The Best Slip-on Shoes For Women, Tested and Reviewed
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The Allbirds Wool Loungers are the epitome of a cozy and comfortable slip-on
TripSavvy / Lecia Landis
Who has the time these days to sit down, grab a shoe, use tabs to pull it on, adjust the laces, and then tie them up? Save yourself a few extra minutes in your busy day with slip-on shoes. As the name implies, these babies slip on and off easily, making them the perfect shoe for when you’re ready to get up and go. At the least, they’ll make going through an airport security line much easier.
Our team of testers took 20 of the most popular slip-on shoes out for a spin to see which ones were the most comfortable, stylish, sustainable, and a good choice for athletic pursuits. We voted the Allbirds Wool Loungers "best overall" because they’re stylish, versatile, comfortable, and easy to slip on and off.
We were also impressed with eight other slip-on shoes, and we included them below. Read on to see what we thought of each shoe regarding value, style, comfort, and durability.
Best Overall: Allbirds Women's Wool Loungers
What We Like
Sustainably made
Multiple color options
Made with merino wool which has natural antimicrobial properties
What We Don't Like
Not very breathable
Minimal arch support
If you’ve never slipped your feet into a merino wool shoe, you’re in for a special treat because the Allbirds Wool Loungers are delightful—and stylish too! These sustainably and ethically made slip-on shoes come in a variety of colors. Wool is a naturally antimicrobial material, so you don’t have to worry much about these shoes smelling if you don’t wear socks. That said, wool isn’t as breathable as mesh, so these might be a better fit during cooler months.
Our tester was nine months pregnant when she tested these out and found them easy to slip on and off without her hands. The arch support is pretty minimal in these shoes, and this was fine for our tester with flat arches; however, it may not be enough contouring for long periods of walking.
These shoes are a bit pricey, but that’s likely due to their high-quality materials and planet-friendly construction.
Price at time of publication: $105
Materials: Merino wool, sugarcane-based EVA, castor bean oil-based insole foam | Sizes: 5 to 11
Best Overall, Runner Up: OluKai Pehuea Slip On Sneakers
What We Like
Multiple colors
Good arch support
Versatile drop-heel style
Stretchy and breathable upper
What We Don't Like
Only a few half sizes
There aren't many shoes designed in a way to offer you more than one style. The OLUKAI Pehuea Women's Slip-On Sneakers do! They have the brand's signature drop-in heel, meaning you can wear these like a loafer or let the heel drop and wear them like a clog.
This slip-on sneaker comes in many colors and has a stretchy upper that our tester found breathable. The toe box is roomy (even when our tester wore socks), and you'll discover a comfortable amount of arch support. As our tester explains, "The soles of the shoes are thick, and there are built-in grooves on the insole that lift my arch. It took a bit of getting used to, but it's super comfortable once you do." This shoe never caused any rubbing or discomfort on our tester's feet. After a few wears, she could slip her foot into the shoe without using her hands.
OLUKAI made the microfiber footbed removable and washable to make caring for the shoes easier. Some half sizes are available (6.5, 7.5, 8.5, and 9.5) but, unfortunately, not in larger sizes.
Price at time of publication: $100
Materials: Rubber, mesh, synthetic PU, microfiber | Sizes: 5 to 12
Best Budget: Hey Dude Womens Wendy Lace Up Loafers
What We Like
Affordable
Super light shoe
Memory foam insoles
Great for wide feet
What We Don't Like
Minimal arch support
The Hey Dude Women’s Wendy Lace-Up Loafers are the ultimate casual shoe. They have a "boat shoe" style going on with a wide toe box. You can choose classic gray or more upbeat colors and patterns like pink or leopard print. Weighing under 5 ounces, they’re one of the lightest slip-on shoes on the market.
Our tester wished these Hey Dudes had better arch support, but since the insole is removable, you could always replace it with your own. The canvas material of the shoe didn’t irritate her feet, and the elastic laces allowed her to tighten these shoes to her liking. As mentioned above, the Hey Dude Women’s Wendy Lace-Up Loafers are our budget pick, and while they’re pretty affordable, our tester is a little concerned about how long they’ll last, especially if you do a lot of walking outside of the house in these.
Price at time of publication: $55
Materials: Leather, elastic, memory foam, cotton | Size: 5 to 12
Best for Running: On Women's Cloud 5 Waterproof Shoes
What We Like
Upper is waterproof
Multiple color options
Supportive and comfortable
Made with recycled materials
What We Don't Like
It may be too pricey for some
The On Running Cloud 5 Waterproof shoes quickly became the first shoe our tester reached for on a daily basis. She wore these slip-on shoes to run, weight train, work out, run errands, and travel because they are comfortable, lightweight, and didn’t require any break-in time. The cushioning of the sole reduces muscle fatigue and helps you to run longer and faster.
Although these slip-on shoes come in different colors, our tester tried a lighter-colored pair and was impressed by how they didn’t seem to get dirty during her two months of testing. In fact, the upper part of the shoe is waterproof, making them an excellent option for outdoor runs. This shoe is partly made with recycled materials and has elastic laces that you can use to tighten the shoe. At nearly $170, they may be too pricey for some, but our tester raves are well worth the price and highly durable.
Price at time of publication: $170
Materials: Recycled polyester | Size: 5 to 11
Best Splurge: APL Womens TechLoom Breeze
Buy at Athleticpropulsionlabs.com
What We Like
Unisex shoe
Multiple color options
Super light running shoe
Stretchy upper fits to your foot
What We Don't Like
Not waterproof
Slim and tight, so you may need to size up
Don’t let even the slightest bit of weight hold you back on your runs with the APL Women’s TechLoom Breeze. These slip-on shoes are some of the lightest on the market at 6.8 ounces. In addition to coming in multiple colors, they’re a unisex shoe, so if they run out in your size, you can always buy a men’s size with some slight size adjusting.
The APL Women’s TechLoom Breeze doesn’t have a considerably high arch, which is excellent for running. The mesh upper may not be waterproof, but it is stretchy, breathable, and almost conforms to your foot. Our tester ordered a size up due to suggestions to do so in the customer reviews she read. The shoe is narrow and slim, and the mesh upper can feel a bit restricting, especially if you wear socks with these shoes. Sizing up meant she could wear socks and have more space in the toe box. Unfortunately, sizing up meant the shoe was slightly too long and rubbed against her ankle. Thankfully, the shoes never caused blisters when she wore them to work out, walk around the neighborhood, or during errands.
These shoes are our splurge pick—so expect a high price tag that reflects the quality of materials and construction.
Price at time of publication: $220
Materials: Elastic, Propelium, rubber, TechLoom upper | Size: 5.5 to 11
Best Comfort: Kizik Women's Lima Slip-On Sneaker
What We Like
Good arch support
Completely hands-free slip-on design
Multiple color options and lots of sizes
What We Don't Like
Pricey
Looking for a shoe that offers all-day comfort? Look no further than the Kizik Women’s Lima. Kizik is an innovator in slip-on shoes. They’ve designed the heels of their shoes to dip down when you slip your foot in and then spring back up. Once you’ve got your foot inside the Lima shoe, you’ll find it as sturdy, stable, and comfortable as our tester did. She raved about the arch support, how she didn’t have to break in these shoes, and the roomy toe box. The mesh upper also ensures good airflow to your feet.
We love how these shoes come in half sizes between sizes 6 and 13. Most of the shoes on this list only go up to size 11, so that’s pretty impressive. You have a lot of colors to choose from too. Our reviewer loved the Kizik Women’s Lima but thought the $109 price tag might be slightly too high.
Price at time of publication: $109
Materials: Rabbit foam, knit, rubber | Size: 6 to 13
Best for Walking: Avre Infinity Glide Light Sneakers
What We Like
Slight supportive arch
Multiple color options
Made with recycled plastic
Roomy toe box for wider feet
What We Don't Like
It only goes to a size 10
It runs half a size large
Our tester didn’t like slip-on shoes before testing the Avre Infinity Glide Light, but these shoes changed her mind. Some slip-on shoes can cause rubbing and chafing, but our tester never had that issue with these sneakers. After receiving them in the mail, she slipped them on and wore them for six hours straight, remaining comfortable all night. The mesh upper allows for breathability, the roomy toe box was a good fit for wider feet, and the slight arch support provided long-term comfort.
While we love that these shoes come in a variety of colors, unfortunately, they only go up to a size 10. They also tend to run a half size larger, so keep that in mind when ordering. The price may be expensive for some, but it likely comes from the quality construction of this shoe and the fact that it features recycled plastic.
Price at time of publication: $145
Materials: Knit, recycled plastic, foam | Size: 5 to 10
Related:The 12 Best Women’s Sandals of 2023
Best Loafer: Naturalizer Womens Marianne Slip On Sneaker
What We Like
Stylish loafer
It comes in a wide fit
Many different sizes, patterns, and colors
What We Don't Like
Slightly overpriced
Minimal arch support
Elevate your outfit with a cute, stylish loafer like the Naturalizer Women’s Marianne Loafer. What’s so impressive about this slip-on shoe is the different sizes, patterns, and colors. For instance, you can order it in regular or wide fit and half sizes. The black leather style is sleek, while the nude snake design is funky and fun. Our tester liked how she could wear these sneakers in places that were a step above casual and how the shoes didn’t require a break-in period.
The Naturalizer Women’s Marianne Loafer doesn’t have a significant arch, just a bit of a lift, making them comfortable for a few hours of wear. Although our tester thinks they run about half a size large, she didn’t mind the extra room, as it made wearing socks easier. Plus, the shoes never caused rubbing, chafing, or blisters. While these loafers are cute, our tester found them about $20 to $30 overpriced.
Price at the time of publication: $80
Materials: Leather, suede, fabric, velvet, or corduroy, synthetic sole, elastic | Size: 4 to 12
Related:The 9 Best Women’s Travel Shoes of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
Best Sustainable: Cariuma IBI Slip On
What We Like
Machine washable
Multiple color options
Eco-friendly materials and sustainably made
Every shoe bought means a tree planted in Brazil
What We Don't Like
Short break-in period
You won’t feel guilty splurging on the Cariuma IBI SLIP ON because these shoes are sustainably made with eco-friendly materials. Bamboo knit comprises the upper, the outsole features Green EVA from sugarcane, and the memory foam insole is vegan cork. As the website reads, it’s “one of the lowest carbon footprint sneakers ever made.” Even better—the company plants a tree in Brazil for every shoe bought.
Our tester had a short break-in period for these Cariuma’s—a single wear that involved a two-mile walk. There was slight rubbing on one heel (no blister), but she never had a problem after that first wear. In fact, our tester found the upper knit to be breathable and the arch support not too high or too low. The insoles are removable, and if you wear these slip-ons without socks, you can clean them easily by throwing the whole shoe in the washing machine.
Price at time of publication: $110
Materials: Bamboo knit, memory foam, cork, mamona oil, green EVA made from sugarcane | Size: 5 to 13
Final Verdict
Allbirds’ Wool Loungers are our top overall pick because of their sustainability and merino wool construction. Hey Dude’s Wendy Loafers are our top budget pick thanks to their lightweight build and memory foam insoles.
How We Tested
We asked testers to wear the shoes consistently over a few weeks and rate each pair on comfort, fit, support, durability, and value. Each attribute earned a score on a five-point scale. Those scores were averaged to create overall scores for each shoe, which is how we decided on the shoes featured on this list.
Other Slip-on Shoes We Tested
Other shoes we tested include Dr. Scholl's Madison Sneaker, UGG Women's Sammy Sneaker, Ecco Women's Soft 7 Woven Slip On Sneaker, Skechers Slip-ins: Ultra Flex 3.0, Vionic Women's Penelope Slip On Sneaker, Vince Warren Platform Sneaker, Taos Women's Dandy Sneaker, Superga Mule Sneakers, Rothy’s The City Slip On, Vivobarefoot's Opanka, and Birdies Booties.
What to Look for in Slip-On Sneakers
Materials
Slip-on shoes usually have rubber soles to assist with traction. The uppers can be made of mesh, leather, canvas, wool, suede, corduroy, or some other type of fabric, while cushioning in the insoles and soles comes in the form of memory foam, foam, or EVA. These days we see more and more shoes made with recycled products, as is the case with a few slip-on shoes on this list.
Comfort
Many slip-on shoes have memory foam insoles or thick EVA soles for the cushioning you’d need for everyday wear. Some of the loafer-style slip-on shoes on this list lack arch support or contouring and are seemingly flat. If you can find slip-on shoes with arch support, it’ll go a long way in terms of comfort.
That aside, the most important things you need to consider in terms of comfort are the uppers and the back of the shoe. Slip-on shoes, because they can lack laces, may not be tight enough on your foot to prevent the heel from rubbing or sliding against the back of your ankle. This can result in blisters or chafing. Another thing to consider is how tight the upper is on the top of your foot. It shouldn’t be so tight that it makes your feet fall asleep or hurts the bones along the top of your feet. That upper should move with your foot for the utmost comfort.
Style
Most of the slip-on shoes on this list are loafers or athletic shoes. However, there are other types of slip-on shoes not included here. Clogs and espadrilles are more casual, stylish slip-on shoes. Some slip-on shoes go over the ankle and are best suited to gardening, hiking, or camping. Which slip-on shoes you choose will depend entirely on the activities you’d like to engage in when wearing the shoes.
Socks or no socks
Whether or not you wear socks with slip-on shoes entirely depends on the type of slip-on shoe. For instance, if the slip-on shoe is more athletic in style or you expect to do a lot of walking, socks can be a good idea as they’ll absorb your sweat and prevent blisters from occurring. Alternatively, loafers, clogs, espadrilles, or waterproof slip-ons may not require you to wear socks. If you want to wear socks with a slip-on shoe, you may need to order a half size up.
If you decide not to wear socks with slip-on shoes, pay attention to the type of materials of the slip-on shoe. The slip-on will need to be breathable so that your foot doesn’t sweat and cause blisters or chaffing. Ideally, they’ll also be treated with an anti-microbial spray or feature materials—like wool—that are naturally anti-microbial. Removing the liner or insole of the slip-on can allow you to clean the inside of the shoe better and prevent bacteria from growing that would cause odors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I care for and wash slip-on shoes?
Some slip-on shoes—typically featuring mesh, fabric, or canvas—are machine washable. Brushing with small bits of soap and water can remove stains. Slip-on shoes with leather or suede uppers will require special care. Not only should you limit the amount of water on these types of materials (because water can crack or stain the material), but you may have to buy special cleaning solvents specifically designed to clean leather or suede.
If you don’t wear socks with slip-on shoes, ensure the insoles are removable. Washing them with warm water and soap will keep them fresh. You may even need to cover them in baking soda overnight or use an odor-control spray to keep odors at bay. If necessary, replace the insoles with new ones.
Are slip-on shoes bad for your feet?
Podiatrist Cory Clement offered some great advice on the type of slip-on shoes that will benefit your feet. He started by saying, “Slip-on sneakers should be firm and durable. Also, look for a deep heel cup in the shoe [as] this will prevent excessive pronation or rolling inward of the foot. This will also prevent excessive traction on the arch and give the feet more support and stability. Having a thick rubber sole is also a plus.”
Dr. Clement also wants buyers to understand that different seasons may warrant different types of slip-on shoes. “Consider more breathable shoes—for summer months—that are made of polypropylene or cotton and avoid shoes made of rubber or plastic, which can trap moisture and dampness, leading to sweaty feet and athlete’s foot. Sneakers made of suede also help absorb sweat and humidity, keeping your feet cool,” he said. “Consider wool slip-ons for the winter as they will keep your feet warm and cozy.”
Can you walk a lot in slip-on shoes?
Athletic slip-on shoes are better designed for walking as they typically have a thicker sole with EVA or foam for cushioning and arch support. You should also ensure that the slip-on shoes don’t slide against your ankle and are breathable. Slippage against the ankle can cause blisters – even when wearing socks. If a shoe isn’t breathable, it can cause your feet to sweat and result in blisters or chafing.
Why Trust TripSavvy
Author Alex Temblador is an outdoor and travel journalist who lives in Texas. In addition to working out–running, lifting, hiking, kayaking, and more–at least five days a week, Alex seeks out adventurous travels all around the world. Throughout her career as an outdoor and travel journalist, she has rappelled in Mexico, kayaked in Puerto Rico and Thailand, skied in Telluride and Montana, surfed in Zihuatanejo, scuba dived in Bonaire, hiked in Peru and Switzerland, and completed a one-day, 100-mile cycling event in 100-degree weather in North Texas.
In compiling our list, we sought the advice of Cory Clement, a California-based podiatrist with 9 years of experience in podiatric foot and ankle surgery.
Up Next:The 9 Best Women’s Travel Shoes of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
