The 7 Best Slip-On Sneakers, Vetted by Editors Who Walk Literally Everywhere
Slip ‘em on and go
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Some days you just can’t be bothered with shoelaces (or if you’re like me, you don’t want to be seen still using the bunny ears lace-tying method at 34 years old). Or you’re pregnant and bending over is just too much right now. Or you need something you can slide into quickly as you race out the door to work. No matter your reasons, these are the best slip-ons for women, chosen for their versatility, comfort, durability and overall aesthetics according to PureWow editors who’ve worn them all. Plus, we asked three podiatrists what we should be looking for in a slip-on sneaker to ensure these seven styles hit the mark, and to give us some tools should we need more options. Read on for everything you need to know to find the best slip-on sneaker for you.
Meet the Experts
- Dr. Jacqueline Sutera, DPM, is an NYC-based podiatrist and foot surgeon who specializes in women’s foot care. Dr. Sutera earned her medical degree from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine in Manhattan. She performed her residency at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center in Queens, where she served as chief resident.
- Dr. Brad Schaeffer, DPM, is a Board-Certified Foot Surgeon with the ABFAS at his NYC podiatry office, Central Park SOLE. Dr. Schaeffer earned his medical degree from Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine in Philadelphia, PA. He spent three years as a resident at Hoboken University Medical Center in the Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Reconstructive Surgical residency program.
- Dr. Stella Chiunda, DPM, is an orthopedic surgeon at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. She attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham and earned her medical degree from the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine at Kent State University before completing her residency at the Cleveland Clinic and Kaiser Permanente Medical Center.
How We Tested the Best Slip-On Sneakers
“Fit and comfort should be the most important factors,” says Dr. Chiunda. With that as my North star, I first reached out to the PureWow team to see what recommendations they had for slip-on sneakers than can withstand a busy NYC editor’s lifestyle with aplomb. Next, I researched the top reviewed brands and styles to see what others had to say about our team’s favorites. Specifically, I made note of the following:
- Comfort. Are these sneakers comfortable for a full day of walking or standing?
- Support. Do the soles offer enough support for those with high arches, bunions, plantar fasciitis or other common foot ailments?
- Durability. Will these sneakers last for more than just a few months with proper care?
- Aesthetics. Do they look cool? Can they be worn with a variety of wardrobe staples?
- Value. Are these sneakers worth the money given all the above factors?
What Is the Best Overall Slip-On Sneaker?
This is really going to come down to the individual—for some a super-cushy sole will always reign supreme, while others might prioritize the timeless vibes of checkerboard Vans. All the slip-on sneakers on this list come highly recommended by editors with a variety of needs and wants. I suggest making note of exactly what features you love most in the sneakers you already own, then seek those out in a slip-on pair.
What to Look for When Shopping for Slip-On Sneakers
When you start shopping for the perfect pair of slip-on sneakers, Dr. Sutera has a few suggestions for what to look for and what to avoid.
Test Them with a Bend and Snap. Want an extra tip? “Test the shoe by bending and twisting it. The forefoot should bend to allow flexibility while walking but you should not be able to completely twist the shoe (the motion looks like you're wringing out a wet towel),” she says.
Support Is Just as Important as Comfort. “Look for not only a comfortable sneaker but also one that offers support,” Dr. Sutera notes. “The sole should allow natural motion and not be too stiff or too flimsy. Slip-on sneakers should have a cushioned sole with arch support.”
Abby Hepworth
Editor
- Covers fashion, trends and all things running
- Received certification as an RRCA run coach
- Has worked in fashion for over a decade
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