HOKA Ora Recovery Slide 3 Review
Our Verdict
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.