The Hoka Ora Recovery Slides 1, 2, and 3 may appear to be identical. However, using these shoes slowly reveals their differences. The basic point that creates the differences between these shoes is the level of cushioning and support.
Hoka Ora Recovery Slide 2
Hoka Ora Recovery Slide 3
As the number goes higher, the top layer of EVA foam gets thicker. This provides better cushioning to your feet, making your experience more comfortable. In addition to this, there are some more differences that make each of these shoes ideal for individual purposes.
Check out this whole article to know how I have found each of these shoes to be. This will help you make your own decision.
Alternative (OOFOS Unisex Slide)
Cheap Alternative (Crocs Slide)
Hoka Ora Recovery Slide 1 Vs 2 Vs 3: Differences You Need to Know
When it comes to choosing a shoe, the things that matter are the sole unit, upper unit, and durability. These are the points I notice while trying on a new pair. While these are not any formal standards, my experience with a shoe in these points helps me determine just how good a shoe is.
Before getting into details, take a look at the basic differences below,
| Hoka Ora Recovery | Sole Unit | Upper Unit | Durability | Overall Opinion |
| Hoka Ora Recovery 1 | Soft top layer of EVA foam | Synthetic upper with perforations for breathability | Durable outsole made of rubber for increased traction and longevity | Good for casual wear |
| Hoka Ora Recovery 2 | Slightly thicker top layer of EVA foam than the Ora Recovery 1 | Synthetic upper with perforations for breathability and a padded strap for added comfort | Durable outsole made of rubber for increased traction and longevity. The outsole is also designed to be slip-resistant. | Best for jogging |
| Hoka Ora Recovery 3 | Thicker top layer of EVA foam than the Ora Recovery 2 | Synthetic upper with perforations for breathability and a padded strap with an adjustable hook-and-loop closure for added comfort and a secure fit | Durable outsole made of rubber for increased traction and longevity. The outsole is also designed to be slip-resistant. The shoe also features a reinforced toe cap for added durability. | Good for casual sporting |
Sole unit
The sole unit of the Hoka Ora Recovery lineup is made from EVA foam. The thickness of this foam makes all the difference. EVA foam is a kind of plastic that is made from ethylene and vinyl acetate. Its rubber-like properties and unique texture gave me an amazing experience. Comfort and convenience increase along with the thickness of the sole unit.
The sole units of the Hoka Ora Recovery 1 and 2 are made from single-density EVA foam. However, Recovery 2 has slightly thicker EVA foam compared to Recovery 1. I found both very comfortable. Although Recovery 2 was arguably more comfortable, it didn’t offer the same breathability as Recovery 1. In other words, I would not choose Recovery 2 over Recovery 1 on a hot day
Similarly, Recovery 3 has the thickest layer of EVA foam. While this certainly offers the most comfort, the breathability here is the least. Mainly for this reason, I found Recovery 3 a good choice for winter or cold seasons.
Overall, based only on the sole unit, I would choose Recovery 1 for casual usage, Recovery 2 for a little heavier usage, and Recovery 3 for sports. Again, if the weather is too cold, I would grab a pair of Recovery 3 for jogging.
Upper Unit
There are significant differences in the upper unit of the Hoka Ora Recovery series. These differences are mainly in the added features. In Recovery 1, the synthetic upper has perforations for breathability. This made it easy for air to pass in and out of the shoe. Surprisingly, my feet did not sweat the entire time I had the shoes on. It was unusually comfortable.
The Recovery 2 has a padded strap along with a breathable synthetic upper. This extra padded strap enhanced the overall experience of the shoe. It just felt more comfortable compared to Recovery 1.
Finally, Recovery 3 has all the features of Recovery 1 and 2. In addition, it has an adjustable hook-and-loop closure. This doesn’t only offer more comfort, it makes the shoes feel more secure.
In simple words, if you will just do casual jogging and will rarely perform heavy movements, then save some cash and choose Recovery 1 or 2. However, if your priority is sports or similar rugged usage, Recovery 3 is the best option. Its secure adjustable hook keeps the shoes perfectly fit no matter how you move.
Durability
The durability of any shoe strictly depends on the build material and the build quality of the shoe. In other words, the elements used to build the shoe and the way the shoes were built determine how long they will last. Using the shoes also gives an idea of how durable they are likely to be.
Having Recovery 3 surely feels more premium than Recovery 1 or 2. Although all these different models have similar rubber outsoles, Recovery 2 and 3 have some added features. In Recovery 2, the outsole is not only equipped with increased traction and longevity, it also has a slip-resistant feature. This makes the shoe less prone to decay.
Recovery 3 is one step ahead. In addition to the robust rubber outsole and slip-resistant feature, it also has a toe cap. This toe cap offers a bit of added durability that may not appear to be much, but in truth has a significant impact.
While Recovery 3 surely does feel more durable as well, Recovery 1 and 2 don’t feel cheap either. This is why I would recommend getting Recovery 2, which offers almost similar comfort and durability as Recovery 3 but does not cost as much.
Overall Opinion
As you have probably realized by now, the subtle differences between Recovery 1, 2, and 3 make them ideal for individual purposes. Although it would be wrong to say that you can’t use any of these options for whatever you want. But if you are looking for a specific experience, then you can pick one from the options.
From my experience, I found Recovery 3 a good option. It’s comfortable and secure. And it’s also very durable. But the price seems a little too much.
In contrast, I would pick Recovery 1 and 2 for more casual usage. Recovery 1 is my everyday wear because its breathable texture keeps my feet cool and comfy. But it’s not the most durable and may not feel flexible for running. This is why I would choose Recovery 2 for jogging. Overall, Recovery 2 is the best one in the series. Not only does it have all the basic benefits you want from a shoe, but it’s also reasonably priced.