Loafers, loungers, slides, moccasins, slip-in sneakers, boat shoes and booties. Whatever you call them, slip-on shoes can be a great option as a grab-and-go option for pregnant women, people with mobility issues, like back pain or spinal stenosis, and arthritis in the lower back, hips, knees, feet, or even fingers, or even just busy moms and dads.
According to Saylee Tulpule, DPM, foot and ankle specialists of the Mid-Atlantic, slip-ons can be especially beneficial for seniors, as bending down and tying laces becomes difficult due to limited finger dexterity and mobility. They can also be a lightweight and versatile option for travel (easy to whip off and on for security screenings) and a comfortable option for walking or long periods of standing at work.
To find the best slip-on shoes, we tested 41 popular models, wearing each for a minimum of two weeks per pair across a range of scenarios and terrains. Before and during testing, we consulted with several experts to help us understand what to look for in a slip-on shoe. During testing, we scored each shoe based on a combination of comfort, fit, support, durability and value. A podiatrist on our Medical Expert Board also reviewed the content of this article. Here are our picks for slip-on shoes across a range of categories.
What Healthcare Providers Want You to Know
- Foot Type and Needs: Podiatrist Sidney Weiser, DPM, President and founder of Quality Podiatry Group, recommends slip-ons particularly for people with foot conditions like bunions or hammertoes, or individuals who have arthritis in their hands, knees, or ankles. But he also stresses that it is essential for individuals to assess their own needs and foot characteristics before deciding whether slip-on shoes are the right choice for them. For high arches, you might want to look for removable insoles so you can insert orthotics. For flatter feet, look for slip-ons with wide toe boxes.
- Support and Stability: According to Weiser, lack of proper support and stability issues are the biggest concerns while selecting slip-on shoes. And this lack of stability can make slip-ons a less favorable option for people with foot or arch problems or for running, gym or sports activities. All of our picks offer decent support, covering a full spectrum from elevated arches and rigid heels right through to flat midsoles and even no heel at all. Weiser cautions that slip-on shoes have a greater tendency to slip off or move around while walking compared to shoes with laces or straps. This can make them dangerous for anyone with gait or fall risk problems. He recommends that people with specific foot conditions or who require maximum support and stability should consider alternative options such as lace-up shoes or those with adjustable straps.
- Materials: The slip-ons we tested encompassed a range of fabrics, from merino wool to canvas, mesh knits to leathers. Tulpule recommends slip-on shoes with softer fabrics that are breathable and can easily mold to the wearer’s foot. Of the brands we tested, she recommends Allbirds, Kizik and Olukai slip-ons for their combination of breathability, traction and ease of use. Weiser suggests looking for stretchy material, which ensures a comfortable walking experience and also reduces the risk of foot pain due to friction, which can cause blisters, corns and calluses.
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Hands-free entry/exit
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Excellent support
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Waterproof membrane
Key Specs
Sizes: W 5–11; M 7–14 | Material: Polyester (40% recycled)
Why We Recommend It
Super breathable, comfortable and lightweight (8 oz per shoe), On Running’s Cloud 5 Waterproof slip-ons topped our list as best overall. From first wear, the wide toe area combined with the molded heel design and the brand’s proprietary foam held our feet securely in place. Every day, we found ourselves reaching for them time and again. And after two months of continuous use, we’ve not experienced a moment of discomfort.
Because they’re so easy to slip on or off hands-free and offer excellent support, these are a great option for anyone with mobility issues, including seniors and pregnant women. During testing, we subjected these shoes to long days on our feet indoors, neighborhood errands, plane travel and even workouts. While most of the slip-on shoes we tested didn’t provide quite enough support or stability for more intense exercise, these performed well during a wide range of workouts—including tennis clinics, runs on pavement, strength and cardio training. No matter the activity, no matter the surface, no matter the duration, they provided a superb balance of comfort and support. They also have a waterproof membrane for wet-weather protection. And, despite the level of use, they’re showing no signs of wear or tear.
Keep In Mind
After two months of almost everyday use, we find it difficult to find any fault with these shoes. Their above-median price tag will be out of reach for many, though for the performance and durability we’ve experienced so far, we’d recommend the investment.
Verywell Health / Isabel Mayne
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Lightweight construction
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Breathable fabric
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No break-in period
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Too narrow for wide feet
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Limited support
Key Specs
Sizes: 5–14 | Material: Synthetic
Why We Recommend It
The durable rubber outsole, comfy EVA footbed and lightweight design make the UGG Women’s Sammy Sneaker our number-one recommendation for packing on your next trip. They’re light enough to pack in your carry-on and easy to slip on and off at airport security. Plus, the breathable synthetic uppers provide great ventilation for warmer climates and the minimalist aesthetic works with a range of outfits.
Whether on carpet, hardwood, sidewalk, pavement or grass, we found the traction adequate for most surfaces. Although the support probably won’t suffice for more athletic adventures like hiking or running, the no-fuss, super-comfy style is just the thing for hotel lounging, shopping and low-key sight-seeing—with no worry about blisters. Yes, the >$100 price point might seem a lot for an unassuming slide. But for the overall attention to detail and downright comfort, we think the extra outlay’s worth it.
Keep In Mind
The narrow contours of these shoes are not ideal for wider foot shapes. Plus, these are definitely not designed for more intense exercise or wearing on rugged terrains.
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Limited cushioning
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Brief break-in period
Key Specs
Sizes: W 4–12.5; M 6–17.5 | Material: Leather uppers
Why We Recommend It
No heel means no chafing, forgiving with sizing, and no hands required to slide these on and off with ease. True to other Birkenstocks we’ve worn, the firm leather and cork take a little breaking in, but after a week of daily wear, they felt comfy—and after a month, they felt borderline custom.
Whether you’re going sock-free, donning your thickest winter woolies, or even dealing with swollen feet, the heel-free design means you can easily slide in and out of these shoes with no bending down or wriggling. Once you get used to the feel, there’s a lot to love about the support of the leather footbed, with or without socks. The generous toe area and arch support give a good level of stability without ever feeling cramped. As the rigid contours gradually conform to your foot shape, these shoes get more and more comfortable over time. This is good because, due to their uncompromised construction, they’ll be with you for the long haul.
Keep In Mind
They do tend to get sweaty when worn without socks and we experienced one small blister during testing after wearing them without socks. But socks with clogs may not be a preferred style choice for everyone.
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Hands-free entry/exit
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Excellent support
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Minimalist design
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Thick soles
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Brief break-in period
Key Specs
Sizes: 5–11 | Material: Mesh uppers
Why We Recommend It
A classic everyday design meets innovative multi-use functionality in an urban shoe with OLUKAI’s patented “Drop-In Heel®.” You can either pull them on like a regular slip-on shoe or drop the heel and slide them on hands-free, which makes them a great stylish option for anyone with limited mobility. The heavy sole and light uppers offered a great balance of comfort, breathability and structured support. Wearing them around the office or on asphalt, sidewalk and grass, we encountered no blisters or discomfort.
Though the sturdy grooved soles take a little getting used to, the arch lift and heel support felt surprisingly solid, given the minimalist look of these shoes. And though the first few wears required a bit of fiddling to get them on and off, after the mesh uppers stretched to conform to our foot shapes, we found we could easily slide in and out hands-free. Overall, this combination of lightweight construction, excellent support and out-and-out versatility makes the OLUKAI Pehuea Women’s Slip On Sneaker our most versatile pick. They’re also recommended by our expert consultant, Tulpule.
Keep In Mind
The thick soles and arch support take some getting used to. And there is a brief break-in period before you can easily slide in and out of these slip-ons completely hands-free.
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Limited support
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Warm uppers
Key Specs
Sizes: 5–11; M 8–14 | Material: ZQ merino wool uppers
Why We Recommend It
Soft, cozy and bouncy, these Allbirds Wool Loungers deliver the comfort of a slipper in a superb slip-on shoe, and topped our list as the most comfortable we tried. For short bursts of use (around an hour at a time), these shoes are so comfy we’d forget we were wearing them. And their ethically-sourced merino and carbon-negative foam EVA construction delivers warm fuzzies of the environmental kind.
Straight out of the box, the supple uppers and pull tabs make these shoes super-easy to slip into. (They even got the nod of approval from our editor at 9 months pregnant.) We found there’s ample room in the toe box, and they offer plenty of flexibility through the sole. The arch is flat, however, and the structural support is closer to a slipper than a trainer. But, hey! In terms of doing one thing and doing it very, very well, these loungers are 100% hitting the mark.
Keep In Mind
The uppers are made from merino wool, which, obviously, won’t be ideal in warmer climates. Also, the arch support is lacking, so they’re definitely better for short periods of low-impact use.
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Hands-free entry/exit
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Softly supportive
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Machine washable
Key Specs
Sizes: 4–12 | Material: Knit upper
Why We Recommend It
Lightweight, roomy and softly supportive, these Hey Dude Men’s Wally shoes had us walking on cloud-like cushions for three weeks of testing. The snug fit and featherlight soles are so comfortable we could wear them all day and forget we even had them on. The rounded toe area offered gentle support with excellent freedom of movement (and is great for bunions!). The removable, memory foam-cushioned insole gave slightly more rigid support for the heel and arch. The canvas uppers, though thin, have a nicely cushioned ridge line to hold the shoe shape together.
We loved that the elastic tensioners allowed for easy, hands-free entry and exit and that we could tighten them slightly if leaving the house for longer walks or errands. Plus, the whole shoe is cold-water machine washable. The balance of comfort, supple support, easy on/off and accessible price point made these slip-ons our top pick for seniors.
Keep In Mind
This is a snug-fitting shoe, so it’s a great idea to order a half size up from your usual. While these shoes offer ample support for casual walks around the neighborhood, if you’re on your feet all day, you may need something a little more rigid.
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Excellent support
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Deep heel cup
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Minimalist design
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Tight entry/exit
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Brief break-in period
Key Specs
Sizes: 5–11 | Material: Leather upper, rubber outsole, EVA footbed
Why We Recommend It
Though initially the Vionic Women’s Penelope Slip On Sneaker felt a little stiff, from the second wear these shoes were already molding to our foot contours, and they continued becoming more comfortable throughout testing. While out and about, we loved the stability of the deep heel cup, midsole arch support and forefoot cushioning. And the minimalist design goes with a range of outfits and uniforms.
There’s no getting past the fact that it takes some wiggling to get your feet in and out of these shoes. The tradeoff for this extra effort: you get the support of a lace-up sneaker, minus the hassle of lacing (and relacing) throughout your day. Ultimately, with these slip-ons, what you see is what you get. No bells. No whistles. Just practical, supportive shoes made for long periods on your feet.
Keep In Mind
We experienced some mild ankle and toe chafing during the break-in period, so we’d suggest wearing socks with these shoes. Plus, the leather uppers aren’t very breathable, so they are not the best choice for summertime wear in warmer climates. And they’re a narrow fit, so they require a bit of effort to slide on and off.
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Rigid support
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Hard wearing
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Fun colorways
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Brief break-in period
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Flat soles
Key Specs
Sizes: W 5–14; M 3-13 | Material: Canvas, leather or suede uppers
Why We Recommend It
Popularized in the late-70s skate scene, the Vans Classic Slip-On Sneaker has been a top-seller in the category ever since. Though we found the rigid feel of the canvas off-putting to begin with, after breaking them in, these shoes proved a supportive, comfortable option at an accessible price point. And given they’ve been the slip-on of choice for skaters for 40-something years, you know they’re built to last.
Initially, we experienced some minor rubbing on the heel and on the widest part of our feet, yet the leather inner heel lining prevented blisters from forming. Once broken in, however, these shoes remained comfortable and supportive for up to ten hours of continuous wear. The flat soles offered excellent traction and shock absorption despite their lack of cushioning (there’s not a lot of arch support here!). And as the canvas started to soften, we were able to slip them on hands-free, albeit while seated.
Keep In Mind
These shoes definitely require a break-in period, during which you may experience heel and toe chafing. They also have flat soles, providing minimal arch support, and the heavy-duty canvas uppers lacked breathability in warm settings.
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Excellent support
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Ethical materials
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Great traction
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Tight entry/exit
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Slightly loose fit
Key Specs
Sizes: 8–14 | Material: FSC Certified eucalyptus knit
Why We Recommend It
Supremely comfortable from the very first wear, the Allbirds Tree Dasher Relays offered the best arch support of the slip-ons we tested. They provide the cushioning, energy transfer and comfort of a sneaker in a neat, lace-free design. Because of this, these slip-ons became our go-to’s for walking the dog, getting the mail or running errands. And they also get the tick of approval from Dr Tulpule.
While the slipper-like aesthetic of these shoes won’t be for everyone, we loved how the lightweight construction allowed plenty of room for our toes and excellent breathability. The dual-density foam midsole—made from the world’s first carbon-negative EVA, no less—kept arches elevated. And the thick soles offered great cushioning and traction on pavement, gravel, cement and grass.
Keep In Mind
We struggled to slip into these shoes hands-free—finding we had to hold the back of the opening to prevent the heel from collapsing. Also, after long periods of wear, the flexibility of the mesh allowed our feet to slip around, which is worth considering if you suffer from ankle weakness or injuries.
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Easy entry/exit
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Sock-like comfort
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Pillow-like cushioning
Key Specs
Sizes: 5–13 | Material: Knit upper
Why We Recommend It
Extremely lightweight and breathable, these shoes molded snugly to our feet and felt so comfortable it was like wearing socks. We loved that they look like a regular pair of lace-ups yet slip on and off as effortlessly as slippers. The pillow-like memory foam cushioning provides relief for tired and aching feet.
We loved how the malleable sole provided ample arch support while still remaining flexible, and the stretch knit upper delivered excellent stability and breathability, albeit in cooler climates. Ultimately, the combination of easy entry and exit, stretchy support and supple cushioning made these Sketchers “Slip-Ins” our top pick for people suffering plantar fasciitis.
Keep In Mind
For wider feet, these shoes felt narrow, and after extended periods of wear, they tended to squeeze the sides of our feet. The light colorways also scuff and mark easily.
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Excellent support
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Roomy toe area
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Check sizing
Key Specs
Sizes: W 5–13; M 4.5–15 | Material: Knit uppers, foam outsoles
Why We Recommend It
With no rubbing or chafing at all, from the first wear, we found the roomy toe area of these Kizik Lima’s to be the most comfortable for wider feet. Sturdy and supportive, yet breathable and airy, they strike a great balance of stability and comfort. And our toes never felt cramped at all, even after walking around all day.
We loved how the solid traction held firm in varying weather conditions and terrain, including in the rain and on grass, cement and dirt. The arch support offered excellent stability, and the removable, washable insoles allow you to insert your own orthotics if desired. Best of all, these function as true slip-ons and are extremely easy to slide on or off without using your hands. And they also get the thumbs up from our expert consultant Tulpule.
Keep In Mind
Though we found these shoes hard to fault (and that they fit true to size), several customer reviews complain about inaccurate sizing, so it might pay to try them in store before purchase.
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Waterproof
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Excellent support
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Great traction
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Tight entry/exit
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Fits a half size small
Key Specs
Sizes: 6–14 | Material: Waterproof knit uppers
Why We Recommend It
Lightweight and breathable, soft and comfortable, from the get-go we loved the feel of these tighter-fitting slip-ons (almost like a compression sock). The flexible upper knit and midsole cushioning offered ample support for low-key activities like walking and running errands around town. And though the construction proved too rigid to slip them on and off hands-free, the extra support and durability is a bonus for use in wet or icy conditions.
The waterproof uppers and decent traction of these shoes set them apart from the other slip-ons we tested. While they’re not suitable for any true hiking or outdoor adventuring, we were able to walk through slush and minimal snow comfortably without ever feeling like slipping. So, even though they won’t replace your winter boots, we recommend Vessi Men’s Everyday Move Slip-Ons as a great quality grab-and-go shoe for year-round use.
Keep In Mind
These shoes fit a little on the small size, so it’s definitely worth considering a half size larger than you’d usually purchase. The rigidity of the heel makes these shoes difficult to take on or off hands-free.
How We Tested the Slip-On Shoes
The Verywell Health team tested 20 pairs of women’s slip-on shoes and 21 pairs of men’s slip-on shoes for a total of 41 pairs. We tested each shoe for a minimum of five to seven wears across a period of two weeks (though several of our editors wore their shoes for significantly longer) on a range of surfaces, including pavement, carpet, floorboards, dirt, grass, sand and gravel. We picked our top slip-ons based on the following criteria:
- Comfort: We noted comfort levels from the first wear, any chafing, rubbing or discomfort, any issues with heat and breathability, and any redness or blisters after use. If a break-in period was required, we took note of how long it took to reach the desired level of comfort.
- Fit: We evaluated the ease of sliding each shoe on and off and whether or not we could enter/exit the shoes hands-free. We also evaluated whether the shoes fit true to size and the roominess of the toe area.
- Support: Before use, we performed a bend test to determine the rigidity of the soles and arch supports. During use, we evaluated the sufficiency and placement of arch support, the fit of the heel and whether or not each shoe’s support deteriorated through extended periods of wear.
- Durability: During use, we evaluated the traction on various surfaces and in various conditions, as well as the quality and feel of the materials and construction. After testing we took note of any wear and tear, especially around the heel and bottoms of the soles.
- Value: After testing, we asked each editor what they liked most about each shoe, if there were any elements that could be improved, and whether they considered the retail price reasonable for the product.
Our Experts
We interviewed several podiatrists before and during the creation of this article. Prior to testing, we consulted Cory Clement, DPM, to help set our test parameters. Other experts we consulted include:
- Sidney Weiser, DPM, President and founder of Quality Podiatry Group
- Saylee Tulpule, DPM, foot and ankle specialists of the Mid-Atlantic
Why Trust Verywell Health
Samson McDougall is a biology graduate, journalist, editor, and science communicator. His work encompasses everything from web copy for science museums and sexual health articles for universities to info sheets for first-in-category pharmaceuticals and brand messaging for wearable touch therapy by neuroscientists. He is a devotee of slip-on sandals and shoes and has extensive experience covering the podiatric benefits of correct footwear.
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