What’s better than sinking a birdie putt on 18 to close out your round? Slipping off your golf shoes and into something more comfortable has got to be up there.
Recovery slides are a growing category of gear designed to help you recover from fatigue and help reenergize your lower body. While very popular in the running community, recovery footwear does have some crossover into the game of golf.
Golf requires a lot of time on your feet and plenty of miles. The best recovery footwear is designed to take you from the course to the clubhouse with cloud-like comfort and support. Here are our picks for the best recovery slides.
Best for most: OOFOS OOah Sport Flex
What We Like
What We Like- As comfortable as it gets
- Adjustable forefoot strap for a custom fit
What We Don’t Like
What We Don’t Like- May feel too soft for those who want extra support
Bottom Line
Bottom LineThe OOFOS OOahh Sport Flex Sandal is the best recovery shoe for most people. It’s supremely comfortable and easy on the legs, something that all good recovery footwear should be. If I could lay on a bed made of OOfoam, I would!
Editor’s choice: Kane Revive
What We Like
- Suitable for gym, recovery and light workouts
- Firmer feel provides ample support
What We Don’t Like
- Not the same level of pillowy comfort as others
The Bottom Line
The Kane Revive receives the editor’s choice award for all-around performance. It’s great to wear after a round of golf or to the grocery store. Even though it’s on the firmer side, it’s still comfortable enough to wear all day.
Best for support: Hoka Ora Recovery 3
What We Like
- Comfortable, supportive foam construction
- Great arch support
What We Don’t Like
- Not as soft as others
The Bottom Line
The HOKA ORA Recovery Slide 3 is the most supportive in recovery footwear. It’s on the firmer side but this lends itself well to provided energy return and support.
Most versatile
What We Like
- Solid lockdown thanks to BOA
- Cloud-like comfort
- Great for running or recovering
What We Don’t Like
- Stack height is a little much for some
- On the more expensive side
The Bottom Line
The Under Armour SlipSpeed Mega fits weirdly into the intersection between running shoes, gym shoes and recovery footwear. Its slip-in design makes it great for lounging and it’s plenty comfortable. But the stack height of the FLOW foam may turn some away.
Honorable Mentions
- Crocs Mellow Recovery Clog – $60
- HOKA Restore TC – $110
- NIKE Calm Mule – $60
- adidas adilette – $25
How to choose recovery footwear
The first thing you need to ask yourself is whether you like plush or firm. Similar to a mattress, recovery shoes come in different firmness levels. On one end of the spectrum, OOFOS is known for cloud-like comfort that’s very plush. Recovery slides from brands like HOKA and Kanes are on the firmer side and hence provide more support.
Once you’ve determined your preferred comfort level, all that’s left is to consider styling. Recovery footwear comes in all different shapes. Some like the Kanes Revive or Under Armour SlipSpeed Mega work great as both workout shoes and recovery shoes whereas slides and sandals like the OOFOS OOah SportFlex Slide and HOKA Ora Recovery Slide 3 are better for lounging and the occasional trip to the grocery store.
Dr Tee
2 months ago
Ridiculous new category of awful looking footwear designed to increase unnecessary sales. Just put your Birkies back on and have done with it !
Livininparadise
2 months ago
You will pry my oofos from my cold, dead, but feeling great, feet. They are awesome and I do believe that they do help with recovery. I have multiple pairs.