As a marathon runner, I value recovery just as much as heavy training days—but recovery isn't limited to yoga classes or massage guns. Experts say the best recovery shoes can help your body bounce back faster and stronger, and it all comes down to the construction of these plush, cloud-like shoes.

"Recovery shoes offer enhanced cushioning, arch support, and shock absorption," says London-based podiatrist Dina Gohil, DPM. As a result, the footwear can "reduce stress on the feet, joints, and muscles, promoting faster recovery and alleviating discomfort.”

Made with a cloud-like EVA sole, the York Gail Recovery Trainers deliver plush support without compromising on stability. While they look great on the outside, the design hides smart features that optimize your recovery.

There's a stabilizing heel counter to keep your ankles in alignment, while the stretchy knit upper expands to allow your foot to relax. Plus, the lace-free design is great for slipping the shoe on and off after "arm day."

I'm a huge fan of wearing these shoes for long walks or while working at my standing desk. Their slip-resistant gum rubber outsole provides better grip and traction than many other recovery shoes that I've tried.

Before I dove headfirst into testing the best recovery shoes, the slide style was the only design I was familiar with—and Lululemon’s Restfeeel Slides are still far and away my favorite pair.

Designed entirely from foam, these plush shoes are a breath of fresh air after a tough workout. The dual-density cushioning gives your feet extra comfort and support, with heel-to-toe rubber traction providing added grip. 

I wouldn't wear these for a long walk given the slide design, but I often slip them on for quick errands in my neighborhood. I'm often surprised by how supported my feet feel with every step.

Designed to improve circulation and reduce inflammation, Kane’s Revive Active Recovery Shoes provide instant relief for my sore, tired feet. Yes, they look a little funky, but the design truly does deliver on its purpose: enhanced recovery.

The slip-on sneakers have tiny nodes along the footbed, which activate blood flow in key pressure points. Meanwhile, the perforated upper allows ample airflow to cool sweaty feet without sacrificing a secure fit.

As expected, there's also ample cushioning—but Kane opts for a renewable resources (mainly Brazilian sugar cane) to create its signature RestoreFoam.

After trying these recovery shoes for the first time, I ordered a second pair very soon. Let's just say they're an MVP in my rotation.

Almost every one of our shoe round ups includes a pick from Hoka—and there's a long list of reasons why podiatrists keep recommending this brand. Per Gohil, the Hoka Ora Recovery Shoe is perfect for post-run recovery, with maximum cushioning and a soft-yet-supportive feel.

When testing this shoe, I was immediately impressed by the lightweight design despite its thick cushioning. At first glance I thought the shoe would be too constricting for warmer weather, but the mesh material is exremely breathable.

This simple slide is a great budget option for days when your feet just need a break. You won't find super thick cushioning on the Adidas Adilette Comfort Slide, but the soft foam footbed is still comfortable underfoot.

My favorite feature is the contoured toe bed; it helps lifts your toes to keep them in alignment. Plus, the fast-drying design is great for days by the pool (or for people who simply have sweatier feet).

With nearly three inches of thick cushioning in the heel, these are not your average flip-flops. The Vionic RX Recovery Sandals have a molded EVA footbed with an oversized sidewall and deep heel cup to hug and support your feet in a way standard flip-flops don’t.

The coolest part about these recovery shoes is the texturized footbed which offers massaging relief for your feet with every step. I love the way the shoes vitalize the nerves in my feet, and I truly believe it helps them recover faster.

I don't typically love walking in flip-flops, but I walked 7,000 steps in these the first day I got them. I was surprised by how comfortable and supportive the style felt, however I'll likely reserve them for quicker errands.

During winter training months, these wool recovery shoes were my savior. While many recovery shoes are sandal or breathable material, the Topo Athletic Rekovr 2 is made with a blended wool material that keeps your feet cozy (but not too warm).

Of course, you can count on these recovery shoes to have a spacious toe box, ample cushioning, and great arch support—but my favorite feature is the shoe's 3D Wave Sense Technology.

The textured Ortholite footbed has foam ridges that stimulate the feet when you walk. It makes every step like a subtle massage.

Merrell's breathable recovery shoes are the best option for someone who wants to stay active on their recovery days. The stabilizing design relies on a sturdy nylon shank to support your foot's alignment and a foam footbed for added comfort.

A sticky rubber outsole provides solid traction for the outdoor style, and I even successfully wore them on an easy 3-mile hike without fear or tripping or twisting my ankle.

And while my feet didn't sweat in the mesh design, I knew the vegan shoe's anti-odor treatment would have me covered they did.

OOFOS were my first recovery shoe—and they'll always hold a special place my recovery routine. A leader in the recovery space, the brand's proprietary foam "absorbs 37% more impact than traditional foam materials"—and Dr. Gohil says this particular shoe offers excellent cushioning and support.

I still remember the first time I slipped on the OOahh slides. The soft and pillow material felt like clouds under my feet—and I couldn't help but rock back and forth to bask in the comfort. Even better, I was truly impressed by how much quicker my body recovered when I wore these on rest days.

It's no surprise these slip-on shoes can be spotted on professional athletes and marathon runners alike, and I've had countless experts recommend them. Podiatrist Anne Sharkey, DPM, says OOFOS is her "most-recommended recovery shoe," and adds that they have great arch support.

Gohil and Sharkey agree that recovery shoes are not just for runners or athletes. Per Sharkey, "Recovery shoes are commonly used by athletes—but everyone can benefit from the use of a recovery shoe."

When I first started running, I thought the only shoes that mattered were the sneakers I laced up for my training runs—but after bouts of shin splints, knee pain, and muscle fatigue, I learned firsthand how impactful the best recovery shoes can be.

Since I started integrating recovery shoes into my routine my joint pain is gone and my feet and legs feel way less fatigued.