What are Recovery Shoes & Sandals?

Recovery shoes are an integral part of any runner's routine. Whether you're returning from a long run or just looking for comfort after standing on your feet all day, wearing recovery footwear is a game-changer for sore feet. These specialised shoes can be essential to a quick recovery so you can tackle your next workout feeling fresh and ready to give 100%. We hope this guide helps you understand how recovery shoes work and their impact on muscle recovery and injury prevention. Maybe you'll even discover you need to add a pair of recovery shoes to your closet.

Recovery shoes, sandals, and slides are footwear primarily designed to aid the body's recovery after a run or workout. These shoes typically feature cushioning technologies and ergonomic designs that promote plush cushioning and arch support. This combination helps to reduce the strain on muscles and joints, improve blood circulation, and facilitate muscle recovery, allowing runners to bounce back quicker and be better prepared for their next training session. With the lack of structure in the upper, these shoes are not made to be a dedicated daily shoe and are best for light walking and casual use; although they are so comfortable, you may never want to take them off.

Recovery shoes are equipped with a design that is targeted to provide arch support. This arch support helps distribute the weight of your body more evenly across your feet, reducing the strain on the arches. Moreover, the enhanced arch support in these shoes can help alleviate the symptoms of arch and heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis, promoting healing and reducing the discomfort associated with this condition.

In addition to your arches, runners should tend to other priority areas on their feet to maximise recovery for their next run or workout. Incorporating recovery shoes with any massage tool can help promote a faster recovery time. These tools can complement the benefits of recovery shoes, providing targeted relief to sore or tired muscles. Compression socks can also aid recovery, as they apply gentle pressure to the lower legs, which helps push blood upward toward the heart, preventing swelling and enhancing circulation.

Combined with the support and cushioning in these shoes, all these features promote better and faster recovery time, alleviate pressure points, encourage proper blood flow, and prevent swelling in the feet. In addition, recovery slides are known for their convenience; runners can easily slip them on after a workout or race, allowing their feet to breathe and relax, enhancing the recovery experience.

Functional support packaged into a comfortable and supportive thong, the Lightfeet ReVIVE Thong is a great option to slip onto your feet post run. The thong is made from recycled footwear and features an arch contoured footbed to support and stabilise the natural shape of your foot. Perfect for after a run or anytime you need some extra comfort or support.

A comfortable recovery sandal with an adjustable velcro strap, the OOFOS OOahh Sport Flex is the perfect option for post-workout wear. The slide offers OOfoam's ground-breaking impact absorption and arch support, plus a patented foot-bed for natural motion. Shower-ready, with moisture and bacteria resistance.

The Arches Arch Support Slides are designed with foot comfort and support for your recovery and rest days. Featuring 2.2cm of orthotic support, these slides are crafted to promote optimal foot posture, aiding in whole body alignment with every step you take. Ideal for individuals with Plantar Fasciitis, these slides offer a tailored fit, thanks to a closed cell foam material that moulds seamlessly to the contours of your foot. In addition, The slides are designed to alleviate stress on the calf and Achilles tendon. The one-piece design offers enhanced durability to last through all of your rest day adventures.

In conclusion, recovery shoes are specifically designed to aid the body's recovery after exercising, focusing on the post-workout phase, and are not intended for daily use. By offering highly cushioned and ergonomic support, these shoes help to reduce strain on your muscles and joints, aiding in injury prevention and muscle recovery. Convenient to slip on post-workout, recovery shoes are an ideal addition to your running gear lineup for post-run relaxation.