Whether you’re logging miles on Strava, swimming laps at the YMCA, or assaulting the iron at your local gym, the best recovery shoes are the secret for better performance—even when you’re actually doing nothing at all.
“[Recovery shoes] are super important to allow our body to recover, providing relief, not only in the feet, but knees, hips and lower back,” Dr. Brad Schaeffer, DPM, a board-certified foot surgeon, says. “Going right back into a regular sneaker [after working out] is basically the same thing as walking around and running around.” Plus, everyone from runners and swimmers to lifters and folks who stand all day for work can all benefit from high-quality recovery shoes.
So, we here at GQ Recommends beat up our lower bodies in the name of science, then tried out a shoe store’s worth of recovery shoes to find the best fit for every kind of active person.
The Best Recovery Shoes, According to GQ
Best Recovery Shoes Overall: Kane Revive Recovery Shoes
Kane’s Revives have become quite the mainstay on many fitness influencers’ feeds, and despite the barrage of content, we can attest that these are actually pretty great. Every bit of design of these shoes is meant to reduce the fatigue and strain of being on your feet, from the raised footbed nodes to support along the heel, arch, and forefoot. The midsole is made of a soft, cushiony, sugarcane-derived EVA foam, while the outsole offers the support that you need.
The super-flexible material almost makes it feel like you’re not wearing shoes when you’re walking, and the ventilation (reminiscent of Crocs) is great for breathability to prevent sweaty feet. I will admit that the ventilation didn’t do the most for me, though I sweat incredibly easily. These have been my go-to pair of recovery shoes for after long runs or post-leg days, and wearing them feels almost like a reward for putting such a strain on my lower body.
Best Budget Recovery Shoes: Lululemon Restfeel Slide, $58
I live in a no-shoes-in-the-home household, and the Restfeel slides have been the biggest upgrade to my regular old home slippers. They’re easy to slip into, though I would recommend that you size up if you have wide feet as the strap is a bit constricting for those with anything other than a narrow foot. The cushioning is a pleasure to walk on, and as you’ll notice from the side profile, provides a good amount of arch and heel support for added comfort. I also like the rubber outsoles, which prevent me from slipping and sliding in case the floor’s a little slick.
Best-Looking Recovery Shoes: Jordan Roam Slides, $60
The Jumpman would make a good recovery shoe for ballers, as few athletes have to rely so much on their feet and leg as hoopers do. We’ll be honest: Recovery shoes are usually quite ugly. Jordan’s Roams are some of the nicer of the bunch, and come in at a reasonable $60 for affordable recovery. The firm yet squishy foam is pleasant to walk in, but it doesn’t feel like there’s that much support where you need it, especially in the heel and around the arch. But, if you’re going to step out for a post-workout BEC, then you can at least feel good knowing your fit isn’t horrible.
Best All-Terrain Recovery Shoes: Arc’teryx Kragg Shoe, $160
Pretty much all of the recovery shoes we feature have anti-slip soles, but Arc’teryx’s Kraggs feel the most apt for staying on your feet no matter how slippery or jagged the terrain, thanks to the Vibram Megagrip sole. We like that these are convertible mules so you can either slide into them like, well, slides—or put them on like slip-ons for a little more stability and support. The upper is made of a breathable mesh, though don’t expect your feet to stay dry for too long—you might still get a little stuffy in there, especially if the ambient weather is warm. These are a more luxe pair of recovery shoes, too, and we’d recommend wearing these outside whenever you’re just going about your day.
Best Recovery Slides: Lusso Cloud Scendario Slide, $65
These lightweight and durable slides from Lusso Cloud are supremely comfortable and easy to slide into thanks to their thoughtful design. They’re slightly more expensive than the Lululemon slides we recommend, but we think they’re worth the extra few bucks (if you can spare them) for the extra arch support and overall improvements in comfort. The ventilation is helpful for making it feel like your dogs aren’t suffocating, and they’re fully washable to keep them as fresh as your feet, workout after workout.
Best All-Day Recovery Shoes: Stand+ AntiGrav1 Shoes, $120
As long as you’re not running a 5K or hitting the squat rack, you can wear recovery shoes on the daily for your regular 9-to-5. Those who are on their feet all day—service industry workers, nurses, etc.—have made their love for Stand+’s AntiGrav 1 shoes known in the reviews because of how they make them feel during their shifts and after. These lightweight recovery shoes are literally like stepping on clouds because of the way they cradle your feet.
Walking in these shoes have been quite pleasurable, and I’ll slip these on when I’m about to make dinner or plan on doing chores around the house that’ll have me on my feet for a while. The shape of the bottom makes it feel like I’m being propelled forward, so much so that sometimes I wonder if my feet are actually doing any work.
Best Recovery Shoes for Runners: Hoka Ora Recovery Slide 3, $60
Hoka makes a number of Ora recovery shoes, and our preference for them depends on who’s trying them. I’m a fan of the Recovery Slide 3 because of their open-toe design, but what can’t be denied is how therapeutic they feel without looking like something your elderly grandparents would wear. The rocker bottom feels nice to walk in, though we’d prefer a bit more target support in the footbed to alleviate some of the pressure of having been on our feet for a long time or having completed a tough workout.
Best Recovery Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis: Vionic Cove RX Recovery Sandal, $85
We’ve covered the best running shoes for those with plantar fasciitis, but what about shoes to aid in its recovery? Plantar fasciitis—inflammation of the tissue that runs underfoot from toe to heel—can lead to pain in the heel and arch, all up to your Achilles tendon. Believe us, it’s not fun. If you’re prone to plantar fasciitis, investing in a pair of recovery shoes like Vionic’s Cove RX sandals can help alleviate your pain before it becomes something worse: a chronic condition called plantar fasciosis.
