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Finding a pair of slip-on shoes for men that blends convenience with comfort and versatility for travel can be harder than it sounds. According to New Jersey-based, board-certified podiatrist Sanjna Sangvhi, “a good, sturdy walking slip-on should come with a certain balance of firmness and flexibility.”
Arch support, cushioning, materials, and, of course style, are also important factors to weigh when you’re out exploring. To help narrow down your search, we analyzed dozens of options from budget pairs to seasonal kicks. Our overall favorite is the Kizik Vegas. It looks great, feels comfortable, and is the easiest to step into. Keep scrolling to get all of our top picks.
Best overall: Kizik Vegas
Buy it now at Kizik
Why we like it: This comfortable yet fashionable slip-on has earned thousands of glowing online reviews. The leather upper is polished enough for the office, but casual enough for walking around. We were especially impressed with the brand’s signature slip-on mechanics—no creasing, scrunching, or foot wiggling required.
My partner has plantar fasciitis and says the “Rabbit Foam” insoles help add comfort and support, plus they’re removable.
Travelers will appreciate the versatility of these shoes too. You don’t have to pack another pair of bulky shoes, freeing up precious luggage space. And they come in lots of sizes, increasing your chances of finding the right fit.
Keep in mind: Several reviewers say the fit is too narrow, while others say it’s too wide. Shoppers who have narrow or wide feet may want to order two sizes or widths to compare.
Product details: Materials: Leather (upper) | Size range: 4.5-15 | Removable insoles? Yes
Best budget slip-on shoes for men: Bruno Marc Slip-on Loafers
Buy it now on Amazon
Why we like it: These slip-on loafers look expensive but they’re under $50. Elastic laces make it a breeze to slip on and off. They’re lightweight (7.5 ounces) and feel comfortable with a knit upper that helps keep feet cool. The range of neutral colorways makes it easy to pair with virtually anything. Bonus: They come in half sizes, which can make a big difference with laceless slip-on shoes.
Keep in mind: Some reviewers appreciate the arch support but note they wouldn’t rely on these loafers for a long day of walking.
Product details: Materials: Knit upper, rubber outsole | Size range: 6.5-15 | Removable insoles? Yes
Best Skechers slip-on shoes for men: Skechers Go Walk 6
Buy it now at Skechers
Why we like it: Cushioned and cooling insoles combined with a knit upper make this pull-on shoe ideal for long walks, running errands, or travel. Indeed, multiple reviewers describe these as “walking on clouds.” They’re lightweight and have a “heel-hugging” cup design that help prevent the heel from slipping. With a wide range of sizes, including extra wide, and several colors, there’s a good chance of finding the right fit and look.
Keep in mind: The soles are not made with rubber, so there’s a chance these shoes could wear out faster than shoes with rubber soles. Popular colors like black are often sold out in certain sizes.
Product details: Materials: Knit mesh upper | Size range: 7-16 | Removable insoles? Yes
Best casual slip-on shoes for men: Vans Classic Slip-on Sneakers
Buy it now at Zappos
Why we like it: These Vans slip-on shoes are classics for a reason. The minimalist profile gives you plenty of outfit options. They’re fairly affordable and easy to get on and off. Elastic sides and a padded heel help keep these comfortable and snug.
The waffle tread on the bottom provides exceptional traction—after all, these iconic slip-on shoes were originally designed for skateboarding. The thick gum rubber outsole helps keep these shoes durable—many fans (including myself) have been able to wear them for years. These are the shoes that can take you from the beach to the coffeeshop and even to the office.
Keep in mind: Vans Classics insoles are glued in so you can’t swap them for custom orthotics. Additionally, these shoes don’t have arch support, so they may not be comfortable for some.
Product details: Materials: Canvas upper, rubber outsole | Size range: 3.5-17 | Removable insoles? No
Best Nike slip-on shoes for men: Nike React Phantom Run Flyknit 2
Buy it now at Nike
Why we like it: The Nike React Phantom Run Flyknit 2s are a top pick for runners and non-runners alike looking for a supportive and comfortable slip-on sneaker they don’t have to lace up. These uppers have a mesh construction and sock-like feel. The “React” foam insole was designed for running efficiency with less impact on joints, so these shoes feel extra cushy.
Heel molding helps keep the fit nice and snug, while extra rubber on the sole helps enhance traction and durability. Several reviewers say these slip-ons were comfortable after 10 hours of being on their feet.
Keep in mind: Popular sizes are often sold out. The brand notes that these shoes run small, so order a half size up.
Product details: Materials: Knit upper | Size range: 6-15 | Removable insoles? No
Best slip-on tennis shoes for men: Allbirds Tree Dasher 2
Buy it now at Allbirds
Why we like it: Fans love Allbirds’ clean-lined Tree Dasher 2 tennis shoe for its comfort, adaptable aesthetic, and sustainability. The one-piece seamless construction of this knit upper means no scratchy seams or lines to irritate your foot. The thick, springy midsole (which the company says is made from sugarcane) offers plenty of cushioning, while a nicely padded heel collar helps prevent slippage.
As the name suggests, the Tree Dasher 2 is made of materials like eucalyptus fiber. The streamlined profile makes them wearable in a variety of scenarios, from walking around the city to dining at a restaurant. If they get grubby from heavy wear, just toss them in the washing machine.
Keep in mind: Several reviewers say the Tree Dasher 2 are narrow and suggest sizing up if you have wider feet. Because they have a snugger fit around the ankle, you need to pull them on a bit.
Product details: Materials: Knit upper | Size range: 8-14 | Removable insoles? Yes
Best men’s slip-on shoes for winter: Merrell Nova 3 Thermo Mocs
Buy it now on Amazon
Why we like it: Designed to be waterproof and durable, these lightweight slip-on Merrell moccasins are made with 100 grams of Primaloft, an insulating material often found in winter coats.
The “Vibram Icetrek” outsole helps provide traction for navigating wet surfaces. A midsole built for shock-absorption and cushioned heel pods make this pair just as suitable for hiking as it does for running around town. There are pull tabs on both the heel of the shoe and the tongue to make getting them on and off a breeze—even while wearing thick socks.
Keep in mind: Reviewers mention this shoe takes some time to break in. They also note sizing may be hit or miss since there’s no way to tighten or loosen them.
Product details: Materials: Quilted ripstop and faux leather upper | Size range: 7-15 | Removable insoles? Yes
Best slip-on walking shoes for men: On Cloud 5
Buy it now at Zappos
Why we like it: This lightweight shoe has “CloudTec” cushioning designed to make every step more efficient and less energy-draining. The antimicrobial mesh helps keep feet nice and cool, making them a good choice for workouts. “On Cloud 5 is a personal favorite,” says Sangvhi. “Their sneaker designs allow for compression upon impact, absorbing shock, and minimizing stress on your joints.”
Additionally, these shoes have bungee laces for slipping on quickly and come in a waterproof version. We also appreciate that these are made with 44 percent recycled materials, according to the company.
Keep in mind: Some reviewers say small pebbles get stuck in the grooves between the webbed sole.
Product details: Materials: Mesh upper, rubber outsole | Size range: 7-14 | Removable insoles? Yes
How we chose the best slip-on shoes for men
There’s an overwhelming number of slip-on shoes out there, so we weighed the following to hone in on the best:
- Third-party reviews: We researched and evaluated customer reviews from popular shoe and brand sites. We also studied reviews by people weariing them in a variety of scenarios (standing at work, travel, office/casual wear, etc.) for a thorough understanding of how these slip-on shoes held up.
- Expert advice: We consulted podiatrists (Sanjna Sangvhi and Elizabeth Daughtry) on what to look for in slip-on shoes and brands they personally recommend.
- Brand reputation: We narrowed down the list to well-known brands with solid reputations and reports of good customer service.
- Versatility: Another important factor we considered is how often you can wear each pair. Slip-on shoes that work for one type of function (dressy occasions, for example) vs. a variety of occasions impacts value.
- Ease of use: Since the main draw of a slip-on shoe is how easy they are to put on and take off (ideally hands-free), we analyzed in-depth reviews to determine which models were the least fussy.
Tips for buying slip-on shoes for men
Comfort
It goes without saying but the best slip-on shoes for men should be the most comfortable for you. Details like a roomy toe box, moisture-wicking and breathable materials, and padded heel collars all contribute to the overall fit and feel.
Arch support
Good arch support is critical if you’re looking for slip-on shoes to walk in for long periods of time. Look for models designed for running or long-distance walking. Removable insoles are also key, in case you want to replace them with custom orthotics that may better support higher arches.
Material
Pay close attention to the materials used to construct the shoe. According to board-certified podiatrist and president of the North Carolina Foot and Ankle Society Elizabeth Daughtry, canvas “can at times lead to blisters with excessive walking,” while knit uppers allow air flow and provide flexibility around the foot.
Stabilizing factors
Many popular slip-on shoes have very little tread, which may not be suitable for walking on wet or uneven surfaces. Look for shoes with a good amount of grip or webbing on the bottom.
Versatility
If you’re looking for shoes that can transition from the office to long-distance walking, you may want to consider the overall aesthetics of the shoe. Leather or leather-looking styles can often work for the office or even upscale restaurants. Minimalist looks can blend seamlessly with various outfits, allowing greater wearability.
Frequently asked questions
Are slip-on shoes good for running?
It depends on the shoe. Daughtry says while laces that tie can help provide more stability for runners, laceless slip-on running shoes may have other stabilizing features, such as an extra snug fit, a stretchy upper, and a firm heel counter (a semi-rigid structure designed to wrap around the heel).
What are the best slip-on shoes for men with arch support?
“A laceless running shoe is a good option” if you need arch support, says Daughtry. They are often designed with substantial arch support for runners. You can also try shoes with removable insoles so you can replace them to suit your needs.
Are slip-on shoes good for your feet?
Daughtry says slip-on shoes can be “beneficial for many,” as long as the shoes have adequate arch support, a supportive and stiff heel counter, a wide toe box, and a mesh upper to accommodate different foot structures. “With the population aging, tying laces can be difficult,” especially for people who travel frequently, she notes.
What features should people look for when shopping for slip-on shoes?
Daughtry says to look for details like a padded heel collar, adequate cushioning, shock absorption, and arch support. Sangvhi suggests trying to roll the shoe in half. If it rolls fairly easily, choose another shoe, she advises. “Just imagine your entire body weight moving through the shoe. If it doesn’t take too much pressure to deform with your hands, then it’s really not supporting your body weight during ambulation.”
Esther Carlstone is an editor and writer based in Los Angeles, California. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, Tripadvisor, Parents, People, US News & World Report, Travel Age West, and more.
*Although we are sharing our personal opinions of these experiences or products with you, National Geographic is not endorsing these experiences or products on behalf of anyone. It has not performed product safety testing on any of these products, did not manufacture them, and is not selling, or distributing them and is not making any representations about the safety or caliber of these products or experiences for individual consumers. Prices and availability are subject to change from the date of publication.