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Best Recovery Sandals For Runners – Running Shoes Off, Recovery On

Recovering from a run usually involves ice, heat, and maybe a massage gun for your sore legs. However, did you ever think that maybe your feet need some recovery too?

The pounding that happens while we run can be detrimental to our entire body over time, especially if we don’t have shoes with the proper arch support. It’s more than just tired feet. Running without appropriate recovery for your feet can cause issues like plantar fasciitis pain or hallux rigidus, a form of osteoarthritis in the big toe.

Since we’re always on the go and can’t just put up our feet to relax all day, a recovery sandal might be the best option to assist with tired feet after a challenging run. We’ll explain what they do, how they work and give our recommendations for the best recovery sandals.

Understanding Recovery Sandals

Before we discuss the best recovery shoes, let’s discuss how they work to help foot recovery. Recovery footwear varies from flip-flops to slides to closed-toe shoes, depending on personal preference. A recovery shoe should give the correct arch support to lessen the pressure on the foot and joints.

Several running recovery sandals feature a massaging base that improves circulation throughout the foot. Better blood flow leads to reduced swelling and pain in the feet.

Recovery sandals are part of active recovery, a recovery in the form of low-intensity exercises like walking or yoga. The right recovery shoes allow sore feet to have the proper alignment and superior arch support as you actively recover.

Are Podiatrists On Board?

Many of the best recovery shoes are approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association. This association recognizes exceptional shoes that benefit foot health and recovery. Podiatrists recommended an assortment of recovery slides for athletes and those recovering from a foot or ankle injury. Essential criteria for recovery footwear is finding something with enough arch support and comfort to alleviate pressure on the feet.

Best Recovery Sandals

Hoka Recovery Sandals

Hoka recovery sandals offer a wide range of footwear for men and women to alleviate foot pain after running. The thick sole supports active recovery while working to decrease heel pain.

The soft top layer makes them comfortable for every foot, and the contoured footbed offers a massage for your foot’s bottom. The Hoka Ora recovery slides are easy to take on or off after a run and are sold for $54.99.

HOKA ONE ONE Ora Recovery Slide Sandal HOKA ONE ONE Ora Recovery Slide Sandal
3.5
$97.97
  • Soft top layer EVA for immediate step in comfort
  • Early Stage Meta-Rocker offers a smooth ride
  • Dual layer construction incorporates soft top layer and resilient midsole/outsole for durability and stability
  • Strategic groove placement for optimal comfort and traction
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02/19/2024 09:10 am GMT

Oofos Recovery Sandals

All of the Oofos recovery footwear is approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association to improve active recovery for feet. Oofos features flip-flops and recovery slides uniquely designed to help your feet recover after a tough run.

Superior arch support reduces the pressure on the foot by 37% when walking to lower pressure on the feet and joints. These recovery flip-flops come in men’s and women’s sizes to ensure the best fit. Depending on the shoe, Oofos running recovery sandals range from $59.95 to $89.95.

OOFOS OOahh Slide - Lightweight Recovery Footwear OOFOS OOahh Slide - Lightweight Recovery Footwear
3.5
$58.73
  • Foam sole
  • Designed to reduce stress on sore feet, knees, and your lower back
  • Designed to enable natural motion
  • Minimalist construction for light weight and packability


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02/19/2024 09:34 am GMT

PR Soles Largo Recovery Slides

Known for helping the soles of the feet, PR Soles Largo recovery slides feature a bumpy footbed to trigger acupressure points while massaging the feet. This recovery sandal eliminates pressure from the foot to reduce swelling and stress on the area. Durable, waterproof, and lightweight PR Soles recovery shoes banish sore feet and assist in reducing the stress caused by plantar fasciitis. They are available in three colors and cost $49.99.

PR Soles Original Sandals | Foot Massaging & Recovery Footwear PR Soles Original Sandals | Foot Massaging & Recovery Footwear
3.5
$34.99
  • PR SOLES are specifically designed to provide athletes the most comfortable pre- and post-workout footwear to promote the recovery of sore and tired feet.
  • PR SOLES are also excellent for anyone who spends a lot of time on their feet.
  • Significantly reduce your recovery time by wearing PR SOLES and make your body feel all around better.
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02/19/2024 09:24 am GMT

Cozi Slides

When it comes to Cozi slides, it’s all about variety. They offer a wide range of recovery footwear in slides, straps, or flip-flops in various colors. Reviewed as having the “softest feeling in the world,” the Cozi flip-flop offers an incredibly soft footbed for better support for sore feet.

Both men and women benefit from Cozi slides as a recovery shoe. Their versatility means you can wear them anywhere for ultimate comfort, even in the shower, since they are waterproof. The contoured footbed and heel support make this one of our favorites at $74.99.

Keen Slides

Keen slides offer a recovery flip-flop or slide in various styles and colors. They also feature slides for kids as well as men and women. The soft nylon toe post offers support around the foot while actively recovering. Keen footwear is known for hiking, which can be an active form of recovery. The sandals are a slide that protects the toes while supporting the foot. Keen prices range from $50 to $150, depending on the recovery shoe.

KEEN Women's Shanti Comfortable Slip On KEEN Women's Shanti Comfortable Slip On
3.5
$37.48
  • STYLE: Whether you’re into island living or lounging poolside this sandal is made for you; We took our classic Yogui and opened it up for a breezy style
  • COMFORT: Crafted with lightweight materials to support comfort and help reduce the overall weight of the sandal; This makes the Shanti perfect after a long day on the trail or at the campsite


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02/18/2024 11:41 am GMT

Final Thoughts

There you have it. We have found the best recovery shoes for runners. We have already given you the best Crossfit shoes and the best shoes for back pain. It seems only fair that we help out our runner friends with some recovery sandals that can reduce stress and pain on the feet and joints.

Any of these shoes are an excellent addition for post-workout recovery. Say goodbye to heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, and aching feet. It’s time to stop those dogs from barking!

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Kristen holds a bachelors in English from Louisianna university. With a longstanding passion for fitness, she owns and operate her own gym and is a certified jazzercise instructor.

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