The Hoka Ora Recovery Slide 3 sandals were a revelation for my sore feet. For years, I’ve been mindlessly kicking off my running shoes as soon as I finished training and walking around the house barefoot or in an old pair of cozy slippers. Mark my words: never again.
Though they present a little clunky, the Ora Recovery Slide 3 runs parallel to the “ugly shoe” trend that filled up TikTok feeds last year. In fact, the first time I wore them around the house, my husband wondered aloud why I decided to don a pair of orthopedic granny shoes (obviously, not hip to the ugly trend). But no matter. I now know what so many others figured out from previous iterations of these podiatrist-approved shoes: the cushiony, supportive Ora 3 sandals are worth every penny of their $60 price tag.
These plastic slides from Hoka cushion, support and massage tired, sore feet. Perfect for anyone who runs or works out regularly, they come with extra ventilation to keep your feet cool and sweat-free. You can also find them in more than a dozen different colors to add style to comfort.
What we liked about them
The smart design
Like previous models, the Hoka Ora Recovery Slide 3 sandals have an oversized plastic (and waterproof) midsole, which provides soft, gentle cushioning for your sore feet with extra arch support and a textured footbed to help promote blood flow and circulation. The new, revamped design also features four ventilated airflow channels for added breathability. And if your feet get as sweaty as mine when you run, you’ll appreciate the extra ventilation to keep cool after you work out.
The Ora 3 sandals also have a comfy rocker design so you don’t have to worry about rolling your ankles when you step into them. Wide toe straps keep your feet securely in place without ever making your toes feel tight or constrained. And despite the fact that they slip easily onto your feet rather than buckle or lace up, you can rest assured that they offer enough support, regardless of whether you’re indoors or outside. Just remember to keep your activities to a minimum since they aren’t built for rigorous exercise. In other words, you can wear them for a walk but don’t wear them for a hike or bike ride.
They improve performance
It’s easy to see why these recovery slides got the American Podiatric Medical Association’s Seal of Acceptance, acknowledging that they’re beneficial for good foot health. Not only are they great for a low-budget, DIY foot massage or just lounging around the house after a tough workout but I also noticed my feet hurt a lot less after wearing them, allowing me to run faster and more often.
They’re stylish
As mentioned, these slides are, well, kind of ugly. But thanks to last year’s successful collab with fashion label Free People and a cult following among celebs like Britney Spears and Reese Witherspoon, podiatrists aren’t the only ones giving Hoka recovery slides rave reviews. The current incarnation of these shoes comes in over a dozen different colors, ranging from pink to yellow to orange. And although I initially swore I wouldn’t wear them out in public, I eventually found myself so obsessed that I literally never wanted to take them off.
So guess what happened? I ended up wearing them all over town. Mine are white so they pretty much go with everything I own. And, to be honest, they’re so comfy I can barely stand to wear anything else in my closet anymore. I put them on constantly — whether I’ve been running or not — just because I love how pampered they make my feet feel.
What we didn’t like about them
The price
Shelling out $60 for a pair of plastic sandals isn’t exactly a no-brainer. Is it worth it? Yes. Do I wish these slides were a tad less expensive? Yes. That isn’t to say that you don’t get what you pay for. However, I don’t know if you can justify the hefty price tag if you only run every once in a while. Although I love my Hokas, I wouldn’t suggest buying them unless you actually exercise on a regular basis. Otherwise, you can probably find decent knockoffs without all the bells and whistles, like these Cushionaire Feather Recovery Cloud Sandals ($25), that will work for lounging around the house for a fraction of the price.
How they compare
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly version, Crocs Classic Clogs ($50) are a great budget pick for a mix of high and low fashion, though you won’t get the same magical massaging effect or eco-friendly material. Not only will Crocs give you great support and breathability, but?you can personalize every pair with a wide variety of charms and stickers. Although they aren’t technically recovery shoes, they’re available in tons of colors, and Crocs have a long-standing reputation for comfort. And with the lower price, you can put the money you save on your sandals toward buying a new pair of running shoes.
Lululemon Restfeel Slides ($58) are almost the same price point as the Hoka recovery slides. However, these have a much more streamlined look if you aren’t a fan of Hoka’s clunky, futuristic design. Although Lululemon’s slides don’t offer as much durability and support as the Ora 3 sandals, they’re a great option for passive recovery. The soft foam strap and rubber sole also offer decent support and traction for wearing the slides out and about outdoors, as well as around the house, to soothe your tired tootsies.
And you can’t go wrong with Oofos Women’s Ooriginal ($60) sandals. These are the go-to recovery sandals for athletes with plantar fasciitis, thanks to their ample foam cushion that provides support and reduces shock. The thong style is much more feminine than most recovery sandals, and the nonslip footbed makes them perfect for all weather conditions, rain or shine.
Bottom line
The Hoka Ora Recovery Slide 3 are a fantastic purchase for anybody looking for a way to recover faster. Whether you’re getting ready for a half marathon, an Iron Man or your first 5K, these sole-soothing slides are the perfect way to pamper your tootsies between runs. Not only will they give your feet tons of support. but they’ll also help alleviate aches and pains. Virtually anybody, including weekend warriors, professional athletes and recreational runners, will benefit from these ultra comfy yet strangely stylish “orthopedic granny shoes.”
