The 11 Greatest Restoration Sneakers, Examined

Restoration is a necessary a part of any well-rounded health routine. Whereas there are lots of methods to assist your physique recuperate from a exercise, sporting restoration sneakers—sneakers designed to encourage post-workout restoration—is one nice possibility. Restoration sneakers, worn after athletic exercise, may also help loosen knots, chill out fatigued muscle tissues, and assist ft and ankles, says Dan Geller, DPM, a foot and ankle surgeon. Geller says the very best restoration sneakers have a couple of issues in frequent, together with cushioning, assist, and aeration to forestall moisture and warmth buildup.

Put merely, nice restoration sneakers are comfy, supportive, and breathable—and a few use strain factors to therapeutic massage and relieve stress in your ft once you put on them. To search out the very best restoration sneakers, we spent hours testing best-in-class choices in the actual world throughout our regular every day routines. We wore the sneakers no less than thrice per week after exercises for a month. We assessed every pair for consolation, sturdiness, cushioning, and worth. We additionally interviewed consultants for recommendation on what to contemplate when shopping for restoration sneakers. Plus, we had a bodily therapist from our Evaluation Board examine this text to make sure our testing course of and product suggestions are efficient and dependable.

PHOTO: Zappos

Professionals

Eight colour choices
APMA Seal of Acceptance
Aspect assist

Key Specs:

Sizes: Males’s 3-14, Ladies’s 5-16 | Supplies: Sugarcane foam, mesh | Weight: 8.4 ounces (per shoe) | Our Total Score: 4.9/5

Who They’re For

Greatest for wearers who need tremendous cushioned assist for restoration and wish an adjustable, simple to wash shoe.

Why We Love Them

The Hoka model is well-known for tremendous supportive and comfortable sneakers, and the Ora Luxe Slides are not any exception. These slides are so comfy that we not solely wore them after exercises to facilitate restoration but additionally began sporting them to run every kind of errands. The plush cushioning and outsized midsole take in the affect of every step, relieving stress and fatigue. Each time we slid into our pair of Ora Luxe after a protracted day of being on our ft, it felt like sliding into luxurious consolation.

We like that they carry the APMA Seal of Acceptance, which means they promote good foot well being. And we will see why—the vast footbed wraps round to provide added aspect assist and is bouncy with delicate arch assist, which is useful for flat ft. The Velcro straps on prime are sturdy and will let you alter the match. We famous that dust generally collected simply within the crevices of the only, however we appreciated having the ability to clear them by simply giving them a fast hose-off when wanted.

Additionally obtainable in ladies’s sizes at Zappos and Amazon.

Potential Flaws

The light-weight foam sole is tremendous comfortable however might not maintain up properly on rocky or tough terrain.

Most Helpful Perception

“I completely look ahead to getting into these sneakers after I get an opportunity; they’re my slides of selection now. There’s undoubtedly a distinction when sporting these after understanding.” —Henry Yung, Verywell Match product tester

PHOTO: Amazon

Professionals

Unisex sizing
Contoured footbed
Simple to wash

Key Specs:

Sizes: Ladies’s 6-12, Males’s 5-18 | Supplies: Rubber | Weight: 8 ounces (per shoe) | Our Total Score: 4.7/5

Who They’re For

Greatest for wearers who like a slide-style shoe and wish some power return.

Why We Love Them

Adidas’s Adilette Consolation Slides had been a straightforward selection for our greatest price range class due to their contoured, cushioned footbed, sturdiness, and budget-friendly price ticket. That includes a sole made with tiny pockets of air, they’ve glorious cushioning and power return. Sliding these on after a protracted day of labor helped us combat off leg fatigue and tightness in our ft and felt much better than going barefoot.

These slides had been very properly made and constructed to final. We additionally respect that you may simply clear them by wiping them down or rinsing them off. The cushioning is constant all through the midsole and gently conforms to our ft. At an affordable worth, with a number of colour choices and unisex sizing, you will discover simply the best pair for sporting after a future, a stroll alongside the seaside, or simply round the home.

Potential Flaws

These slides aren’t adjustable, in order that they is probably not an incredible match for narrower ft.

Most Helpful Perception

“I did look ahead to placing these slides on. I went from being barefoot so much to placing these on after exercises, and I can really feel the distinction since sporting them. These are nice restoration slides for somebody on a price range!” —Lauren Coughlin, Verywell Match product tester

PHOTO: Verywell Match / Lauren Coughlin
PHOTO: Verywell Match / Lauren Coughlin

PHOTO: Lululemon

Professionals

Six obtainable colours
Simple to wash
Agency however comfortable assist

Key Specs:

Sizes: Ladies’s 5-12 | Supplies: Foam, rubber | Weight: 5.6 ounces (per shoe) | Our Total Score: 4.6/5

Who They’re For

Greatest for wearers needing gentle, supportive, and easy-to-wear sneakers.

Why We Love Them

The twin-density foam in lululemon’s Restfeel Ladies’s Slides makes them tremendous comfy and straightforward to put on. The midsole options two layers of froth: the underside layer is agency for assist, and the highest layer is softer for cushioning. The easy higher strap can also be foam-lined for softness and luxury throughout the highest of your foot. The total rubber sole supplies loads of traction, even on moist or slick surfaces.

Throughout testing, these slides proved very sturdy, exhibiting virtually no signal of damage and tear after a month of testing. As a result of they’re made with foam, these slides are tremendous light-weight however nonetheless supply stable, barely agency cushioning for assist. We particularly respect how simple they’re to wash—we spilled espresso, crimson wine, and cat meals on them whereas testing, and all of it got here proper off.

Potential Flaws

The sunshine colour choices present dust simply, however these slides are simple to wash.

Most Helpful Perception

“These slides are instantly and completely so comfy! Carrying them has truthfully been a dream; I feel these are my dream home sneakers, particularly for the summer time after I need one thing breathable.” — Elizabeth Theriot, Verywell Match product tester

PHOTO: REI

Key Specs:

Sizes: Ladies’s 5-16, Males’s 3-14 | Supplies: Sugarcane foam | Weight: 7.8 ounces (per shoe) | Our Total Score: 5/5

Who They’re For

Greatest for wearers who run or do arduous exercises typically and wish assist for physique aches.

Why We Love Them

Hoka’s Ora Restoration Slide 3 is made particularly to assist restoration after arduous exercises and lengthy runs. We love that Hoka’s signature thick, comfortable assist is constructed proper into the shoe, providing you with the feeling of strolling on a cloud. The vast sole cradles your foot and truly wraps up the aspect a bit to offer some lateral stability. The delicate rocker form makes transitions between steps simpler, propelling you ahead to assist combat fatigue. The thick foam insole has good arch assist, and airflow channels lower into the higher to hold you cool.

We like how sturdy these slides really feel and respect that they mould to our ft after we put on them for some time. Throughout testing, we famous that they even helped handle hip and decrease again ache. We simply wore all of them day and so they felt like heaven each time we put them on. We discovered these slides unexpectedly fashionable, and so they felt like strolling on air regardless of the general chunkiness of the design. Plus, they’ve the APMA Seal of Acceptance for good foot well being.

Potential Flaws

You possibly can’t alter the match of those slides, so be sure you choose the best measurement for you.

Most Helpful Perception

“Placing these on after an hour-long cardio exercise comprised of uphill strolling/jogging is a dream.” —Kelsey Chapman, Verywell Match product tester

Birkenstock Madrid Vegan Big Buckle Sandal

PHOTO: Birkenstock

Professionals

Vegan supplies
Molded footbed
Adjustable strap

Key Specs:

Sizes: Ladies’s 4-12.5 | Supplies: Canvas, cork, rubber | Weight: 6.7 ounces (per shoe) | Our Total Score: 4.9/5

Who They’re For

Greatest for wearers who need a fashionable shoe to put on round city or to work with restoration advantages.

Why We Love Them

If you would like a restoration shoe you possibly can put on round city and after exercises, Birkenstock’s Madrid Large Buckle Sandal is the proper choose. These vegan sandals have a trendy, adjustable canvas strap and Birkenstock’s signature cork and microfiber insole molded for comfy assist. They’re very comfy and really feel virtually like sporting slippers, which makes us need to slide them on each time we’re lounging round our home.

These sandals are additionally light-weight and match properly with no rubbing or pinching. The footbed and higher strap are gentle, cushiony, and versatile. We’re so impressed with how good these make our ft and calves really feel. They assist our legs and ft properly after work or the fitness center. They’re additionally very sturdy and held up properly with no put on and tear or odor retention throughout our check interval.

Potential Flaws

The strap on these sandals may gain advantage from having extra buckle holes for narrower ft.

Most Helpful Insights

“I used to be so impressed with the consolation of those sandals and by how good they made my ft and calves really feel.” — Connie Kelehan, Verywell Match product tester

Birkenstock Kyoto Nubuck Suede Leather Sandal

PHOTO: Birkenstock

Professionals

Comfortable, adjustable higher
Contoured footbed
Accessible in two widths

Key Specs:

Sizes: Ladies’s 4-12.5, Males’s 6-13.5 | Supplies: Leather-based, cork, rubber | Weight: 9 ounces (per shoe) | Our Total Score: 4.4/5

Who They’re For

Greatest for wearers affected by foot illnesses like bunions who want to have the ability to alter the match of their sandals and might profit from gentle consolation.

Why We Love Them

Discovering comfy sneakers may be difficult in case you have foot illnesses like plantar fasciitis or bunions. Birkenstock’s Kyoto Leather-based Sandal is gentle and does not irritate your ft, making it an incredible selection for restoration in case you undergo from bunions. Not solely are these sandals obtainable in two widths, however in addition they have an adjustable two-part higher. The primary half is tremendous gentle, vast leather-based that crosses over with a velcro closure. The second half is a thinner velcro strap to safe the shoe. These mix to make the sandals very simple to regulate and in a position to accommodate many various foot varieties and widths.

We discovered the signature Birkenstock contoured footbed to be very gentle and comfy. It additionally cradles our ft, particularly our heels, and promotes good foot alignment. We just like the modern, fashionable design and respect that the leather-based is supple sufficient to not trigger any irritation. These sandals are available seven totally different colours and have unisex sizing choices.

Potential Flaws

These sandals are one of many priciest pairs on our checklist.
Whereas they’re comfy, we discovered them to be heavier than another choices we examined.

Most Helpful Perception

“The leather-based may be very gentle and good to the contact, and these are particularly nice for anybody who has bunions as a result of the leather-based is so supple.” —Donna Freydkin, Verywell Match product tester

Under Armour Ignite Pro Graphic Strap Slides

PHOTO: Below Armour

Professionals

Textured footbed
Adjustable higher
Deeply grooved sole

Key Specs:

Sizes: Males’s 7-18, Ladies’s 6-12 | Supplies: Polyester, rubber | Weight: 7 ounces (per shoe) | Our Total Score: 4.5/5

Who They’re For

Greatest for wearers who need a extra minimal shoe and wish stability on a wide range of surfaces.

Why We Love Them

In the event you routinely stroll on slick, moist, or tough terrain, Below Armour’s Ignite Professional Slides are a budget-friendly selection for restoration and rest that supply nice traction as properly. The adjustable higher strap is lined with foam and tiny perforations for breathability. We discovered they dried shortly in the event that they bought moist or once we wanted to wash them. The soles and the shoe total are a lot thinner in comparison with many different choices on our checklist, however they don’t seem to be flimsy in any respect.

We like their modern design, and their textured foam footbed felt comfy from the very first try-on. We additionally love how they really feel very light-weight and match true to measurement. However don’t be concerned that the light-weight and minimalist design will not provide the assist you want. We discovered these slides loads supportive with agency cushioning and a barely inflexible sole that options deep grooves and pods within the heel for stable traction. We appeared ahead to placing these on after a exercise or lengthy work day.

Additionally obtainable in ladies’s sizes at Amazon and Below Armour.

Potential Flaws

These slides supplied loads of assist however they do not supply as a lot cushioning as different choices on our checklist.

Most Helpful Perception

“I’ve no soreness in my arches. These are performing precisely how I wished them to. I wore them exterior of the home, and so they had been very cozy to wear down and about.” —Jacob Fox, Verywell Match product tester

PHOTO: Nordstrom

Professionals

APMA Seal of Acceptance
Textured footbed
Orthotic-like insole

Key Specs:

Sizes: Ladies’s 5-13, Males’s 7.5-11.5 | Supplies: Foam, rubber | Weight: 8.8 ounces (per shoe) | Our Total Score: 4.9/5

Who They’re For

Greatest for wearers with excessive arches or who want added arch assist.

Why We Love Them

Folks with plantar fasciitis can put on restoration sneakers as a option to comfortably stroll round the home with out being barefoot, says Emily Splichal, DPM, Physician of Podiatric Drugs. Vionic’s Rejuvenate Restoration Sandals present loads of arch assist and carry the APMA Seal of Acceptance, so they may enable you keep good foot well being. The higher is adjustable, serving to you get simply the best match. They function a textured footbed to provide your ft a cushty therapeutic massage that eases any factors of stress—a key function of restoration sneakers.

We like that these slides contour to the pure form of your foot with a deep heel cup and sidewalls. The orthotic-like insole cradles our ft and supplies a number of assist, particularly within the arches. Slipping on these slides seems like a mini therapeutic massage for our ft, and so they assist relieve hamstring and glute aches and stiffness after an intense exercise. The only is manufactured from two layers of froth, one agency and one softer, for equal quantities of cushion and assist. Their unisex sizing and sturdiness make them properly value their worth.

Potential Flaws

These slides have very thick soles, so some wearers might discover them a bit clunky.

Most Helpful Perception

“I really like how these reply so properly to the form of my ft. They usually actually assist with restoration, particularly after an intense leg day.” —Stella Yu, Verywell Match product tester

Verywell Match / Stella Yu

PHOTO: Oofos

Professionals

Unisex sizing
APMA Seal of Acceptance
Machine cleanable

Key Specs:

Sizes: Males’s 4-13, Ladies’s 6-15 | Supplies: Foam | Weight: 6.8 ounces (per shoe) | Our Total Score: 4.8/5

Who They’re For

Greatest for wearers who want restoration from intense exercises.

Why We Love Them

The Oofos model is thought for designs that scale back stress on joints and ft, so it is no shock that they provide nice exercise restoration sneakers. Based on the producer, Oofos’ OOahh Sport Flex Sandals are designed with a footbed that is meant to assist whereas absorbing extra affect than common footwear. These slides look cumbersome, however we by no means felt weighed down when sporting them as a result of the froth makes them tremendous light-weight—they’re so light-weight that they float! We additionally love that they are machine cleanable.

These sandals remained as bouncy and comfortable on the final day of testing as they did on the primary, so that you may be certain they may absolutely assist your restoration from robust exercises like HIIT. We like how they hug our ft and supply loads of arch assist. They really feel like an anti-fatigue mat in shoe kind and even make our ft really feel higher after a protracted day in heels once we develop blisters and scorching spots. The textured footbed makes the sneakers a bit grippy, in order that they keep in place and are a dream to put on.

Additionally obtainable in ladies’s sizes at REI and Oofos.

Potential Flaws

When testing these sandals, we observed they don’t seem to be very breathable for lengthy durations in scorching or humid climate.

Most Helpful Perception

“Along with sporting them post-workout, I additionally put on them at my standing desk at dwelling, and so they really feel like an anti-fatigue mat in shoe kind. I can stand for longer durations of time with out hurting my again after I put on these.” —Ashleigh Morley, Verywell Match product tester

PHOTO: Verywell Match / Ashleigh Morley
PHOTO: Verywell Match / Ashleigh Morley

PHOTO: Crocs

Professionals

Seamless building
Unisex sizing
Roomy match

Key Specs:

Sizes: Ladies’s 4-17, Males’s 2-15 | Supplies: Foam | Weight: 5.2 ounces (per shoe) | Our Total Score: 4.6/5

Who They’re For

Greatest for wearers who want loads of room of their sneakers to splay their ft and wish most cushioning.

Why We Love Them

Crocs’ Mellow Restoration Slides supply unisex sizing, sidewall cutouts for breathability, and a roomy match—good for these with wider ft. It is value noting that Crocs recommends sizing down as a result of these sneakers are so roomy. We discovered that despite the fact that they’d a wider match, our ft stayed put, and there was no pinching or rubbing. We particularly beloved the seamless building, which made them extra sturdy than different pairs we examined and decreased the possibility of irritating our ft.

The gentle foam lets your ft virtually soften into the footbed and is sluggish to rebound, so that you get most consolation and cushiness. We appeared ahead to slipping into these slides after lengthy runs and located they helped alleviate some heel ache. The arch assist and outsole grip made these simple to put on all day round the home and even to run errands round city.

Potential Flaws

These could also be too vast for wearers with narrower ft.

Most Helpful Perception

“The entire mattress of the shoe is constructed from a thick foam, and there may be further cushioning within the arch, which is very nice since I’ve flat ft.” —Britney Johnson, Verywell Match product tester

PHOTO: Verywell Match / Britney Johnson
PHOTO: Verywell Match / Britney Johnson

PHOTO: Hoka

Professionals

Slip-in design
Seamless higher
Plush cushioning

Key Specs:

Sizes: Ladies’s 5-15, Males’s 4-14 | Supplies: Polyester, sugarcane rubber | Weight: 6.3 ounces (per shoe) | Our Total Score: 4.4/5

Who They’re For

Greatest for normal runners or wearers who need the added assist of a full shoe.

Why We Love Them

In the event you’re a daily runner or are searching for a full restoration shoe, Hoka’s Restore TC Restoration Sneakers are a good selection. Their tremendous plush cushioning and stability make them optimum for slipping on after a future or a arduous pace exercise on the monitor. These restoration sneakers have a easy three-part building of a sock-like higher, sugarcane rubber midsole, and outsole. They’re simple sufficient to slide into and might even be worn barefoot.

Throughout our check, we discovered these sneakers to be very squishy and pillow-like. They provide a lot cushion and affect absorption that they assist decrease our knee ache. Whereas they don’t seem to be as breathable as a pair of sandals, they nonetheless present loads of airflow and do not maintain onto odor, even once we put on them with out socks. We additionally respect their seamless design, which stored our ft from getting irritated, even when sporting these sneakers all day. They’ve good traction and stability, so that you may be assured sporting them round city on any terrain.

Potential Flaws

Whereas we predict they’re well worth the worth, be aware that these are the priciest pair of restoration sneakers on our checklist.
The sock-like higher is handy, however with out laces, the sneakers’ match cannot be adjusted.

Most Helpful Perception

“The insole utterly varieties to your ft. It is so good having these little gel pads on my ft. I’ve additionally worn these barefoot, and so they did not trigger any points with my ft.” —Jenni Might, Verywell Match product tester

Restoration Sneakers We Additionally Examined

We examined 18 pairs of restoration sneakers in complete, however solely 11 impressed us sufficient to make our closing checklist of suggestions. These restoration sneakers did not make our checklist of prime picks, however they nonetheless have some options value noting.

Chaco’s Townes Slide Midform is well-made, sturdy, and really cushiony. Nevertheless, these slides are very heavy, and the straps on the higher had been tight and uncomfortable.
Welltree’s Cloud Slides felt very gentle and supplied cloud-like cushioning at a really affordable worth level. Nevertheless, we felt they had been uncomfortably slim and did not present sufficient arch assist.
Reef’s Water Vista Slides are light-weight, cushiony, and water-friendly. Additionally they have good traction and are fashionable. Sadly, they’re very slim and did not keep on our ft throughout our check.

What to Search for in Restoration Sneakers

Assist: First, make sure that the sneakers you’re eyeing supply ample arch assist. Then, search for rocker-style soles that curve up on the entrance and generally the again, making it simple to rock out of your heels to your toes. This provides you what consultants name “clean heel-to-toe switch,” lowering muscle stress as you stroll. Or, search for raised heels that make it simple to shift your weight ahead and might provide the similar simple heel-to-toe switch you’d get from rocker-style soles.
Consolation: Restoration sneakers are imagined to really feel comfy, so when procuring, Danni Alderson, CPT, coach at Rumble Coaching, appears for sneakers which can be padded and roomy. She additionally recommends searching for sneakers that will let you splay out your toes and chill out. Ensure the sneakers you’re eyeing are cushioned with padding or manufactured from a luxurious materials (like foam). And ensure the sneakers are the best measurement and width on your ft.
Breathability: Throughout a exercise, your ft can get scorching and sweaty—so discovering breathable restoration sneakers is essential. Open-toe sneakers are naturally breathable. So, in case you keep on with slides or sandals, your ft ought to get loads of airflow. Nevertheless, closed-toe restoration sneakers will also be breathable. Simply guarantee they’re manufactured from breathable supplies (like mesh) or ventilated with airflow-friendly holes and cutouts.
Textured footbeds: To be good restoration sneakers, sneakers have to be supportive, comfy, and breathable. However one nice-to-have function you may additionally need to search for? Stimulating footbeds. Based on Geller, some restoration shoe footbeds are lined with strain factors that stimulate blood stream and assist chill out drained ft. And whereas these textured insoles received’t make or break your restoration sneakers, they’ll definitely enhance them.
Type: Restoration sneakers are available a variety of kinds—and a few look extra fashionable than others. Take into account the place you may put on your restoration sneakers, Alderson says, and search for a shoe you may undoubtedly put on. Restoration sneakers solely work in case you really put on them.

How We Examined the Greatest Restoration Sneakers

To search out the very best restoration sneakers, we examined 18 pairs in the actual world throughout our regular every day routines. We wore the sneakers after exercises, round the home, and to run gentle errands no less than thrice per week for a month. When testing restoration sneakers, we consider every shoe primarily based on the next key standards:

Sturdiness: To guage sturdiness, upon unboxing the sneakers, we be aware if they’re made with high-quality supplies and stable building. If the sneakers really feel flimsy and low cost, we give them a decrease rating on this class. We additionally assess whether or not the sneakers may be worn exterior our dwelling and stand up to surfaces like dust, grass, and concrete. As we proceed to check, we be aware if the sneakers maintain on to odor, present stains, or present indicators of damage and tear after being worn for weeks.
Consolation: After making an attempt on the sneakers for the primary time, we ask ourselves questions like: Is there any rapid discomfort? Do the sneakers match as anticipated? Will we discover any squeezing, pinching, or different irritation? All through the check, we be aware if we develop any blisters, chafing, or scorching spots. After a number of weeks of testing, we consider whether or not the sneakers stay as comfy as they did once we first put them on.
Cushioning: Cushioning is a vital function of restoration sneakers. Whereas sporting the sneakers, we be aware whether or not the cushioning feels agency or pillow-like and plush. We examine for added cushioning within the arch or heel. We additionally be aware whether or not the cushioning makes the sneakers really feel heavy and clunky or gentle and ethereal. Lastly, we assess whether or not the cushioning holds up all through the check interval or turns into compressed or flattened.
Worth: To decide the worth of the restoration sneakers, we wait to examine the value till the top of the testing interval, when all different key options have been evaluated. We ask ourselves whether or not the value is truthful primarily based on the shoe’s efficiency. Would we solely purchase the sneakers in the event that they had been on sale? Would we advocate these sneakers to family and friends?

Our Consultants

We consulted a number of consultants at each stage of researching, testing, and reporting for this story. They helped us perceive what restoration sneakers can do for us, who they’re for, how they work, and what options to search for in the very best restoration sneakers.

Dan Geller, DPM, foot and ankle surgeon
Danni Alderson, CPT, coach at Rumble Coaching
Emily Splichal, DPM, Physician of Podiatric Drugs, New York School of Podiatric Drugs, Grasp’s in Human Motion (MS)

Regularly Requested Questions

What’s a restoration shoe?

Restoration sneakers are precisely what they sound like. They’re sneakers designed to assist your physique recuperate from a exercise. Restoration sneakers assist the energetic restoration part of health, Geller says. He provides that they supply assist and cushioning, ease the heel-to-toe switch, decrease stress, enhance blood stream, and assist drained muscle tissues recuperate.

Can and do you have to put on restoration sneakers all day?

Most individuals put on restoration sneakers proper after a exercise, however you possibly can technically put on them on a regular basis. Restoration sneakers are for all of the hours after a exercise—and past, Alderson says.

Why Belief Verywell Match

Lindsey Lanquist is a author for Verywell Match and has seven years of expertise within the well being and health area. As an avid exerciser, Lindsey understands the significance of post-workout restoration. And since she is aware of unhealthy restoration sneakers can really be counterproductive—making your physique really feel extra drained—she made certain all of the sneakers she featured right here had been supportive, comfy, and breathable (key standards consultants advised her to search for). Lindsey additionally appeared over the check outcomes from our lab to assist compile our prime picks.

Extra reporting by Jen Zeltwanger

Jen Zeltwanger is a author for Verywell Match and has 25 years of expertise within the well being and health business and is aware of how necessary it’s to search out high quality merchandise that add worth to your health routine. She is especially targeted on discovering and recommending merchandise for efficient dwelling exercises.