9 Best Recovery Shoes of 2024 That Are Like Clouds for Your Feet

Whether you’re logging miles on Strava, swimming at the YMCA, or hitting the irons at your local gym, the best recovery shoes are the secret to better performance, even when you’re not actually doing anything at all.

“(Recovery shoes) are very important for the recovery of our body, providing relief not only to the feet, but also to the knees, hips and lower back.” Dr. Brad Schaeffer“,” says DPM, a board-certified foot surgeon. “Let’s go back to normal. sneakers (after training) is essentially the same as walking and running.” Plus, everything from runners and swimmers lifters And people who stand all day at work can benefit from high-quality recovery shoes.

So here we are at GQ Recommends working out your lower body in the name of science, then trying out recovery shoes from a shoe store to find the one that works best for any active person.

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GQ’s Best Recovery Shoes

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Best Recovery Shoes Overall: Kane Revive Recovery Shoes

Kane’s “revivals” have become a staple in the feeds of many fitness influencers, and despite the abundance of content, we can attest that they’re actually pretty good. Every detail of this shoe’s design is designed to reduce fatigue and stress on your feet, from the elevated insole units to the heel, arch and forefoot support. The midsole is made from soft, shock-absorbing EVA foam derived from sugar cane, and the outsole provides the support you need.

The ultra-flexible material almost makes it feel like you’re not wearing shoes while walking, and the Croc-like venting is great for keeping your feet breathable and preventing sweaty feet. I admit that the ventilation didn’t help me much, although I sweat incredibly easily. These have been my favorite pair of recovery shoes after long runs or leg days, and wearing them feels almost like a reward for putting so much stress on your lower body.

Best budget recovery shoe: Lululemon Restfeel Slide, $58.

I live in a shoeless household and the Restfeel slides were the biggest upgrade from my regular old house slippers. They are easy to put on, although I would recommend going up a size if you have wide feet as the strap is a bit tight for those who don’t have narrow feet. The cushioning feels good to walk on, and as you can see from the lateral profile, it provides good arch and heel support for added comfort. I also like the rubber soles, which prevent me from slipping and sliding if the floor is a little slippery.

Best-looking recovery shoe: Jordan Roam slides, $60.

The Jumpman would be a good recovery shoe for basketball players since few athletes have to rely as much on their feet and legs as basketball players do. Let’s be honest: recovery shoes are usually pretty ugly. Jordan’s Roams are one of the best of them all and cost a reasonable $60 for an affordable retread. The firm but soft foam feels good to walk on, but it doesn’t feel like there’s enough support where you need it, especially in the heel and around the ball of the foot. But if you’re going to go for a BEC after your workout, then at least you can feel good knowing that your form isn’t that bad.

Best all-terrain recovery shoe: Arc’teryx Kragg Shoe, $160.

Almost all of the recovery shoes we feature have anti-slip soles, but Arc’teryx’s Kraggs stay on your feet the best, no matter how slippery or uneven the surface, thanks to their Vibram Megagrip outsole. We love that these are convertible mules, so you can either wear them like slides or wear them like slip-ons for a little more stability and support. The upper is made of breathable mesh, but don’t expect your feet to stay dry for too long – you may still feel a little stuffy, especially if the weather is warm. They’re also a more luxurious pair of recovery shoes, and we recommend wearing them outside when you’re just minding your own business.

Best Recovery Slides: Lusso Cloud Scendario Slide, $65.

These lightweight and durable flip-flops from Lusso Cloud are incredibly comfortable and easy to use thanks to their thoughtful design. They’re a little more expensive than our recommended Lululemon slides, but we think they’re worth the extra few dollars (if you can spare them) for the added arch support and overall improved comfort. Ventilation helps keep your dogs feeling like they’re not suffocating, and they’re completely washable so they stay as fresh as your feet, workout after workout.

Best Shoes for All-Day Recovery: Stand+ AntiGrav1 Shoes, $120.

As long as you’re not running a 5K or sitting on a squat rack, you can wear recovery shoes every day while working your 9 to 5. Those who are on their feet all day—service workers, nurses, etc.—have become famous in reviews love the Stand+ AntiGrav 1 shoes for how they feel during and after their shift. These lightweight recovery shoes are literally like stepping on clouds because of the way they support your feet.

These shoes were a pleasure to walk in and I wear them when I’m getting ready to cook dinner or planning to do chores that will keep me on my feet for a while. The shape of the bottom makes me feel like I’m being pulled forward, so much so that I sometimes wonder if my legs are doing any work at all.

Best recovery shoes for runners: Hoka Ora Recovery Slide 3, $60.

Hoka makes several Ora recovery shoes, and our preference for them depends on who’s trying them on. I’m a fan of the Recovery Slide 3 because of their open-toe design, but there’s no denying how therapeutic they feel without looking like something your elderly grandparents would wear. The rocker bottom feels comfortable to walk on, although we would have preferred a little more targeted support in the footbed to relieve some of the pressure that comes with being on your feet for long periods of time or after a hard workout.

Best recovery shoes for plantar fasciitis: Vionic Cove RX Recovery Sandals, $85.

We have reviewed Best Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitiswhat about shoes that will help with recovery? Plantar fasciitis– inflammation of the tissues running under your feet from toe to heel – can lead to pain in the heel and arch of the foot, all the way down to the Achilles tendon. Believe me, 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 relieve your pain before it becomes something worse: a chronic condition called plantar fasciosis.