My Hunt for Non-Hideous Recovery Shoes

Photo-Illustration: The Strategist; Photos: Katie Stone
I like to think I have my ear to the ground in the fitness/wellness/whatever-you-want-to-call-it industry, and lately I’ve been clocking an uptick in foot-health chatter. It makes sense when you consider the cultural clues: the increased popularity of running (as both a sport and a social activity), the physical backlash from the flat-sneaker trend, and the resurgence of the ever-divisive Vibram FiveFingers shoes. Recovery shoes became part of the conversation a few years ago, and while they’ve been adopted most ardently by the running community, recovery is equally important for the Generally Active Population who spend time lifting, swimming, biking, etc. As someone who is very much part of that population, I was intrigued.
Backing up a second — “recovery shoes” are a broad and loosely defined category that includes slides and closed-back shoes. The main thing to know is that these shoes will help your feet and therefore your joints and muscles recover after periods of strenuous activity. When it comes to my personal recovery-shoe criteria, function and actual recovery are only part of the equation. I’d also like for them to be — and I know this is a big ask — somewhat stylish. I want to be able to wear these during a WFH day in my apartment or take them on a walk around the block to run some errands without feeling like an alien wearing Goofy’s shoes. I might need to walk my expectations back a bit, but either way: Let the hunt begin.
The ones with plenty of support and structure
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Merrell Women’s Hydro Slide 2
$60 now 53% off
$28
Photo: Courtesy of retailer
Merrell has been getting a lot of attention lately as the Jungle Moc makes its comeback, so I was intrigued to dip my toe (sorry!) into the brand’s recovery oeuvre. These Hydro Slides not only look like they exist in the Avatar universe, they’re made with 10 percent Bloom algae, which “turns green water into clean water,” according to its site. These shoes are a little too firm for my liking, but I’d recommend them to anyone who values stability and structure since the sole and strap offer high levels of security.
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$65
Photo: Courtesy of retailer
These recovery slides are a new release from Nike, a version of its highly rated ReactX Rejuven8 slippers, just without the upper material. These are also on the firmer side, though I find they have a little more give than the Merrells. I find these to be the least offensive to look at of the recovery slides I tried. What can I say? Nike knows what it’s doing. The downside is that I can feel my feet straining slightly as I walk around in them, which I guess is the draw of the foot-hooded predecessors.
The plush and cushy ones
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Oofos OOAHH Sport Flex Sandal
$80 now 20% off
$64
Photo: Courtesy of retailer
Once I got past the name of this brand, I decided these shoes were a win for me. They’ve got the proper amount of cushion without feeling pillowy, which I have to imagine is the sweet spot for proper joint health. The velcro strap is a great touch, especially since these only come in full sizes, so I was able to size up on the footbed without my feet slipping all over the place.
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Photo: Courtesy of retailer
These are my favorite of the traditional slides for a few reasons. First, they’re a neutral shoe, which means they’re structured symmetrically and work best for supinators — those who put more of their weight on the edges of their feet — like myself. Second, the strap is snug around my foot with the perfect amount of breathability from the little airflow slats. These are also the plushest of the bunch, so I like that they give me a couple inches of height (I’ll take it where I can get it).
The ones I’d wear for standing for a long time
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$140
Photo: Courtesy of retailer
As the name of the brand suggests, these shoes are meant for people who spend most of their time standing. I, a person who looks at decks for a living, do not. That said, I can understand how wonderful these shoes might be for, say, a chef or a nurse, who’d benefit from Ortholite insoles and fluid-resistant exteriors. Come to think of it, maybe I’ll finally use my standing desk and let these babies get to work.
The gorpcore-y ones
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Arc’Teryx Kragg Shoe
$112
$160 now 30% off
$112
Photo: Courtesy of retailer
I’ve written previously about my gorpcore preferences even as a Manhattanite, so a slightly ugly all-terrain shoe that screams “sport mode” is where I thrive. Arc’Teryx’s Kragg shoe is just that — a slip-on shoe made of breathable mesh that feels tactically inappropriate in New York City and yet incredibly comfortable. The material is flexible, particularly by the heel, which allows you to slip them on like mules or fully encapsulate your foot. Plus, the outsoles are made of Vibram Megagrip, which gives them a lot of traction on the slipperiest of sidewalks.
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Photo: Courtesy of retailer
I am a yearslong Salomon stan, and I am thrilled to announce that its recovery options do not disappoint. These RX Mocs are becoming second skin for me, which apparently is the goal; the “molded sockliner … improves comfort by mimicking the foot’s natural shape.” These shoes are light and breathable, and the topographic quilting is a fun — and warm — touch. I’m wearing these shoes everywhere — to get groceries, to Pilates, to meet my friends for dinner — and I couldn’t be happier (or more gorpcore).
The winner
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$128
Photo: Courtesy of retailer
Lululemon has recently entered the footwear business, and naturally I was skeptical to try a pair of shoes from a company built around activewear for yoga, a famously barefoot activity. These exceeded my expectations tenfold. They’ve nailed that balance of cushion and firmness, so my feet feel supported without walking on cork (no shade, Bostons). I’ve been wearing these for a little over a month, and they’ve already molded to my feet, so I can confirm the Clincher technology and its glovelike effect is legit. Even though my sister told me I looked like a LEGO character, I, for one, love the matte exterior, and as a first-time mule owner, can I just say: God, does it feel good.
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My Hunt for Non-Hideous Recovery Shoes