particularly love the small ridges in the footbed, which made the supportive design even more restorative.
These slides have a lightweight, non-bulky feel with a robust built-in arch. Their soft, water-resistant foam material is easy to clean, even after a full day at the beach. Even with their affordable price, they have a sleek, stylish design that pairs well with athleticwear and casual outfits.
Also available in a women's version at Nike and Amazon.
Potential Flaws
- These slides tend to run small. We recommend going up a half size, or a full size for wide feet.
- Though we found them comfortable, these slides are stiffer and more rigid than other options.
Most Valuable Insight
“I love wearing these slides! I have replaced my Crocs with them as my favorite slides, and I wear them more than any other footwear. I really like them, especially after a run, as I feel they help my feet recover and encourage blood circulation. They're my go-to shoes at home whether I work out or not.” —Al S., Verywell Fit product tester
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The Nike Calm Slides have built-in arch support and are budget-friendly. Credit: Verywell Fit -
The Nike Calm Slides are made of soft, water-resistant foam. Credit: Verywell Fit -
The Nike Calm Slides can encourage blood circulation after exercise and are easy to clean. Credit: Verywell Fit -
The Nike Calm Slides have a fairly lightweight and sleek design. Credit: Verywell Fit -
The Nike Calm Slides have small footbed ridges that feel restorative and supportive. Credit: Verywell Fit
Most Comfortable
Skechers Go Recover Refresh Slides
Durable and easy to clean
Good traction on all surfaces
Machine washable
May run narrow
Key Specs
Sizes: Women’s 5–10, Men’s 7–13 Materials: Vegan foam Straps: None (slip-on) Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5
Who They’re For
Best for people with narrower feet seeking a very plush, contoured slide to improve foot pain.
Why We Love Them
People who struggle with persistent foot pain can find comfort with Skechers' GO RECOVER Refresh Slides. They were a game-changer for our persistent heel pain, especially after HIIT and strength training sessions, and some of the most comfortable footwear we’ve ever walked on. Their abundant, fluffy foam cushioning made us feel like we were walking on clouds. After struggling with plantar fasciitis, these slides offered much-needed respite as we wore them around the house and for occasional errands.
From water to sand to pavement, these slides have good traction and stability. When we got home from a beach day, it took just a few spritzes of water to wash away the sand and dirt. If they start to smell, they’re even machine washable (although ours didn’t, despite weeks of intensive use).
Also available in a men's version at Amazon and Sketchers.
Potential Flaws
- These slides tend to run narrow, although they were comfortable regardless. We recommend them for average- to narrow-width feet.
Most Valuable Insight
“My favorite thing about these slides was the foam in the sole. You could really feel the effects and comfort of the cushioned midsole, which offered an amazing experience. The shape of the shoe also contoured really nicely to my foot, which made it very comfortable for walking.” —Margo R., Verywell Fit product tester
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The Skechers GO RECOVER Refresh Slides have good traction on sand and rinse off easily. Credit: Verywell Fit -
The Skechers GO RECOVER Refresh Slides have an incredibly soft and fluffy foam cushioning. Credit: Verywell Fit -
The Skechers GO RECOVER Refresh Slides have a contoured footbed to soothe feet. Credit: Verywell Fit -
The Skechers GO RECOVER Refresh Slides are durable and easy to clean. Credit: Verywell Fit -
The comfy Skechers GO RECOVER Refresh Slides fit snug and are a bit narrow. Credit: Verywell Fit
Best Dressy
Reef Women's Cushion Soho Cruz Sandals
Durable and easy to clean
Stable fit
Good traction on all surfaces
May run narrow
Limited arch support
Key Specs
Sizes: Women’s 5–11 Materials: Vegan leather, rubber Straps: Molded buckle with recycled hardware Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5
Who They’re For
Best for people with average or high arches seeking moderately supportive slides to wear at work, in social settings, and while running errands.
Why We Love Them
Reef’s Women’s Cushion Soho Cruz Slides combine form and function to keep your feet comfortable in post-workout social settings when you want to look put-together. They fit perfectly right out of the box, with firm arch support and absolutely no squeezing, chafing, or irritation. We wore them after our varied cardio workouts, including long walks, Zumba, and stationary biking, when we wanted to dress up but couldn’t imagine forcing our feet into heels. They’re an excellent alternative to typical going-out footwear, especially if you have plantar fasciitis and overpronation (arches that roll inward while walking or running) like our tester.
These slides feature boat-friendly traction to prevent slips on many different surfaces. We appreciate the stable fit with added heel support to keep your foot in place. The sleek black style is stain-resistant and looks great with dresses, linen pants, and jeans, among other spring and summertime styles.
Potential Flaws
- These slides tend to run narrow. If you have wider feet or feet that swell significantly after workouts, we’d recommend sizing up for a comfortable fit.
- They don’t provide as much arch support as other options we tested. So, while they’re not ideal for flatter feet, they’re a good pick for normal to high arches.
Most Valuable Insight
“I like that they're comfortable, pretty slides I can wear during the summer months. I've worn them with dresses and linen pants—they did look too dressy to wear with my workout outfit or athletic leggings. When you think about slides, you normally envision wide, bulky shoes, but these are pretty and comfortable without resorting to clunkiness.” —Hildara A., Verywell Fit product tester
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The Reef Women’s Cushion Soho Cruz Slides offer a stable fit with no pinching or chafing. Credit: Verywell Fit -
The Reef Women’s Cushion Soho Cruz Slides have a sleek black style that's stain resistant. Credit: Verywell Fit -
The Reef Women’s Cushion Soho Cruz Slides have firm arch support and are easy to clean. Credit: Verywell Fit -
The Reef Women’s Cushion Soho Cruz Slides have traction to prevent slipping. Credit: Verywell Fit -
The Reef Women’s Cushion Soho Cruz Slides are comfortable right out of the box. Credit: Verywell Fit
Best Traction
Vionic Men's Tide Slide Sandal
Good impact absorption
Supportive built-in arch
Versatile enough for indoor and outdoor wear
Relatively heavy design
Pricier than other options
Key Specs
Sizes: Men’s 7–14 Materials: Leather, foam, rubber Straps: Leather criss-cross Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5
Who They’re For
Best for people with swollen feet who need supportive slides that can handle all-day wear, walking outdoors, and uneven surfaces.
Why We Love Them
Vionic’s Men’s Tide Slide Sandals are well-constructed slides that we comfortably wore in many scenarios, from running errands to perusing farmer’s markets and walking between sand volleyball courts. Their supportive, impact-absorbing insoles improve blood flow and keep your body in alignment—a crucial feature for effective recovery footwear, says Peter Foley, sports biomechanist and developer of the Reebok Pump Fury. We walked approximately 4 miles daily during the testing period, and these slides helped with our swollen feet and gout-related discomfort.
To offer stability in various outdoor settings, their outsoles have grippy patterned rubber treads, providing good traction on sand, grass, and pavement. While we frequently wore them outside, we also benefited from wearing them around the house after a long day in dress shoes at the office. These slides allowed blood to circulate throughout our feet while providing much-needed support. This is a key reason why people who spend time in restrictive footwear can benefit from recovery slides, says Terry.
Potential Flaws
- These slides have a heavier, chunkier design than others we tested. However, this didn’t detract from their comfort or support.
- They aren’t as budget-friendly as other available options, but we’d keep an eye out for sales and discounts to make them more attainable.
Most Valuable Insight
“I feel like I benefited from wearing these slides after workouts and long days. They helped with the occasional swelling that I have in my feet. I usually wear dress shoes during the day, and I look forward to putting these on after a long day at the office.” —Kyle W., Verywell Fit product tester
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The Vionic Men’s Tide Slide Sandals are versatile for indoor and outdoor wear. Credit: Verywell Fit -
The Vionic Men’s Tide Slide Sandals are well constructed and can handle all-day wear. Credit: Verywell Fit -
The Vionic Men’s Tide Slide Sandals can help with swollen feet and gout-related discomfort. Credit: Verywell Fit -
These slides have grippy patterned rubber treads that offer traction on a variety of terrain. Credit: Verywell Fit -
The Vionic Men’s Tide Slide Sandals have supportive arches and impact-absorbent insoles. Credit: Verywell Fit
Recovery Slides We Also Tested
After testing a total of 18 recovery slides, only 12 met our standards to be named a top pick. These slides had notable features, but didn’t quite make the cut:
- Adidas’ Adilette ZPLAASH Slides have comfortable cushioning and support around the arch, with a unique design that’s particularly well-suited to pool use. But their large fit and inflatable upper design are impractical for any outdoor use—even a stroll around the block.
- Under Armour’s UA Ignite Select Slides are lightweight, attractive, and flexible, with a budget-friendly price tag for casual wear. Unfortunately, we thought their cushioning and arch support was insufficient for long-term use, especially if you have a foot condition.
- Chaco’s Townes Slides are stylish and durable, making them a good pick for occasional errands. But with a tight, uncomfortable fit, we felt like they squeezed our feet, negating the restorative benefits of a recovery slide.
Verywell Fit
What to Look for When Shopping for Recovery Slides
- Materials: Recovery slides are often made of foam, rubber, or leather. Each material offers its perks: For example, while leather shows wear and tear over time, it has a higher-end look. Rubber and foam are easier to clean but have a more casual style. Consider your preferences, along with practical needs. We recommend slides with materials that can be washed easily, with either a quick wipe down or machine wash.
- Versatility: Before making your purchase, consider whether you want slides to wear indoors, outdoors, or both. Look for a pair that can transition seamlessly between settings with an attractive design and enough traction for multiple surfaces. While recovery slides aren’t designed for hiking and rough terrain, consider if they can handle grass, gravel, and sand.
- Price: Recovery slides vary in price from around $30 to over $100. Sometimes, an expensive slide is representative of its longevity and high-quality materials. But, we found several budget-friendly options with excellent durability and other attractive features. We recommend finding the best slides that fit within your budget and prioritizing cushioning and support.
How We Tested the Recovery Slides
To find the best slides for recovery and foot fatigue, we first consulted experts to learn more about recovery slides, their benefits, and important features. We pored over lively Reddit threads about recovery sandals for added context before exploring leading brands, particularly OOFOS and Hoka, to determine the best products to test. Then, we tested 18 pairs for over 3,000 hours, judging each pair based on these criteria.
- Fit: In the first few wears we consider if the slides run large, small, wide, or narrow. Do our feet keep slipping out of the shoe, especially while walking briskly, or do they stay comfortably in place? Do the slides have an adjustable strap to achieve a more personalized fit and accommodate swelling after exercise?
- Durability: From the moment we take them out of the box, we check if the slides are made to last. After evaluating their materials and stitching, we monitor how well they hold up to intensive use, both indoors and outdoors. We consider their condition after multiple rinses, wipe-downs, or machine washes, depending on the care instructions.
- Cushioning: We look for recovery slides with plush cushioning that doesn’t weigh us down. Our top choices provide comfortable cushioning in the arch, footbed, and heel, with a bouncy feel to offset fatigue.
- Support: We check whether the recovery slides provide enough support to soothe our feet, especially after exercise or a long day of standing. We note how the arch feels, if it contours to our foot, and if it’s accompanied by extra heel support, like a heel cup. Foley recommends an insole that mirrors your foot shape and promotes proper body alignment.
- Comfort: Comfort indicates that your recovery slides are doing their job, keeping your feet properly aligned and minimizing the impact on your lower body. We note if the slides are immediately comfortable and how they feel after hours of wear. We check for skin irritation, chafing, blisters, and pinching.
- Effectiveness: Do the slides noticeably improve any foot and leg fatigue? If we have foot conditions like plantar fasciitis or overpronation, does wearing the slides around the house improve our symptoms?
- Value: After evaluating the slides in all other key criteria, we check the price. Would we pay this much for the slides? Would we recommend them to loved ones? We prioritize slides whose quality exceeds their value.
Verywell Fit
Our Experts
We consulted experts throughout our research, testing, and reporting for this story, gathering information about the most important features to look for in recovery slides. With varied backgrounds in podiatry, soft tissue health, functional movement, sports science, and footwear development, each expert deepened our understanding of recovery footwear and the role it can play in your daily routine. We choose products independently, but expert feedback helps guide our choices.
- Emily Splichal, DPM, a podiatrist at the Center for Functional and Regenerative Podiatric Medicine
- Anna Terry, soft tissue health expert and functional movement specialist at Total Athlete Care
- Peter Foley, sports biomechanist and developer of the Reebok Pump Fury
Frequently Asked Questions
Do recovery slides work?
Recovery slides can work for lower body fatigue, as well as foot pain from conditions like plantar fasciitis, overpronation, and bunions—especially for active individuals who run on hard ground, says Terry. With that in mind, recovery slides aren’t a cure for foot pain and must be paired with well-rounded daily habits, including foot strengthening and release, to make a real, long-lasting improvement, says Splichal.
Can you wear recovery slides all day long?
You can wear recovery slides all day long if they’re comfortable and don’t interfere with your activities. Be careful when wearing them outdoors, and stick to walking shoes for rough terrain or long distances.
Should slides be loose or tight?
Slides should fit properly without constricting your feet, sliding, or falling off with movement. If you have wide feet or bunions, you may want a slighter looser fit to prevent excessive pressure on the sides of your feet.
Why Trust Verywell Fit
Megan Foley is a Verywell Fit wellness and fitness writer and a professional ballet dancer. She wears constrictive pointe shoes daily in rehearsals and performances and has dealt with countless foot conditions over her 10-year dancing career, including bunions. She heavily relies on Adidas’ Adilette Slides to help her bounce back between performances, and sliding them on at the end of the day has become her recovery ritual. She almost always wears them at home to curb inflammation and owns multiple pairs for indoor and outdoor use.
