The Best Slip-On Shoes to Sport All Summer and Beyond
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There are many categories in footwear, but the easiest of them is the slip-on shoe. The name says it all; just slip your feet right in there and you're all set. There are no bells or whistles—no hooks, laces, or other trappings that require effort. And in this era when comfort is key to getting dressed, the slip-on is more high-ranking than ever before, especially during the warm and breezy summer months.
Of course, not all slip-ons are one and the same. Some styles are best for formal occasions, while others are best for leisurely strolls. There are a few sub-categories (because fashion loves classifying), in particular, that all men should consider adding to their shoe rack: loafers, sneakers, espadrilles, boat shoes, and even slippers. These are the options that’ll get you through the year, summer or otherwise, with ease. So, check out 20 of the best slip-on shoes, all of which require no effort whatsoever. Yeah, you're welcome.
Clipper Classic Slip-On Sneakers
A clean white slip-on sneaker for less than 25 bucks? How can you say no?
Patnoflex Travel Loafer
You can wear these to the airport and be impressed by how easily you breeze through security, or you can pack them in your suitcase and be impressed with how compactly they fold up. Dealer's choice.
Baja Slip-On Shoes
Toms built its brand on sustainable philosophy, one with a charitable component. It did so with simple, sleek canvas slip-on shoes that do so much good—and in more way than one, too.
Tree Loungers Shoes
Allbirds, the direct-to-consumer behemoth, launched with a sustainable approach, offering shoes made of materials that are equal parts hardwearing, stylish, and environmentally-friendly. What's more, they're machine-washable.
Slip Ons
Sustainability seems to be the name of the game when it comes to slip-on sneakers. Case in point: Thousand Fell, a relative newcomer to the footwear fold, offers eco-conscious shoes so great that we just had to endorse them.
Dali Canvas Slip-On Espadrilles
Espadrilles are to Soludos as tissues is to Kleenex, and shapewear is to Spanx. Need we say more?
Myles Brando Slide Sandals
What's easier to slip on than slides? Nothing, really. Doc Martens, with their durable leather tech, takes the flimsiness away from classic slides, though, and presents a pair that's tough, rugged, and cool.
Toy Leather Slippers
Whoever said slip-ons are a lazy shoe was lying. Loewe proves that things can be easy, breezy, and elegant, with their elevated leather slippers.
Slip-On Pros
We've waxed poetic about Cariuma a lot, but it's because we genuinely love this brand. Their shoes are light as air and super cushiony, and this slip-on style is just the icing on the cake.
Authentic Original 2-Eye Boat Shoes
From people who use "summer" as a verb to actual, real-life sailors, the boat shoe is a summertime staple for a good reason. It's comfortable, casual, and slip-resistant, which comes in handy when you're tacking and jibing—or just dodging spilled G&Ts.
Moc Slippers
Don't let the texture of Acorn's signature slipper fool you, because the tech fabric is made to be completely breathable and moisture-wicking. Which means you can wear 'em in summer and winter—and outdoors, too.
Classic Slip-On Shoes
Tied to skateboarding culture, Vans, throughout the years, has offered easy, breezy styles for the and beyond. Which means you don't have to know how to kickflip to partake in the action.
The California Foam Mules
The folks at Fear of God are stewards of minimalist luxury. These foam mules certainly stay true to their ethos, and they feel like clouds on your feet.
Pinch Tassel Loafers
With tassels and a classic vibe, Cole Haan, per usual, offers a great, genuine leather loafer at price that's too good to pass up.
Huarache Woven Sandals
Huaraches, Mexican shoes made of woven leather strips, are one of the oldest footwear styles in the Western Hemisphere, predating colonization. And just by looking at the exquisite texture, it's not hard to see why they've been around for so long.
Summer Walk Suede Loafers
The unassumingly luxurious Summer Walk loafer from Loro Piana isn't just a super-comfortable, high-end addition to a warm-weather wardrobe. It's also a bona fide status symbol in the art world. So, if you've got any gallery openings coming up, these are the shoes to wear.
Jordaan Leather Loafers
At this point, horsebit loafers, shoes with an interlocking metal detail on the upper, are a dime a dozen. But if authenticity is what you're looking for, know that Gucci's Jordaan is the venerable elder statesmen.
Space-Star Slip-On Sneakers
Golden Goose's ultra-modern silhouette feels like it's straight from the future. The oversized bubble sole adds comfort and cushion, making you feel like you're walking on the moon.
Boston Clogs
Boston Birks are a men's footwear staple. They go from lounging at home to your neighborhood sports bar with ease.
Antigua Espadrilles
Get the head-to-toe Canadian tuxedo with a pair of slip-ons from Hermès. Whether you're wearing this to the beach in St Barth's or on the gritty New York City sidewalks, they are elevating the espadrille game.
Frequently Asked Questions
What material is best?
Slip-ons come in a plethora of materials, so it really comes down to your intended use. If you want a pair that's more durable or get wet, you will want to look for water-resistant construction in materials like rubber or a leather with a special treatment. If you're looking for a slip-on that you can wear on fancier occasions, you may want to opt for a suede or soft leather that transitions from day-to-night.
How should they fit?
Finding the correct slip-ons is crucial to your overall experience. You want them to be tight enough that you're foot isn't slipping out, but not too tight where you can feel your toes being squeezed. Find your personal Goldilocks fit.
Should I wear socks with them?
A personal preference that depends on how much you value both look and comfort. If you want to avoid blisters or chafing, you can opt for a pair of no-show socks.
Why You Can Trust Esquire
We’re not going to tell you something is great unless it's actually great. Every product in Esquire’s round-ups is carefully curated by our fashion and e-commerce teams.
Every pick on this list (and our other lists!) comes from years of wearing different things, seeing what we love and what we don’t, and going from there. No two tastes are the same, and no two men are the same. Your proverbial mileage may vary. But if you’re looking for the right place to start, with advice from folks who and care (possibly too much!) about this sort of stuff, this is the place to be.
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