That level of comfort is worth any amount of money. 

While most of us will happily invest big money in a new pair of sneakers to rev up our routine, not many would consider buying shoes specifically for post-workout wear, but it is, in fact what the experts recommend.

If you follow any athletes on social media, you may have seen them sporting some unusual off-duty footwear.

Looking like something between what you would wear in a public shower and a masseuse-style slipper, recovery slides have the benefit of providing legitimate respite for sore and fatigued feet, and also looking cooler than your average sandal.

High-end fashion brands such as Yeezy, Bottega Veneta and Balenciaga have created various iterations of a recovery slide, but they seem built more for aesthetic than remedial purposes. Luckily, where luxury labels go, many mass brands follow, meaning there’s a plethora of comfy slide-type styles on offer at every price.

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Emily Smith, podiatrist and founder of the Emily Braidwood footbed brand, says that you don’t have to be a professional athlete for your feet to deserve special treatment.

“Anyone can benefit from the soft support that recovery slides provide, especially people who work on their feet and clock up thousands of steps a day,” she tells Body+Soul. “Endurance athletes such as long-distance runners, triathletes and hikers, as well as cricketers, footballers and basketballers, would all [also] benefit post-activity.”

So are these slides necessary or just another post-exercise fad?

Smith says the need is indeed real.

“We place at least three times our body weight through our feet with high-intensity activity, which means the soft tissue structures that support our feet and body require recovery,” she explains. “The thick, soft sole provides impact absorption and the gentle arch contour provides support, helping align the foot and ankle and offload the fatigued tissue. The wide open-toe design lets the toes spread and be friction-free.”

Podiatrist Emily Smith shares her tips for investing wisely and getting the most out of the latest trend in protective footwear

A wide slide upper that covers the top of the foot while providing a snug fit will mean the foot doesn’t have to work hard to hold the slide on. A thick sole that feels soft yet stable under foot. Arch support that feels comfortable immediately.

Recovery slides are useful to provide foot comfort and relief, especially after hard training sessions or endurance events during which the foot has been encased in a shoe and heavily pounded. They are also very useful for anyone suffering with heel pain and plantar fasciitis, particularly when worn first thing in the morning and when walking at home on hard floors.

Ascent Groove Slider, $79.99, at the iconic.com.auSource:BodyAndSoul

Cotton On Cabin Mouled Slide, $24.99, at cottonon.com.auSource:BodyAndSoul

All Birds, Sugar Sliders, $75 AUD, available at allbirds.com.au Source:BodyAndSoul

Ugg Originals Summer Slide, $89.99, at uggoriginals.com.au Source:BodyAndSoul

Cozi Slides, $44.99, at cozislides.com Source:BodyAndSoul

The Slippee The Original Slippee, $49, at theslippee.com Source:BodyAndSoul

Hoka One One Ora Recovery Slide, $99.95, at theathletesfoot.com.au Source:BodyAndSoul

Oofos Oooah Sport Flex, $119.95, at summitsport.com.au Source:BodyAndSoul

Bottega Veneta Terry Slides, $810, at netaporter.comSource:BodyAndSoul

Tory Burch Shower Slides, $228.83, at shopbop.comSource:BodyAndSoul

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