The best slip-on shoes are comfortable and supportive, and they’re a versatile style option, too. But since you’re foregoing laces, it’s obviously important to get the right fit. After reviewing dozens of options, we selected Kuru’s Atom Slip On as the best slip-on shoe overall for its padded, foot-hugging design. If you need a shoe in a specific width, we like the Kizik Lima, and for a stylish work pair, our pick is Rothy’s The Original Slip On Sneaker.
The best slip-on shoes are not only convenient, they’re comfortable, flexible, breathable and they … [+] have specialized heel design to keep them securely on your feet.
ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILERS
When determining the best laceless styles, we considered whether these pairs were constructed from springy foams and flexible, breathable uppers, and we looked at whether they have functional details to help them stay on your foot well. Ahead, you’ll find all the best slip-on shoes that we highly recommend.
Sizes: Women’s 6 to 11; Men’s 7 to 13 | Colors: 4 total | Materials: Knit upper, rubber outsole
What’s notable: Heel cushioning provides relief for those with plantar fasciitis.
What could be better: Some say these run narrow, so they’re not best for wider feet.
The knit upper on this slip-on shoe is soft, breathable and stretchy like a great pair of socks, but it also has the supportiveness of a running shoe. The heel-hugging design keeps this pair securely on your feet and the midsole cradles your arch to ensure you’ll stay pain-free. It even has front and back pull tabs. If you’re looking for a more minimalist option, try the Kuru Stride.
Sizes: Women’s 5 to 13 | Colors: 12 total | Materials: Synthetic upper (made from recycled plastic bottles), rubber outsole
What’s notable: The stretchy fabric is soft and accommodating for different foot shapes, and wearers like that this pair feels comfy out of the box with no break-in time.
What could be better: Some wish these were available in additional widths and had even more cushion.
Knit from plastic bottles, Rothy’s shoes are surprisingly flexible and comfortable on your feet. They’re machine washable, so if they ever get scuffed, stained or smelly, you can throw them in the machine for a like-new effect. This slip-on comes in 12 neutral colors (two are made from hemp) that can be styled more casually, or you can dress them up for an elevated look. For a men’s version, try the Ravello Slip On Sneaker.
Allbirds
Allbirds Tree Dasher
Sizes: Women’s 5 to 11; Men’s 8 to 14 | Colors: 10 total | Materials: Knit upper, rubber outsole
What’s notable: Reviewers praise these for being roomy through the toe box. They can also be machine washed.
What could be better: Some say these run wider than they’d like.
For the profile and feel of a running or walking shoe but without the laces, try the Allbirds Tree Dasher. Comfortable details include a stretchy knit upper, cushiony midsole and padded heel collar, which makes this pair great for travel, errands or everyday wear. This slip-on comes in ten colors; if you’re looking for a more streamlined, lower profile, try the Allbirds Tree Lounger.
Sizes: Women’s and Men’s 35 to 46 | Colors: 23 total (including wool designs) | Materials: Recycled mesh, sugarcane-based EVA and rubber outsole
What’s notable: The color selection is seemingly endless, and this pair is water repellant.
What could be better: These come in European sizing, so you’ll need to use the chart to convert to US sizes.
For easy-care comfort and convenience, Vivaia’s flexible sliders—made from recycled mesh—are hard to beat. They have a fixed tongue that won’t slide sideways, a non-collapsing, reinforced wraparound heel, a wide toe box that allows toes room to splay, arch support and a supportive heel cup.
Sizes: Women’s 5 to 13; Men’s 4.5 to 15 | Colors: 11 total | Materials: Knit upper, rubber outsole
What’s notable: These come in multiple widths, extended sizes and wearable colors that go with most everything.
What could be better: While you can remove the insoles to wash them, the shoe itself isn’t machine washable.
While it looks like a traditional lace-up shoe, this slip-on style has a heel that pops back into place after you slide it on. The Lima is lightweight, breathable, cushy and roomy in the toe box to accommodate toe splay. Due to its versatility, this is a great shoe for travel when you don’t have room in your suitcase to pack tons of options. We also like the Kizik Athens for a slip-on shoe.
Sizes: Women’s 5 to 11; Men’s 7 to 14 | Colors: 15 total | Materials: Mesh upper, rubber outsole (made with 44% recycled materials)
What’s notable: The springy soles have a floaty feel that’s forgiving on joints. Plus, the design is stylish and sleek.
What could be better: Some don’t love that small rocks and pebbles can get stuck in the soles of these.
On’s popular, ultra-lightweight shoe has a flexible bungee speed lacing system for easy on and off when you’re on the go. Other cool features: It’s made with breathable antimicrobial mesh, the molded heel keeps it from slipping off the back of your foot and the specialized, springy foam offers soft takeoffs and landings. These come in 15 colors, including pastels, brights and neutrals, and they’re also available in a waterproof version.
Sizes: Women’s 6 to 10 | Colors: 2 total | Materials: Monomesh upper, rubber outsole
What’s notable: If you’re looking for support and padding, this slip-on is a popular option that’s also machine washable.
What could be better: This specific Go Walk model only comes in two colors.
Skechers Slip-Ins are notoriously versatile, and while the brand has many slip-on styles, this one is one of the most cushioned. The foam is both springy and lightweight, and it has significant arch support to keep your foot positioned comfortably. The Go Walk Anywhere also has a grippy outsole to keep you secure on a variety of walking surfaces.
Sizes: Women’s 5 to 12; Men’s 8 to 14 | Colors: 5 | Materials: Synthetic upper, closed cell foam sole
What’s notable: This shoe receives top marks for comfort and it provides joint relief, especially for those with previous injuries.
What could be better: Some say these can be difficult to put on and you may have to size up.
Oofos’ soft and springy foam helps protect your back, knees and feet from unnecessary stress. This lightweight pair features good arch support and a rocker sole that helps you move with efficiency and prevents foot and heel pain. Even better, it’s machine washable.
Keds
Keds Kickback Canvas Slip On
Sizes: Women’s 5 to 11 | Colors: 5 total | Materials: Canvas upper, rubber outsole
What’s notable: This modern classic scores highly on comfort, and the contrast pull tabs make for easy on-and-offs.
What could be better: Several reviewers comment that the sizing can be snug.
Keds’ canvas slip-on is structured and supportive without feeling stiff. It has internal stretch gores for a comfortable fit and a soft jersey lining so you could even wear this pair without socks. Style this these with everything from dresses to maxi skirts to high-waisted shorts.
As with most shoes, fit is critical when it comes to slip-ons, especially because anything that’s too long or wide can cause these shoes to slip off your heels while walking. Look for styles that hug your heels without causing rubbing or chafing or gaping at the sides when walking. Don’t be afraid to return a pair if it doesn’t fit you perfectly. And bear in mind, if any pair is uncomfortable right out of the box, the shoe is probably not for you. Certain styles—like the Vivaia Sneaker Sliders and Kizik Lima—allow you to adjust laces for the right fit, and then slip them on moving forward thanks to their flexible heel system.
Flexibility And Breathability
The best slip-on shoes offer a mix of flexibility and breathability. Look for technical mesh uppers that stretch to accommodate your foot shape as well as materials that won’t cause feet to sweat and chafe. For example, styles like the On Cloud 5 are made from stretchy mesh uppers or performance knits. Other models feature tough-but-breathable canvas, like Keds’ Kickback Canvas Slip Ons.
Cushion
For most people, cushion equals comfort, although it has to be well-placed and not make you feel unstable. If you prefer a sole with springiness and support, check out the Kuru Atom Slip On or the Allbirds Tree Dasher. If you need a rocker sole, you may like the Oofos Oomg Eezee Low Shoe.
