Quick picks
If you’re like me, you get tired of constantly bending over to tie your shoe laces on your favorite kicks before heading out the door. So, in my ongoing quest to find footwear that’s both comfortable and convenient, I set out to find the best slip-on shoes for exercise and daily wear. To make picking out your next pair of slip-ons a breeze, I gathered up expert-recommended sneakers and slides podiatrists say can actually carry you through your daily walks and commutes. These shoes range from durable hiking boots to sporty sneakers, but they all have the support and structure that experts love.
Whether you’re keeping up healthy habits and exercising more or you’re looking for comfortable shoes before your next vacation, these are the best slip-on shoes no matter your lifestyle.
Keen Women’s Whisper Sandals
Dr. Nicole Freels, a double board-certified pedorthist and podiatrist at Lexington Podiatry, recommends these hiking sandals as a smart option for walking, noting the arches are contoured for a snug and comfortable fit. She also called out the additional midfoot support. “The insole itself is a shock-absorbing foam so that [the] arch is really comfortable throughout the entire day,” Freels said. She also noted the bungee laces add convenience while the shoes themselves are extremely breathable, with airflow and windows throughout the design.
Ryka Women's Podflow EZ Walking Sneakers
Ryka’s shoes are designed specifically for female feet, so it’s no surprise they have great options for women’s slip-on shoes. Dr. Elizabeth Daughtry, a board-certified podiatrist, recommends this pair because of the cushioning, stability and design features that encourages natural motion. “The anatomic insole offers extra arch support, heel support, and the ACTIVenergy translucent EVA foam in the midsole and Pods provide targeted support while allowing natural motion while walking and running,” Daughtry said. “These shoes are an excellent choice for walk and running interval workouts and fitness walking.”
Orthofeet Women's Kita Hands-Free Shoes
Freels recommends these slip-ons as a great option for a host of reasons, ranging from the comfortable heels to the soft and breathable interior. “The heel is extremely cushioned, so it's great for those that need more shock absorption on heel strike,” she said. “The inside is going to be a seam-free interior, so if you have diabetes or neuropathy, this design is really helpful to protect you and reduce any risk of having any type of rubbing or wear-and-tear on the skin creating wounds or ulcerations.”
Orthofeet Men's Yari Hands-Free Shoes
She also highlighted the built-in arch support and that the Kitas are orthopedic shoes, which means they’re slip-resistant and provide stellar support for your joints and arches. The Yari sneakers offer the same benefits as the Kita shoes, simply with a different name for the men's style. These hands-free sneakers come with the same orthotic insoles and in a range of neutral colors so you can work them into your everyday wardrobe.
Skechers Women's Slip-Ins Go Walk 8 Nadia Sneakers
Daughtry said this pair of Skechers Slip-Ins are a quality, budget-friendly buy. “The Heel Pillow holds the foot securely in place and the Air-Cooled Goga Mat breathable insole has high-rebound cushioning,” she said. Daughtry also noted that the Soft Stride cushioning foam adds lots of comfort, while the Ultra Pillars (a support system in the outsoles of the shoes) have a high-rebound effect, adding some extra pep to your step. "The durable dual-density traction outsole offers excellent stability,” she said.
While an exact match for men’s sizing isn’t available, the Skechers Go Walk 8 Pate are a comparable option with similar features and hands-free convenience.
Skechers Women's Slip-Ins Go Walk Max Cushioning Hyper Burst Nikita Sneakers
When shopping for shoes to relieve pain from plantar fasciitis, it’s important to look for supportive heels and stability features that support your body’s natural movement. “The design of this sole is something called a Heel Pillow, so it's great for a responsive burst of energy return from the midsole itself,” Freels said. “The heel of it is really going to help control and restrict excessive range of motion which often leads to foot issues.” These sneakers also have additional cushioning, which Freels notes will help if you experience pain from neuropathy.
Kizik Women's Wasatch Mid Shoes
Slip-on convenience is the name of the game with all Kizik shoes, even water-resistant styles like the Wasatch. Dr. Priya Parthasarthy, a board-certified podiatrist, said she appreciates the boots' wide sizing and lightweight design because these features are ideal for folks with wide feet in need of functional gear. She said she even gifted these to a family member and noted the traction was great for wearing throughout winter.
Kizik Men's Wasatch Mid Shoes
If you're looking for maximum durability, the high-abrasion rubber lugged outsoles on these shoes give you solid traction underfoot, which is helpful on slippery sidewalks and walkways. Plus, the ankle-height collar offers protection from elements like snow or rain, and the reinforced toe caps add protection while braving the outdoors. Slip these on through inclement weather or on a light hike to keep your feet both comfortable and supported.
Hoka Women's Skyward Laceless Sneakers
Parthasarthy recommends these Hoka slip-ons as everyday recovery shoes, calling the design “the perfect balance of plush cushion and neutral support.” She noted they carry the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance (APMA), which is given to shoes the association has concluded provide good foot health. She said she’s tested them personally and quickly added them to her personal rotation.
Hoka Men's Skyward Laceless Sneakers
The Skyward Laceless Sneakers offer neutral stability and plush cushioning that will keep your feet happy. Parthasarathy said the snug sock-like fit of the uppers is especially convenient, adding that it’s usually hard to find this kind of fit with slip-on shoes. For added convenience, the pull tabs make placing your feet inside a breeze.
Hoka All-Gender Ora Recovery Mules
Dr. Miguel Cunha, a board-certified podiatric surgeon and founder of Gotham Footcare in New York City, said these are among his favorite walking shoes. The slides are great for everyday wear, whether you’re working around the house, walking in the neighborhood or running errands. The recovery sandals have meta-rocker soles, which Cunha said helps your foot roll from heel to toe. This can help minimize shock to your feet and joints, supporting overall comfort while you’re on the move.
Vionic Women's Hayward Sneakers
Another recommendation from Parthasarathy, these Vionic sneakers offer medial arch support thanks to the Vio Motion technology, the brand’s built-in stabilizing orthotic. She said the contoured footbeds and firm heel counters support your arches while you’re walking and keep your feet in the proper position. These are great everyday sneakers for those who need additional stability while walking, running errands and more. The shoes are available in both standard and wide if you need something more tailored to your feet.
Skechers Women's Slip-Ins Aero Burst Sneakers
These Skechers slip-ins offer lightweight cushioning and are extremely responsive. The shoes have the APMA Seal of Acceptance and have laces that stay in place without requiring tying (though they are adjustable so you can fit them properly to your feet). These sneakers were designed for running, though you can wear them for walking and other light intensity activities too.
Skechers Men's Slip-Ins Aero Burst Sneakers
Parthasarathy said she recommends these Skechers thanks to their built-in arch support and shock-absorbing cushioning. The carbon-infused H-plates, which provides a snappy energy return while you’re moving, are an added bonus for tired legs.
Slip-on shoes can be loaded with features beyond laceless convenience. Whether you’re dealing with plantar fasciitis, in search of arch support or are simply looking for a convenient pair to wear daily, you’ll find what you need if you keep these design features in mind.
- Material: Slip-on shoes tend to wear out faster than traditional sneakers since they can stretch further than your lace-up styles. Make sure the fabric of your slip-ons is durable and can shape to your unique foot shape. Material like mesh is breathable and stretchy while nylon is water- and sweat-resistant.
- Cushion: Your feet and joints are happiest when your shoes offer cushioned support. Look for shoes that offer proper cushioning for your activities.
- Usage: Consider what activities you’ll wear the shoes for. If you’re walking in them a lot, look for sportier styles that offer durability, cushioning, rocker soles and breathability. If you’re planning movement in the form of hiking or walks on the beach, look for water-resistant shoes that won’t get damaged if you feel like taking a break to dip your feet.
- Size and fit: Of course, you want to find shoes that fit your feet properly. This is especially true for slip-on shoes, since you want to keep your heels from slipping out without feeling restricted. Make sure you have enough room for your toes, as well. You should have about half an inch (or a thumb’s width) of space between your longest toe and the shoe’s end, Freels said.
- Traction: Freels recommends looking for shoes with good traction, which can help prevent slips and falls. While she said that, generally, slide-on shoes are known to be less supportive, quality traction “can give you more stability when you’re walking around outside or even on various surfaces.”
While those are the main features you can look for while shopping, Cunha also recommends looking for slip-ons for exercise that carry the APMA Seal of Acceptance, which indicates the shoes have features that promote foot health. Several of the shoes listed above have this badge.
Slip-on shoes can be great alternatives if you’re looking for something easy to get on and off. Once you’ve found a pair you like, you’ll be getting out the door quickly (and comfortably!).
The following FAQs were answered by board-certified podiatrists Dr. Miguel Cunha and Dr. Nicole Freels.
The first thing Freels said to look for when finding slip-on shoes for exercise is toe room. “Your toe should always have adequate enough room to wiggle around without feeling cramped,” she said. “Generally, about a half an inch or a thumb’s width of space between your longest toe and the shoe’s end.” She also recommends evaluating the heels of shoes and making sure your heel fits snugly without slipping out. “When you’re walking, if your heel lifts out of the shoe in any capacity, it’s likely too big and you need to re-select or choose something else before exercising,” she said.
If you’re shopping in person (or trying on the pair you ordered online), Cunha recommends trying slip-on shoes on at the end of the day when your feet are most swollen. “If they feel comfortable at the end of the day, most likely they will feel comfortable throughout the day,” he said.
While we’ve detailed podiatrist-recommended options from brands like Revitalign, Vionic, Hoka and more, there are key features to look for in slip-on shoes for plantar fasciitis or corns. Cunha said to look for styles that feature arch support, shock-absorbing cushioning and roomy toe boxes.
If you need more recommendations for shoes that help with plantar fasciitis, we have guides for podiatrist-approved sneakers and insoles for plantar fasciitis that can help you manage your pain.
If you’re heading out on vacation, you’ll want shoes that support your feet during your planned activities, whether that’s walking along the beach or touring a new city. Freels recommends shoes that offer arch support, cushioning and added breathability, identifying the Keen Whisper sandals as a great option for warmer climates. She also said the Revitalign Boardwalk slip-ons are a stylish option for days with lots of walking.
For this article, we consulted the following experts to gain their professional insights.
- Dr. Miguel Cunha, board-certified podiatric surgeon and founder of Gotham Footcare in New York City
- Dr. Elizabeth Daughtry, podiatrist, board-certified foot and ankle surgeon, and Fellow in the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons
- Dr. Nicole Freels, board-certified podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon
- Dr. Priya Parthasarathy, board-certified podiatrist, partner at US Foot & Ankle Specialists and spokesperson for the APMA
CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we’re testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item.
For this article, updates writer Ellen McAlpine spoke with podiatrists for their recommendations and researched shoes with features that boost comfort, convenience and stability to find the best slip-on shoes.
Ellen McAlpine is a writer for CNN Underscored, contributing to updates across the site's many verticals — from lifestyle to tech — as well as writing the occasional original piece. In her free time you'll find her cheering on the Yankees, testing new recipes and trying the latest fitness classes.
