The 20 Best Slip

May 09, 2024

You don’t have to sacrifice style with these comfortable, supportive slip-on shoes for women

Olivia is a full-time freelance beauty and fashion writer. She has been writing and editing stories about fashion, beauty, style, and wellness since 2012. Her work has been published on PEOPLE, InStyle, Byrdie, Brides, and other publications. Olivia graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from the University of Florida.

Cai Cramer is a Commerce Writer at PEOPLE, covering the best and buzziest products across the beauty, fashion, health, and lifestyle spaces. Previously, Cai worked on the Digital Platforms team at PEOPLE after graduating with a degree in Journalism from Northwestern University. Cai loves to spend time outdoors no matter the weather, and she'll try any craft twice.

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Toms / Rothy's / Hush Puppies / Old Navy

Most of us probably have one shoe that gets way more wear than any other in our wardrobe. This is the shoe you throw on to walk the dog or to run a quick errand. It usually has two main qualities. One: It’s easy to put on, and two: It’s comfortable. There's also the accessible factor for those that may need something uncomplicated to get in and out of. This explains the popularity of slip-on shoes. From easy-to-wear Birkenstocks to shoes specifically made for standing all day, slip-on shoes come in a plethora of varieties — and they’re more stylish than ever.

“When people think of slip-on shoes, most people would associate them with the comfort of a flat [or a] slip-on sneaker with no laces,” stylist Holly Katz of the Fashion Crimes podcast explains. “However, a slip-on can reference a few different styles. The definition of a ‘slip-on’ shoe can be a sneaker with or without laces, a loafer, a dressy flat or even a heeled mule.”

In other words, there are more possibilities than ever when it comes to versatile slip-on shoes. To help you find your next favorite pair of shoes, we rounded up some of the most popular styles on the internet, from booties to sneakers. We also tested some of the top-rated pairs in our PEOPLE Tested labs, inspecting the shoes for comfort, design, ease of entry, and support. In the end, we were left with 21 of the best slip-on shoes for women to be comfortable in style.

Amazon

The cushy footbed was comfortable on our feet right out of the box, and only grew more comfortable with wear

Outsoles provide good traction on all surfaces

Great value for the high-quality materials and sleek design

They often sell out in many of their most popular colorways, so get your hands on them while you can!

These might look like your typical cute pair of slip-on sneakers, but inside, they’re oh-so-much more — with supportive soles that contour to the shape of your feet, we never want to wear another sneaker. These shoes felt comfortable right out of the box but became even more comfortable in our tests as they molded to our unique foot shape.

Through 8-hour days of wear, while walking, working, and standing, the Marianne slip-on sneaker provided us with crucial arch support that kept us comfortable and pain-free. We also love the padded heels, which prevent any chafing or uncomfortable rubbing. The outsole provides grippy traction that helps us feel safe walking on any surface.

From the outside, these Naturalizer sneakers look like a pair of stylish, sleek sneakers that can be dressed up or down, but once you try a pair, it’s clear that they were designed with both style and comfort in mind (and all for a super reasonable price for the quality).

Price at time of publish: $68.82

Size range: 4-12 | Upper material: Leather, cotton | Heel Height: Flat

People / Lucy Silberman

Amazon

Comfortable right out of the box, no need for us to break them in

Padded arch support helped us stay comfortable for 9+ hour days on our feet

Rubber sole is flexible yet sturdy, and kept its shape through all our tested

In the mid-to-high price range of slip on shoes that we tested (though we think the quality and sleek design make them worth the cost)

Right out of the box, the Olukai Pehuea slip-on sneakers impressed us with their elegant construction and comfortable cushy arch support. We slipped on the drop-in-heel shoes easily and spent upwards of nine hours a day wearing them during our testing process to confirm that these sneakers are not just stylish but also supremely comfortable. That’s thanks to substantial arch support and breathable tops, which kept our feet feeling cushioned and cool even on long, hot walks.

The slip-on design was easy to, well, slip on, but didn’t slip off our heels while we walked, which made these shoes very comfortable to walk in for miles at a time in our testing. The insole is flexible but not flimsy, with a solid rubber footbed that held up perfectly through our tests.

While the price tag initially caused us a little sticker shock, after wearing the Olukai slip-on sneakers for multiple 9+ hour days, we can see why they’re priced higher than some of the lower-end sneakers on the market. They’re attractive, supportive, and sturdy enough that we feel confident that they’ll last us for seasons to come.

Price at time of publish: $100

Size range: 5-12 | Upper material: Breathable mesh | Heel Height: Flat

People / Taylor Fox

People / Taylor Fox

People / Taylor Fox

Birkenstock

Flexible rubber sole is comfortable and sturdy

Cork footbed naturally molds to the shape of your feet

One of the most expensive options on our list

Birkenstock is a brand that is known for ultra comfortable shoes, and they're certainly having a huge resurgence and celebrity fanbase. But their range of comfortable, slip-on shoes ranges far beyond their famous buckled sandals — these canvas slip-ons are designed specifically for all-day wear and comfort, too, so they’re great for days where you’re on your feet constantly.

Price at time of publish: $135

Size range: 5-12.5 | Upper materials: Open-pored, flexible suede and high-quality, untreated natural leather | Heel Height: Flat

Old Navy

One of the most cost effective slip-on shoes we found, and the sleek design looks more expensive than they really are

Comfortable and easy to clean

Some may find that the heel is slightly stiff and can slip, which can lead to blisters

For a more affordable option, these Old Navy canvas sneakers are another highly-rated option. With six different color options, these are the ultimate, ultra-affordable canvas slip-on sneakers. Plus, they’re budget-friendly enough that you could even invest in multiple colors.

Price at time of publish: $20

Size range: 6-11 | Material: 100% cotton | Heel Height: Flat

Amazon

Classic Ugg Sheepskin lining is extremely comfortable and warm

Design is very on-trend and great for daily wear

Limited arch support may not be ideal for every foot type

As Emily Loftiss says, “Let's be honest, when your feet hurt — all you want are your Uggs. These mini boots are all the rage. Choose from 21 colors and be stylish and cozy.” Not only are Uggs’ mini boots super on-trend, but they’re the same level of comfort and warmth that you remember from the slightly taller Ugg boots you probably owned 15 years ago.

Price at time of publish: $150

Size range: 5-12 | Upper materials: Dyed sheep fur | Heel Height: 1 inch

Cariuma

Super lightweight and comfortable enough for us to walk for two miles with adequate support, making them great for travel

Sleek design can easily be dressed up or down depending on occasion and styling

Durable outsole provides great traction on a number of surfaces

Might take a couple of wears to break in the heels

The Cariuma IBI Slip On shoes are lightweight, comfortable, and undeniably adorable. They look like a cross between a classy boat-shoe and a trendy skater sneaker and can easily be dressed up or down for any occasion. We tested these shoes walking around on a trip that included sidewalks and trails and found that the breathable material helped keep our feet cool and comfortable.

After hiking for two miles in the IBI slip-ons without socks during our first wear-test, we noticed that our heel felt a little bit sore and red, but didn’t blister. After breaking them in, though, we never again felt pain or discomfort while wearing the IBI sneakers again. They provide adequate space in the toe box so that our feet weren’t squished nor sliding around, and the padded arches felt supportive throughout our testing.

These shoes can handle a number of terrains, from rain to snow to sun, and they’re incredibly lightweight, which makes them a great choice to slip in your bag when packing for your next vacation.

Price at time of publish: $110

Size range: 5-13 | Upper material: Bamboo knit | Heel Height: Flat

People / Jamie Hergengrader

People / Jamie Hergengrader

The North Face

Comfortable slipper-like feel

High-traction outsoles make these shoes great in all walking conditions

Slipper design, so might not be appropriate for nicer occasions

You probably know at least one person in your life who is a huge fan of these famous North Face slip-ons. If you’re looking for a pair of slip-ons that seamlessly transition from indoors to outdoors while keeping your feet warm and comfortable, these highly-rated shoes are for you.

Price at time of publish: $59

Size range: 5-11 | Upper materials: 100%-recycled ripstop upper finished with a Durable-Water Repellent (DWR) | Heel Height: Flat

Hush Puppies

Stylish, trendy loafer shape is great for the office or more casual outings

Extra cushioned heel pads help prevent rubbing and blisters

Great value for the quality, style, and comfort at less than $100

Some shopper note that they wish these shoes had more support

These are a favorite shoe of celebrity stylist Liv Schreiber, who says she often gets compliments on her favorite pink pair. "I have the Hot Pink Wren Loafers and the Cow Print Cora Loafers from Hush Puppies,” Schreiber says. “They're under $100 and beyond comfortable. Pair with jeans and a neutral sweater if you choose the vibrant colors. [They're] the perfect pop for fall. I've actually been stopped in the street wearing my hot pink pair.”

Price at time of publish: $79.95

Size range: 6-12 | Upper materials: Leather, nubuck, or suede | Heel Height: Flat

Toms

Canvas outers are breathable and soft

Rubber outsole provides great traction

Shoppers say they’re warm and supportive

None that we could find!

Breathable, stretchy, versatile, and cushioned, these slip-on canvas sneakers are the ultimate everyday pair of shoes. Perfect for indoor or outdoor use, the shoes have an average rating of 4.8 stars and rave reviews from happy customers. The rubber outsole also gives them extra traction, which makes walking in slippery or uneven conditions that much easier.

Price at time of publish: $64.95

Size range: 5-12 | Materials: Heritage canvas | Heel Height: Flat

Dansko

Super supportive arch and heel are great for long days standing on your feet

Rocker bottom helps relieve pressure on the ball of the foot

One of the more expensive options on our list

Podiatrist Dr. Timothy Oldani, DPM, FACFAS, says that his number one suggestion for professionals who are on their feet all day long are these clogs, particularly when it comes to those in the medical profession because of their construction, design, and overall support.

“These clogs have been a favorite of nurses and operating room workers for years. This is because of the immense support provided through the arch and heel. They also feature a rocker bottom design that helps to limit pressure on the toes and ball of the foot,” Dr. Oldani says. “These do have a closed heel, but the design allows for motion up and down without any side to side movement of the heel when walking.

Price at time of publish: $145

Size range: 4.5-13 | Upper materials: Waterproof leather | Heel Height: 1-1.75”

Naot

Designed to be super comfortable with a footbed that molds to the shape of the wearer’s foot

Accepted by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) for “promoting good foot health”

Sole is lightweight and slip-resistant

It isn't the most stylish looking shoe that we found

These slip-ons are a go-to choice of fashion stylist Liz Teich, who names them as the most comfortable shoes that she owns.

"I've been recommending them to everyone I know, including my clients. It comes in a few colors, but the mauve knit has been my go-to pick for fall because it looks so great paired with the monochromatic pink pieces that have been trending [this past] season,” Teich explains. “If you tend to wear black leggings, the black slip-ons are so chic and elongating to wear as well."

Price at time of publish: $159.95

Size range: 4-12 | Upper materials: Microfiber | Heel Height: 1”

Naot

Noat cork and latex footbed conforms to your foot shape

Great arch support

Accepted by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)

One of the more expensive options on our list

Though Dr. Oldani didn’t recommend these specifically for seniors, he did note they are great for those with bunions or hammertoes, both of which can be more common in those with aging feet. “These clogs have the classic Naot cork and latex foot bed, which conforms to the foot with every use and provides excellent support through the arch,” Dr. Oldani explains.

Price at time of publish: $159.95

Size range: 4-11 | Upper materials: EVA | Heel Height: 1.25 inches

Zappos

Stylish and timeless design

Some shoppers report that these shoes take some time to break in

It doesn’t get more classic than Vans slip-on sneakers (and yes, they come in leather, too!). These are a perfect choice for anyone searching for a slip-on shoe that can more easily transition from casual settings to something a little more professional. Plus, they pretty much never go out of style.

We put the classic Vans sneakers to the test, wearing them for up to 10 hours at a time. We were surprised with just how comfortable these sneakers actually are, with a nice weight to them that makes them feel more substantial that some of the other slip-ons that we tried. We didn’t experience any blisters but did note a little rubbing on the back of the heel after a long day of breaking them in. The outsoles provide very grippy traction, which might also contribute to the shoe’s immediate stiffness out of the box, but we didn’t mind the lack of bend in the footbed because it helped the shoe to feel more solid and sturdy.

Price at time of publish: $64.95

Size range: 5-17.5 | Upper material: Leather | Heel Height: Flat

Amazon

Has a comfortable, medium weight and good traction that kept us feeling stable while walking on multiple surfaces

Great arch support and supportive foam inserts

Slightly heavier than some of the other options we tested, so might not work well as an indoor shoe

When it comes to shoes that are particularly good for your feet, Dr. Scholl’s is famous for good reason — and our tests proved that to be true. The Madison Slip-Ons feature supportive foam inserts, and offered great arch support (which was much appreciated by our high-arched testers).

They’re a pick from style expert, Emily Loftiss, who loves these slip-ons in the nude colorway and notes that Dr. Scholl’s shoes are particularly designed for optimal comfort:“Dr. Scholls has sustainable Insole Technology with anatomical cushioning, comfort, and support,” she tells PEOPLE.

Through weeks of walking, we found that Dr. Scholl’s slip-on sneakers delivered on their promises to be super comfortable. The Madison sneakers have slightly more weight to them than some of the other options that we tried, but that also helps us feel more comfortable walking outdoors, even more so because of the grippy traction on the outsoles. Even walking on snow, we felt stable and confident in these slip-on sneakers.

Price at time of publish: $59.99

Size range: 6-11 | Upper materials: Faux leather, fabric, canvas, mesh, or microfiber made from recycled bottles | Heel Height: 1.25”

People / Bridget Annear

People / Bridget Annear

Amazon

Three-zone comfort promotes foot stability and comfortable support, especially helpful for flat feet, high arches, and back pain

Might not be dressy enough for formal office environments

Vionic is known for ultra comfortable, wearable footwear, and this particular shoe was even designed by podiatrists. Every pair of Vionic shoes comes with “three-zone” comfort, which promotes stability and natural alignment. This is particularly great for people with flat feet, high arches, bunions, heel spurs, and lower back pain.

Price at time of publish: $74.95

Size range: 6-12 | Upper materials: Textile and man-made upper | Heel Height: N/A - Flat

Nordstrom

Cushy, comfortable footbed was one of the most comfortable that we found

Stylish design is available in multiple colors and patterns, including velvet, knit, and leather materials

One of the more expensive options on our list

With nearly 20,000 reviews, Birdies are regularly referred to being cloud-like when it comes to comfort — and they’re pretty stylish, too. If you are in need of a slip-on shoe that could be as comfortable and cozy as a slipper but also professional and formal enough for a work setting, these are your best bet.

Price at time of publish: $98

Size range: 5-13 | Upper materials: Vegan velvet, leather, knit, suede, basket weave | Heel Height: Flat

DSW

Wedge heel provides a flattering, leg-lengthening lift

Cushioned insole provides sneaker-like comfort

Heel might be more difficult to walk in than flat sneakers

If height is what you’re after, these Dr. Scholl’s wedges will give you just the right boost while prioritizing all-day comfort and support as well. Plus, they still look just as casual and versatile as a regular pair of slip-on sneakers.

Price at time of publish: $59.99

Size range: 6-11 | Upper materials: Faux leather or fabric upper | Heel Height: 2” hidden wedge

Madewell

Modern, stylish design is great for office attire

Cloud-lift padded insoles make these shoes more comfortable than a standard bootie

These shoes tend to run slightly big, so you might need to size down a half-size

These slip-ons would be another great option for a workwear wardrobe. With a 2-inch heel, they're somewhere between a comfortable, easy-to-wear flat and a bootie (with none of the annoyance of having to tug them on or lace them up). They also come in black and brown leather, depending on which color makes more sense for your wardrobe.

Price at time of publish: $168

Size range: 5-11 | Upper materials: Leather | Heel Height: 2”

Birdies

Warm faux fur inner keeps feet toasty and provides nice comfort

Hidden wedge provides flattering length

One of the most expensive options on our list

Birdies may be known for its slipper-like loafer styles, but their slip-on boots are pretty darn comfortable, too. For anyone who is in the market for a pair of boots to slip on in the winter, these would be great for running errands in the cold or even just walking the dog. They also add a tiny amount of height due to their hidden wedge sole, if that’s important to you. These are also a favorite of style expert Emily Loftiss who says she “can’t get enough” of these.

Price at time of publish: $180

Size range: 5-12 | Upper materials: Water-resistant suede and faux fur lining | Heel Height: 20 mm hidden wedge inside

Kuru

8mm heel-to-toe drop evens out pressure across entire foot

Lightweight and breathable

Some may find that the heel can slip off while walking

Specifically designed for arch support, these sneakers feature an 8mm heel-to-toe drop which serves to even out pressure across the foot for optimal comfort and support, no matter how flat your feet may be. They’re also lightweight and breathable which makes for a more comfortable experience, especially in warm weather (or if you tend to get sweaty feet). One downside is that some wearers may find that their heel slips out of the shoe as they walk depending on their gait.

Price at time of publish: $135

Size range: 5-12 | Upper materials: Synthetic knit | Heel Height: Flat

As Dr. Timothy Oldani, DPM, FACFAS says, the first most important quality to consider in a slip-on shoe is its support. “Ideally, the slip-on shoe will be just as supportive as a regular tennis shoe,” Dr. Oldani explains. “It will provide good support through the arch with an insole material that is semi rigid, such as cork or dense rubber.” For those who need more arch support, the Vionic Supportive Walking Sneakers are a great option.

A firm outer sole is also key, according to Dr. Oldani, as it helps limit the motion of the joints when walking. “It should also provide adequate shock absorption under the ball of the foot. Essentially, the slip-on shoe should be very similar to one's normal shoes,” he says. For outdoor use, a grippy outsole is important to make sure that you don’t slip on various terrain. Some shoes, like The North Face Slip-On, offer helpful traction on the bottom of the shoe to help you avoid slipping.

Of course, the best part of a slip-on shoe is the convenience of being able to easily put it on your feet, but this doesn’t mean it should feel flimsy.

“The shoe or sandal should still be secure to the front part of the foot to avoid a lot of motion or slippage with walking, which could lead to blisters,” Dr. Oldani explains.

People / Julia Warren

To find out which slip-on shoes for women are truly the best of the best, we put over 40 pairs of the most popular shoes to the test in our PEOPLE Tested labs and in the real world. We started by inspecting each pair of shoes straight out of the box, noting the material and amount of bend in the arch and outsole. We then put the shoes on, noting the initial comfort level and ease of entry into the shoes.

We continued to wear the shoes over a period of two weeks for at least five hours per wear, walking in them on a variety of surfaces including grass, pavement, and snow. We gained insight into the comfort, style, and feel of each shoe and then included some of our favorite picks, along with high-rated and expert-recommended shoes, to create a comprehensive list of the best slip-on shoes for women in 2023.

Despite their overall convenience and comfort, Dr. Oldani notes that slip-on shoes aren’t ideal for each and every situation. However, there are certain conditions when they are a great option.

The first group who benefits from slip-on shoes are people who have Achilles tendon issues or posterior heel spurs, for example. “This is because of the open heeled nature of many slip-on shoes — there will be no pressure on the Achilles or heel spur. This will lead to much more comfort in these situations,” Oldani explains. A second situation will be in those people with plantar fasciitis. "Those with plantar fasciitis, or plantar heel pain, will usually see worsening of their pain with walking, standing when barefoot. I recommend most people with plantar fasciitis never go barefoot.”

Oldani says that slip-on shoes are a great option for wearing around the house and providing arch and plantar fascia support without having to wear a typical shoe. Plus, they weigh less than a typical shoe. “They will tend to be lighter in weight than tennis shoes which can be an attractive characteristic for those that are on their feet all day,” Oldani says.

As a general rule, socks are a great way to prevent excess sweating, odor, and blisters while wearing shoes, and that includes slip-on shoes.

There are slip-on shoes that are appropriate for almost every profession and occasion. In fact, for some professions, they are ideal. Dr. Oldani notes specific slip-on shoes as perfect options for nurses and doctors, for example, like the Dansko XP 2.0 clogs.

Olivia Muenter is a freelance writer who has written for numerous outlets such as Refinery29, Glamour, and Byrdie. She is also a co-host of the lifestyle podcast Bad on Paper. For this piece, she aimed to cover retailers of all types for people of varying household incomes. For criteria, she evaluated specific, expert-backed recommendations from celebrity stylist Liv Schrieber, personal and commercial fashion stylist Liz Teich, style expert Emily Loftiss, stylist Holly Katz of the Fashion Crimes podcast, and podiatrist Dr. Timothy Oldani, DPM, FACFAS. She also combed through manufacturer insights, customer reviews, shoe materials, versatility, and design.

This story was updated in June 2023 by Cai Cramer, a PEOPLE commerce staff writer who covers products across the beauty, fashion, health, and lifestyle spaces. She added real-world testing insights on the comfort, feel, and support of the best slip-on shoes from our PEOPLE Tested lab program.

We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.