Best slip-on walking shoes for women in 2025: Podiatrists swear by these 19 sneakers from New Balance, Nike, Under Armour, Lululemon & more

Yahoo

a day ago

Slip-on shoes are a great go-to choice for anyone who is looking for convenience without compromising style. Their easy step-in design is ideal for getting out the door fast — making them perfect for busy mornings, airport security lines or quick trips outside. However, slip-ons can also be unsupportive and painful — making it important to choose styles and brands that provide the support you need for all-day comfort.
According to Dr. Bruce Pinker, a board certified podiatrist and foot surgeon, you'll want to look for slip-on walking shoes that offers adequate traction, cushioned midsoles and a firm heel counter.
There are many factors to consider when selecting a slip-on walking shoe — and Pinker says it's essential to look for features to ensure comfort and support.
"While I don't generally recommend slip-on shoes, it's important to look for a firm heel counter to provide rearfoot stability, cushioned midsoles for added comfort and a durable outsole with good traction to prevent slips," he says, adding that you should also look for "durable uppers, appropriate room in the toe box to prevent cramping of toes, and a cushioned, shock absorbing insole."
Choosing the right footwear is essential for overall foot health and comfort, and one key factor to consider is proper arch support if you're standing and walking all day.
"Arch support is always important and should be specific to one's foot type — those with lower arches, which is very common, should have added arch support for better ambulation," Pinker explains.
For optimal support and walking comfort, heel drop is another important factor to consider when selecting the perfect pair of shoes.
"A 10-14 mm of heel drop is commonly found in many sneakers and that often provides adequate support and assists in improved ambulation," Pinker says.
The podiatrist says that ensuring the right fit in both width and length is crucial for comfort and foot health.
"The width of the shoe should be snug, but not tight. Length should provide 3/8 of an inch from the end of the longest toe to the end of the shoe," he says.
For those seeking extra comfort and cushioning, Pinker says the insole material plays a significant role.
"Memory foam is very popular and usually provides added comfort and cushioning. I also recommend Spenco insoles for added cushion and shock absorption," the podiatrist adds.
When choosing slip-on walking shoes, it's important to assess their traction and adaptability for different surfaces. According to Pinker, certain slip-ons can perform well across various terrains, provided they have sufficient outsole traction.
In the market for a pair of slip-on walking shoes? Check out Pinker's picks — and reasoning — below.
New Balance's DynaSoft Nergize Sport V2s are a great pair of slip-on sneakers for walking and everyday activities. According to Pinker, "slip-on shoes are not as supportive as lace-up as the lace-up shoe provides a better fit that is more secure."
To combat that, these slip-on shoes have adjustable no-tie laces to help create a more secure fit than other slip-ons.
These slip-on sneakers from Amansse feature a foot-hugging knit upper that makes sure your foot stays secure with every step. They are made of high density foam with a comfortable sockliner, so you can wear them with or without socks.
Under Armour's Unisex UA SlipSpeed Mega Running Shoes are multi-dimensional shoes with a convertible heel design that flexes between slip and speed modes.
These shoes also feature an increased midsole height and a more narrow toe box for a faster and sleeker style, as well as a cool-to-the-touch ISO-chill technology-padded interior to keep your feet from sweating.
These DaoLxi slip-on sneakers have a convenient hands-free design. They have a breathable upper that will keep your feet dry and lightweight, wear-resistant EVA soles that allow you to wear these for long periods of time.
Nike's Air Force 1 '07 EasyOn shoes are a slip-on version of an ultra-popular pair of shoes, featuring a rubber outsole for traction and durability with a padded, low-cut collar for a sleek look.
Keen's KNX Knit Slip-On shoes have generous space across the forefoot for toes to splay. They also feature a contoured arch for midfoot support, plus a leather-wrapped insole for added durability. These shoes are designed to be packable, making them a great choice for travel.
Keen is one of Pinker's go-to brands when it comes to walking shoes for any weather.
The Puma Softride Remi Slip-On Knit runner features softride cushioning technology for all-day comfort. The Softfoam+ has a step-in comfort sockliner designed to provide soft cushioning with an extra thick heel.
Nike's Metcon 9 EasyOn sneakers are a great pair of slip-on shoes for walking, working out, running or casual use. They have a flexible heel that collapses when you step in then snaps back into place.
The hyperlift plate in the heel adds more stability and helps force weight down and out while adding rigidity. They also feature a lace-lock system that attaches to the shoe's tongue to keep in place.
YRLTYO's slip-on running shoes are made of breathable mesh fabric to keep feet cool and dry. The soft lining minimizes foot friction for added comfort, while the high elasticity, anti-slip sole offers shock absorption and stability.
Lululemon's Blissfeel 2 Running Shoes are an ideal choice for a high-performance workout. They feature laces that don't require constant adjustment, so you can step in and go.
The shoes are equipped with soft and springy cushioning that delivers responsive bounce with every step, and the seamless upper provides a balanced combination of support, breathability and flexibility to move with you.
Hoka's Vibrant Bloom Restore TC shoes have a slip-on design with a stretchy sock-like upper. They also feature removeable sugarcane-based EVA outsole and insole with a protective EVA toe cap. These shoes are barefoot-friendly, and have flexible traction for everyday wear.
Under Armour's SlipSpeed sneakers create a personalized fit with the 12-point lockdown system. They have heel to toe interior foam padding with cool-to-the-touch technology. The best part? They're machine washable.
Keen's KNX T-Toe Sneakers are designed for natural movement and have a no-tie stretch lace system. They have generous space across the forefoot for toes to splay, and also feature long-lasting cushioning.
Kuru Footwear's Flex Slip-Ons keep you moving with their ultra-flexible outsole and comfortable heel-hugging tech. They feature breathable spacer mesh to keep your feet light and airy, with grab loops to make slipping them on effortless.
Nike Pegasus EasyOn shoesfeature the brand's hands-free slip-in construction for an easy fit. The mesh on the upper decreases weight and increases breathability of the shoes, and the toggle gives you an adjustable fit.
Vivo Barefoot's Primus Trail Knit shoes are the brand's best-selling trail-running sneakers. They features a knit upper for enhanced breathability and purer trail mobility. They're made with recycled materials and the sock-like construction keeps out trail debris.
Keen's UNEEK 03 Sneaker Sandals use a free-moving two-cord design to support the exact shape of your feet. They feature contouring that follows your foot for a comfortably snug fit.
These are a great option for all-day comfort because of the shock-absorbing foam insole with arch support and the plastic bungee cord and lace-lock toggle for a secure fit.
Sorel's ONA AVE Women's Slip-On Sneakers have an elastic panel, making it easy to slip on and head out the door. They also feature a cushioned insole for added comfort. The lightweight rubber outsole also provides great traction and stability.
Kuru Footwear's ATOM Slip-On shoes are the slip-on version of the brand's best selling ATOM walking shoes. Made with breathable technology, these shoes are designed to hug your heel and cradle your arch. They have a sock-like feel for all-day comfort.