- Sizes: US 5 to 12 | Widths: Medium | Materials: Synthetic materials, foam
Crocs Mellow Recovery Slide
In addition to making some of our favorite ugly clogs, Crocs offers some super pillowy slides. Reviewers love the Mellow slide for its incredibly comfortable feel, and we appreciate the airflow vents in its upper.
- Sizes: US 6 to 12 | Widths: Medium | Materials: Proprietary foam
Lululemon Restfeel Slide
The Restfeel’s sole is on the thinner side, but according to SELF’s director of fitness and food, it has plenty to offer in terms of cushion—so much so that it ousted her other comfy footwear. “I originally thought I’d wear them only post-workout, but after I slipped them on once for an errand, they quickly became my go-to summer shoe,” she says.
- Sizes: US 5 to 12 | Widths: Medium | Materials: Foam, rubber
Birkenstock Madrid
Here’s another stylish option from Birkenstock, which comes highly recommended by another SELF staffer. It has the same molded footbed as the Arizona, but with a single chic buckled strap.
- Sizes: EU 36 to 42 | Widths: Narrow and medium | Materials: Suede, cork, felt, jute, EVA
What to look for in a good pair of slides
Most slides lack many of the key features podiatrists like to see in footwear, like arch support, reliable shock absorption, and a back strap or heel counter. They can also put you at risk of injury if you have balance issues or are prone to tripping, physical therapist Melania Anderson, PT, DPT, the Total Joint program manager of the Bone and Joint Institute at Hartford HealthCare, tells SELF. For all those reasons, they’re generally not suitable for all-day wear or fast-paced activities, Adam Ferguson, DO, a foot and ankle specialist and board-certified orthopedic surgeon at the Connecticut Orthopaedic Institute, tells SELF.
But as we mentioned earlier, you can’t deny the sheer convenience of a good slide—and Dr. Anderson notes that they’re a fine option for short errands and outings where you’ll be off your feet for most of the time (say, lounging by the pool). You just want to avoid feeling like your arch is collapsing or your toes are gripping the inside of the shoe as you walk, she says. If you can find a slide that feels supportive, meaning its insole maps to and cradles the shape of your foot, and somewhat secure, maybe with the help of a deep heel cup or toe groove, that’ll be your best option.
Cushioning is helpful too, and slides marketed for “recovery” are often made with thick layers of comfy foam. That includes many of our top picks, like the Merrell Hut Ultra Wrap, Oofos Ooahh, and Hoka Ora 3. Their brands claim that these designs can help your feet and joints rebound faster from tough workouts. While they’re pretty darn comfortable, they probably won’t optimize your rest days in any substantial way, Dr. Ferguson says. Your best shot at a solid recovery routine is consulting with a physical therapist or sports medicine specialist, Dr. Anderson says.
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