The 15 Most Comfortable Women's Slip-on Sneakers
Courtesy of Amazon, Nordstrom
Whether you're wearing them to run through the airport, during a long day of sightseeing on foot, or to hit the gym, a comfortable pair of sneakers is a must-have travel essential—and one of our favorite styles for travel is a classic and convenient pair of slip-on sneakers. We talked to Dr. Jacqueline Sutera of City Podiatry in New York City, and she gave us all the info you'll need to find the perfect comfy slip-on sneakers for your next trip.
"Slip-on sneakers are like the best of both worlds," Sutera says. "They are cushioned, lightweight, and easy to take on and off."
Our favorite slip-on sneakers are Dr. Scholl's Madison Sneakers — they're stylish, reasonably priced, and most importantly, so comfortable. However, we've rounded up the best pairs on the market for any and all of your trip needs, from cozy wool options to cool, cushioned kicks.
These are the best slip-on sneakers for women.
Best Overall: Dr. Scholl's Madison Sneaker
Best Classic Option: Vans Classic Slip-on Sneaker
Best Wool Option: Allbirds Wool Loungers
Best Eco-friendly Option: Rothy's The Sneaker
Best Cushioned Option: Ugg Bren Slip-on Sneaker
Best Perforated Option: Ilse Jacobsen Tulip 139 Perforated Slip-on Sneaker
Best Backless Option: Easy Spirit Tourguide Mule Sneaker
Best Leather Option: Naturalizer Aileen Sneaker
Best Packable Option: Sanuk Pair O Dice Sneaker
Best Platform Option: Steve Madden Gills Sneaker
Best Luxe Option: Vince Blair 5 Slip-on Sneaker
Best Option With Arch Support: Ecco Slip-on Sneaker
Best Sporty Option: Adidas Ultimafusion Sneakers
Best for Hiking: L.L.Bean Vista Slip-On Hikers
Best for Warmth: Olukai Pehuea Heu Genuine Shearling Slip-On Sneaker
Our Top Picks
Best Overall: Dr. Scholl's Madison Sneaker
Courtesy of Amazon
These cute slip-on sneakers by Dr. Scholl's are insanely comfortable. They're designed with a memory foam footbed for added support and a thick rubber sole that provides excellent traction. According to Sutera, the comfiest shoes include a deep-seated heel cup, arch support, and cushioning, and the Madisons check off every box. Plus, the padded collar provides a more comfortable feel while the flexible side panels allow you to slip them on easily, even hands-free. These also come in a variety of color and style options, so you can choose from bold camo or leopard prints or more neutral variations like black, olive, or faux leather.
View at Amazon, Dr. Scholl's Shoes ($39-$141)
Sizes: 5 to 11 (wide available) | Material: Microsuede, faux leather or fabric, vulcanized rubber
Best Classic: Vans Classic Slip-on Sneaker
Courtesy of Nordstrom
Vans' Classic Slip-on Sneakers have been popular for more than 50 years, and it's easy to see why. They look just as good when worn with casual jeans and leggings as they do with skirts and dresses; that versatility means you can cut down on the number of shoes you'll have to pack for a trip. Comprising elastic side panels for added comfort and easy slip on, a sturdy textile upper and lining, and rubber sole, these kicks will last through years of wear and tear. While the sneakers fit true to size, they are sold in unisex sizes, so be sure to check the Vans size guide to find the right fit.
View at Vans, Amazon, Nordstrom ($40-$170)
Sizes: 5–14.5 (women's), 3.5–13 (men's) | Material: Canvas, rubber
Best Wool: Allbirds Wool Loungers
Courtesy of All Birds
Frequent fliers love to travel in comfortable sneakers from Allbirds, and the Wool Loungers are one of the brand's most popular styles. Not only are they lightweight, breathable, and super comfortable, but they're made with ZQ merino wool, which has temperature-regulating capabilities, so these will keep your feet warm in winter and cool in the summer. Merino wool is also naturally odor-resistant, so you can walk hundreds of miles in them without worry of stinking up your bag when you pack them. Perhaps the best part is that they're machine-washable, which is highly convenient for keeping them fresh and clean for years to come.
View at Allbirds ($98)
Sizes: 5 to 11 | Material: Merino wool
Best Eco-friendly: Rothy's The Sneaker
Courtesy of Rothy
If shopping eco-friendly fashion is a priority of yours, consider these slip-on sneakers by Rothy's. These shoes are made from repurposed water bottles and produced in the brand's sustainable workshop. The seamless knit upper won't dig in or rub against your feet, and they're comfortable right out of the box, so there's no need to break them in. While they offer plenty of comfort on their own, they also pair well with socks—just make sure to size up if you plan on wearing them with socks, as the shoes are designed not to stretch. And as a nice bonus, these are machine-washable.
View at Rothys ($125)
Sizes: 5 to 13 | Material: Plastic bottle knit thread, foam
Best Cushioned: Ugg Bren Slip-on Sneaker
Courtesy of Nordstrom
Ugg is known for producing comfortable, high-quality shoes, and these slip-on sneakers are no different. The travel-ready shoes have an ultra-cushioned footbed and a terry-cloth lining that is super soft on your feet. The cotton upper is breathable so your feet won't overheat, and the durable sole provides excellent traction on all types of terrains. The crepe rubber outsole adds major flexibility, so these shoes will stay comfy even after hours on your feet.
View at Zappos, Amazon ($60-$90)
Sizes: 5 to 12 | Material: Cotton, canvas, rubber
Best Perforated: Ilse Jacobsen Tulip 139 Perforated Slip-on Sneaker
Courtesy of Nordstrom
These sleek slip-ons by Ilse Jacobsen boast a fashion-forward design thanks to the cool scalloped perforations on the upper. Speaking of the upper, it's comfortable for all-day wear, while a flexible rubber sole offers excellent mobility in every situation. Keep in mind the shoes do run small, so the brand suggests you order the next size up from your normal size.
View at Nordstrom, Zappos ($84-$94)
Sizes: 6 to 12 | Material: Synthetic, leather, rubber
Best Backless: Easy Spirit Tourguide Mule Sneaker
Courtesy of Amazon
If you prefer the ease of backless sneakers, check out this pair by Easy Spirit. The sporty kicks feature an insole that's made extra comfortable by shock-absorbing cushioning. The outsole boasts ultra-flexible rubber with ridges, adding outstanding traction and making the shoes an excellent option on all types of terrain, from airport terminals to national parks. The upper is constructed with a rounded toe, while a soft, padded collar ensures comfort from the moment you slide your foot inside.
View at Amazon ($27-$139)
Sizes: 5 to 12 (wide available) | Material: Leather, rubber
Best Leather: Naturalizer Aileen Sneaker
Courtesy of Naturalizer
"Accommodate the forefoot with materials made of soft, forgiving leather," Dr. Sutera says. "Shoes that are not made of a forgiving material and are not the proper width will compress and squeeze the forefoot." This pair by Naturalizer is the perfect comfy leather pick for a more elevated look. The non-slip outsole adds stability to the sophisticated sneaker, while the elastic side panels make them easy to take on and off. Other features that make these the ideal choice for comfort are a luxe terry lining, removable footbed, and Contour+ technology, which uses foam cushioning that sculpts and conforms to the unique shape of your foot. The sneakers even include a hidden, 1-inch heel for a subtle added lift.
View at Naturalizer, Amazon, Zappos ($40-$236)
Sizes: 4 to 12 (wide available) | Material: Suede, leather
Best Packable: Sanuk Pair O Dice Sneaker
Courtesy of Amazon
The canvas upper on these Sanuk sneakers is incredibly flexible and folds flat, making them very easy to pack. The shoes also feature a padded footbed that feels like a cushioned yoga mat. They're some of the softest shoes on the market, and they range in colors from neutral grays and browns to bright pops of opal and coral.
Sizes: 5 to 11 | Material: Canvas, rubber
Best Platform: Steve Madden Gills Sneaker
Courtesy of Zappos
These Steve Madden slip-ons have a 1.25-inch platform that will give you the perfect amount of lift while still being a breeze to walk in. Along with a padded collar that won't cause blisters, the sneakers also boast a lightly cushioned insole and a durable rubber sole. And don't worry about slipping when you've got these on—the outsole offers stellar traction and durability.
View at Zappos, Amazon, Steve Madden ($26-$111)
Sizes: 5 to 14 | Material: Suede, Leather, Rubber
Best Luxe: Vince Blair 5 Slip-on Sneaker
Courtesy of Zappos
Splurging on a pair of sneakers may seem excessive, but these luxe Vince sneakers are well worth the higher price point. Besides the gorgeous style that you'll want to show off from the plane to the city streets and everywhere in between, these shoes also feature a soft and supple lining and a comfortable insole. Your feet will also remain blister-free thanks to elastic insets that won't rub or chafe. Order the sneakers in black or white for a crisp and classic look, or try out a beige- or pink-hued version of the shoes.
View at Nordstrom, Amazon ($70-$351)
Sizes: 5 to 12 | Material: Calfskin, leather, rubber
Best for Arch Support: Ecco Soft 7 Woven Slip-on Sneaker
Courtesy of Zappos
According to Sutera, most people benefit from shoes with extra arch support. "Some shoes have this raised padding on the insoles inside the shoe, which helps elevate and neutralize the inside of the mid foot," she says. "This is important because if the arch is abnormally flat, many problems can occur or be made worse, such as bunions, hammertoes, tendinitis, fasciitis, or back, hip, and knee pain." Consider checking out these Ecco slip-on sneakers. The plush cushioned footbed provides comfort and stability, while the woven design adds a cool high-fashion twist. The shock-absorbing sole makes long days of standing or walking a breeze, and they're likely to hold up for years—but more than anything else, you'll love how supportive they are and how soft the supple leather is against your feet.
View at Amazon, Zappos ($69-$183)
Sizes: 4-4.5 to 12-12.5 | Material: Leather, Rubber
Best Sporty Style: Adidas Ultimafusion Sneakers
Courtesy of Amazon
A comfortable pair of slip-ons that you can wear during all types of workouts? Sign us up! These sock-like Adidas sneakers are made with a knit upper for added ventilation and a memory foam lining that molds to the shape of the foot. We love that the shoes have ample cushioning as well as a cool sporty design, but our favorite thing about them? The fact that they look just like popular designer pairs, but cost a fraction of the price. Choose between two styles: with elastic top straps or without.
View at Amazon ($52-$130)
Sizes: 5.5 to 11 | Material: Rubber, synthetic knit material
Best for Hiking: L.L.Bean Vista Slip-On Hikers
Courtesy of L.L.Bean
These L.L.Bean slip-on sneakers have a lugged outsole that provides excellent traction, making these a great option to wear on hikes and other outdoor excursions. The elastic goring keeps your feet from slipping out when walking, while the rubber toe bumper prevents you from stubbing your toes on even the rockiest terrains. One of the most interesting features, however, is the shoes' stretchy collar, which hugs the ankle and keeps debris out.
View at L.L.Bean ($99)
Sizes: 6 to 11 | Material: Suede, leather, rubber
Best for Warmth: Olukai Pehuea Heu Genuine Shearling Slip-On Sneaker
Courtesy of Nordstrom
These Olukai slip-on sneakers are fully lined with shearling to keep your feet warm and cozy, and they are also waterproof if weather takes a turn while you're out exploring. The sneakers provide all-day arch support, plus they have collapsible backs, allowing you to customize how you wear them. Because they're lined with soft, fluffy shearling, you'll never need to wear socks with them. In fact, they're so comfy, you may want to buy two pairs: one for traveling, and one to use at home in place of slippers.
View at Nordstrom, Amazon, Zappos ($130)
Sizes: 5 to 11 | Material: Leather, rubber, shearling
What to Look for When Buying Slip-on Sneakers
Comfort
While there are plenty of slip-on shoes on the market, not all of them are made for walking (or traveling, for that matter). When searching for the perfect pair of slip-on sneakers, it's important to look for options with cushioned insoles, a snug fit, and sufficient shock absorption. Otherwise, you can expect blisters, arch pain, and a desire to get home and change into something comfier ASAP. "In general, it is best to skip over shoes with thin, flat insoles and outer soles," Sutera says. "Wearing shoes with more structure and support is not only more comfortable, but healthier overall."
Material
This goes without saying, but the softer the material, the better. Look for shoes that incorporate leather, suede, and shearling into the upper and lining, and rubber into the outsole. Knit and woven materials can offer comfort too, but typically only if other high quality fabrics are used as well. If you're prone to sweating, go for a breathable material like nubuck, canvas, or even a cotton or mesh blend. Mesh is also ideal for travel because it can accommodate any swelling that may happen during flights, says Sutera.
Style
When it comes to slip-on shoes, sleek and snug is always best. You may be tempted to try something trendy and backless, and while backless shoes don't guarantee discomfort, you'll want to make sure they stay on your feet while walking before you commit to them. Consider also choosing something with a visibly flexible outsole, like the Ilse Jacobsen pick—it'll feel less restrictive as you move.
Why Trust Travel + Leisure
Travel + Leisure writers are shopping, fashion, and product experts who use personal experience and customer recommendations to choose the best items for shoppers. For this article, editors Rebecca Carhart and Hillary Maglin researched dozens of shoes, used their expertise as seasoned fashion and lifestyle writers, and interviewed a podiatrist to curate the perfect list of comfy slip-on sneakers for travelers.
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