REASONS TO BUY
Plush comfort
Simple
Lightweight
REASONS TO AVOID
Lack of traction
Instability with a high platform
No adjustability
HOKA Ora Recovery Slide 3 Review
Fulfilling its name and objective, this recovery-oriented sandal is ideal following extended and strenuous days on your feet
Credit: REI
RELATED: Best Sandals for Men of 2023
Our Verdict
The HOKA Ora Recovery Slide 3 is one of the most comfortable, cushioned, and supportive options in our men's sandals review. While it may not be the most versatile choice, this slide delivers exceptional comfort and relief for tired and sore feet. It's for post-workout relaxation and recovery and appeals to athletes and runners who prioritize foot care after intense activity. While this model is an excellent companion for casual wear, post-exercise recovery, or lounging around the house, don't expect much traction or stability for adventurous outings. You've found the perfect slide for a recovery sandal that provides unmatched cushioning and support.
Editors' Note: We added the HOKA Ora Recovery Slide 3 to our lineup on May 11, 2023, to include a review of the updated version of this sandal.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
HOKA Ora Recovery Slide 3 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  |  | |||
| Price | $47.93 at Backcountry Compare at 3 sellers | $48.72 at Backcountry | $70 List $69.95 at Amazon | $27.99 at Evo Compare at 4 sellers | $27 List $21.99 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Pros | Plush comfort, simple, lightweight | Affordable, lightweight, great traction | Affordable, light, comfortable | Classic design, plush footbed, great value | Comfortable, lightweight, low-profile design |
| Cons | Lack of traction, instability with a high platform, no adjustability | Less padding, not as supportive | Less supportive than others, loses some traction when wet | Poor wet traction, limited adjustability | Narrow, lack of traction, no adjustability |
| Bottom Line | Fulfilling its name and objective, this recovery-oriented sandal is ideal following extended and strenuous days on your feet | This one is worth a look if you are looking for a solid mid-range sandal with decent traction, comfort, and no need for extra support | Impressive comfort and solid all-around performance in a lightweight and affordable package | This sandal combines classic aesthetics with lightweight comfort and a lightweight price tag | As simple as simple gets for a slip-on sandal that is ready for casual daily use |
| Rating Categories | HOKA Ora Recovery S... | Teva Hurricane XLT2 | Teva Katavi 2 | Teva Original Unive... | Adidas Adilette Aqu... |
| Comfort (25%) | |||||
| Traction (25%) | |||||
| Stability (20%) | |||||
| Adjustability (15%) | |||||
| Versatility (15%) | |||||
| Specs | HOKA Ora Recovery S... | Teva Hurricane XLT2 | Teva Katavi 2 | Teva Original Unive... | Adidas Adilette Aqu... |
| Weight (per pair) | 0.75 lbs (size 10) | 0.97 lbs (size 9) | 1.36 lbs (size 9) | 0.84 lbs (size 10) | 0.59 lbs (size 10) |
| Width Options | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Footbed Material | EVA | EVA | Contoured EVA | EVA | Cloudfoam |
| Midsole Material | EVA | EVA | EVA | EVA | EVA |
| Sole Material | EVA | Rubber | Durabrasion Rubber | Rubber | EVA |
| Upper Material | Synthetic | Repreve Recycled Polyester | Suede | Recycled Plastic | Molded EVA |
Show full specification detailsHide full specification details
Our Analysis and Test Results
The HOKA Ora Recovery Slide 3 is a comfortable and cushioned recovery sandal designed for athletes – especially runners – after rigorous workouts or long runs. The unique design and plush cushioning set it apart from our lineup's typical slides or sandals. The Ora Recovery Slide 3 is not built for outdoor adventures but provides outstanding comfort and support, making it an excellent post-workout or recovery footwear option.
Performance Comparison
Comfortable recovery or slide sandals are great for shuffling around on a down day, but their lack of adjustability makes it difficult to navigate uneven terrain. But we tried anyway!
Credit: Jacob Clark
Comfort
The Ora Recovery Slide 3 is uber comfortable, thanks to its generously cushioned footbed and soft upper material. The sandal features HOKA's signature oversized midsole, providing soft and plush cushioning that eases the foot after intense activity. Its gentle arch support and textured footbed promote blood flow and provide a soothing massage-like feel.
The HOKA Ora Recovery Slide 3 builds on the success of its predecessor, the Ora Recovery Slide 2, by incorporating a more durable and comfortable upper material. This new upper is soft and gentle on the skin, allowing for better ventilation and keeping your feet cool and dry.
The most cushioned recovery shoe we tested, just take a look for yourself!
Credit: Jacob Clark
Traction
While the Ora Recovery Slide 3 is not designed for outdoor adventures or challenging terrain, it does offer decent traction on flat surfaces, such as pavement or indoor flooring. The outsole features a rubber tread pattern that prevents slipping on wet surfaces, ensuring safe and stable footing after a sweaty workout or while puttering around on a rainy day.
It is essential to note that these recovery slides are unsuitable for hiking, trail running, or other outdoor activities. Their primary purpose is to provide comfort and support to your feet post-workout or during recovery days.
Despite being built for recovery and leisure activities, the flexible sole handled these roots pretty well.
Credit: Jacob Clark
Stability
Stability in the Ora Recovery Slide 3 is decent for a recovery sandal. The wide base and thick midsole help provide a stable platform for your foot, preventing excessive movement or rolling.
While the Ora Recovery Slide 3 offers adequate stability for casual use, it is essential to recognize that it is not designed to provide the same level of support as a technical or adventure sandal. These slides are really not designed for much activity beyond shuffling around during your recovery days, so don't expect much support if you take them out for a hike.
Being made out of a foam with no rubber for the sole, these perform well on dry terrain but once wet traction heads downhill quickly.
Credit: Jacob Clark
Adjustability
The Ora Recovery Slide 3 features a slip-on design, making it easy to put on and take off. The open-toe style allows for natural toe splay and ventilation while the upper material gently hugs the top of your foot, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit.
However, these slides do not offer any adjustability options, such as straps or buckles. Therefore, selecting the appropriate size for a comfortable fit is crucial. If you prefer a more flexible option, a recovery sandal with straps or a closed-toe design might be better.
Versatility
The Ora Recovery Slide 3 is specifically designed as a recovery and post-workout footwear option, making it less versatile than other sandals in our lineup. Its primary function is to provide comfort, cushioning, and support for your feet after intense activity.
While these slides are unsuitable for outdoor adventures or water sports, they excel in their intended purpose as recovery footwear. They are perfect for relaxing around the house, running errands, or even as an airport or travel companion. These slides' lightweight, packable design makes them easy to carry in a gym bag or backpack.
Casual strolls on footpaths, around the town, or in a house is what these slide are built for.
Credit: Jacob Clark
Should You Buy the Ora Recovery Slide 3?
The HOKA Ora Recovery Slide 3 is an excellent choice for athletes – particularly runners – looking for a comfortable, supportive, post-workout footwear option. The plush cushioning, gentle arch support, and slip-on design make it ideal for relieving tired and sore feet after intense activity. These slides are well worth the investment if you need a simple, uber-comfortable sandal to aid recovery.
A sandal built with one purpose, recovery.
Credit: Jacob Clark
The Ora Recovery Slide 3 falls in the mid-range of pricing for recovery footwear. Considering its comfort, quality, and the targeted niche it serves, the value of these slides accurately reflects their specialized purpose.
What Other Sandals Should You Consider?
The Teva Original Universal] is an excellent alternative if you are looking for a recovery footwear option with more adjustability. These sandals feature an adjustable Velcro strap for a customizable fit and a similar cushioned footbed for comfort and support. If you're seeking a more budget-friendly option without compromising comfort, the Adidas Adilette Aqua Slide provides a soft and cushioned footbed at a lower price point. These slides may not have the same level of support as the HOKA Ora Recovery Slide 3, but they still offer a comfortable option for post-workout relaxation.
—
Jacob Clark
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