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We Walked for 3,000 Hours to Find the 13 Best Slides For Post-Workout Recovery

From top-selling brands like Athleta, Hoka, Adidas, and more

By
Shannon Ullman
Shannon Ullman Headshot

Shannon combed through hundreds of studies on health, wellness, and fitness while editing for Healthline and MedicalNewsToday. She's tested products and interviewed experts to write guides for MindBodyGreen, Insider Inc., and Everyday Health. She's exercise enthusiast training for her first strongwoman comp!

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Updated on April 22, 2024
Medically reviewed
Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and nutrition and exercise healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more.
by
Michele Stanten, ACE-GFI
Michele Stanten
Medically reviewed by Michele Stanten, ACE-GFI

Michele Stanten is a walking coach, certified group fitness instructor, and running coach. She is the author of Walk Off Weight and The Walking Solution.

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Verywell Fit content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more.
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Rich Scherr
Rich Scherr
Fact checked by Rich Scherr

Rich Scherr is a seasoned journalist who has covered technology, finance, sports, and lifestyle.

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Person wearing purple OOFOS Sport Flex Sandals on pavement

Verywell Fit / Ashleigh Morley

Slides are the epitome of easy footwear, but they don’t always provide the comfort, support, and durability that you need in a recovery shoe. To find the best slides on the market, we prioritized options with key features like built-in arch support, supportive cushioning, grippy outsoles, and more. We also selected pairs that can help alleviate post-workout foot pain and fatigue, as well as relieve common foot injuries and issues. 

We spent over 3,000 hours testing 18 pairs in The Verywell Testing Lab and at home. We wore each slide in our regular routines—at home, running errands, post-workout, and more—evaluating its comfort level, whether it had any special features, and if we thought it was worth the price. Each of the slides on our list earned high scores for durability, comfort, cushioning, and overall value. A podiatrist also provided buying tips and recommendations to help curate our final list—plus, we had a walking coach, ACE-certified group fitness instructor, and RRCA-certified running coach from our Review Board review this article for accuracy. 

Best Men’s Overall

Hoka Ora Recovery Slide 3

Hoka Ora Recovery Slide 3

REI

Our Ratings
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Cushioning
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
Pros
  • Thick cushioning

  • Provides immediate relief for sore feet 

  • Easy to clean

Cons
  • Strap isn't adjustable

Key Specs

Sizes: Men’s 3-14, Women’s 5-16 | Materials: Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) | Straps: Single strap | Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who They’re For 

Best for people who want a high-quality, durable, and comfortable recovery shoe—especially if you prefer a chunky-style slide. 

Why We Love Them 

After nearly a month of daily wear, HOKA's Ora Recovery Slides are a clear winner because we never wanted to take them off—they’re just that comfortable. The brand's signature cushioning is evident, with a super plush midsole that we found provides immediate relief for sore feet. Meanwhile, the durable rubber outsole is grippy, delivering optimal traction for safe walking on all terrains. 

Throughout testing, we were most impressed with the slide’s exceptional comfort and reliable durability—making them perfect for all-day, everyday wear. We wore them around the house, fitness walking outside, running errands, and more. And when the inevitable scuff or spill did happen, a quick swipe with a wipe or wet towel cleaned the mess right up. 

We also love the shoe's upgraded strap that’s designed with airflow vents to help keep your feet cool and sweat-free. Plus, we noticed that the midsole offers plenty of arch support and shock absorption, without weighing our feet down. Luckily, these slides come in 24 colors, because (like us) you might find yourself wanting a few pairs to bring a playful vibe to any outfit. 

Potential Flaws 

  • The strap isn’t adjustable, so these slides may not be ideal for those with wider or narrower feet. 

Most Valuable Insight

“The slides felt like heaven the second I put them on. I will probably end up buying these for this price multiple times—they're the perfect slide.” —Verywell Fit product tester

Best Women’s Overall

Athleta Saysh Slide

Athleta Saysh Slide

Athleta 

Our Ratings
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Cushioning
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
Pros
  • Extremely durable 

  • Memory foam-like cushion

  • Contoured foot support

Cons
  • May be too wide for narrow feet

  • Pricier than other options

Key Specs

Sizes: Women’s 6-10 | Materials: Leather upper, suede footbed, rubber outsole | Straps: Single strap | Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who They’re For 

Best for people who want a stylish slide that’s the right balance of cushioned and firm to provide all-day comfort and support. 

Why We Love Them 

While Athleta’s Saysh Slide isn’t technically made with memory foam, that's what slipping into its contoured footbed feels like. The plush midsole is molded to fit the natural shape and curves of your feet—making this an obvious choice for our best women’s pick. Throughout testing, we were consistently impressed by the slide’s all-day comfort and durable, high-quality design

We wore them casually around the house, while running errands, and to and from yoga classes. Even when walking or standing for hours at a time, our feet stayed comfortable, dry, and blister-free. The quality of these well-made shoes is exceptional, showing no signs of wear and tear throughout the testing period—which is great, considering the higher price tag. Although the feel is lightweight and springy, we wouldn’t describe these slides as flimsy. But stylish, supportive, and comfortable? Yes, yes, and yes.

Potential Flaws 

  • We found that these slides may run slightly wide for wearers with narrow feet. Still, we recommend ordering your regular size for a solid fit. 
  • Compared to other options on our list, these are more expensive. But for consistent comfort and long-lasting durability, we recommend this pair every time.

Most Valuable Insight

“These are the most comfortable shoes I own! The footbed feels like plush, memory foam cushioning and provides great support and springy responsiveness—I could wear these all day.” —Michelle Parente, CYT, commerce writer and Verywell Fit product tester

Best Men’s Budget

Adidas Adissage Slides

Adidas Adissage Slides

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Durability
    4/5
  • Comfort
    4/5
  • Cushioning
    3.8/5
  • Value
    5/5
Pros
  • Adjustable strap 

  • May improve posture

  • Quick-drying

Cons
  • May be slippery on tile or hardwood 

  • Textured footbed takes some getting used to

Key Specs: 

Sizes: Men’s 4-18, Women’s 5-19 | Materials: EVA | Straps: Single strap (adjustable) | Our Overall Rating: 4.2/5

Who They’re For 

Best for runners or active people who want a post-workout recovery slide at a budget-friendly price. 

Why We Love Them 

Designed to alleviate foot stress and provide post-workout relief, Adidias’ Adissage Slides have a footbed covered with small, raised nubs that massage your feet with every step and stride. During testing, we slipped into these shoes after a 10-mile run and were impressed by how well the therapeutic footbed relieved aching feet and even helped us to stand up straighter. 

We also love that these slides are moisture-wicking and quick-drying, helping to keep our feet chafe- and blister-free. Since they are so quick-drying and ultra-grippy, we love this pair for gym showers, sauna sessions, and poolside lounging. 

Potential Flaws 

  • We noticed that the outsole felt slippery on certain indoor surfaces, like tile and hardwood floors. 
  • While the textured footbed provides your feet with a massage-like sensation as you walk, it does take some getting used to and may not be for everyone.
Adidas Adilette Comfort Slides

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Comfort
    4.3/5
  • Cushioning
    5/5
  • Value
    4.3/5
Pros
  • Alleviates foot fatigue

  • Easy to clean

  • Consistent cushioning

Cons
  • Runs wide

  • Strap isn't adjustable

Key Specs: 

Sizes: Women’s 5.5-20, Men’s 4-18 | Materials: EVA | Straps: Single strap | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5

Who They’re For 

Best for anyone who wants a casual, lightweight, all-day slide that won’t push you over budget. 

Why We Love Them 

Adidas' Adilette Comfort Slides are an economical way to treat your feet after an intense workout. Given the lower price tag, we found the lightweight cushioning to be surprisingly supportive, foot-forming, and consistent throughout the entire sole. Compared to the brand’s Adissage Slides, this pair is designed to offer all-day comfort instead of intense post-workout rejuvenation—which we found to be accurate throughout testing. 

We wore these slides for casual and post-workout wear, noticing that they definitely helped to reduce foot fatigue and tightness. They are also very easy to clean, with a simple rinse or wipe—which comes in handy because they can easily become your next go-to shoe. And despite the lightweight, low-profile design, we found the slides durable and well-made

Potential Flaws 

  • The shoe runs quite wide, so if you have regular or narrow feet, you may want to opt for a different pair. 
  • We wish the strap were adjustable to make the extra-wide fit more accessible to those with regular and narrow feet.
Under Armour Ignite Pro Graphic Strap Slides

Under Armour

Our Ratings
  • Durability
    4/5
  • Comfort
    4.6/5
  • Cushioning
    5/5
  • Value
    4.2/5
Pros
  • Sturdy, yet lightweight 

  • Strategic pressure point relief 

  • Adjustable strap

Cons
  • No neutral color options

  • Lacks arch support

Key Specs: 

Sizes: Men’s 7-18 | Materials: Foam footbed, EVA outsole | Straps: Single strap (adjustable) | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Who They’re For 

Best for athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and casual wearers who want a fun and vibrant everyday recovery slide. 

Why We Love Them 

Giving your feet some post-workout support can be as simple as slipping into Under Armour's Ignite Pro Graphic Strap Slides. Far from your average flimsy flip-flop, these durable shoes are constructed with a memory foam footbed that's strategically textured to relieve pressure points. The result? Our feet felt comfortable, with no more sore arches. 

Along with all-day comfort and total relief, we were impressed with how stain-resistant and easy-to-clean these shoes are. Plus, they’re super lightweight and easy to pack in your favorite gym bag, so you can take them with you on the go. 

Potential Flaws 

  • The shoes only come in fun, funky colors and patterns. If you prefer a more neutral slide, check out some of the other options on our list. 
  • We noticed that there’s no additional arch support; the cushioning in the footbed is consistent throughout. This may cause pressure and discomfort if you have higher arches.
Adidas Adilette Platform Slides

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Durability
    4.4/5
  • Comfort
    3.9/5
  • Cushioning
    4.3/5
  • Value
    4/5
Pros
  • Thick, cloud-like cushion

  • Alleviates joint and foot pressure

  • Strap has soft underlining

Cons
  • Platform can feel unstable

  • May feel bulky for some

Key Specs: 

Sizes: Women’s 5.5-11.5, Men’s 4.5-10.5 | Materials: Synthetic upper, polyurethane footbed, EVA platform and outsole | Straps: Single strap | Our Overall Rating: 4.2/5 

Who They’re For 

Best for fashion-forward wearers who want a plush, pillow-like, platform-style slide. 

Why We Love Them 

If you’re looking for a plush, well-cushioned slide, Adidas’ Adilette Platform Slides may be the pick for you. We noticed the contoured footbed right away, it feels like a mini memory foam mattress for your feet. Plus, the soft, padded strap adds to the shoe’s overall comfort. 

During testing, we wore these durable, high-quality shoes inside and outside—noting that they’re super easy to clean when the inevitable scruff or stain happens. And despite their trendy, chunky platform-style aesthetic, these slides are pretty lightweight. 

Potential Flaws 

  • The platform is quite high, which we noticed causes some instability and ankle-rolling for wearers who are not used to platform shoes.  
  • Chunky shoes are a popular aesthetic, but the style may not be for everyone. We found that this platform-style sandal was a little bulky at times. 

Most Valuable Insight

“One day, I wore unsupportive summer sandals all day to work, to dinner, and then walking around Central Park—so my feet needed some relief! On my way home, I was thinking about these slides and couldn't wait to slip them on. As soon as I did, I felt some of the pressure melt away.” —Abby Moore, Verywell Fit product tester

Birkenstock Madrid Vegan Big Buckle Sandal

Birkenstock

Our Ratings
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Comfort
    4.9/5
  • Cushioning
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
Pros
  • Conforms to your foot over time 

  • Adjustable strap

  • Lightweight and durable

Cons
  • Pricier than other options

  • Strap may stretch over time

Key Specs: 

Sizes: Women’s 4-12.5 | Materials: Vegan cotton canvas upper, cork-latex footbed, EVA outsole | Straps: Single strap (adjustable) | Our Overall Rating: 5/5 

Who They’re For 

Best for wearers who love the style of Birkenstocks but want a lighter, well-cushioned slide for casual and post-workout wear. 

Why We Love Them 

Thanks to their soft-to-the-touch footbed fabric and slipper-like comfort, we were always reaching for our Birkenstock Vegan Madrid Big Buckle Slides throughout testing. We found that, like your favorite pair of slippers, these shoes get more comfortable over time because the footbed forms to your unique foot shape

Along with the immediate comfort, we also noticed that the slides are durable, well-made, and easy to clean—showing no signs of wear and tear. Compared to other Birkenstock sandals, this pair is shockingly lightweight and well-cushioned. And we also love the sleek, stylish design that you don’t always find in recovery sandals. 

Potential Flaws 

  • This pair is more expensive compared to other slides on our list. But you get what you’re paying for: All-day comfort, reliable durability, and a quality brand name.  
  • During testing, we found that the strap felt somewhat tight at the end of the day due to normal foot swelling—and it started to stretch out over time.

Best for Wide Feet

Birkenstock Kyoto Sandal

Birkenstock Kyoto Nubuck Suede Leather Sandal

Birkenstock

Our Ratings
  • Durability
    4.8/5
  • Comfort
    4.2/5
  • Cushioning
    4.2/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
Pros
  • Anatomically shaped

  • Great for bunions

  • Adjustable strap

Cons
  • Pricier than other options

  • Heavy soles

Key Specs: 

Sizes: Women’s 4-12.5, Men’s 6-17.5 | Materials: Suede and leather upper, cork-latex footbed, EVA outsole | Straps: Single strap (adjustable) | Our Overall Rating: 4.4/5 

Who They’re For 

Best for wearers with wide feet who prefer a firm, chunky, fashion-forward slide. 

Why We Love Them 

If you have wide feet, you probably understand the struggle of blisters, swelling, chafing, and more that often comes with regular-fitting shoes. Birkenstock’s Kyoto Sandal gives wearers with wide feet that much-needed extra room. We love that the strap is adjustable (for even more space), and found that it also doesn’t irritate bunions like many slides often do. 

During testing, we noticed that the anatomically shaped footbed contours and hugs our feet in all the right places—for added support and stability. Plus, like most Birkenstocks, we found this pair extremely durable and well-made. 

Potential Flaws 

  • This pair is more expensive than others on our list. But they may be worth it if you want a firm, chunky, stylish slide for everyday wear.  
  • The chunky design does make these shoes quite heavy. During testing, we noticed that they weighed us down during long, fast-paced walks.
Vionic Rejuvenate Recovery Sandals

Nordstrom

Our Ratings
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Comfort
    4.7/5
  • Cushioning
    4.8/5
  • Value
    5/5
Pros
  • Stylish design

  • Made from recycled materials

  • Added arch support

Cons
  • Limited color and width options

  • Bulky

Key Specs: 

Sizes:  Women’s 5-14, Men’s 7.5-12.5 | Materials: EVA footbed, rubber outsole | Straps: Single strap (adjustable) | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5 

Who They’re For 

Best for wearers with wide or swollen feet who need extra room, support, and comfort—especially during pregnancy. 

Why We Love Them 

Vionic’s Rejuvenate Recovery Sandal is roomy enough for wide and swollen feet. Between the deep heel cup, oversized footwall, and adjustable strap, we found that there’s enough room for toes to stretch and splay out—giving you extra stability when you need it most. 

While it won't replace that prenatal massage, the textured footbed does offer additional relief and comfort at every step. The combination of a raised midsole and curved toe box balances out high arches by mimicking your natural foot shape. Plus, we noticed that the durable rubber outsole offers excellent traction on various surfaces. 

Potential Flaws 

  • During testing, these shoes felt slightly clunky, especially for those of us used to lightweight foam or rubber slides.  
  • We wish that they came in a few more fun colors or patterns and more width options. 

Most Valuable Insight

“Sometimes I forget where I left these shoes, and I practically run around the house trying to find them to slip on. I would have loved these when I was pregnant, during labor and delivery and postpartum, especially with my swollen feet!” —Stella Yu, Verywell Fit product tester 

A pair of Vionic Rejuvenate Recovery Sandal displayed on shoebox

Verywell Fit / Stella Yu

Crocs Mellow Recovery Slide

Crocs

Our Ratings
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Cushioning
    4.5/5
  • Value
    4/5
Pros
  • Breathable 

  • Great for all-day wear

  • Good for flat feet

Cons
  • Bulky

  • May be too wide for narrow feet

Key Specs: 

Sizes: Women’s 6-12, Men’s 4-15 | Materials: Foam upper, footbed, and outsole | Straps: Single strap | Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5

Who They’re For 

Best for pool, beach, and sauna goers or anyone with sweaty feet. 

Why We Love Them 

If you want a lightweight, waterproof slide that is well-cushioned and super supportive, we recommend Crocs’ Mellow Recovery Slide. It has one of the most cushioned footbeds out of all the slides we tested, with extra attention at the arch (making it a great pick for flat feet). 

During testing, at the beach, pool, and sauna, we noticed that the waterproof material was also super breathable—keeping our feet dry and cool. We found that the slides provided immediate comfort and relief to our sore feet after strenuous exercise. You’ll also appreciate the durable, grippy outsole—especially if you plan on getting your feet wet. 

Potential Flaws 

  • The chunky style may feel too bulky for some, although this didn’t affect comfort or stability during testing. 
  • We found that these slides tend to run wide, and the strap is not adjustable. If you have narrow feet, these may be too big for you.

Most Valuable Insight

“At one point during the testing period, I went on a particularly strenuous run, and my feet, shins, and calves were SO sore. It felt like a godsend to put these on when I got home.” —Britney Johnson, Verywell Fit product tester

OOFOS Sport Flex Sandals

Zappos

Our Ratings
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Cushioning
    5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
Pros
  • Machine washable 

  • Designed to minimize odor 

  • Adjustable strap

Cons
  • Not very sweat-wicking 

  • Bulky

Key Specs: 

Sizes: Women’s 6-21 | Materials: EVA foam | Straps: Single strap (adjustable) | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Who They’re For 

Best for people who prefer a plush, well-cushioned, springy shoe—especially if you stand or walk for hours at a time. 

Why We Love Them 

Oofos OOahh Sport Flex Sandal is made with a lightweight foam that the brand claims to absorb 37% more shock than your average shoe. And during testing, we found that this shoe is well-cushioned, super supportive, and even quite bouncy. Plus, the durable, grippy outsole provides excellent traction on all surfaces. 

We were able to stand for longer periods without any foot fatigue, back pain, or overall discomfort. And we love that these machine-washable slides work to minimize odor. Overall, these are some of the most plush, comfortable slides we've tested. 

Potential Flaws 

  • While they are machine-washable and anti-odor, these slides are not very sweat-wicking. If you live in warm climates or are prone to sweaty feet, we would not recommend this pair. 
  • Some wearers may not like the on-trend, bulky style—but this had no effect on our comfort and performance.

Most Valuable Insight

“These are easily the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn. I can stand for longer periods of time without hurting my back when I wear these. They have also helped my feet feel good after a day spent in heels.” —Ashleigh Morley, director of commerce and Verywell Fit product tester

lululemon Restfeel Women's Slide

Lululemon

Our Ratings
  • Durability
    4.3/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Cushioning
    5/5
  • Value
    4/5
Pros
  • Easy to clean 

  • Great for all-day wear

  • Firm, supportive cushion

Cons
  • Shows dirt and stains easily

Key Specs: 

Sizes: Women’s 5-12 | Materials: Foam footbed, rubber outsole | Straps: Single Strap | Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5

Who They’re For 

Best for anyone with narrow feet, especially if you need arch support.

Why We Love Them 

If you have narrow feet, you likely know the struggle of finding a form-fitting shoe that will keep you secure and locked in. Thankfully, lululemon’s Restfeel Women’s Slides feature a slim, snug fit and low-profile design that can help alleviate these issues. 

Unlike some other plush shoes on our list, this pair offers a firmer footbed with less cushioning that we found provides more support. During testing, we wore these slides after workouts and for casual wear—noticing that they helped to relieve our sore and tired feet. Plus, they’re super lightweight and grippy, offering easy transitions and reliable traction.

Potential Flaws 

  • We did notice that the shoes tend to show dirt and stains easily—especially in the lilac color that we tested—but these are easy to clean with a quick rinse or wipe.

Best for Flat Feet

Hoka Ora Luxe

Hoka Ora Luxe

Hoka

Our Ratings
  • Durability
    4.8/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Cushioning
    4.7/5
  • Value
    5/5
Pros
  • Adjustable straps 

  • Wide footbed

  • Relaxed arch support

Cons
  • Doesn't have great traction

  • Heavy

Key Specs: 

Sizes: Women’s 5-16, Men’s 3-14 | Materials: Mesh and foam upper, sugarcane EVA midsole and outsole | Straps: Single strap (adjustable) | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5

Who They’re For 

Best for flat-footed wearers looking to invest in a high-quality pair of slides with plush comfort and protective support. 

Why We Love Them 

Choosing the best shoes for flat feet means finding a pair that provides enough support in the midsole without over-arching your feet. Hoka’s Ora Luxe Slide has a slightly raised, relaxed arch that provides solid support, as well as a soft, pillow-like foam cushioning for added comfort. 

During testing, we found that these plush slides also deliver great shock absorption and a slight bounce. Plus, the adjustable strap means that you can find the perfect fit, whether you have narrow or wide feet. As for durability, we think these will last for years to come, as they’ve shown no signs of wear and tear throughout testing. 

Potential Flaws 

  • Since the grooves on the outsole are quite shallow, we found that these don’t offer as much traction on slippery or rocky surfaces.  
  • We noticed that the thick upper does feel somewhat heavy when lifting your foot to begin a stride, but this doesn’t hinder the overall comfort of performance.

Slides We Also Tested

Overall, we tested 18 pairs of slides, but only 13 made it on our final list of recommendations. While these three didn’t make the cut, they may still be worth considering. 

  • Chaco’s Townes Slide Midform slides are stylish and provide great arch support, but the insole was rubbery and made us prone to slipping. We also noticed that they weighed us down quite a bit during testing. 
  • Trendy and budget-friendly, Welltree’s Cloud Slides are a great option for shower shoes. But they lack the necessary all-day comfort and arch support that recovery slides need. 
  • Reef’s Water Vista Slide is touted for its water-friendly construction, but we found that they’re very prone to falling off. They offer more cushion than most other slides, but the pinchy straps and narrow design aren’t ideal for an everyday shoe. 

What to Look For When Shopping for Slides

  • Durability: When purchasing recovery slides, look for ones that are well-made and feel sturdy. Avoid flimsy rubber or plastic materials, as these won't hold up in the long run. Instead, opt for foam or EVA construction with a thick band or adjustable strap. They should also be easy to clean and require not much maintenance beyond the occasional wipe of a wet cloth to remove dirt. 
  • Comfort: When you put on a recovery slide, it should immediately feel comfortable, with no break-in period required. Take into account whether or not your slides relieve foot pain or fatigue, target foot-specific conditions, or fit your specific foot shape. Generally, comfort comes from features like plush cushioning, arch support, and a seamless design that's easy to slip in and out of. 
  • Cushioning: The cushion should feel thick and supportive without being too heavy to walk in. Some people prefer a firmer footbed (like lululemon’s Restfeel Slides), while others prefer one that's plush (like Adidas’ Adilette Platform Slides). Depending on your foot shape, you may want to opt for shoes that have more cushioning in the arch or heel. It’s always a great idea to try on a few different cushioning levels to find what works for you. 
  • Value: Our extensive research determined that the median price for slides was around $90. You can certainly find quality options for less, but be wary of anything that's substantially cheaper. Usually, the price reflects the quality and lifespan of the slides.

How We Tested the Slides 

To determine the best slides for all-day wear and post-workout recovery, we tested 18 different pairs for a total of 3,024 hours in The Verywell Testing Lab and at home. We evaluated each one based on these four key attributes: 

  • Durability: When we first try the shoes on, we pay attention to the quality: Do they feel well-made or flimsy? Then, we wear the slides in our regular routines—around the house, running errands, and post-workout—to test if they help alleviate any foot-specific issues or conditions. After many wears and washes, we also check to see how the shoes are looking: Are there any stubborn stains or signs of wear and tear? 
  • Comfort: We look for slides that feel comfortable during the first try-on and continue to remain so throughout the duration of the test. We also note if they cause any blisters, chafing, or other irritation. 
  • Cushioning: Cushioning is up to personal preference and foot-specific concerns, but we look for slides that are well-cushioned in the arch, heel, and throughout the footbed to offer enough comfort and support for hours of wear. We also pay special attention to whether they feel lightweight and bouncy or heavy and clunky. 
  • Value: After testing the slides and evaluating them in all other key categories, we check the price. Slides with a high value score are often worth the same as or less than what we would consider paying for them based on their performance.

Our Experts 

We consulted experts at each stage of our research, testing, and reporting for this story. The following expert helped us understand more about what key features to look for when shopping for supportive slides:

  • Emily Splichal, DPM, a podiatrist at the Center for Functional and Regenerative Podiatric Medicine

Frequently Asked Questions

Do recovery slides work?

In addition to wearing recovery slides, you still need to strengthen and release your feet, says Dr. Splichal. But because foot recovery is dependent on all of your daily habits, wearing recovery slides can be beneficial—especially if you pair them with toe spacers.

How long should you wear recovery slides?

If they're not hurting your feet, you can wear recovery slides for as long as you'd like.

Can you wear recovery slides all day long?

Yes, you can wear recovery slides all day long. Just be cautious about wearing them out of the house if they don't have good traction. 

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Shannon Ullman has been writing for and reviewing products in the health and wellness industry for five years. To write this article, she spoke with experts and researched the essential features to look for in a quality recovery slide. Shannon loves her Chaco Slides and wears them everywhere, especially with socks. It’s not everyone’s favorite look, but she finds it super comfy and convenient, both before and after the gym.

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