Salomon Reelax Slide 6.0

Having a great pair of post-run shoes is just as important as selecting the right running shoe for daily training or race days. After my last half marathon, I switched into these Hoka recovery sandals. I didn’t want anything confining and needed to let my toes wiggle and move around. My Ora 3s (paired with socks) helped me walk around the rest of the day and then haul through an airport the next afternoon. They're also my go-to shoes for heading to and from hot yoga classes.

If you prefer a strapped-in fit, these mesh-lined Tevas give you structure without sacrificing the open-air blowing over your feet. They're surprisingly comfortable, post-run, thanks to a cushioned footbed, arch support, and just the right amount of springiness. You can wear these right out of the box without worries about breaking them in. Just be sure to dial in those straps so you don’t develop any hot spots.

Salomon's Reelax 6.0 recovery slides keep your feet covered, while giving them the freedom, comfort, and support they need. The mesh upper is roomy enough to let your toes splay. (They might feel tight with a sock, though, so consider sizing up if you plan to wear them that way.) I love the grippy bottom and the molded EVA sockliner that mimics your foot’s natural shape.

Deputy Editor Mallory Creveling recommends this basic foam roller, which she says is proof that you don't need to overspend on trendy gear. "For about $20, this is just the right density to roll out the quads, glutes, and calves before or after a run," says Creveling.

"I am a big fan of the length of this one for one of my favorite foam roller moves: Lie down vertically on it (head to glutes on the roller) and let your arms hang out to the sides, you get an amazing stretch for the chest and shoulders. When I want a little massage for the back, I also move my arms in a snow angle-like position.”

Perfect for a post-run, it's easy to make these massage balls a part of your daily routine. Made from 15 percent bloom algae, these wave balls are compact and easy to carry, with an uneven design that allows you to dig in and target hard-to-reach areas like hips, shoulders, upper back, and the bottoms of your feet.

Fun fact: There's a specific part at the base of the foot called the insomnia point which is at the bottom of the curve of the heel. Use these to work that area for a better night's rest.

When Creveling wants to work out kinks in smaller muscles (like in her feet) or hard-to-reach places (like the psoas, or her hip flexor), she turns to these little massage balls.

"They’re not super hard—which is ideal for tight spots that already feel sensitive to pressure—but still help to relieve tension," she says. "In addition to my feet and hips, I love them for rolling out the muscles around the neck and shoulders and getting deep into the glutes."

One of our favorite massage guns, the Hypervolt 2 has five intensity levels so you can tailor the percussion to the muscle group you’re working on, says Creveling. “I go a little lighter on the quads because they’re typically sore so they can’t handle as much pressure, but I turn it up on my hamstrings," she adds. "Compared to other percussion devices, this one is relatively quiet (though not the quietest one out there) and has a better grip and design.”

One of our favorite heated attachment head (Make the most of rest days with these recuperation essentials).

Runner-in-Chief Jeff Dengate owns this massage gun in Ruby Red (other colors include Carbon Black, Champagne Gold, and Mint Green). “I reach for it all the time,” he says. “It's small and quiet, but I think it provides me just as much benefit as the bigger Hyperice 2. I actually travel with this one—I even took it to Tuscany and Rome with me in October.” Developed from pro athlete feedback, the R1 is made from aircraft-grade anodized aluminum, operates quietly, has four speed settings, four attachment heads, and a battery that lasts over seven hours.

When training for a race, Dengate uses compression boots two to three times a week. His go-to: The Normatec Elite. “I still use these weekly right now as I'm training for the Boston Marathon (and running more than 100 miles per week),” he says.

The Elite model ditches the external air compressor and hoses that made the Normatec system bulky and cumbersome, according to Dengate. They're best reserved for after seriously strenuous tempo runs, or long runs where you push for a longer distance than usual

“I’ll generally start with the pressure around 2 or 3 to let the boots inflate and so I can adjust to the intensity of the squeeze,” he says. “There are seven levels and, on the highest setting, it can get uncomfortably snug around the top zone on my thighs. So, don’t start on max; ease into things.”

For the shape, texture, and taste, these mini waffles are a great pre-run snack and/or post-run energy boost. They go down easy after a hard workout or long run (when I finished my banana, it's the next thing I had post half marathon), but is equally satisfying as a quick boost before a morning run or daily training session. For those with sensitive stomachs or gluten preferences, there are options.

Hydration is an essential component of any recovery routine. I love adding a little flavor to my water, and Nuun Rest Tablets, give you an extra burst of taste, plus plenty of electrolytes and essential minerals like magnesium and potassium. Just drop a tablet in your water bottle, let it dissolve, and drink. They're great for post-workout recovery, but are formulated for everyday use, too.

An energy bar is always a great way to manage your nutrition after a race or workout so you can recover faster. Post-workout, within 30 to 60 minutes after a run, you want to consume about 25g of protein to help repair your muscles. This Kind bar checks all of my energy bar boxes: it tastes great, has good texture, and gives you the nutrients you need to keep going.