OOFOS Ooaah Sport Slide Vs. Hoka Restore TC: Which Recovery Shoe Is Better For You?
WHEN IT COMES to recovery shoes, athletes and runners know that not all slides or sandals are created equal. Whether you’re looking to relieve sore feet after a long run or just want a comfortable slip-on for post-workout relaxation, it’s essential to find the right balance of comfort, support, and durability. Two of the most
WHEN IT COMES to recovery shoes, athletes and runners know that not all slides or sandals are created equal. Whether you’re looking to relieve sore feet after a long run or just want a comfortable slip-on for post-workout relaxation, it’s essential to find the right balance of comfort, support, and durability. Two of the most popular options out there are the Oofos Ooahh Sport Slides and the Hoka Restore TCs.
OOFOS OOaah Sport Slide vs. Hoka Restore TC
We gathered our MH team of editors, experts, certified trainers, and advisors to test both recovery shoes after long runs, intense CrossFit workouts, and heavy lifting sessions. Here’s an in-depth look at what the shoes offer and how they stack up against one another.
OOFOS OOaah Sport Slide: Plush Comfort with a Purpose
Pros
- Designed for extreme comfort
- Slide design allows feet to breathe
- Rocker midsole helps protect feet from additional impact
Cons
- Not the best for rough terrain or anything faster than a walk
| Best for | Light walking, fitness recovery |
|---|---|
| Design | Slip-on |
| Toe coverage | Open toe |
| Heel drop | 6 mm |
The Oofos Ooahh Sport Slide is built with recovery in mind, featuring the brand’s signature OOfoam technology. According to Oofos, this foam absorbs 37% more impact than traditional footwear materials, which helps reduce stress on the feet and joints. This makes it a great option for those looking to give their feet a break after a race or competition.
“Oofos have been my go-to slide for years,” says Fitness and Commerce Editor Charles Thorp, NASM. “I always hated flip-flops, because I could knew how bad they were for my feet and they brought more pain than protection. But these open-toe shoes were a way to give my feet proper post-run comfort and allow them to breathe after being tightly tied up in my training sneakers.”
One of the standout features of the Oofos Slide is the pronounced arch support and noticeable rocker effect. This helps guide your foot through a smooth heel-to-toe transition, ideal for walking and keeping your stride feeling natural and effortless. While the foam midsole is thick and plush, it surprisingly holds up well over time, resisting wear and tear better than many other foam-based slides. Plus, since the OOfoam is closed-cell, these slides are machine washable—perfect for freshening up after countless sweaty post-workout wearings.
Hoka Restore TC: Stability with Security
Pros
- Designed for full-foot protection while providing comfort
- Rocker midsole helps protect feet from additional impact
- Slide-on heel makes putting shoes on easy
Cons
- Does not breathe as well as slides
| Best for | Protected walking, active recovery |
|---|---|
| Design | Full coverage |
| Toe coverage | Toebox |
| Heel drop | 7.5 mm |
On the flip side, the Hoka Restore TC slip-ons bring a different vibe to the recovery game. Known for their soft EVA insole combined with a firmer carrier foam, these slip-ons deliver plush cushioning that cradles tired feet. The textured footbed not only adds a massage-like feel but also promotes blood flow, making them a great choice for athletes who need some extra TLC after intense sessions.
“I have a pair of Restore TCs by my door for when I want to throw on a comfortable shoe for quick errands,” says Thorp. “I’m a power walker, and these can handle my stride. The satellite grey colorway is perfectly understated, though I do like how the other colors, like ocean mist, pop on the foot. No matter your aesthetic, they are easy to put on and won’t beat up your feet like sandals.”
While they aren’t as spongy as the Oofos, the Restore TCs make up for it with a slightly firmer, more structured fit that contours to your foot more naturally. This shape offers a bit more forgiveness, allowing your foot to settle comfortably without feeling overly compressed. These also offer plenty of traction and stability—meaning they’re the perfect active recovery shoe for those who want to knock errands out in comfort.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Comfort vs. Stability
Choosing between the Oofos Ooahh slides and the Hoka Restore TC slip-ons ultimately comes down to your recovery needs and personal preference. If you’re after maximum comfort and cushion with a soft, cloud-like feel, Oofos has you covered. On the other hand, if you prefer a bit more firmness and support while still enjoying a cushioned ride, the Hoka Restore TCs are worth considering.
Breathability
Giving your feet a chance to breathe after a tough workout or run can bring a lot of relief. That’s where swapping out your training shoes for a recovery slide or slip-on comes in handy. Of course, the ideal shoe design is going to depend on how much you plan on doing out in the world.
If you have a lot of errands and plan on being on the move, exposing your feet to possible injury, you probably want a little more coverage and protection from a slip-on like the Hoka Restore TC. The Restore’s knit upper provides a decent amount of airflow. But if you plan on sticking around the house or going on a casual stroll, the Oofos Ooaahh slide will give you maximum breathability.
General Use
For everyday wear, both are solid choices, but I find myself reaching for the Oofos when my feet are especially sore. The plushness just feels unmatched. Meanwhile, the Hoka Restore TCs are my go-to when I want a bit more structure without sacrificing too much comfort.
Final Thoughts
Both the Oofos Ooahh slides and the Hoka Restore TC slip-ons deliver in their own ways, but it’s all about how you prioritize comfort and stability. If you lean toward soft and squishy, go with the Oofos. If a bit more support is what you’re after, Hoka’s got you covered. Either way, your feet will thank you after those long training days or sports events.
Pros
- Designed for extreme comfort
- Slide design allows feet to breathe
- Rocker midsole helps protect feet from additional impact
Cons
- Not the best for rough terrain or anything faster than a walk
| Best for | Light walking, fitness recovery |
|---|---|
| Design | Slip-on |
| Toe coverage | Open toe |
| Heel drop | 6 mm |
Pros
- Designed for full-foot protection while providing comfort
- Rocker midsole helps protect feet from additional impact
- Slide-on heel makes putting shoes on easy
Cons
- Does not breathe as well as slides
| Best for | Protected walking, active recovery |
|---|---|
| Design | Full coverage |
| Toe coverage | Toebox |
| Heel drop | 7.5 mm |
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Eric Sung, CSCS, is a New York City–based trainer and a member of MH’s Strength in Diversity Initiative.He specializes in athletic training and recently completed his first triathlon.
Charles Thorp is the Fitness and Commerce Editor at Men’s Health, where he shares the best product recommendations in gym equipment, recovery tools, supplements, and more. Following an early life in athletics, Charles became a NASM-certified trainer and began writing programs alongside the most respected coaches in the world.
Since entering the world of fitness content, Charles has had the opportunity to learn from and train alongside high performance individuals from the NFL, UFC, NBA, Formula 1, CrossFit, US Olympics, and Navy SEALs. When he’s not writing about training programs or gear, he can be seen at the gym or in the wild, putting them to the test.
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