The Best Slip-On Shoes for Walking, Running and Casual Wear
You'll even find supportive and cushioned options.
Expert consulted: Emma SeymourTextiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Associate DirectorMedically reviewed by Anne Sharkey, D.P.M.
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From my first pair of Vans in middle school to the stylish loafers that I wear to work, slip-on shoes have been a mainstay in my shoe collection. On days I am running out the door, they make it easy to get dressed without spending time untying and tying shoelaces. Some even offer enough support that is on par with my favorite lace-up sneakers.
I often collaborate with experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab to report on the most comfortable shoes, distilling testing data into curated shopping guides. We most recently evaluated over 50 sneakers (including slip-on styles) in the Lab and among consumer testers. To narrow down the best slip-on shoes, we considered arch support, cushion and style, including shoes for walking, running, commuting and more.
Pros
- Unique hands-free design
- Spacious toe box
- Top scores for cushioning
- Popular with online customer reviewers
Cons
- Testers wished the shoes had better support
Who they're best for: Anyone looking for a casual, everyday shoe that is comfortable to walk in and easy to put on while rushing out the door or going through TSA. Those with limited mobility can also benefit from the hands-free design.
Why we love them: Kizik is known for its comfortable walking shoes you can easily slip on sans hands. Each shoe has a built-in plastic cage within the heel that is designed to be flexible so the shoe can compress when you slip your foot inside and spring back up afterward.
The Athens shoe has a roomy toe box and is available in wide sizing too. Popular for its chunky design, fashionistas will appreciate the exposed heel cage that gives it a unique, modern look. Our testers gave them a perfect score for cushion, plus top scores for comfort. Testers did wish the Athens featured better ankle and arch support, though. Still, the shoes have nearly 3,000 online customer reviews with an average 4.9 rating.
Sizes: Women's 5–13; men's 4.5–15 (both available in standard and wide EE) | Colors: 18
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Kizik Sneakers
Pros
- Most comfortable walking shoe for women
- Lightweight and breathable upper
- Almost 34,000 Amazon reviews
Cons
- Not as stylish or supportive
Who they're best for: Those shopping on a budget will appreciate the affordable price point of these slip-on shoes that is a fraction of the cost of other styles on the market.
Why we love them: Not only did our testers find the Tiosebon Slip-On shoes to be the most comfortable style in our round-up of the best walking shoes for women, but they also have almost 34,000 online Amazon reviews. Even though the shoes don't offer as much support or stability, they are lightweight and breathable. One tester said, "they're easy on, easy off," but overall testers didn't give high ratings for the shoes' appearance.
Sizes: Women's 5–13; men's 6–13.5 (only women's available in standard and wide) | Colors: 32
New Balance FuelCore Nergize V1 Sneaker
Pros
- Breathable and lightweight design
- Top scores for comfort
- Nonrestrictive fit
Cons
- Thinner midsole offers less cushioning
Who they're best for: New Balance shoes are a top recommendation for individuals with wide feet, but the FuelCore Nergize V1 in particular is great for anyone who wants a lightweight and nonrestrictive shoe for walking or commuting.
Why we love them: Podiatrists highlight the mesh front that allows freedom of movement and a non-restrictive fit. The mesh also allows for breathability and a more comfortable feel if you have bunions. The tongue stays in place when you slip the shoes on and off so you don't have to waste time adjusting. Another perk? Testers found the shoes comfortable right out of the box (a.k.a. no break-in period). "Right when I put them on, they started molding to my feet," reported one tester.
Note that this sneaker has a thinner midsole, so it has less cushioning than other styles — although our testers still gave high scores for the cushion it does offer.
Sizes: Women's 5–12 (available in standard and wide) | Colors: 6
Pros
- Lightweight cushioning
- Comfortable fit
- Flexible upper
Cons
- Pricey
Who they're best for: Runners who are often rushing to squeeze in a run or anyone who wants a cushioned running shoe that is also comfortable over bunions.
Why we love them: While I don't currently run in slip-on sneakers, I do loathe spending time tying unruly laces. You can speed up your getting-ready routine with the Ultraboost 5X Shoes, a newer, lighter-weight version of the Ultraboost 22 that we recently tested during our quest for the best running shoes.
The sneakers feature pockets of cushioning throughout the shoe to help propel you forward and absorb shock upon impact. When we evaluated a similar version, testers reported the sneakers "fit like a glove," were easy to take on and off and were even comfortable for those with bunions, thanks to a stretchy knit upper. The 5X shoes are, however, the most expensive pick on our list.
Sizes: Women's 5–12; men's 6–14 | Colors: 7
On Cloud 5 Sneakers
Pros
- Available in an 40+ colors
- Comfortable, even for longer distances
- Responsive sole
Cons
- Flexible design was not as supportive
Who they're for: Those looking for a lightweight, non-bulky shoe that is still comfortable enough to wear on longer walks.
Why we love them: You have probably seen at least one (and probably more) walkers sporting On Cloud sneakers. The popular shoes perform well in our tests — including the On Cloud 5 Sneakers. Multiple testers commented on how lightweight the shoes felt. “The shoes are impressively lightweight and I thought they wouldn't offer enough support, but they were surprisingly comfortable,” said one tester. Note that some testers didn't find the support to be adequate enough.
Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab Associate Director Emma Seymour was also impressed with how comfortable these shoes felt during her long walks around her neighborhood. The shoes have a flexible, responsive sole as well as an attractive design available in over 40 colors.
Sizes: Women's 5–14; men's 7.5–13 | Colors: 42
Pros
- Top-tested Nike line
- Breathable
- Substantial padding
Cons
- May be too bulky for some
Who they're for: Runners and walkers alike who need sufficient padding for a more supportive feel. If you're ready to retire your current Pegasus, try out this slip-on version.
Why we love them: We have featured sneakers from the Nike Pegasus line in multiple shopping guides and I personally wear the Pegasus 39 Air Zoom on short runs and long walks around New York City. The EasyOn Road Running Shoe offers ample padding and a foam midsole for responsive cushioning. A mesh upper promotes breathability — especially important on hot days when your feet may be extra sweaty.
Note that the padding comes with the caveat that these shoes are chunkier in style, so they may not be to most stable for some.
Sizes: Women's 5–12; men's 6–15 | Colors: 5
RELATED: The Best Nike Shoes for Women, According to Sneaker Experts
Pros
- Versatile
- Convenient tab to secure adjustable cord
- Good traction
Cons
- Can run narrow
Who they're for: HOKA fans who are looking for a lifestyle shoe that features the cushioning they know and love.
Why we love them: There is certainly a trend of wearing hiking-style sneakers around town — and I admit that I have jumped on this bandwagon. The HOKA Transport can be worn during a plethora of activities (including but not limited to hiking). Our testers wore them walking, jogging and lifting weights. "I love the stretch laces with the no-tie pull tab (perfect for my laziness)," added one tester. The shoes feature a tab on top of the tongue that lets you keep the adjustable cord tucked in. I like that the shoes come with regular laces too.
While I plan to primarily wear these sneakers while running errands, exploring the city and walking in the park, I would wear them hiking too due to the grippy outer sole. They are the perfect versatile shoe to bring on vacation. I found them to fit true to size with enough wiggle room in the toe box, although I found they were a bit narrow.
Sizes: Women's 5–11; men's 7–15 (both available in standard and wide) | Colors: 9
RELATED: The Best HOKA Shokes, Tested by Runners & Footwear Experts
Pros
- Affordable
- Versatile design
- Padded collar
Cons
- Limited inventory in select colors
Who they're for: Anyone looking for a classic slip-on shoe that can be worn to a variety of events for the reasonable price of $60.
Why we love them: These checkered slip-on sneakers from Vans were my go-to shoe all throughout college (and then some). They did become rather dirty and worn down, though, so I eventually had to remove them from my shoe rotation. Still, you can't beat the affordability and iconic design of Vans. You can choose from over a dozen colors, but note that some have limited inventory.
I found these shoes easy to slip on and off (especially when running off to class), thanks to a side elastic detail. The padded collar felt comfortable against my heel and I liked the spacious design that didn't cramp my toes and meant that I could wear warmer socks in the fall or winter. But the best thing about Vans in general? The ability to dress them up or down, whether you're going out for a night on the town or need a comfortable shoe for a business-casual work event.
Sizes: Women's 5–17.5; men's 3.5–16 | Colors: 16
Pros
- #1 Best-seller on Amazon
- Machine washable
- Comfortable even after long hours
Cons
- Not the most stylish
Who they're for: Nurses or anyone who has to be on their feet for long hours each day. Medical professionals and employees in the food industry will appreciate how easy they are to clean.
Why we love them: These #1 best-selling slip-on sneakers have a whopping 94,000+ Amazon reviews. Designed to be lightweight and responsive, the Go Walk Joy Sneaker offers good cushioning and traction. What's more, you can even place them in the washing machine if they get dirty. They may not be the most stylish slip-on shoes out there, but they are available in more than 20 neutral and more vibrant colors.
Home & Apparel Reviews Analyst Amanda Constantine wore these sneakers while standing for hours at work. She "was impressed by how much more comfortable they were than my other shoes," and reported "they were a breeze to clean in the washing machine." Even after many spills while working in the food industry, Constantine said the shoes looked great after plenty of wear (and runs through the wash).
Sizes: Women's 5–13 (available in standard, wide, extra-wide and narrow) | Colors: 24
RELATED: The Best Shoes for Nurses
Pros
- Lightweight and breathable
- Easy to get on
- Comfortable
Cons
- Not super cushioned
Who they're for: Those who live in an area that gets a lot of rain or anyone who wants an easy slip-on shoe to wear while traveling on rainy days.
Why we love them: My hot take is that, sometimes, I would rather get my feet wet than wear rain boots. But that's why I appreciate Vessi's sneakers which feature a water-resistant design. I tested the Everyday Classic (currently low in stock), but the Cityscape Classic is similar in style and has over 1,900 online reviews. It features a breathable knit upper to help keep your feet cool on humid days. I like the lightweight design for easy packing and the pull tabs that are not only reflective but also make it easy to slip these on and off.
Although online shoppers found the shoes super comfortable, I wished the shoe had offered more cushion as my shins began to hurt after long days walking around New York City.
Sizes: Women's 5–11; men's 6–14 | Colors: 4
RELATED: Vessi Soho Sneakers Review
Pros
- Versatile design
- Comfortable for flat feet and bunions
- Machine washable
Cons
- Can get dirty quickly
Who they're best for: Commuters who have bunions and are looking for a breathable yet stylish slip-on shoe for work. Even if you don't have bunions, the sneaker is a comfortable option for everyday wear.
Why we love them: Rothy's is best known for its machine washable shoes that range in style from sneakers like these to flats, boots and heels. The Slip-On Sneaker features a cushioned footbed for comfort as well as a flexible upper. Product Analyst Eva Bleyer tested an older version of the shoe and continues to wear them summer after summer.
"They are super comfortable, support my bunion and are even good for my flat feet," said Bleyer. She finds that she can dress them up or down, similar to our picks from Vans, but notes the light color lends itself to becoming dirty pretty quickly. Thankfully, you can place them in the washing machine for easy, simple cleaning.
Sizes: Women's 5–13 | Colors: 9
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Rothy's Shoes and Bags
Pros
- Footbed has a massaging effect
- Construction promotes muscle recovery
- Heel straps for a secure fit
Cons
- Sweaty skin may feel uncomfortable against the shoe
Who they're for: Runners in need of a post-workout shoe that offers ample cushioning and promotes muscle recovery.
Why we love them: I wish I had known about recovery shoes earlier on in my running career — and even more so while I was taking three dance classes per week. A shoe like the Kane Revive would have better prepared my body for the next workout.
The shoes help promote muscle stimulation and circulation to aid in recovery, according to the brand. They received high scores for cushion and comfort, both key to reducing fatigue and strain on the feet, explains double board-certified podiatrist Anne Sharkey, D.P.M.
Testers appreciated the massaging effect of the shoe's textured footbed. Marathon runners also praised the shoe during Good Housekeeping's annual Fitness Awards. An adjustable heel strap helps you ensure a secure fit. Note that the shoe encapsulates the entire foot so sweaty skin against the shoe may feel uncomfortable.
Sizes: Women's 5–20; men's 3–18; kids C11–J2 | Colors: 8
RELATED: The Best Recovery Shoes for Restoring Muscles After Runs and Workouts
How we test the best slip-on shoes
In our most recent sneaker testing, we have tested over 50 shoes across more than 250 consumer testers who provided feedback on comfort, support and fit. In the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, we weigh each shoe to avoid overly heavy styles and even saw sneakers in half to better evaluate their inner construction.
What to look for when shopping for the best slip-on shoes
✔️ Comfort: As with any shoe you put on your foot, comfort is the most important factor to keep in mind. If you experience any pinching, rubbing, irritation, etc. when you first try on a shoe, it is probably not the shoe for you, explains Seymour. This may mean another size will fit better, or maybe you need a different style (more on both below).
✔️ Fit: "Slip-on shoes may fit looser by design because there are no laces to secure them," says Seymour — but that doesn't mean you should be slipping out of your shoe. "Your heel shouldn’t pop out the back and you should be able to wiggle your toes with a bit of space between your toes and the front of the shoe," explains Seymour. Some shoes are available in narrow sizing for a better fit and, on the flip side, if you find a shoe is too tight, consider a style with wide sizing so your shoe doesn't restrict circulation.
✔️ Style: Slip-on shoes are a versatile category that can be worn for various activities. When choosing a new shoe, make sure to reflect on how you plan to use the shoe. For example, if you want a stylish shoe or plan to wear them for everyday wear, you don't need as much cushioning or arch support. However, if you want to wear a slip-on shoe for longer walks, runs or workouts, you will need a shoe that provides "ample support with a proper fit and ample traction," says Seymour.
Are slip-on shoes supportive?
It depends, explains Seymour. Some slip-on shoes offer arch support but not all. Styles similar to Vans "are very flat with minimal arch support," says Seymour. Other slip-on shoes feature stretchy laces that are akin to wearing regular lace-up sneakers. You can also buy stretchy laces separately if you want to turn your favorite supportive shoe into a slip-on sneaker.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Elizabeth Berry is the updates editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she collaborates with experts across our Labs to ensure our shopping guides reflect the most recent testing information. She has reported on a variety of shoe categories, including the best running shoes for flat feet and the best flats for work.
To gather expert-recommended picks and shopping advice, Berry spoke with Emma Seymour, Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab associate director. Seymour holds a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology from Cornell University. She has led extensive testing on sneakers, including slip-on shoes.
Anne Sharkey, D.P.M., a double board-certified podiatrist with over 13 years of clinical practice experience, conducted a medical review of this story to ensure our reporting matches up with the most recent industry research. Based in Austin, Texas, Dr. Sharkey specializes in foot and ankle health and wellness education.
Elizabeth Berry (she/her) is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she optimizes lifestyle content across verticals. Prior to this role, she was an Editorial Assistant for Woman’s Day where she covered everything from gift guides to recipes. She also has experience fact checking commerce articles and holds a B.A. in English and Italian Studies from Connecticut College.
Emma Seymour (she/her) is the associate director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance.
Dr. Anne Sharkey is a double board-certified podiatrist with over 13 years of clinical practice experience. A sought-after media expert, she specializes in foot and ankle health and wellness education. Based in Austin, Texas, Dr. Sharkey is the owner of both Solely Podiatry, a direct-care practice offering personalized, transparent care, and Solely Nails Salon, a one-of-a-kind nail salon dedicated to providing elevated, safe nail services.
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