Hoka Ora Recovery 3 Review

The HOKA Ora Recovery Slide 3 is designed as a recovery sandal for athletes after vigorous workouts and is one of the most comfortable sandals we have tested. It is a comfort-driven design for downtime after the gym or lounging around the pool, made with dual-density foam, an injection-molded outsole, and an early-stage meta-rocker.
 

The Ora Recovery Slide 3 serves a different purpose than other models in our lineup. It is not designed for aggressive outdoor trails but offers outstanding comfort and support for post-workout recovery.

Comfort

The Ora Recovery Slide 3 is incredibly comfortable thanks to a thick, cushioned footbed and dual-density foam. Following their shoe designs, these sandals have an oversized midsole with a meta-rocker design that creates a smooth and gentle foot strike when walking. Though the footbed is plush for maximum comfort, the Ora Recovery still provides good arch support and can be used for all-day endeavors.
 

 

The Hoka Ora Recovery Slide 3 can be warm with the thick foam surrounding the forefoot. Still, multiple air channels provide necessary ventilation to keep your feet cool and dry. While testing, we noted that these sandals do not have any hot spots and create a feeling of reduced pressure on the more prominent areas of the foot. It is worth noting that the American Podiatric Medical Association recognizes these sandals and has earned its Seal of Acceptance for their benefits to foot health.

Traction

Not intended as an outdoor adventure sandal, the Hoka Ora Recovery Slide 3 provides average traction for everyday activities but has a more aggressive tread pattern than most slides on the market. The sandal has an injection-molded EVA outsole and performs well on flat surfaces like pavement or pool decks.

The tread pattern provides some grip for shower surfaces or in the sauna, but doesn't have the stability of its rubber sole counterparts. These sandals perform adequately on mild dirt or grass paths, but please don't expect them to perform for hiking and backpacking, or you will be sorely disappointed. We regularly used the Ora Recovery to launch a boat and move around while fishing without complaints about grip.

Stability

The Ora Recovery Slide 3 performed better than expected in stability, especially for a recovery slide. The sandals have a broad base and thick sole, providing a stable platform that flares slightly where it contacts the ground. Raised edges around the footbed create a snug fit and help prevent rolling or excessive foot movement when walking. We love how our feet sink into the footbed, which creates a feeling of security with the relaxed fit design.

The thick strap over the forefoot and the formed footbed keep the sandals in place much better than some other slide designs. Designed for light use and recovery, these sandals provide moderate stability for daily use around the house, running errands, or casual use. The arch support is adequate for low-intensity activities, but we wouldn't take them out for an all-day hike.

Adjustability

The classic slip-on design of the Ora Recovery Slide 3 means it is simple to put on and take off, but it doesn't have any way to customize the fit. You can adapt for a slightly tighter or looser fit by placing your foot deeper or more shallow into the forefoot strap, which may compensate for different foot types.

Choosing the right size for these sandals is essential due to the open-toe design and raised edges of the footbed. An improper fit can lead to an uncomfortable fit and chafing on the outside of the foot or the toes hanging too far forward. Something else to consider is foot swelling throughout the day, as most people tend to have some increase in foot size due to gravity at the end of the day. If your feet tend to swell after a long day or a serious run, make sure you are sizing these to accommodate those changes; otherwise, you may prefer something with buckles or straps.

Versatility

Unfortunately, the uber-comfortable Ora Recovery Slide 3 is designed specifically for comfort and recovery and doesn't fare well in many other settings. These sandals are perfect for when your day slows down or you need to take it easy after intense activity.

Despite filling a specific niche, these sandals can still be utilized for other activities as long as you understand the limitations. We used them for paddle boarding, fishing, and cruising around the lake, and the fact that they float is an added bonus. Weighing only 17 ounces for a men's 11, they are light enough to pack in the gym bag for showering after a workout or in a carry-on for comfort when traveling.

Should You Buy the Ora Recovery Slide 3?

The HOKA Ora Recovery Slide 3 is one of our favorite sandals after a long shift or spending all day in a hot hiking boot. The plush and cushioned feel of this open design recovery sandal is an excellent choice for those who need relief for tired feet and understand the need to slow down and recover. The slip-on design with necessary arch support and adequate tread can accommodate various foot types, and the foam has some forgiveness for end-of-the-day swelling. On the lower end of the price spectrum, we feel these recovery-style sandals are a worthwhile investment for those who regularly engage in high-intensity activities or regularly experience foot strain and stress.

What Other Sandals Should You Consider?

If you need a cushioned sandal with more adjustability, the Chaco Bodhi has a soft and supportive feel and adjustable straps for a secure fit. If lightweight comfort and versatility are your top concerns, the Bedrock Cairn Evo 3D Pro and the Bedrock Cairn Evo are minimalist-style sandals with good traction and adjustability for outdoor exploration.