Spending hours on your feet while traveling can take a huge toll on your body. I’ll never forget my first solo trip to London when my feet were in agony after a day of exploring. When I finally peeled off my shoes, I found blisters covering my feet — a painful reminder that comfort should always be a priority when traveling. Since that day, I’ve made supportive footwear a crucial part of my packing routine, and I’ve discovered a handful of shoes that pass the test.
From cushioned sneakers to durable boots, I’ve found my fair share of favorites. However, there’s one category of footwear that stands out above the rest: recovery shoes, styles intentionally made with supportive features to alleviate foot pain by absorbing impact (preferably after strenuous activities). My go-to brand is Oofos; I wore its popular comfortable slides for four days straight in New Orleans. After a long day of walking, slipping into these shoes provides instant relief, so much so that I even own indoor and outdoor pairs. Many other brands now offer recovery-focused slides and slippers that bring much-needed comfort with extra cushioning, arch support, and flexibility on travel days, and as you recover afterward. Below, I’ve rounded up some of the best according to my own experience, plus that of other travelers.
Oofos Ooahh Slide
Amazon
The Oofos Ooahh Slide is a leading shoe in recovery footwear thanks to its unique foam, designed to maximize the impact it absorbs. This helps reduce stress on feet and joints, making it ideal for long days on the move. The footbed cradles arches for additional support, which is one of the reasons podiatrists recommend it. It also earned the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, which is a testament to its design that prioritizes foot health without sacrificing comfort.
Vionic Rejuvenate Sandals
Zappos
Known for its podiatrist-approved shoes, Vionic brings the same level of comfort and support to its Rejuvenate slide. The footbed’s texture gently massages the feet while the foam construction distributes pressure evenly. This recovery slide also carries the APMA Seal of Acceptance, ensuring it meets high standards for both comfort and health. Whether you’re on vacation or at home, these slides are designed to support your feet after long stretches of standing or walking.
Hoka Ora Recovery Slide 3
Hoka
Hoka’s reputation for plush cushioning extends to its Ora Recovery Slide, which features a footbed made from eco-friendly sugarcane. This slide is designed to have a soft, cradling effect to help your feet recover after a day of hiking or sightseeing. Additional airflow channels on the upper add breathability, making the Hoka recovery slides great for warm-weather travel.
Crocs Unisex Mellow Recovery Slides
Amazon
Crocs has come a long way from its gardening roots. These shoes offer a deep footbed that surrounds your foot in soft, cushioned foam, providing immediate relief on or after long days of travel. For $40, these Crocs slides are an affordable yet effective option for anyone looking for comfort without breaking the bank.
Kane Gender-inclusive Revive Shoe
Nordstrom
Ideal for those seeking a functional recovery shoe with a bit of style, these Kane shoes have breathable perforations to keep your feet cool. The durable foam provides support that doesn’t absorb moisture, making it versatile for land and water use. If you’re looking for a recovery shoe that’s as suited to an adventurous trip as it is to relaxing at home, this one fits the bill.
Bombas Sunday Slipper
Bombas
Known for its comfy socks, Bombas has expanded into slippers now, too. These cozy slippers have a memory foam footbed that provides excellent support despite the plush, casual appearance. With a rubber outsole, they’re also suitable for short outdoor walks. If you’re looking for slippers to unwind in after a long day of travel, these Bombas slippers have you covered.
KuaiLu Recovery Sandals
Amazon
These affordable KuaiLu sandals are designed to alleviate pain from plantar fasciitis. The thick foam sole reduces pressure on the feet, while the rocker sole helps make movement easier and feel more natural. At just $28, they’re a great budget-friendly option for anyone needing relief from foot pain.
Lululemon Restfeel Slide
lululemon
Ideal for post-workout recovery, Lululemon’s Restfeel Slides are also great for travel. The dual-density cushioning provides just the right amount of support for your feet, making them ideal for wear in between activities at a wellness retreat or after a day of sightseeing. Plus, these Lululemon shoes come in a variety of earthy colors to match any travel wardrobe.
Alo Recovery Slipper
Alo
Alo, famous for its activewear, has entered the footwear market with stylish and comfortable shoes. These Alo slippers are made with cloud-like cushioning and fleece lining that’s incredibly soft, perfect for slipping on after a long flight or day of sightseeing. Whether lounging at home or running errands post-trip, these slippers provide much-needed support.
Nike Sports Slides
Nike
Nike brings its signature sporty style to recovery footwear with its slides. Soft foam and a textured footbed offer support, while the water-friendly design makes them perfect for poolside hangs and beach walks. These Nike slides are easy to clean and versatile enough to go from airport terminals to hotel rooms with ease.
Oofos Oomega Ooahh Recovery Sandals
Amazon
For those who prefer a bit more height, the Oofos Oomega Recovery Sandals are a great option. They feature 42 percent more impact-absorbing foam than the brand’s classic slides, making them perfect for all-day wear. I love wearing these on my morning walks. As a runner, I spend a lot of time on my feet, so the added cushioning feels amazing as my feet wake up for the day.
Bronax Pillow Slippers
Amazon
With over 4,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, the Bronax Pillow Slippers are a crowd favorite. They stand out for their thick, 1.7-inch cushioning, which molds to the shape of your feet for a custom fit. Simply heat them with a hair dryer before wearing them to create a personalized sole that offers incredible comfort.
Scarlett Chase Weston Mule
Scarlett Chase
For those looking for a more luxurious shoe, the Scarlett Chase Weston Mule is a standout. They feature a technical footbed with ridges that massage and stimulate the feet, aiding in recovery. The fleece fabric adds an extra layer of warmth and comfort, making these mules perfect for a dinner out after a long day of sightseeing or travel.
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