Bottom Line
The HOKA Ora Recovery 3 Slide is amazing for what it claims to be: a recovery shoe. It wasn’t meant to be the ultra-lightweight option to carry into the backcountry or for grand, multi-mile adventures – though, we might consider doing this after testing and reviewing it as a camp shoe.
This slide’s best qualities are its support and cushion, but it also has amazing traction. The support was enough to relax our tense muscles and massage our tired feet after long hikes and intense workouts. The cushion protected our feet in the gnarliest of high desert environments. And though these are slides, the soles did anything but on challenging slopes.
We found great value in these recovery slides as we see them working well in three seasons and around town. They were the comfort we longed for at the end of the day. Even though their fit might not work for everyone, we think the HOKA Ora slides generally are a great option for anyone.
How We Tested
We tested this shoe in several different ways. The first was a 2.5 mile walk along a flat, paved path to see how this would perform for walks around the campground and small adventures. We also tested the recovery claims of this shoe by wearing it after various double shifts at restaurants and after workouts. Finally, we tested the support by putting this shoe through the bend, twist, squeeze method.
Quick Specs
HOKA ORA Recovery 3 Slides
Best Recovery Shoe
CleverHiker Rating: 4.9/5.0
Price: $60
Weight (Pair): 15.6 oz.
Pros
- Supportive
- Cushy soles
- Affordable
- Great traction
- Good for both home and camp
Cons
- Not made for walking long distances
- Not as versatile as some
- May be too cushy for some
COMFORT
The HOKA ORA Recovery 3 Slide was a mixed bag for comfort. We found the shoe easy to wear. It felt like sinking into a luxurious cloud. However, we also had some comfort complaints.
We tested this shoe by walking briskly for 2.5 miles on flat ground. After 1.5 miles, we noticed significant rubbing from the strap that caused a small blister by the end of the walk. This was not the slide’s intended use – and may not be an issue when casually walking around camp or running errands at home – but we wanted to share our experience.
Some online reviews criticized this shoe’s fit to be too wide or too short and complained of rubbing from the strap. Our feet fit snugly but comfortably into the shoe and under the cross-foot strap. We never felt like our feet were being squeezed nor did we feel that our feet slid around. In direct comparison to the Crocs Classic Clogs –– which we found to be too wide and loose enough to fall off our feet –– this slide fit wonderfully. However, it’s not available in half-sizes. We recommend sizing up if you’re in between sizes.
VERSATILITY
As its name suggests, the HOKA Ora Recovery 3 Slide’s intended use is recovery. We give it major points for excelling as a recovery shoe, but it isn’t the camp shoe to wear for a day hike. At the same time, its traction, cushion, and water resistance do provide some versatility.
When testing the Ora, we wore it down a pretty steep side slope filled with small, loose rocks and leaves. The shoe held on really well, demonstrating some versatile traction. Thanks to the cushioning, our feet were serenely oblivious to the sharp and pointy rocks underfoot. Although, the slide did slide around a bit – and even got sideways at points – when we walked on uneven surfaces. This fit limited versatility.
We love that the shoe can get wet, muddy, and totally disgusting at camp and wash off easily. It can stand in water just fine, but we wouldn’t recommend walking through wide river crossings with this shoe.
Finally, you can wear this slide with or without socks, giving you a greater comfort range during changing temperatures at night.
SUPPORT
The Ora Recovery Slide has made a name for itself with its amazing support. HOKA specifically designed these to be recovery shoes that support the arches of our feet.
When testing, we directly compared the HOKA Ora to the Crocs Classic Clogs, wearing a Croc on our left foot and HOKA on our right. We walked around the office in circles after an especially challenging 5-mile hike that featured 1,200 feet of gain in the first mile alone. We noticed our Croc-adorned left foot made full contact with the ground with each step, but our right HOKA-ed foot made contact first with the heel, then the midfoot, and then the toes. This wave-like motion massaged the day’s pain from our feet and crying calves. Contrarily, we felt like we were stomping around in the Croc.
When we took the HOKAs out for a bigger walk –– about 2.5 miles on a flat, paved trail –– we noticed that this aggressive midsole support bothered our feet about half a mile in. After we walked briskly for another half-mile or so, our feet adjusted to the pressure. The initial irritant was not significant enough to make us want to stop walking, but it signaled that these shoes are probably not the best to wear for an extended or demanding walk. As discussed in the Versatility section, this shoe is recommended for recovery and lifestyle purposes.
DURABILITY
Reviewers mentioned only rave reviews of the shoe’s excellent quality. After the miles we put in, we didn’t find anything that made us disagree. After our tests in the field –– including walking up and down a rocky slope and hopping around on rocks –– we didn’t find a single scratch on these shoes. They seem to hold their shape and structure well.
Should You Buy the HOKA ORA Recovery 3 Slide?
While this is not the shoe we’d recommend for long or intense adventures from camp, we would recommend the HOKA Ora slides for lighter duties. These shoes are not only a great option for casual camp needs and running errands around town. They also offer great support to help you recover from long days on the trail.
What Other Camp Shoes Should You Consider?
Find more of our favorite camp shoes below and on our full guide to the Best Camp Shoes.
OOfos OOriginal Sandal Review: This recovery sandal is lighter than the HOKA and has a less “outdoorsy” look for wearing around town. The foam is just as cushioned and heavenly though.
Xero Shoes Z-Trail EV Review: Though this shoe gives up cushion and support for lightness, it is a great option for backpackers looking for something to strap to their pack.
KEEN Hyperport H2 Sandal Review: We found this shoe to be very supportive with good versatility. They outperform the HOKAs in their ability to hike and take adventures from camp.
