Norda 008 Recovery Slides Review
Supportive, cushioned, durable recovery slides with excellent traction for trailheads and campsites
August 4, 2026
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Our verdict
The norda 008 recovery slides are cushioned and durable recovery sandals with a Vibram outsole for better traction than any other recovery slides we’ve tested. We think they are the best recovery sandals for trail runners and hikers looking for a long-lasting, high-quality recovery slide that can handle tougher terrain.
I'm a former D1 competitive runner and USATF Level 1 certified running coach, and I've spent three years testing recovery shoes, sandals, and slides across multiple recovery scenarios, from the immediate post-run transition to active recovery walks to all-day wear.
Unlike nearly every other recovery sandal out there, the norda 008 slides have a Vibram ECOSTEP outsole that makes the sandals not only durable, but better suited for trail runners and hikers who will wear these slides at the trailhead or at camp.
Norda 008 Recovery Slides
The midsole of the norda 008 recovery slides are made with a dense foam and offer some arch support. While not as plush as our favorite recovery slides, the OOFOS OOahh slides, the heartier construction makes them more supportive and longer lasting.
We tested these recovery slides over spring and summer months in Colorado, Arizona, and Nevada. We wore them before and after road runs, track workouts, trail runs, and hikes. We also walked paved roads in them for extended testing.
Like other norda footwear, the norda 008 recovery slides are among the most expensive shoes we’ve tested. However, because the foam is denser and more durable, these recovery shoes should last much longer than similar recovery shoes, including the OOFOS. So if you’re looking for a hardy recovery slide with top-notch traction and the price fits in your budget, the norda 008 recovery slides are a great option.
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Norda 008 Recovery Slides Specifications
Price: $145
Weight (per shoe): 8.9 oz
Heel-to-toe drop (mm): Not stated
Cushion level: Moderate-high
Upper materials: Foam
Midsole materials: Dense foam
Outsole material: Vibram ECOSTEP with recycled materials
Available sizes and widths: Men’s 5-14, women’s 6-15 (whole sizes)
Comparison table
| Recovery Shoe | Type | Upper | Midsole | Outsole | Weight (pair) | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| norda 008 Slides Unisex |
Slip-on | Dual-density foam | Dual-density foam | Vibram ECOSTEP | 17.8 oz (41) | $145 |
| OOFOS OOahh Slide Unisex |
Slip-on | OOfoam | OOfoam | OOfoam | 9.9 oz (39) | $60 |
| HOKA ORA Recovery Slide 3 Unisex |
Slip-on | Dual-density foam | IM sugarcane-based EVA | IM EVA | 15.6 oz (40) | $60 |
| Chaco CushZ Extra Cushioned Sandal Men's Women's |
Sandal | Jacquard polyester webbing | Float Max high-rebound EVA | Road-grade EVA | 12.7 oz (42) | $80 |
Best for
Trail runners and hikers who will wear recovery shoes at trailheads or camp and want good traction
Anyone who wants a recovery slide that is more stable and durable than other foam recovery slides
Runners looking for a longer-lasting recovery shoe than other foam recovery slides
Car campers who want a comfortable option for a camp shoe and have more packing space
What we liked
Vibram ECOSTEP outsole offers much better traction than the outsoles of similar foam recovery slides
Dense foam midsole feels stable, supportive, and durable
Quality construction and hardy materials mean these slides are designed to last longer than other foam slides
What could be better
They are expensive
Heavier and bulkier than other recovery slides
Fit is not adjustable
How we tested
We tested the norda 008 recovery slides throughout the spring and summer in Colorado, Arizona, and Nevada. Temperatures ranged from chilly 45-degree mornings to hot and sunny 90-degree afternoons. The weather was mostly dry during our testing. We also wore these slides in shallow creeks and mud to test their traction on wet surfaces.
We wore the norda 008 recovery slides before and after runs—including trail runs, road runs, and track workouts. We took them on a 10-day road trip in a camper van, during which they became our “house” shoes, camp shoes, and post-run recovery shoes (including after pacing 26 miles of the Cocodona 250 ultramarathon). For additional testing, we also wore them extensively on paved streets in Denver.
We also tested them side by side with other recovery shoes and walking shoes, allowing us to directly compare comfort, cushion, fit, support, durability, and more.
Performance in the field
Fit and feel
The norda 008 recovery slides only come in full sizes and run small, so we recommend sizing up, especially if you’re between sizes. Our women’s tester typically wears a size 7.5 and tested the women’s size 8, which fit her perfectly (note: these slides are unisex, but are labeled in men’s and women’s sizes).
The slides feel cushiony, but not nearly as plush as other foam slides, like the OOFOS OOahh slides. Rather, the denser foam is more firm underfoot and creates a better sense of stability and support. The upper is also contoured for some arch support and textured to gently massage your feet.
The upper is not adjustable. If you have high-volume or wide feet, you may want to try these on before buying or consider sizing up more to make sure they fit.
Ride and responsiveness
While some recovery slides have a rocker midsole to encourage forward motion, the norda 008s are more solid and stable underfoot. We wouldn’t describe them as particularly responsive, especially since they’re heavier than other similar slides too. However, unless having responsive recovery slides is a priority for you, you shouldn’t notice any issues with the ride of these slides. The ride pretty much feels like any ordinary sandal.
Cushioning
While not as plush as other slides, like the OOFOS OOahhs, or HOKA Oras, the norda 008s are still plenty cushioned for post-workout recovery. Because the foam is more dense, these shoes strike a great balance of cushion and support, which many runners and hikers may prefer.
In testing, we found we preferred the more plush shoes after longer, harder efforts (e.g., a 10-mile long run), and preferred the more firm norda 008s after most shorter daily training runs (especially while we were working on building ankle strength and wanted more supportive shoes). Ultimately, this comes down to personal preference.
If you know you want a more balanced recovery slide, the norda 008s may be a better option.
Traction and grip
The traction and grip of the norda 008s are star features of these slides. With 1.5mm lugs, these slides are well equipped to handle more technical terrain than other recovery sandals. This makes them a great option for trail runners, hikers, or car campers who will wear them at trailheads or campsites.
We often wore these shoes at trailheads in Colorado and Arizona, and never had any traction issues. We could walk on the trails to cool down or just enjoy the outdoors a little longer after runs and not worry about slipping or struggling on the terrain.
Upper
The norda 008s are open-toed slides. The upper is made of a softer, less-dense foam than the midsole. It is not adjustable, so if you have high-volume feet, you may want to try them on to make sure they don’t feel too tight.
Stability and support
While not a stability shoe in the motion-control sense, the norda 008s are more stable and supportive underfoot than other recovery sandals. The midsole foam is dense, the footbed provides minor arch support, and the outsole offers good traction, so the slides feel generally stable and supportive.
Underfoot, the density of the foam and superb grip of the outsole feels more stable than lighter-weight, less-dense foam sandals. For example, the OOahh Slides are much softer and more plush than the norda 008s, but our ankles sometimes rolled or our feet slipped around more in those slides. That has never happened in the norda 008s, even on uneven surfaces.
Weight
The norda 008s weigh about 8.9 oz per shoe. This is heavier than other similar recovery slides, but that weight comes with better durability and longevity. These slides should last you longer than other more plush slides because of the denser foam and Vibram outsole. If you’re looking for a lightweight, packable sandal, these may not be your best option. If you’re not worried about weight and space, the extra durability makes them a good value.
Durability and longevity
Norda shoes are designed to last longer than other brands due to the denser foam and Vibram outsole. We’ve only been testing these slides for about 4-5 months so far, so we can’t yet speak to how long they’ll last compared to other recovery slides. However, the density of these slides suggests they will indeed last longer. We haven’t seen any foam shrinking or other common durability concerns and we expect these shoes to last a long time.
Features
Drop measurement
The drop measurement and stack height are not stated, but based on testing, the stack is moderate and the drop is in the mid-range. They aren’t the highest-stack, cushiony slide we’ve tested, and they are certainly not a minimalist, low-stack shoe with groundfeel. They fall comfortably in the middle.
Vibram ECOSTEP
The outsole of the norda 008s is a custom Vibram ECOSTEP with 1.5mm lugs. It is made with recycled materials.
Sustainability and ethics
Norda’s sustainability highlight is its durable, quality construction that is meant to last longer than other shoes. For example, their trail running shoes are designed to last upwards of 800 miles, where other trail running shoes we tested can last as few as 300 miles.
The norda 008 slides are constructed with stronger, denser foam, so they’re designed to be hardy in the elements and long lasting so you do not have to buy new ones as often.
Color options
The norda 008 unisex slides come in five color options ranging from neutrals to muted but fun colors. We tested the Kanagawa (a light slate blue).
Who should buy the Norda 008 Slides?
Buy if you’re looking for a durable, long-lasting recovery slide that balances cushion and stability and offers great traction.
Skip if you want a recovery shoe with more plush cushioning, fit adjustability, or a more affordable option.
Where to buy
The norda 008 recovery slides are popular gear items, so you have options when it comes to retailers. Here are some of the pros of the retailers.
REI
Pros: 100% satisfaction policy for 1 year; 10% dividend for members.
Backcountry
Pros: Frequent sales for Expedition Perks members (free to join), fast shipping, Gearhead chat customer service is excellent
Huckberry
Pros: Well-curated, stylish items that are hard to find
Similar recovery slides
Norda 008 vs. OOfos OOahh Slides
Price: $60
Weight (per shoe): 4.95 oz
Cushion level: Maximum
Upper materials: Proprietary OOfoam
Midsole materials: Proprietary OOfoam
Outsole material: Proprietary OOfoam
Suitable for vegans: Yes
The OOFOS OOahh Slides are high-stack, super plush recovery sandals, and the Best Overall winner in our Best Recovery Shoes guide. They’re extremely comfortable and are ideal for wearing after a workout to ease the impact on your joints and recover more quickly.
While they offer sufficient support for post-workout wear, they are not as firm or as durable as the norda 008 slides. They also do not provide nearly as much traction as the norda 008s. Learn more in our in-depth review of the OOFOS OOahh Slides Recovery Shoes.
Norda 008 vs. HOKA Ora Recovery Slide 3
Price: $60
Weight (per shoe): 7.8 oz
Cushion level: Maximum
Upper materials: Dual-density foam
Midsole materials: IM sugarcane-based EVA
Outsole material: IM EVA
Suitable for vegans: Yes
The HOKA Ora Recovery Slide 3 is a comfortable, supportive, well-cushioned recovery slide that comes in 13 color options. They’re great recovery shoes, though they look like what you imagine a running recovery shoe looks like if casual, everyday style is not a priority (i.e., some folks may find them kind of ugly).
They’re a great option if you like the look and feel of the shoes, and they cost less than half the price of the norda 008s. However, they aren’t as durable and we’ve had issues with HOKA Oras getting warped when we left them in our hot car in the summer.
Norda 008 vs. Chaco CushZ Sandals
Price: $80
Weight (per shoe): 6.35 oz
Cushion level: Moderate
Upper materials: Polyester jacquard webbing
Midsole materials: FloatMax high-rebound recycled EVA
Outsole material: EVA
Suitable for vegans: yes
If you’re looking for a versatile, all-day sandal with a more outdoorsy style, the Chaco CushZ Sandals are another option worth considering. They strap around the ankle, which can be nice for more security but annoying if you just want to slip your shoes on. They’re smaller and more packable than the norda 008 slides and can be a great option for backpackers.
Why you should trust us / About the Author
Becca Downs ran D1 cross country and track for Indiana University—Purdue University of Indianapolis (IUPUI) and continued racing everything from elite miles to an ultramarathon in her post-collegiate years. She earned a USATF Level 1 certification and coached boys and girls high school cross country and track in Indianapolis for four years. Becca then joined the IUPUI women’s distance coaching staff as a volunteer assistant coach in 2020-2021.
She geeks out on trail running, track and field, and cries every time she watches a marathon (they’re just so beautiful!).
After notching a few small FKTs under her belt, she was diagnosed with hip arthritis and now channels her passion for running into coaching, crewing, writing, creating training plans for her friends, hiking, snowshoeing, and running as much as her hip allows. She earned her MFA in Creative Writing from the Mile-High MFA Program at Regis University. Becca is based in Denver, Colorado.
You can read more of Becca's work at her website or on her author page. You can follow her on Instagram at @beccad___.
