The 20 Best Slip-On Shoes for Easy, Effortless Wear

Best Overall

Allbirds Women's Tree Dasher Relay Walking Shoes

View On Nordstrom View On Allbirds.com $135 View On Lyst.com

The “slip-on shoe” category comprises a variety of styles for different occasions, which is why we’re naming this ultra-versatile sneaker as our top choice, apt for going for a run, running errands, and even going out for brunch. The Allbirds Tree Dasher Relay is designed for performance, meaning it’s built with all the supportive features needed to keep your feet comfortable: a flexible and breathable upper, a comfy Merino wool heel support, a cushioned midsole, and a thoughtfully designed flared outsole for increased stability. However, its sleek, minimalist design leans more athleisure than running shoe, deeming it appropriate to style with cargo track pants — even baggy denim or trousers — for casual wear.

There’s also the sustainable aspect. As a certified carbon-neutral business, Allbirds designed this style utilizing earth-friendly materials like leftover stock yarns, FSC-Certified eucalyptus-derived knits, carbon-negative green EVA, and natural rubber, meaning you can look good and feel good about wearing them. 

Material: Eucalyptus knit upper; sugarcane midsole; wool heel lining; and foam outsole | Colors: 7 | Size: 5–11

Best Budget

Old Navy Soft-Knit Slip-On Sneakers

View On Gap.com

You don’t have to spend a fortune on a comfy slip-on shoe that’ll serve you in various sartorial situations, and these casual slip-ons from Old Navy prove it. Crafted from a soft-knit textile upper with a padded ankle collar, they won’t cause uncomfortable chafing on ankles or heels, and the cushioned footbed keeps the feet supported throughout the day. They’re offered in neutral black, white, or navy, all with a stark white sole, making them a stylishly minimalist choice for when you need to look put-together, even if you’re on the run. However, some customers with wide feet have noted that the polyester upper is snug and doesn’t offer any stretch, so we’d love to see them offered in different widths in the future.

Material: Polyester and recycled polyester upper; polyester and cotton lining; and thermoplastic rubber and recycled thermoplastic rubber outsole | Colors: 4 | Size: 6–11

Best Splurge

The Row Canal Slip On

View On Therow.com

If you’re going to splurge on any shoe, let it be one that’s actually comfortable (rarely a priority in the world of designer footwear) and versatile enough to be worn for a litany of occasions. If there’s any designer label that has that ethos down pat, it’s The Row. These deconstructed loafers are easy and effortless yet exude luxury, crafted from super-soft 100 percent calfskin pony hair, making sliding your foot in quite the sumptuous experience. A velvety matte rubber sole adds to this shoe’s sleek minimalism and barely-there feel. While we wouldn’t be caught with them outdoors in inclement weather, they’ll serve you well on drier days, whether paired with silky joggers, a cozy sweater dress, or tailored menswear-inspired suiting.

Material: Calfskin leather | Colors: 6 | Size: EU37–EU42

Best Flat

Birdies Goldfinch Pointed Toe Flat

View On Nordstrom $130 View On Birdies.com

The ballet flat is currently experiencing a full-blown renaissance, but those of us who wore this style religiously in the aughts recall its reputation for being uncomfortable — particularly on the backs of our heels. That’s where this understated yet sophisticated iteration from Birdies comes in. The comfort-focused brand created this flat to be a comfy choice for indoor and outdoor wear, incorporating its signature seven-layer cloud-like footbed and no-slip rubber sole for maximum support, cushioning, and stability. It also features a sophisticated pointed toe, complete with an envelope fold detail, which elevates the otherwise casual style. Now, according to podiatrist Dr. Sondema N. Tarr pointed toes do have a tendency to cram toes, causing aches and pains over time, which is why Birdies made it a point to ensure its design does anything but. What’s more, it’s available in five core colorways, including the above gold, in addition to 15 limited edition options with animal prints, bedazzled details, and more.

Material: Leather upper and lining; synthetic sole | Colors: 20 (15 limited) | Size: 5–12

Best Mule

Rothy's The Almond Demi

View On Rothys.com

There’s much to love about these sleek little mules from Rothy’s. For starters, they’re super comfortable thanks to their arch-supporting insoles and soft, flexible upper knit from the brand’s signature recycled plastic thread. The almond-shaped toe has a polished feel, making them just as apt for the office as they are for errands, while the open back allows for easy on and easy off (and eliminates the risk of those pesky heel blisters often associated with flats). Moreover, they’re fully machine washable, so you can keep them looking newer for longer.

If sustainability is one of your main concerns, Rothy’s is one of the more responsible brands out there. Aside from utilizing recycled materials in its products, the brand achieved TRUE Platinum certification, ensuring it operates with zero-waste practices that divert waste from landfills, incineration, and the environment. 

Material: Recycled plastic bottle-derived knit upper | Colors: 6 | Size: 5–13

Best Loafer

Madewell x G.H. Bass Whitney Weejuns Penny Loafer

View On Madewell.com

Of all the varieties of slip-on shoes available today, loafers are a tried-and-true classic that just so happens to be enjoying a moment in the spotlight in recent seasons. The G.H. Bass Weejuns are perhaps one of the most iconic loafer styles — in fact, it was the first penny loafer ever, launched back in 1936. Earlier this fall, the brand joined forces with Madewell to launch an exclusive capsule collection, and these vibrant green suede Weejuns are definitely the standout — and stylist Ashley Dorough agrees. “It’s a timeless and classic style, but the fun color gives it a hint of modern flair,” she says. As always, you can expect expert craftsmanship and superior comfort. And if green isn’t your thing, they’re available in black and tan suede, too.

Material: Suede upper | Colors: 3 | Size: 5–11

Best for Walking

Salomon Rx Moc 3.0 Mesh Slip-On Sneakers

View On Net-a-Porter $110 View On Salomon.com

Salomon has become a favorite amongst the fashion set in recent years — just ask Bella Hadid or EmRata, who are often snapped wearing its various colorful trail sneakers. With all the buzz surrounding the brand, you may be wondering: Are they actually worth the hype? The answer is yes and with good reason.

The brand’s offering is strategically designed to be comfortable, and these unisex technical slip-on sneakers are particularly prime for a day spent on the go, whether that entails running errands or a leisurely long walk. They were created to reduce all forms of physical stress to tired feet via an oversized EVA midsole with high energy return (which supports the forward movement of the foot) and a lightweight and airy stretch mesh upper. It’s also designed without seams, ensuring the fabric won’t ever chafe, rub, or scratch, no matter how many steps you manage to squeeze in. Plus, they feature a double pull tab to ensure easy on and off with minimal effort. 

Material: Textile upper and lining; leather inlay sole; and rubber outsole | Colors: 4 | Size: 5–14

Best Performance

APL Techloom Bliss

View On Athleticpropulsionlabs.com View On Net-a-Porter $132

If your day consists of more than just walking — perhaps a five-mile run or an intense workout — the Techloom Bliss from APL is a luxe performance shoe that’ll keep feet comfortable and protected. It took two years to design, after all. From a technical standpoint, it incorporates the brand’s proprietary Propelium technology, a unique compound used in the EVA midsole and outsole that provides enhanced cushioning, shock absorption, and energy generation while also extending the structural integrity and life of the shoe. The durable rubber outsole includes a forefoot crash pad for even more shock absorption while you run.

It’s also just a gorgeous shoe, overall. It’s crafted with a breathable mesh upper, accented by a custom-milled satin elastic strap along the vamp, which provides a seamless, comfortable fit with easy on-and-off flexibility. It’s also offered in a ton of colorways (we counted 55), so you have plenty to choose from.

Material: Elastic TechLoom upper; satin elastic strap; and rubber outsole | Colors: 55 | Size: 5–11

Best Canvas

Vans Classic Slip-on Checkerboard Shoe

View On Nordstrom $16 View On Zappos $55 View On Tillys.com

No slip-on shoe is quite as iconic as this old-school canvas style from Vans, another favorite of Dorough. “It doesn’t get any better than these when it comes to comfortable, cute style,” she says. Launched in 1979, it’s the epitome of easy, effortless footwear, and it looks just as great with a sundress as with baggy denim or your favorite errand-running joggers. Constructed with low-profile canvas uppers, grippy waffle outsoles, elastic side accents, and supported padded collars, they’ll keep you comfortable throughout the day. We also appreciate that its inclusive range of unisex sizing includes wide widths. The checkerboard style is available in 14 iterations of the brand’s signature print, but it also comes in various solid colors if that’s more your thing. We’d advise against wearing these on rainy days, however, as they can easily get soaked and stained. 

Material: Canvas upper and rubber outsole | Colors: 14 | Size: 5–17.5; regular and wide

Best Leather

Everlane The Day Glove Flats

View On Everlane.com $135

As the name implies, The Day Glove is Everlane’s answer to the ballet flat revival: a form-fitting, buttery-soft leather shoe that molds to your foot over time for a custom fit. Ease is the name of the game, as features like a back pull tab and side vents ensure ample stretch as you slide them on, while a cushioned insole and bouncy rubber sole mitigate the pressure and aches that can come with being on your feet all day. It also boasts a higher vamp than most flats for a modern look that provides a little more coverage (and warmth) during colder months. Like most Everlane shoes, this style is offered in a handful of neutral “essential” hues, as well as a variety of limited edition shades like pale blue and baby pink.

Material: Leather | Colors: 12 | Size: 5–11

Best for Outdoors

Teva Slip-ons

View On Amazon $108 View On Nordstrom $80 View On REI $40

Gorpcore at its finest, outdoorsy types will appreciate this cozy slip-on from Teva, which is crafted from a classic ripstop upper inspired by outdoor gear. Whether hiking, camping, or simply running around town on a rainy day, you’ll appreciate the springy, responsive footbed that cushions the feet and the durable rubber outsole that provides plenty of traction. It also boasts a lightweight EVA midsole, so you never feel weighed down, while a rib-knit collar and collapsible heel allow for easy on and off. 

It incorporates the brand’s protective water-repellent coating to keep feet dry and is, overall, just a toasty, warm shoe, making it an ideal option for cold and rainy weather or chilly nights by the campfire. Moreover, it incorporates a variety of recycled materials in its construction, is treated with an antimicrobial that helps fight odor and is offered in a mix of neutral and fun colorways.

Material: Various recycled materials (ripstop, polyester, rubber, and more) | Colors: 14 | Size: 6–16

Best for Wide Feet

Vivaia Samantha Square Toe Loafers

View On Vivaia.com

Dr. Tarr advises against anyone with wide feet attempting to squeeze into a too-narrow shoe, as this will likely cause foot problems like swelling, pain, and the development of corns over time. Thankfully, it’s become more common for brands to cater to a variety of foot widths; however, we love that this pair is wide-feet friendly by nature, thanks to its hyper-stretchy signature knit upper, which is sustainably derived from recycled plastic water bottles.

Stretchiness aside, it features a foam footbed with heel rebound, arch and forefoot support, and a cushy heel patch to prevent rubbing and chafing. They’re also antimicrobial and breathable to help prevent any unpleasant odors, and they can easily be tossed in the wash for when they do need a refresh. What’s more, the carbon-free rubber outsole is long-lasting, meaning you’ll get plenty of wear before it’s time to retire them.

Material: Recycled plastic knit upper and rubber outsole | Colors: 8 | Size: 5–11

Best with Arch Support

Dr. Scholl's Madison Slip On Sneaker

View On Amazon $50 View On Nordstrom $50 View On QVC $80

Whether you have flat feet or high arches, shoes with arch support are a must for preventing the aches and pains that come with either condition, and Dr. Scholl’s slip-on sneaker provides plenty. It contains a contoured, anatomical insole made from eco-conscious foam to fully support the foot, plus an extra layer of EVA and padded heels for added shock absorbency. A padded collar and stretch gore panels on either side of the opening ensure a comfortable fit and easy-on, easy-off flexibility, a serious perk if you plan to wear these to the airport. What’s more, it’s crafted with recycled materials that boast antimicrobial properties to help keep odors at bay, something we can all appreciate. Have your pick from pretty, easy-to-style neutrals and subdued hues like oyster, greige, and rose. 

Material: Recycled textile upper; textile lining; and synthetic sole | Colors: 12 | Size: 5–13; medium and wide

Best for Travel

Hoka Ora Recovery 2

View On Hoka.com

Unless you plan to do nothing but lounge by the pool, piña colada in hand, travel typically involves getting in more steps than you usually do. That said, it would be beneficial to bring along a shoe that’ll help you do so, sans aches and pains. This brings us to the delightfully pillow-like Ora Recovery Shoe 2 from Hoka, a relaunch of the original slip-on specifically designed for comfort and post-run relief. This latest iteration features a higher bed of cushioning for added stability and support, a new quilted memory foam heel for extra shock absorption, and an elastic ankle band for additional foot-cradling support. It’s lightweight and breathable, ideal for exploring hot and humid locales, and the padded, collapsible back heels and upper make it easy to slip on and off at TSA — and even easier to fold and pack away into your carry-on.

Material: Mesh upper; memory foam heel; and EVA midsole | Colors: 6 | Size: 5–11

Best Statement

JW Anderson Shearling Chain Loafers

View On Shopbop.com $348 View On Jwanderson.com View On Saks Fifth Avenue $695

Not for the faint of heart, these cozy loafers from JW Anderson are a statement-making outdoor shoe style that mimics your comfiest pair of indoor slippers. A favorite of Shopbop Fashion Director Caroline Maguire, they’re crafted from a quality calfskin leather upper and an inviting shearling lining that keeps toes toasty and warm. They also boast a rubber sole prime for weathering the outdoors, while a molded footbed ensures long-term comfort. What makes them stand out is the almost-comically oversized antiqued chain along the vamps, but even so, Maguire considers them an unfussy, casual style. “They’re so easy to slide on before heading out to drop off the kids or run some errands; pair them with slouchy socks and a matching sweat set, and you’ll be golden,” she says.

Material: Calfskin leather upper; shearling lining and trim; and rubber sole | Colors: 1 | Size: EU35–EU41

Best Platform

Vince Warren Platform Sneakers

View On Shopbop.com $250 View On Bloomingdales $250 View On Bergdorfgoodman.com

Platforms are great for adding on a few inches of height, but they’re certainly not the first style to come to mind when it comes to comfortable, easy shoes — save for these slip-ons from Vince. Sitting on a 40-millimeter (around 1.5-inch) platform double-thick rubber sole, they lend just the right amount of height while remaining functional and comfortable to walk in. The sole is hollowed out to ensure a lightweight feel that’s anything but clunky. Tonal elastic goring on both sides of the mouth blends in seamlessly with the rest of the upper — a supple suede — to ensure you can slide them on and off with ease. Minimalist and neutral with a luxurious feel, consider these an elevated (albeit pricier) version of the classic canvas slip-on.

Material: Suede upper and rubber sole | Colors: 1 | Size: 5–11

Best with Laces

Kizik Milan

View On Kizik.com

If you love the look of laces but don’t love the fuss of having to bend down and tie them, these slip-ons from Kizik — which feature optional laces — are for you. The Milan is designed with the brand’s internal cage technology, a hidden responsive spring-back heel that compresses and bounces back to fit the heel for stays-in-place-all-day comfort and support.

But that’s not all. It also boasts a comfy midsole crafted from lightweight and responsive foam, an ultra-grippy non-slip outsole, and a removable and washable insole that makes it easy to maintain freshness. Moreover, the stylish retro-inspired design looks more like a fashion sneaker than your typical slip-on, and we love the fun assortment of vintage-leaning hues.

Material: Woven nylon, suede, and leather upper; rubber sole | Colors: 6 | Size: 6–13 

Best Clogs

Birkenstock Boston Clog

View On Birkenstock.com $158 View On Zappos $160 View On Moosejaw.com

We’d be remiss not to mention Birkenstocks on a best-of slip-on list — there’s a good reason the brand and its Boston Clog are such a cult favorite. At its foundation is the brand’s legendary molded footbed, which encourages foot health and well-being. It also provides serious all-day comfort, thanks to a cushioned and cradling deep heel cup, longitudinal arch support for stability, transverse arch support for proper alignment, a raised toe bar to encourage your toes to grip (thus stimulating circulation), and a roomy toe box for more wiggle room and better balance. Footbed aside, it also features a flexible and lightweight EVA sole and an adjustable strap for a perfect fit. The suede iteration comes in 31 colors, including four corduroy-inspired embossed shades, but we’re partial to this baby pink for an unexpected yet subtle pop of color.

Material: Cowhide suede upper and rubber sole | Colors: 31 | Size: EU36–EU41

Best Sustainable

Cariuma Slip-On

View On Cariuma.com

If you’re shopping with sustainability in mind, Cariuma is one of the most responsible brands out there, incorporating sustainable practices into every point of a shoe’s journey, from designing to shipping. The certified B Corp label’s sneaker offerings are crafted with thoughtfully procured and low-impact materials — for example, this slip-on utilizes materials such as organic cotton grown with regenerative methods, a responsibly-gathered natural rubber sole, and an insole comprised of mamona oil-based foam (a plant-based and organic alternative to petroleum products) and naturally sustainable cork. 

It also ensures it works with ethical, like-minded vendors and partners throughout the manufacturing process, houses its stock in environmentally-friendly warehouses, utilizes sustainable packaging and carbon-neutral shipping, and works closely with indigenous communities in Brazil to support forest regrowth and restoration. Considering how costly some truly sustainable products can be, these come at a surprisingly reasonable price point. And sustainability aside, the laid-back, no-fuss style will give you plenty of wear and endless styling versatility. 

Material: Organic cotton canvas upper and lining; mamona oil-based foam and cork insole; and rubber sole | Colors: 7 | Size: 5–13