THE 18 BEST SLIP-ON SHOES FOR WOMEN OF 2024, ACCORDING TO TESTERS, STYLISTS, AND A PODIATRIST
You don't have to sacrifice style with these comfortable and supportive slip-on shoes
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 who may need something uncomplicated to get in and out of. This explains the popularity of slip-on shoes. From easy-to-wear clogs and stylish loafers 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 slip-on shoes, we rounded up some of the most popular styles on the internet, from booties to sneakers. We also tested 40 of the top-rated pairs in our PEOPLE Tested labs, inspecting the shoes for comfort, design, ease of entry, and support.
These are the best slip-on shoes for women that PEOPLE Tested.
Best Overall: OluKai Pehuea Slip On Sneakers
Pros
These required no break-in period and were comfortable right out of the box.
The padded arch support helped us stay comfortable for nine-hour days on our feet.
The rubber sole is flexible yet sturdy and kept its shape through all our tests.
Cons
These are 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 nine-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.
Size Range: 5-12 | Upper Material: Breathable mesh | Heel Height: Flat
Best Budget: Old Navy Canvas Slip-On Sneakers
Pros
These shoes have a sleek yet timeless design.
They're comfortable and easy to clean.
Cons
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. They have a sleek and timeless design, and the canvas fabric is easy to clean. Plus, they’re budget-friendly enough that you could even invest in multiple colors.
Make sure you get the right size and that they fit properly. Some may find that the heel is slightly stiff, which can lead to blisters.
Size Range: 6-11 | Upper Material: 100% cotton | Heel Height: Flat
Most Comfortable: Naturalizer Marianne Slip-On Sneaker
Pros
The cushy footbed felt great on our feet right out of the box and only grew better with wear.
The outsoles provide good traction on all surfaces.
They are a great value for the high-quality materials and sleek design.
Cons
They often sell out in many of their most popular colorways.
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 eight-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). If all of this sounds good to you, just know that the most popular colors sell out quickly, so order them as soon as you can.
Size Range: 4-12 | Upper Material: Leather, cotton | Heel Height: Flat
Best Canvas: Birkenstock Oswego Canvas
Pros
They have a flexible rubber sole that is comfortable and sturdy.
The cork footbed naturally molds to the shape of your feet.
Cons
This is one of the most expensive options on our list.
The Birkenstock brand 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.
They have a flexible rubber sole that is comfortable and sturdy and a cork footbed that naturally molds to the shape of your feet. These shoes are pricey, but they just get better with time, so we think they're worth it.
Size Range: 5-12.5 | Upper Material: Open-pored, flexible suede and high-quality, untreated natural leather | Heel Height: Flat
Best Boot: Ugg Classic Mini II
Pros
These shoes are extremely comfortable and warm
The design is very on-trend and great for daily wear.
Cons
They have limited arch support, which 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 Ugg's 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.
While they are comfy, they do have limited arch support, so they may not be ideal for all foot types.
Size Range: 5-12 | Upper Material: Dyed sheep fur | Heel Height: 1 inch
Best for Travel: Cariuma IBI Slip On
Pros
These shoes are super lightweight and comfortable and have enough support for us to walk for two miles.
The sleek design can easily be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion and styling.
They have a durable outsole that provides great traction on a number of surfaces.
Cons
It 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 durable outsole provided great traction, and 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 heels 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 provided adequate space in the toe box so that our feet weren’t squished or 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.
Size Range: 5-13 | Upper Material: Bamboo knit | Heel Height: Flat
Best for Outdoors: The North Face Women’s ThermoBall Traction Mules V
Pros
These shoes have a comfortable, slipper-like feel.
The high-traction outsoles make these shoes great in all walking conditions.
Cons
They have a slipper design, so they might not be appropriate for dressy 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.
They have a slipper-like feel paired with high traction outsoles that you can safely wear in all different conditions. While super cute, the slipper style might not be appropriate for dressy occasions.
Size Range: 5-11 | Upper Material: 100%-recycled ripstop upper finished with a Durable-Water Repellent (DWR) | Heel Height: Flat
Best Loafer: Hush Puppies Loafers
Pros
The stylish, trendy shape is great for the office or more casual outings.
They have extra cushioned heel pads to help prevent rubbing and blisters.
These shoes are a great value for the quality, style, and comfort they provide.
Cons
Some shoppers note that they wish these shoes had more support.
These loafers 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 vibrant colors. I've actually been stopped in the street wearing my hot pink pair.”
We love the stylish, trendy shape that can take us from the office to any casual setting. They also feature extra cushioned heel pads to help prevent rubbing and blisters. While we think they are a great value for the quality and style, some shoppers note that they wish these shoes provided more support.
Size Range: 6-12 | Upper Material: Leather, nubuck, or suede | Heel Height: Flat
Best for Nurses and Standing All Day: Dansko XP 2.0 Clogs
Pros
They have excellent arch and heel support.
The rocker bottom helps relieve pressure on the ball of the foot.
Cons
These are some of the more expensive options on our list.
Podiatrist Dr. Timothy Oldani, DPM, FACFAS, says that his number one recommendation for professionals who are on their feet all day long is 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." While they are one of the more costly options on our list, if you're on your feet all day, they are most definitely worth it.
Size Range: 4.5-13 | Upper Material: Waterproof leather | Heel Height: 1-1.75 inches
Related: The 12 Best Work Shoes for Women of 2024, Starting at $19
Best Lightweight: Naot Okahu Shoe
Pros
They are designed to be super comfortable with a footbed that molds to the shape of the wearer’s foot.
This brand's shoes are Accepted by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) for “promoting good foot health."
The sole is lightweight and slip-resistant.
Cons
These aren't the most stylish-looking shoes 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."
We also appreciate the lightweight, slip-resistant sole, and the molded footbed that just gets more comfortable over time. While these might not be the most stylish shoes you can buy, they are accepted by the American Podiatric Medical Association for "promoting good foot health."
Size Range: 4-12 | Upper Material: Microfiber | Heel Height: 1 inch
Best for Seniors: Naot Spring 1000
Pros
The shoe's cork and latex footbed conforms to your foot shape.
They provide great arch support.
These shoes are Accepted by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) for “promoting good foot health."
Cons
They are 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.
While these are pricey, like other shoes from the brand, these are accepted by the American Podiatric Medical Association for "promoting good foot health."
Size Range: 4-11 | Upper Material: EVA | Heel Height: 1.25 inches
Best Leather: Vans Leather Slip-Ons
Pros
They have a stylish and timeless design.
The outsoles provide great traction.
They feel more weighty and substantial than some other shoes we tried.
Cons
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!). They have a stylish and timeless design that is ideal for anyone searching for a slip-on shoe that can more easily transition from casual settings to something a little more professional. Plus, like the classic canvas version, 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 than 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.
Size Range: 5-17.5 | Upper Material: Leather | Heel Height: Flat
Related: The 10 Best Men’s Slip-On Shoes of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Best Sneaker: Dr. Scholl's Madison Slip On Sneaker
Pros
These shoes have a comfortable medium weight and good traction that kept us feeling stable while walking outdoors on multiple surfaces.
They have great arch support and supportive foam inserts.
Cons
They are slightly heavier than some of the other options we tested.
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 offer 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.
Size Range: 6-11 | Upper Material: Faux leather, fabric, canvas, mesh, or microfiber made from recycled bottles | Heel Height: 1.25”
Best Arch Support: Vionic Agile Reign Walking Sneakers
Pros
These shoes provide three-zone comfort that promotes foot stability, alignment, and support.
This pair of shoes was designed by podiatrists.
Cons
They 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.
These shoes do have a casual style, so they may not be suitable for formal office environments.
Size Range: 6-12 | Upper Material: Textile and man-made upper | Heel Height: Flat
Best Style: Birdies The Starling
Pros
They have a cushy footbed.
These shoes have an elegant design that is available in multiple colors and patterns, including velvet, knit, and leather materials.
Cons
They are one of the more expensive options on our list.
With over 35,000 reviews, Birdies are regularly referred to as being cloud-like when it comes to comfort — and they’re stylish, too. If you are in need of a comfortable flat that could be as cozy as a slipper but also professional and formal enough for a work or social setting, these are your best bet.
They come in a variety of materials including vegan velvet, leather, suede, and basket weave, and sizes (including wide) from 5 to 13. While they are a bit pricey, we think the quality, comfort, and style are worth it.
Size Range: 5-13 | Upper Material: Vegan velvet, leather, knit, suede, basket weave | Heel Height: Flat
Best Wedge: Dr. Scholl’s If Only Wedge Slip-On Sneaker
Pros
These shoes have a leg-lengthening fit.
The cushioned insoles provide sneaker-like comfort.
Cons
The 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. The wedge style gives them a leg-lengthening fit, and the cushioned insoles give them sneaker-like comfort. Plus, they still look just as casual and versatile as a regular pair of slip-on sneakers.
The heel might feel a bit more difficult to walk in than flat sneakers, at least at first.
Size Range: 6-11 | Upper Material: Faux leather or fabric upper | Heel Height: 2-inch hidden wedge
Best with Heel: Madewell The Brady Lowcut Bootie
Pros
These shoes have a modern, stylish design that is great for office attire.
The cloud-lift padded insoles make these shoes more comfortable than a standard bootie.
Cons
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 two-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.
The cloud-lift padded insoles also make them more comfortable than your standard bootie. They do tend to run slightly big, so you might want to size down a half a size.
Size Range: 5-11 | Upper Material: Leather | Heel Height: 2 inches
Best for Flat Feet: Kuru Stride
Pros
They feature an 8-millimeter heel-to-toe drop that evens out the pressure across the entire foot.
These shoes are lightweight and breathable.
Cons
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.
Size Range: 5-12 | Upper Material: Synthetic knit | Heel Height: Flat
Things to Consider Before Buying Slip-On Shoes
Support
As Dr. Timothy Oldani, DPM, FACFAS says, the first and 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.
Sole
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 terrains. Some slip-on shoes for women, like The North Face Slip-On, offer helpful traction on the bottom of the shoe to help you avoid slipping.
Secure Fit
Of course, the best part of a slip-on shoe for women 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.
How We Tested
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 out in the real world.
- Evaluation: We started by inspecting each pair of slip-on 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 slip-on shoes.
- Long-Term Wear: We continued to wear the shoes over two weeks for at least five hours per wear, walking in them on various surfaces including grass, pavement, and snow. We gained insight into each shoe's comfort, style, and feel during this time.
We 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of slip-on shoes for women?
Despite their overall convenience and comfort, Dr. Oldani notes that slip-on shoes for women aren’t ideal for 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. If you're looking for a lightweight slip-on shoe for women, we love the Naot Okahu Shoe.
Can you wear socks with slip-on shoes?
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 for women.
Are slip-on shoes professional?
There are slip-on shoes for women 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 ideal options for nurses and doctors, for example, like the Dansko XP 2.0 clogs.
Why Trust PEOPLE?
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 stylists, fashion pros, and podiatrists. She also combed through manufacturer insights, customer reviews, shoe materials, versatility, and design.
This story was updated 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 for women from our PEOPLE Tested lab.
Meet Our Experts
- Liv Schrieber is a celebrity stylist who has styled Sara Blakely of Spanx.
- Liz Teich is a New York-based personal and commercial fashion stylist.
- Emily Loftiss is a national TV personality and style and beauty expert.
- Holly Katz is a stylist and host of the Fashion Crimes podcast.
- Dr. Timothy Oldani, DPM, FACFAS is a podiatrist based in St. Louis.
What Is People Tested?
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.
Up Next: 13 Best Flip Flops for Women of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!
Read the original article on People.
We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
2023-06-09T10:21:02Z dg43tfdfdgfd