The Best Slip-on Sneakers for Women of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Nov 06, 2024

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We loved slip-ons from OluKai, Dr. Scholl's, and Allbirds.

In This Article

Travel + Leisure / Taylor Fox

Because we believe convenience while traveling is key, slip-on shoes are essential footwear to pack for any trip. Making a mad dash from the TSA security line to your gate? You’ll be grateful to have a pair of shoes that slide right on and are plenty comfortable for the sprint ahead.

While there are plenty of slip-on shoes on the market, we personally tried 26 pairs of slip-on shoes from trusted brands like Dr. Scholl's, On Running, and Allbirds. For two weeks, we wore the shoes for activities including air travel, long walks, working in the office, and running errands around the city to gauge the level of comfort and support offered by each, and continued to test them over the course of six months. Whether you’re in search of an athletic sneaker or a slip-on fit for the office, we’ve rounded up our favorites below to help make shopping easier.

The construction of the shoes feels sturdy and supportive, and the style is versatile enough for the office or running errands.

The mesh upper is a bit stiff at first.

From the office to the airport, the OluKai Pehuea slip-ons will take you to any destination in comfort and style. These sneakers have the perfect balance of weight thanks to the thick rubber outsole and lightweight mesh upper. Hands down the best aspect of these stylish kicks is the supportive midsole that boasts just the right amount of arch support to keep your feet cushioned in all the right places. One unique feature of these slip-ons is that the heel has a drop-in seam, so the backing is designed to fold down easily to put the shoes on and pop back up to support the foot.

When it comes to slick surfaces, these sneakers have plenty of traction on the bottom of their dense rubber soles, so we didn't have any issues walking on different types of terrain. While the mesh upper is breathable, it was a little stiff at first, and we had to use our hands to step into the shoes. After a few wears, the upper began to loosen up a bit and mold around the foot, meaning the fit will only get more comfortable with time. With more than a dozen different color options and half sizes available, there are plenty of combinations to choose from for all style preferences.

The Details: Sizes 5-12 | Mesh, rubber

They feature plush gel padding and a wide supportive base for comfort and cushioning in each step.

We wish they had a little more arch support.

Fitted with a unique and exaggerated rubber outsole that adds a touch of style, these platform slip-ons blew us away with their cushioning features. We especially loved the plush gel padding, which runs along the length of the shoe. The shoes’ wide base also felt very supportive and provided good grip and traction on a variety of surfaces.

Crafted from recycled canvas that strikes the right balance between soft and stiff, the sneakers not only feel good but look good, too; we were able to wear these with plenty of outfits and for various occasions. We just wish there was a tad more arch support built into the shoe. While we experienced zero discomfort and pain while wearing these sneakers, we think that a little more arch cushioning would help add some comfort, especially for those with lower arches.

The Details: Sizes 5-11 | Recycled cotton canvas, recycled elastic, natural rubber

At just 1 pound per pair, they're featherlight and easy to travel with.

They rub against the ankle uncomfortably, so we'd recommend wearing them with higher socks.

These slip-on sneakers from Ryka glided on and off our feet like butter, without assistance needed from our hands. We wore them in various environments, including on a cruise ship, on wet pavement after a rainstorm, and on grass, and never experienced any discomfort or slipping and sliding. Clocking in at just 1 pound per pair, these shoes are featherlight, so they're not only weightless on the foot when moving around but are also great for packing away without having to worry about pesky overweight baggage fees.

Featuring a breathable knit upper and a cushioning EVA midsole, these sneakers are equally great for leisure and active purposes. While we were overall impressed with these slip-ons, and appreciate that they're available in 11 neutral colors, we do wish their sides were just a little lower so that they didn't rub on our ankles when wearing no socks or no-show socks. For this reason, we recommend only wearing the sneakers with taller socks to avoid any rubbing or blisters.

The Details: Sizes 5-12 | Ribbed knit, EVA midsole| 1 pound per pair

They come with a removable orthotic insole and arch booster for next-level cushioning and support.

They're not very breathable.

While these slip-on sneakers may not be the most fashion-forward, their next-level cushioning and support more than makes up for it. We love how these sneakers come with a removable orthotic insole and arch booster to provide extra cushioning, relieve foot and heel pain, and improve your walking gait. We wore these shoes on all kinds of surfaces and during various activity levels and never experienced any discomfort or pain. We were especially impressed with how easily these sneakers slip on and off our feet without having to use our hands, which is especially ideal for passing through hectic TSA security lines. While they have great traction and feature a flexible, water-resistant stretch fabric, they're not especially breathable. We did appreciate, however, that the shoes come in three widths: regular, wide, and extra wide.

The Details: Sizes 5-12 (wide and extra wide sizes available) | Rubber, stretchable knitted fabric, arch boosters | 1.27 pounds per pair

The rubber soles are very dense and sturdy, and the leather upper is sleek and molds to the foot over time.

Give them a slight break-in period to soften up the leather.

Platform sneakers are a timeless trend, and we recommend the Vince Warren Platform Sneakers if you’re in search of an elevated look. The rubber outsole gives you an extra 1.5 inches of height, and it feels very sturdy so you won’t have to worry about twisting your ankle or tripping easily. The sneaker comes in several upper materials like suede, textile, and leather, giving you a variety of styles to choose from. At first, we found the leather material was stiff and slightly irritating, causing some minor blistering. However, the leather quickly softened up after several hours of wearing the shoe. You can expect a minor break-in period, but it'll be well worth it for the comfortable and customized fit that only improves as you wear them. Plus, the midsole has just the right amount of arch support to cushion the ball of the foot, and the heel cradles the foot to prevent it from slipping up.

The Details: Sizes 5-13 | 1.4 pounds per pair | Leather, textile, rubber

The rubber traction pods in the toe and heel of the shoe help with stability in all types of terrain.

These have a more casual look than some other slip-on shoes on our list.

The Kizik Women’s Lima sneakers performed highly in all of our testing categories, including traction. Thanks to the rubber traction pods designed to stabilize the heel and toe of the foot, these shoes provided plenty of stability on slick surfaces. Made with Kizik’s cushioned RabbitFoam material, the outsole feels extremely sturdy and supportive after wearing the sneakers all day. The no-tie laces give the sneakers an athletic style, making them the perfect everyday footwear for running errands and going for long walks, but they may not be the best slip-ons for dressier occasions. However, if you’re looking for a pair of sneakers that will support and stabilize you all day long, these are an excellent pick.

The Details: Sizes 6-16.5 (wide sizes available) | Knit, rubber, RabbitFoam

The breathable mesh fabric upper keeps your feet from overheating and sweating, even when you're not wearing socks.

They have zero arch support.

This classic slip-on sneaker features a plush EVA foam footbed, soft terrycloth lining, and a 1-inch rubber sole that provided next-level comfort. The shoes feature a lightweight and breathable mesh fabric upper that kept our feet from overheating and sweating, even when we didn't wear socks with them. We loved how our feet feel supported but not constricted, and we think this would be a great shoe to wear in the warmer months. While the slip-on sneakers did sometimes require our hands to slip on and off, they're still easy to wear. Our only gripe is that there appears to be zero arch support, which could prove to be uncomfortable for those with low arches.

The Details: Sizes 6-11 | Mesh, EVA foam footbed, rubber

These performance sneakers are supportive and flexible for running, weight training, and playing sports.

It’s a performance sneaker designed for activities like running and walking, not for dressier occasions.

Designed for running, weight training, playing tennis, and dashing through an airport to catch a flight, the On Cloud 5 running shoes are the best performance slip-ons we tried. The cooling recycled polyester upper combined with the supportive CloudTec cushioning make these sneakers impressively lightweight without sacrificing stability and durability. The CloudTec cushioning is designed to absorb impact and cushion the foot as it lands, making running feel like "running on clouds," as the brand accurately claims. Plus, all of the materials are breathable and waterproof, so no matter where your runs take you, you won’t have to worry about coming home with wet or sweaty feet. While the built-in insole is plenty comfortable, you can also remove it easily replace it with a new insole or a customized one to best fit your workout preferences.

The Details: Sizes 5-11 | Recycled polyester, Zero-Gravity foam, rubber | 1.48 pounds per pair | Waterproof

You can dress these up or down, and they're available in leather, canvas, recycled materials, and suede-canvas versions.

They can get dirty easily.

Crafted from premium pebbled leather that’s available in four neutral hues, these Cariuma slip-on sneakers are sleek and stylish. Not only are they easy to slip on and off without having to use your hands, but they're also incredibly comfortable and supportive thanks to their cork and bio-based foam insole. We were especially impressed with their versatility, and we love that we were able to dress them up or down with any outfit, for any occasion.

While we tried the pebbled leather version, these slip-ons are also available in canvas, which features a whimsical lily print as well as additional neutral shades; a black, quilted version made from sustainable materials like recycled water bottles; and a rugged suede-canvas mix that's available in five colors. The only slight to these shoes is that they can get dirty easily, and it can be difficult to clean in between the wedges of their white, texturized rubber soles.

The Details: Sizes 5-13 | Pebbled leather/canvas/suede-canvas/recycled materials, rubber, cork and bio-based foam insole

These are extremely durable and well-made for the price, so you can rely on them wear after wear.

The regular size has a tighter fit.

The Dr. Scholl’s Madison Sneaker is designed for comfort thanks to the cupped heel, memory foam midsole, and generous arch support in the footbed. We’re big fans of the cushioned bumper in the heel of the shoe that prevented blisters, meaning these slip-ons were ready to wear right out of the box. The construction of the shoe has a lot of flexibility to aid with movement, so whether you're walking on flat or uneven terrain, these shoes have the perfect amount of support and mobility for a variety of adventures. There are options for recycled faux leather, canvas, flannel, and suede upper materials, and size options in both regular and wide, giving you a number of styles and sizes to choose from. The regular size had a tighter fit, so consider getting a wide size if your feet aren’t narrow.

The Details: Sizes 5-11 (wide sizes available) | 1 pound per pair | Recycled faux leather/canvas/flannel/suede, polyurethane, microfiber

The Merino wool upper is flexible enough to gently expand for wider feet.

The wool upper isn’t very breathable.

The Allbirds Wool Loungers have a flexible wool upper with the perfect amount of give to form around the foot without constricting it or causing chafing, which we found great for people with wider feet. There is a solid amount of cushioning in the midsole, and the soft lining feels similar to stepping into a pair of slippers. Since the upper is made with thick Merino wool, these aren’t the most breathable shoes, but they are cozy and warm, especially in colder seasons. The shoes feel premium and durable, leading us to believe they have a super long life ahead of them. And since the insoles are removable, you can easily update your sneakers with a new pair to give them a refresh without having to buy a brand new pair. You can also machine-wash them on delicate, but be sure to read the cleaning instructions carefully.

The Details: Sizes 5-11 | ZQ Merino wool, SweetFoam EVA

These shoes have an elevated look that's not too formal but not overly relaxed – perfect for events that call for business casual attire.

The sizing runs a little big.

These lightweight shoes don't miss when it comes to quality and comfort. The padded back heel keeps your foot in place without rubbing or chafing, even after long days of walking. Right out of the box, the shoes were supportive and have grown even more comfortable as they molded to our feet. During our tests, we used these in cold weather, and they provided plenty of warmth and breathability. While they do run slightly large, we appreciated the extra bit of room so we could also wear no-show socks for an added layer of cushion. We love the overall style of these slip-ons, especially the narrow toe that elevates the look of the shoe, making these a perfect choice for your business casual fits.

The Details: Sizes 4.5-12 (wide and extra wide sizes available) | Leather or cotton | 1.26 pounds per pair

Travel + Leisure / Lucy Silberman

After testing 26 pairs of slip-on sneakers from trusted brands like Allbirds, Dr. Scholl's, and Kizik, we evaluated the shoes based on comfort, support, durability, fit, and value. For two weeks, we took thorough notes and paid close attention to the break-in period (if there was one), the level of arch support provided, durability, and traction of the shoes after wearing them in various conditions. To get a feel for the arch support, we tried to bend the shoes to see how sturdy they were. We wore each pair for a total of six months after the initial testing period to see if there was any wear and tear or durability issues over time. We will continue to update this article as we test new pairs of slip-ons.

Travel + Leisure / Maria Bouselli

Some pairs of slip-ons slightly trailed behind our top picks. However, we did like some aspects of these shoes, so they still earned an honorable mention.

Skechers Slip-ins: Ultra Flex 3.0 — Brilliant: Compared to the other athletic sneakers we tested, these Skechers had a similarly supportive and breathable design for being on your feet all day. However, the upper material scuffed on the first wear, so we knocked off points for durability with these ones.

Atoms Model 000: While we appreciated how flexible, breathable, and sleek these sneakers were, they rubbed uncomfortably on our heels and were difficult to slide on and off.

There are a few things you want to look for in a comfortable slip-on shoe, including arch support, cushioning, and soft materials. The midsole should have plenty of cushioning for shock absorption and the footbed should have a ramp-like shape for arch support. When it comes to the upper and lining materials, knit, leather, and suede will be softer on the top of the foot and help prevent chafing.

Slip-on shoes are convenient for travel since you can easily put them on hands-free. On the flip side, that means if the fit is loose, your heel will lift up, which could cause blisters. You’ll want to look for a snug fit at the top of your foot while still having room in the front to wiggle your toes. If you’re wearing no-show socks, it will make the fit a bit tighter, so be sure to consider that when you’re shopping for slip-on shoes.

If you’re planning on wearing slip-on shoes in warmer temperatures, opt for a pair with a cooling knit upper. For the colder months, a pair of sneakers with a wool or leather upper will be much warmer and insulating. You’ll also want to factor in the weather conditions, and look for slip-ons with waterproof, water-resistant, or breathable materials and a good amount of traction for rain or sun.

As always, we recommend you defer to the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning a pair of shoes to avoid damaging them. Some slip-ons can are machine washable, while others require delicate spot cleaning, so you’ll want to double check beforehand.

Slip-on shoes are ideal for a variety of activities, including walking. However, it’s important to get a slip-on that prioritizes comfort for the feet with generous arch support and cushioning if you plan to walk long distances in them. While it depends on the shoe, sometimes the more you wear them, the more the footbed and upper will form to your foot for an even more comfortable fit.

Travel + Leisure / Ivy Ford

It’s ultimately a personal choice, but wearing a pair of socks or no-show socks can be beneficial, especially if you’re breaking in your pair of slip-on shoes. Wearing socks can help absorb moisture from the feet and prevent chafing on the sides or heel of your foot, so wearing them may be helpful.

With so many options to choose from when it comes to slip-on sneakers, luckily they will never go out of style. Choose something versatile in a neutral color that you can pair with multiple outfits in your travel wardrobe, and your slip-on sneakers will likely become your go-to footwear option for years to come.

With a few more fashion pieces, you can create a full look to show off your new slip-on shoes. Here are some more pieces that we recommend.

Quince Tencel Jersey Fit & Flare Dress: This stylish travel dress is versatile to dress up or down, thanks to the midlength fit. Plus, the fabric has natural wrinkle resistance, so you can pack it easily.

Levi’s Ribcage Straight Ankle Jeans: These durable and comfortable Levi’s jeans have an ultrahigh-rise waistline that's comfortable and stylish. The straight-leg fit works with casual and more elevated looks.

Babaton Utility Shirt: This casual utility shirt from Aritzia can be buttoned up and tucked into a pair of trousers or worn loose and unbuttoned over a plain white T-shirt. When paired with a pair of slip-on shoes, it's the ultimate breezy, comfortable look.

Travel + Leisure associate editor Anna Popp writes most of the team’s tested roundups and participates in almost every travel test in our lab and in real-world settings. She has been travel writing since 2018 and product testing since 2021. Anna owns the Vince platforms in the list above. She worked with travel editors to determine the results for the best women’s slip-on shoes.

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