We Found the 15 Best Slip-On Sneakers, After Sliding Into Dozens of Pairs (2024)

We Found the 15 Best Slip-On Sneakers, After Sliding Into Dozens of Pairs (1)

For those on the go, whether jet-setting at the airport, hustling to work, or simply tackling chores at home, sliding into the best slip-on sneakers can be a game-changer. These effortless shoes not only streamline your routine but can also offer a blend of support and comfort that makes them suitable for all-day wear, from leisurely strolls to intense workouts. With many versatile styles available—ranging from athletic to office-appropriate—there's a slip-on sneaker to suit every taste and budget.

To find the best slip-on sneakers, we sought expert advice from podiatrists and an orthopedic surgeon who helped us understand what key features to consider when shopping. Armed with their insights, we researched dozens and even tested 11 expert-approved slip-on shoes in The Verywell Testing Lab and in our regular daily routines. Another reason to trust our recommendations? We had a walking coach and RRCA-certified running coach from our Review Board review this story for accuracy and how to shop for comfortable, supportive slip-on sneakers.

Our Top Picks

Jump to Review
Jump to Review
Jump to Review
Jump to Review
Jump to Review
Jump to Review

In This Article

  • Our Picks

  • We Also Tested

  • What to Look For

  • How We Tested

  • Our Experts

  • Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why Trust Verywell Fit

We Found the 15 Best Slip-On Sneakers, After Sliding Into Dozens of Pairs (2)

Our Ratings

  • Responsiveness

    5/5

  • Stability

    4.8/5

  • Fit

    4.8/5

  • Value

    4.9/5

  • Comfort

    4.9/5

Pros

  • Versatile, sleek design

  • Great traction

  • Waterproof

Cons

  • Limited color options

Key Specs

Size Range: Women’s 5-11; Men’s 6-14 | Materials: Knit upper, rubber outsole | Best For: Walking, casual wear

Why We Love Them

Stylish and versatile, Vessi’s Cityscape Classic Shoes are comfy, supportive, and even waterproof. They offer the perfect ratio of cushioning to weight, feeling plush underfoot without weighing us down. The elastic ankle collar allows you to slip your foot in easily and helps you find a comfy, glove-like fit.

In testing, we were also impressed with the shoe’s support and shock absorption, which help ward off foot fatigue, even after hours of walking. The outsole is extremely grippy, so you can confidently walk on wet, slippery surfaces. The knit upper is engineered with thousands of nano-sized holes that are small enough to keep water out but still allow sweat and heat to escape.

Potential Flaws

  • With a sleek design, they’re perfect for work or casual wear, although we’d love to see them in more color options.
  • We Found the 15 Best Slip-On Sneakers, After Sliding Into Dozens of Pairs (3)

  • We Found the 15 Best Slip-On Sneakers, After Sliding Into Dozens of Pairs (4)

Pros

  • Supportive, comfortable fit

  • Plush but responsive cushioning

  • Sleek and stylish

Cons

  • Limited color options

Key Specs

Size Range: Women’s 5-12 | Materials: Knit upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Best For: Walking

Why We Love Them

You can’t go wrong with Ryka’s Romia Walking Shoe for a convenient slip-on sneaker that's comfortable and on-trend. The shoe’s lightweight cushioning provides solid arch support and springy responsiveness during walks, allowing easy, smooth transitions. It offers plush landings and good shock absorption to help protect knees and other joints. The bouncy and supportive feel makes these shoes great for casual walking and all-day wear.

We’re also impressed with the shoe’s smooth, seamless knit upper, which makes for a supportive, comfy fit. It’s also very breathable and keeps our feet cool and dry. In testing, our feet remained comfortable during a long day of sightseeing. We even tried walking in them without socks and noticed no irritation or discomfort.

Potential Flaws

  • These shoes are so sleek we wish they came in more colors to be paired with different fitness or casual attire.
  • We Found the 15 Best Slip-On Sneakers, After Sliding Into Dozens of Pairs (6)

  • We Found the 15 Best Slip-On Sneakers, After Sliding Into Dozens of Pairs (7)

  • We Found the 15 Best Slip-On Sneakers, After Sliding Into Dozens of Pairs (8)

We Found the 15 Best Slip-On Sneakers, After Sliding Into Dozens of Pairs (9)

Our Ratings

  • Responsiveness

    4/5

  • Fit

    4.5/5

  • Value

    4.5/5

  • Comfort

    4/5

Pros

  • Lightweight and flexible

  • Comes in three widths

  • Responsive insole

Cons

  • Can be squeaky at first

Key Specs

Size Range: Women’s 5-13 | Materials: Mesh upper, rubber outsole | Best For: Walking, travel, all-day wear

Why We Love Them

Whether you want a slip-on sneaker for work, casual wear, or exploring a vacation destination on foot, Skechers’ Go Walk Joy Walking Shoe is a budget-friendly shoe that offers the perfect combination of style and comfort. Weighing less than 6 ounces, these are one of the lightest shoes we tested. Still, they don't skimp on cushioning: the foam insole feels responsive and supportive with each stride.

The shoe’s soft upper is designed with flexible mesh fabric that stretches for a snug, supportive fit. The shoes feel extremely breathable, and our feet never get too hot, even during long walks in the summer heat. Plus, they are available in narrow, regular, or wide sizes, so it’s easy to find a size that works for your unique foot shape.

Potential Flaws

  • We initially noticed that the rubber soles were squeaky on some indoor surfaces, such as wood floors, but the noise stopped after the bottoms got scuffed.

We Found the 15 Best Slip-On Sneakers, After Sliding Into Dozens of Pairs (10)

Our Ratings

  • Responsiveness

    5/5

  • Stability

    5/5

  • Fit

    4/5

  • Value

    4/5

  • Comfort

    4.4/5

Pros

  • Responsive for walking or running

  • Lightweight and breathable

  • Good shock absorption

Cons

  • Limited color options

  • No wide sizes

Potential Flaws

Size Range: Women’s 5-11; Men’s 8-14 | Materials: Eucalyptus pulp, castor bean insole, Merino wool, natural rubber | Best For: Walking, running

Why We Love Them

Allbirds’ Tree Dasher Relay Walking Shoes are lightweight, responsive, and stable, making them a nice option for fitness walkers who want a convenient, slip-on sneaker. Thanks to impressive shock absorption, these shoes help prevent knee and joint pain on long walks. And removable insoles feel flexible while providing ample arch support. Plus, the handy pull tab and flexible upper make it easy to slide in and out of them.

In testing, we appreciated that the outsole's rubber traction pads deliver reliable grip right where it’s needed, while the flared heel enhances the shoe’s overall stability. We also love that the shoes feel very breathable and have minimal seams, which helps protect against blisters. They also feature a Merino wool heel lining that adds even more support and helps to lock your foot in place.

Potential Flaws

  • This shoe doesn’t come in extended widths, so it may not be the best option if you have especially wide feet. We also wish that these came in a larger variety of colors.
  • We Found the 15 Best Slip-On Sneakers, After Sliding Into Dozens of Pairs (11)

  • We Found the 15 Best Slip-On Sneakers, After Sliding Into Dozens of Pairs (12)

Pros

Cons

  • No wide widths

Key Specs

Size Range: Women’s 5-11 | Materials: Mesh and leather upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Best For: Walking, casual wear

Why We Love Them

Need a lightweight slip-on shoe for travel? OluKai’s Pehuea Casual Shoes are perfect for warm-weather vacations or casual summer wear. We’re impressed that these shoes provide cushioned comfort despite their minimalist design. They feel comfortable right out of the box, with no break-in period needed. Whether you’re wearing them to work, out on the town, or for a light workout, these will keep your feet comfy and cool.

In testing, we found that the shoe is also very breathable, making it comfortable for extended periods of wear out in the warm weather. We didn't notice any overheating, sweating, or blisters during testing. We also like their drop-in heel design, which allows us to wear them as regular sneakers or as clog-style slide-ins when the heel is down.

Potential Flaws

  • These aren’t available in wide widths, so they may not work for those who’ve had issues with blisters or bunions and need a wide toe box shoe.

Best for Plantar Fasciitis

Orthofeet Kita Hands-free Sneakers

We Found the 15 Best Slip-On Sneakers, After Sliding Into Dozens of Pairs (14)

Our Ratings

  • Responsiveness

    5/5

  • Stability

    4.7/5

  • Fit

    5/5

  • Value

    5/5

  • Comfort

    4.5/5

Pros

  • Supportive

  • Comes in three different widths

  • Good stability and traction

Cons

  • Limited color options

  • Pricier than others

Key Specs

Size Range: Women’s 5-12 | Materials: Knit upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Best For: Walking, low-impact exercise

Why We Love Them

If you have a history of plantar fasciitis, you can protect yourself by wearing a slip-on sneaker with good support and ample cushioning in the heel area, like Orthofeet’s Kita Hands-Free Shoes. When we first stepped into them, we were impressed with the shoe’s customizable fit. They come with an orthotic insole, fitting spacers, and an arch booster insert so that you can find the right level of support—which is crucial for keeping plantar fasciitis at bay.

The upper material feels soft and smooth, with no irritating seams to cause chafing or blisters. And generous cushioning provides plenty of shock absorption for walking or low-impact workouts. We also like the sturdy rubber outsole, which delivers good traction on various surfaces.

Potential Flaws

  • While these shoes are pricier than others on our list, they perform well on both treadmill and outdoor walks, providing excellent stability and comfort and making them well worth their price point.
  • Great for all foot sizes and shapes, the shoe comes in a wide range of women's sizes and widths. However, we’d love to see more color options beyond a handful of neutral hues.
  • We Found the 15 Best Slip-On Sneakers, After Sliding Into Dozens of Pairs (15)

  • We Found the 15 Best Slip-On Sneakers, After Sliding Into Dozens of Pairs (16)

Best Cushioned

Kizik Roamer

We Found the 15 Best Slip-On Sneakers, After Sliding Into Dozens of Pairs (17)

Our Ratings

  • Responsiveness

    4.8/5

  • Stability

    4.8/5

  • Fit

    4.9/5

  • Value

    4.8/5

  • Comfort

    4.8/5

Pros

  • Responsive cushioning

  • Very comfortable fit

  • Good traction

Cons

  • Heavier than some other options

  • Expensive

Key Specs

Size Range: Women’s 5-13; Men’s 4.5-13 | Materials: Knit upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Best For: Walking

Why We Love Them

Slip-on sneakers can sometimes offer inadequate cushioning, but that’s certainly not the case with Kizik’s Roamer Shoe. We like that the plush midsole provides just the right amount of comfort, arch support, and responsiveness. The heel is also well-cushioned, which makes each step feel comfortable. Additionally, the outsole is wide and grippy, providing good stability and traction on various surfaces.

We’re very impressed with the shoe’s fit, which is snug and supportive. Made with four-way stretch knit fabric, the upper moves with your feet for incredible all-day comfort. And the toe box is wide, with plenty of room for toes to splay out. We love these shoes for fitness walks or casual wear when you want your feet to feel comfortable and supportive but still look stylish.

Potential Flaws

  • The shoe’s impressive cloud-like comfort does add some weight, so these shoes feel a bit heavier than other slip-on pairs we’ve tested.
  • They're also more expensive than some of our other picks, but we think they're worth the investment for a well-cushioned yet breathable shoe for strolling on city sidewalks in hot weather.
  • We Found the 15 Best Slip-On Sneakers, After Sliding Into Dozens of Pairs (18)

  • We Found the 15 Best Slip-On Sneakers, After Sliding Into Dozens of Pairs (19)

We Found the 15 Best Slip-On Sneakers, After Sliding Into Dozens of Pairs (20)

Our Ratings

  • Fit

    4.5/5

  • Comfort

    5/5

  • Value

    5/5

Pros

  • Sleek, timeless style

  • Comes in wide sizes

  • Budget-friendly

Cons

  • Not suitable for walking long distances

  • Lacking arch support

Key Specs

Size Range: Men’s 6.5-16; Women’s 5-17.5 | Materials: Canvas upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Best For: Casual wear

Why We Love Them

A tried-and-true favorite, Vans’ Classic Slip-On Shoes have a timeless style that pairs well with almost anything. The iconic shoe’s sleek, low-profile upper makes it easy and convenient to wear. But beyond their cool design, the shoes keep your feet comfy and blister-free, thanks to a seamless fit and padded collar. Meanwhile, the waffle rubber outsole enhances overall comfort, traction, and durability.

We love the these slip-ons as a comfortable, versatile wardrobe staple. And with a budget-friendly price, plus dozens of colors and patterns, you may even want to pick up more than one pair.

Potential Flaws

  • While they’re great for casual wear and strolling around town, these slip-ons do not offer enough arch support for long-distance walking.

Best with Arch Support

KURU ATOM

We Found the 15 Best Slip-On Sneakers, After Sliding Into Dozens of Pairs (21)

Our Ratings

  • Responsiveness

    5/5

  • Stability

    4.8/5

  • Fit

    4.8/5

  • Value

    5/5

  • Comfort

    4.5/5

Pros

  • Built-in arch support

  • Lightweight and breathable

  • Sleek, streamlined design

Cons

  • No wide sizes

  • Expensive

Key Specs

Size Range: Women’s 6-11; Men’s 7-13 | Materials: Knit upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Best For: Walking

Why We Love Them

Some slip-on sneakers don’t have proper arch support, so you may have to add your own custom orthotics, says podiatrist Marlene Reid, DPM, FACFAS. However, that’s not the case with Kuru’s Atom Slip-on Shoe, which features built-in arch support that conforms to the shape of your feet. The shoe’s stellar support makes it a smart choice if you’re seeking relief from plantar fasciitis symptoms or hoping to prevent a recurrence.

With comfy cushioning and a flexible design, the shoe is suitable for various activities, including walking, running, and all-day casual wear. The slip-on design features convenient front and back pull tabs, making it easy to get into and out of the shoe. We also love the upper’s knit material, which offers a sock-like feel but allows for ample airflow.

Potential Flaws

  • Although the wide box is roomy, the shoe doesn’t come in extended widths, so it may not be suitable for those with wide feet.
  • It's also worth noting that it's one of our more expensive picks. However, if you need good arch support and want to avoid bulky, orthopedic-looking shoes, they’re a sleek, comfortable option.
  • We Found the 15 Best Slip-On Sneakers, After Sliding Into Dozens of Pairs (22)

  • We Found the 15 Best Slip-On Sneakers, After Sliding Into Dozens of Pairs (23)

Best for Narrow Feet

Skechers Go Walk Arch Fit

We Found the 15 Best Slip-On Sneakers, After Sliding Into Dozens of Pairs (24)

Our Ratings

  • Fit

    3/5

  • Comfort

    5/5

  • Responsiveness

    5/5

  • Stability

    4/5

  • Value

    4/5

Pros

  • Excellent arch support

  • Budget-friendly

  • Machine-washable

Cons

  • May be too stiff for some

Key Specs

Size Range: Women’s 5-11 | Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole | Best For: Walking, casual wear

Why We Love Them

Another great option from Skechers is their Go Walk Arch Fit Shoe, which offers a sleek, low-profile design that works well for those with narrow feet. The toe box of these shoes isn’t as wide as other slip-ons we’re testing, making it a good option for those who worry about their feet sliding around too much. We also like that the shoe’s ample cushioning helps hold our feet securely in place while providing good responsiveness during walks.

What really sets these shoes apart from some other basic slip-on sneakers is their insole system with podiatrist-certified arch support. We noticed the arch support right away when first wearing these shoes and like how it contours to the shape of our feet. We’re impressed with the shoe’s upper, which feels smooth, soft, and breathable, with no irritation or uncomfortable rubbing. Plus, these are machine-washable.

Potential Flaws

  • While we loved the ample arch support, it may feel to stiff if you have low arches.
  • We Found the 15 Best Slip-On Sneakers, After Sliding Into Dozens of Pairs (25)

  • We Found the 15 Best Slip-On Sneakers, After Sliding Into Dozens of Pairs (26)

  • We Found the 15 Best Slip-On Sneakers, After Sliding Into Dozens of Pairs (27)

  • We Found the 15 Best Slip-On Sneakers, After Sliding Into Dozens of Pairs (28)

We Found the 15 Best Slip-On Sneakers, After Sliding Into Dozens of Pairs (29)

Our Ratings

  • Responsiveness

    5/5

  • Fit

    5/5

  • Value

    4.5/5

  • Comfort

    5/5

Pros

  • Excellent cushioning and support

  • Lightweight and breathable

  • Secure, flexible fit

Cons

  • Lacking in lateral support

  • Pricier than others

Key Specs

Size Range: Women’s 5-12; Men’s 8-13 | Materials: Flyknit upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Best For: Running

Why We Love Them

If you want a running shoe that’s comfy and convenient, check out Nike’s React Phantom Run Flyknit 2. Although it looks like a casual wear shoe, it has the support and protection needed for a daily trainer. Breathable and lightweight, this sock-fit running shoe features durable cushioning that absorbs impact and provides soft comfort underfoot. It’s also very responsive, so you’ll get springy returned energy with each stride.

The shoe uses a laceless, elastic design intertwined with the upper, so it flexes with your foot but feels secure as you run. And the tabs on the heel and tongue make it easy to get on and off. Molding around the heel enhances the locked-in feel, while targeted rubber on the outsole delivers reliable traction.

Potential Flaws

  • Lateral support is somewhat lacking, so these shoes are not as versatile for cross-training activities as some other Nike sneakers. Still, we love them for for runners of all levels looking for a neutral training shoe.
  • We Found the 15 Best Slip-On Sneakers, After Sliding Into Dozens of Pairs (30)

  • We Found the 15 Best Slip-On Sneakers, After Sliding Into Dozens of Pairs (31)

  • We Found the 15 Best Slip-On Sneakers, After Sliding Into Dozens of Pairs (32)

Slip-On Sneakers We Also Tested

  • Skechers’ Slip-ins Ultra Flex 3.0 - Brilliant Shoes are another popular lace-free option that’s well-cushioned, flexible, and breathable. While we like its overall fit and comfort, we found it difficult to get the right fit and felt they were too narrow.
  • Adidas’ Ultraboost Light Sneakers are lightweight, responsive running shoes suitable for short or long distances. While the shoe’s high heel tab makes it easy to slide into them, it’s actually a lace-up shoe, so it’s not as convenient as the laceless options included here.

What to Look For When Shopping For Slip-On Sneakers

  • Fit and Sizing: Slip-on sneakers should be well-fitting to your foot type since loose-fitting shoes can cause trips and falls, while tight shoes can cause circulation and wound problems, says orthopedic surgeon Christopher Hayes, MD, MS. It’s harder to accomplish that “just-right” fit with slip-on shoes since they often don’t have laces to adjust the fit. However, some models come in narrow or wide widths to get a shoe that fits your foot shape and size. Comfortable sneakers should feel snug at the front of your foot while still having room to wiggle your toes. Your heel should feel locked in and secure, not sliding back and forth or up and down.
  • Comfort and Support: Look for slip-on sneakers that prioritize comfort with generous arch support and cushioning. The shoe’s midsole should have plenty of cushioning for shock absorption and to keep your feet comfy and energized throughout the day. Consider insoles that contour to the shape of your arch. If the support is not adequate for your unique arch, you may need to remove the insole and use your own custom orthotics or inserts.
  • Materials: Choosing slip-on sneakers made of high-quality, durable materials, such as rubber for the outsole, will improve your overall comfort and help reduce injury risk. If you plan to run or walk in them for long periods, look for shoes made with breathable materials that can help control moisture and odor. For upper materials, knit, mesh, leather, and wool will feel soft and smooth and help prevent chafing.
  • Intended Purpose: Are you planning to walk a lot or run in the shoes, or are they just for casual wear? You should definitely consider what you’ll be doing in the shoes to find the right pair for you. For instance, if you’re just wearing them around the house, you won’t need as much cushioning, support, and traction as you would if you’re running in them. Examine the tread or sole of the shoe to ensure it offers enough grip and stability for your activities, says podiatrist Gretchen A. Lawrence, DPM.

How We Tested the Slip-On Sneakers

To find the best slip-on sneakers on the market, we tested 11 options from top, truested footwear brands. When testing, we evaluated each pair based on the following key criteria:

  • Fit: First, we try on each pair to asses for any initial discomfort. Then, as we begin to walk and run in each shoe, we pay close attention to its fit, ensuring no rubbing, irritation, or discomfort. We also consider: Is it too tight or restrictive? Is the upper flexible to allow for a custom-like fit? We prioritize shoes that have a snug fit and generally run true to size.
  • Comfort: As we continue to wear each shoe, we consider factors such as cushioning, arch support, and overall feel. We pay attention to how comfortable the shoe remains over extended periods of wear, particularly during various activities like walking, running, cross-training, and more.
  • Responsiveness: A shoe's responsiveness refers to how quickly and effectively it responds to movements, providing the desired level of energy return and stride propulsion. We assess responsiveness by evaluating how the shoe performs at propelling our strides during various activities.
  • Stability: Stability is crucial for preventing excessive foot movement and maintaining proper alignment during physical activities. We assess the stability of each shoe by examining its construction, midsole support, and outsole traction to determine how well it keeps our feet secure and balanced, especially on uneven terrain or during lateral movements.
  • Value: Once testing is finished, we look at the price of each shoe to determine its overall value score. Taking into account all the categories we tested, we evaluate whether we believe the shoe justifies its listed price or possibly even more. We prioritize shoes that we believe accurately match their price point and are ones we would confidently recommend to a friend.

Our Experts

We spoke to experts at every stage of researching and reporting this story. Some helped us develop effective ways to test these shoes, while others shared information on what key criteria to consider in slip-on shoes. We choose products independently but use expert input to influence our choices.

  • Gretchen A. Lawrence, DPM, a podiatrist in Shelby, North Carolina
  • Marlene Reid, DPM, FACFAS, a podiatrist in Naperville, Illinois
  • Christopher Hayes, MD, MS, an orthopedic surgeon with Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center

Frequently Asked Questions

Are slip-on sneakers good for walking?

Slip-on sneakers can be suitable for walking depending on their design and support features. Look for options with adequate arch support and cushioning to ensure comfort and stability during extended walks, Lawrence says,

Do slip-on shoes have good arch support?

Similar to traditional lace-up sneakers, slip-on shoes offer various arch support options. Some may lack sufficient support, while others feature deep heel cups and robust arch support, Hayes says. If you rely on custom orthotics or inserts for proper arch support, seek slip-on shoes with removable insoles or enough depth to accommodate them.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, has more than 20 years of experience writing and editing health and fitness content and product recommendations. As a certified personal trainer, running coach, and avid runner, she’s always researching and testing running shoes and knows what features to look for to determine the best running shoes for various needs.

We Found the 15 Best Slip-On Sneakers, After Sliding Into Dozens of Pairs (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Laurine Ryan

Last Updated:

Views: 5908

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (77 voted)

Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Laurine Ryan

Birthday: 1994-12-23

Address: Suite 751 871 Lissette Throughway, West Kittie, NH 41603

Phone: +2366831109631

Job: Sales Producer

Hobby: Creative writing, Motor sports, Do it yourself, Skateboarding, Coffee roasting, Calligraphy, Stand-up comedy

Introduction: My name is Laurine Ryan, I am a adorable, fair, graceful, spotless, gorgeous, homely, cooperative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.