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The Hindu
24-04-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Hit by U.S. tariff, Indian stainless steel players turn to domestic market
Hit by the tariff action by the U.S. administration, India's stainless-steel industry is looking domestically to absorb a bulk of their production that was earmarked for exports to the U.S. Due to confusion and lack of clarity, exports of stainless steel have been impacted, with the industry finding new ways to deal with the situation. Though U.S. President Donald Trump has paused the reciprocal tariff for 90 days, the 25% tariff imposed on steel and aluminium imports, announced days before, still exists. 'When it comes to tariff, it has made a massive impact for our company and the industry in general. There no clarity because things are changing dramatically every single day. There is no clarity from the customer end or from our end. So, it has led to a global shift in steel trade,' Yash Mehta, CEO, Rajputana Stainless Ltd. said in an interview. 'The tariffs may change and the fear of tariffs changing is causing instability. For now, the challenge is the uncertainty in the mind of both the customers and the vendors, which is India and America for now. Since the last 15 to 20 days, there is silence or probably we would say there is no real business conversation happening with America. So, we see a little pause as of now,' he added. 'And the second concern for Indian market is dumping, because China, being the biggest manufacturer of steel, will definitely try to dump into countries like India, which is again a massive concern for Indian stainless steel manufacturers,' he pointed out. Mr. Mehta said 10-15% of his company's production was directly or indirectly exported to the U.S. And now he said he was looking at the domestic market to utilise that capacity. 'It [volume earmarked for U.S. market] is going to be mostly consumed in the domestic market and the Middle East market which is pretty decent. The dumping by China to be one fear, we will have the full picture in the next three to four months,' he said. Industry players said they would deliberate on these subjects at the GSSE Summit which is schedule in June, 2025 to deal with the situation. A segment of the industry believes that the U.S. would continue to import at high duty as they do not have any immediate manufacturing capacity coming up to meet their own consumption. They believe the U.S. market would be still going to be there and it would not 'die immediately.' According to Nitin Garg, Director Operations, Avtar Steel Ltd., his company, which produces 6,000 tonnes a month, remains unscathed. 'We do not export to the U.S. and we are not seeing any decline in orders from our customers. A few years ago, the U.S. government attempted some safeguard duties. So, Indian manufacturers had adopted themselves according,' he said. He said despite any likely dumping from China, the Indian players would survive as they had the ability to customise, which China lacked. 'The reason we are surviving is we do a lot of customisation for the customers. Besides Indian government is pushing for use Indian materials to curb imports,' he added. The domestic demand for stainless steel is rising steadily because of search for sustainable materials. It is increasingly being used in railways, infrastructure projects and processing industries. 'The demand for stainless steel is definitely on the rise. Various private and government sector projects are increasingly using stainless steel,' said C.P. Mangal, Director, Mangalam Worldwide Ltd. He said the safeguard duty on certain steel imposed by the government on Monday did not apply to stainless steel. 'It is more on the MS and all the low valued items not on the high value items. The duty as such will not have an impact on our industry and products,' he said. According to the Stainless Steel Development Association, the per capita consumption of stainless steel which was 3.1 kg in fiscal year 2024 is expected to rise to 4.5 to 5.5 kg in fiscal 2030. And a bulk of the domestic demand which is being met by imports is expected to be catered to by local companies.
National Geographic
12-03-2025
- National Geographic
The best slip-on shoes for women in 2025
By clicking on the featured links, visitors will leave and be directed to third-party e-commerce sites that operate under different terms and privacy policies. As a participant in multiple affiliate marketing programs, National Geographic will earn a commission for certain purchases. See full disclaimer below.* Nothing beats slip-on sneakers when you're facing a long line at airport security or when you're running late for a tour. These days, there's no shortage of options, but it's important to find a pair that balances ease with good support and comfort. To help travelers find the right pair of slip-on shoes, we analyzed top-rated options and spoke with footwear expert Yash Mehta, a spine and sports medicine specialist in Virginia. Our top pick, the Kizik Athens Slip-On Sneaker, stands out for its cushioned midsole and structured heel cup, making it one of the most versatile options. If you have other needs, keep reading. Whether you need a lightweight travel shoe, waterproof protection, or arch support, we've found a slip-on shoe to a variety of needs. The best women's slip-on shoes A good slip-on sneaker should fit securely, feel comfortable, and provide support for hours of exploring. Look for stretchy knit uppers for a snug fit, cushioned insoles for shock absorption, and slip-resistant outsoles for stability on different surfaces. Breathable materials help prevent overheating, while lightweight designs make packing easier for travel. Best overall slip-on shoe for women: Kizik Athens Slip-On Sneaker Photograph courtesy Kizik Kizik Athens Slip-On Sneaker Buy it now at Kizik Why we like it: The Kizik brand is known for its hands-free footwear design, and the Athens is one of its most popular models. The step-in design is pretty smooth, and the breathable stretch-knit upper allows for a snug but adaptive fit. With responsive cushioning and a high-density foam midsole for shock absorption, the Athens is made to reduce foot fatigue during long days of walking. We like that the insoles are washable and that the 'Rabbit Foam' outsole gives even more cushion to the shoe. The structured heel cup offers stability, which helps prevent the shoe from slipping off with each step. We also appreciate that the Athens has built-in arch support, making it a solid option for travelers who need extra comfort throughout the day. Keep in mind: The back of the shoe has a firm structure that may require a short break-in period for some wearers. Product details: Material: Knit upper, removable insole, 'Rabbit Foam' outsole | Weight: 10.4 oz. | Sizes: 6-13 Best walking slip-on shoe for women: On Cloud 5 Photograph courtesy On Running On Cloud 5 Buy it now at On Running Why we like it: The On Cloud 5 is a lightweight yet cushioned shoe designed for all-day wear. It has the brand's signature 'CloudTec' cushioning, a sole construction that compresses on impact. According to the company, this technology helps reduce muscle fatigue and even lower heart rate. We like that the speed-lacing system makes it really easy to slip into. It feels secure around the midfoot, giving walkers a sense of stability without restricting movement. The breathable mesh upper helps with airflow, preventing overheating in warm climates. The grippy outsole offers good traction on urban streets and light trails. Keep in mind: The fit runs narrow, so those with wider feet may need to size up. Product details: Material: Recycled polyester upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Weight: 7 oz. | Sizes: 5-11 ( These are the best men's slip-on shoes for travel ) Best running slip-on shoe for women: Nike Pegasus EasyOn Photograph courtesy Nike Nike Pegasus EasyOn Buy it now at Nike Why we like it: Although slip-on shoes aren't recommended for running, Nike's Pegasus EasyOn combines the performance of a running shoe with the ease of a slip-on, which may be a good option for travelers who don't want to skip out on a light jog while traveling. The EasyOn lacing system allows the heel to collapse when you slip your feet in, and a tab cinches the elastic laces in place. The shoe also features the updated version of Nike's React foam cushioning. According to Nike, the 'ReactX' has a lower carbon footprint and better energy return than its predecessor. The engineered mesh upper, which is breathable, helps prevent overheating, and the waffle pattern on the rubber outsole helps increase traction without reducing flexibility. Keep in mind: The snug fit may require sizing up, especially for those who prefer a roomier toe box. Product details: Material: Engineered mesh upper, ReactX foam midsole, rubber outsole | Weight: 9.3 oz | Sizes: 5-12 Best dress slip-on shoe for women: Rothy's The Loafer Why we like it: Unlike traditional loafers that can feel stiff, Rothy's Loafer is flexible and easy to pack. It has a seamless knit upper that the company says is made from recycled plastic bottles, which contribute to a breathable and comfortable experience. These loafers are also made to fit well. The textured knit structure is a little stretchy so they already feel snug, but they're also made to mold to your foot over time. Beyond aesthetics, this loafer is machine-washable, a rare feature for dress shoes. Even better, Rothy's factories have earned the True Platinum sustainability certificate. Keep in mind: Reviewers tend to order a half size larger. Product details: Material: Recycled plastic upper, according to the brand; removable insole; rubber outsole | Weight: 8.2 oz. | Sizes: 5-13 ( Here are 9 of the best walking shoes for women ) Best tennis slip-on shoe for women: Kizik Lima Slip-On Sneaker Photograph courtesy Kizik Kizik Lima Slip-On Sneaker Buy it now at Kizik Why we like it: The Kizik Lima Slip-On Sneaker is built for active travelers who need a secure yet effortless fit. The structured toe box and reinforced heel cup help ensure stability when you're running around the court or keeping up with fellow travelers. Kizik's springy heel easily bounces back into place after you step into them, reducing the need to adjust the fit. You can walk for a good distance in these low-profile slip-ons, thanks to the breathable mesh upper and cushioning. Compared to the Kizik Athens, the Lima has a snugger fit and more structure, making it a better choice for activities that require stability and lateral movement (e.g., tennis, pickleball). Keep in mind: The cushioned sole is thicker, which some may find slightly bulky. Product details: Material: Breathable mesh upper, cushioned insole, rubber outsole | Weight: NA | Sizes: 5-13 Best waterproof slip-on shoe for women: Vessi Boardwalk Slip-On Shoes Photograph courtesy Vessi Vessi Boardwalk Slip-On Shoes Buy it now at Vessi Why we like it: The Vessi Boardwalk Slip-On Shoes are our favorite waterproof slip-ons. They're made with a flexible polyester and nylon blend called 'Dyma-tex,' which is 100-percent waterproof. In addition to its waterproof features, the Boardwalk has a comfortable elastic ankle collar, a flexible sole, and a cushioned midsole. The breathable knit upper is made with temperature-regulating materials that make this slip-on shoe lightweight—ideal for travel and all-weather walking. Keep in mind: The soft knit upper lacks the structure of other sneakers, so some travelers may feel this slip-on lacks the support they need. Product details: Material: Dyma-tex upper, EVA foam midsole, rubber outsole | Weight: 6.7 oz. | Sizes: 5-11 Best slip-on shoe with arch support: Oofos Oomy Zen Photograph courtesy REI Oofos Oomy Zen Buy it now at REI Why we like it: The Oofos Oomy Zen stands out for its arch-supporting design and impact-absorbing cushioning. The contoured footbed, a signature Oofos design, actively cradles the arch. Additionally, the Oofos' Oofoam technology is made to reduce impact with each step, which the company says can minimize joint stress. We like that the seamless knit upper provides a lightweight, sock-like fit, while the Zen bands across the heel and instep help ensure a secure feel without unnecessary pressure. Keep in mind: Because the soles are made of Oofoam technology, these shoes may wear out quicker than those with rubber outsoles. Product details: Material: Knit upper, Oofoam sole | Weight: NA | Sizes: 6-11 ( The best walking shoes for every kind of traveler ) Best slip-on shoe for travel: Allbirds Lounger Lift Photograph courtesy Allbirds Allbirds Lounger Lift Buy it now at Allbirds Why we like it: The Allbirds Lounger Lift is designed for travelers who need a lightweight, packable shoe that doesn't sacrifice comfort. The wool-blend upper provides a soft, breathable fit while naturally wicking away moisture, making it a great choice for warm or humid climates. We also like the padded heel collar for extra comfort. The Lounger Lift has a slightly elevated sole, giving the shoe a fashionable edge without reducing comfort. The midsole is made with sugarcane-based 'SweetFoam' that provides a nice bit of cushioning. With a minimalist look, these slip-on shoes pair well with lots of outfits, making it an even better choice for saving valuable suitcase space. You can also throw them in the washing machine—great for long trips when you need to freshen up. Keep in mind: These shoes run small, so go up a half size for the best fit. Product details: Material: Cotton canvas upper, 'SweetFoam' sugarcane midsole, merino wool insole | Weight: NA | Sizes: 5-11 Best slip-on shoe for airport security: Teva ReEmber Slip-On Why we like it: Teva ReEmber Slip-On is one of our favorite travel shoes. They're as comfortable as indoor slippers but just as durable as an outdoor shoe with a rubber outsole for traction. Plus they have a collapsible heel that's easy to step into. The cushioned EVA midsole is made to absorb shock while you're rushing through terminals. The quilted ripstop upper provides lightweight warmth, while the fleece lining adds extra coziness for frosty mornings or chilly airplane cabins. We also appreciate that these slip-ons incorporate recycled materials, according to the brand. Keep in mind: The insulated lining makes these slip-on shoes warm, so it may not be the best choice for hot weather destinations or travelers who prefer wearing slip-ons without socks. Product details: Material: Recycled ripstop upper, recycled polyester microfiber lining, according to the brand; rubber outsole | Weight: NA | Sizes: 6-15 Best commuter slip-on shoe: Hoka Transport Why we like it: The Hoka Transport is designed for city folk who need a supportive, impact-absorbing shoe for getting around town. Built with Hoka's signature thick cushioning, these slip-on shoes help reduce foot fatigue from long days of walking. The quick-toggle lacing system makes it easy to pull on and off while ensuring a secure fit, offering a practical alternative to the classic sneaker. The Vibram EcoStep Natural outsole, which the company says is made with 90-percent oil-free components, provides really good traction on wet or slick streets. The Cordura upper is made to resist abrasions, yet it's breathable. We also like that the Transport incorporates sustainable materials, including a 30-percent sugarcane EVA midsole, according to the brand. Even better—this shoe has received the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance for good foot health. Keep in mind: The structured fit may run slightly narrow, so travelers with wide feet may want to size up. Product details: Material: Cordura upper, compression-molded EVA midsole, Vibram Ecostep Natural outsole | Weight: 9.1 oz. | Sizes: 5-11 ( These are the 8 best Hoka shoes for walking ) Best all-day wear slip-on shoe: Merrell Jungle Moc Photograph courtesy Merrell Merrell Jungle Moc Buy it now at Merrell Why we like it: The iconic Merrell Jungle Moc has been a reliable slip-on shoe for more than 20 years. It's designed for all-day comfort, with key features, including strong arch support and a slip-resistant outsole. The water-resistant suede upper looks good and has elastic side panels that keep the shoe secure while you're walking around. This slip-on shoe is comfortable too, with a cushioned heel and a molded EVA footbed that soaks up shock during long days of sightseeing. Travelers get plenty of traction from the M Select Grip outsole, plus odor control built into the footbed. Keep in mind: Because the upper is made of suede, these slip-on shoes may not be the best option for warmer weather. Product details: Material: Suede upper, EVA midsole, rubber outsole | Weight: 10.9 oz. | Sizes: 5-11 ( Shoe inserts may be one of the best travel hacks. Here are our favorites .) How we chose the best hands-free shoes for women We researched top-rated models, analyzed expert insights, and sifted through hundreds of customer reviews to find the best slip-on shoes. Whenever possible, we tested the shoes ourselves to evaluate fit, cushioning, slip resistance, and support. Here's what we inspected: • Third-party reviews: We went through expert insights and customer feedback to assess each shoe's comfort, durability, and real-world performance. • Brand reputation: We selected shoes from trusted brands known for their high-quality materials and long-term reliability. • Key features: We picked shoes that offer hands-free convenience without sacrificing comfort, focusing on secure fits, cushioned midsoles, breathable materials, and slip-resistant outsoles to ensure all-day wearability. Tips for buying slip-on shoes Fit and support Slip-ons lack laces, which means they often don't provide the same level of support and stability as lace-up shoes. 'If the foot is not fit securely with laces, the heels can slip, and this puts more stress on the muscles of the foot to provide stability, which can lead to fatigue,' says Mehta. To avoid this, look for slip-ons with elastic side panels, cushioned heel collars, or reinforced midsoles. Our top picks, the Merrell Jungle Moc and the Vessi Boardwalk may be good choices for you. Arch support & cushioning Many slip-on shoes lack the structure needed for long-distance walking, which can lead to plantar fasciitis, heel pain, and Achilles tendonitis. 'Unless they are designed with specific arch support, most slip-ons don't provide enough for extended wear,' says Mehta. If you're planning to wear slip-ons all day, choose models with a contoured footbed, firm midsole, and built-in arch support to help reduce strain. Memory foam and EVA-cushioned insoles can also add comfort and shock absorption. Fortunately, travelers have more than a few to choose from, including our top picks the Oofos Oomy Zen , the Hoka Transport , and the Teva ReEmber . Breathability & foot swelling Air travel and warm climates can cause foot swelling, making tight-fitting shoes uncomfortable. 'Tight footwear can restrict the blood flow to your feet, leading to more swelling and discomfort when you travel,' Mehta explains. To prevent this, opt for breathable materials like mesh or soft leather, and look for slip-ons with some flexibility to accommodate foot expansion. If you're traveling, choose slip-ons with stretchable uppers or adjustable fit features for added comfort. We like the Kizik Athens , On Cloud 5 , and the Nike Pegasus EasyOn . Frequently asked questions Are slip-on shoes good for your feet? Slip-on shoes can be good for your feet if they offer proper arch support, cushioning, and a secure fit. However, many lack the structure needed for all-day wear, which can contribute to foot fatigue or stability issues, especially for those with high arches or flat feet. What is the difference between slip-in and slip-on shoes? Slip-on shoes have elastic panels or stretchable uppers that secure the foot without laces, while slip-in shoes typically feature a collapsible heel or backless design, like mules, that are even easier to step in and out of. Are slip-on running shoes good for running? Most slip-on shoes are not ideal for running because they lack adjustable laces for a secure fit and stability. Running shoes have structured support to prevent slipping inside the shoe and reduce the risk of injury. However, some performance-oriented slip-ons, like the Nike Pegasus EasyOn , combine some running shoe features with the convenience of a slip-on design. Iona Brannon is a travel writer and photojournalist based in Indianapolis, Indiana. Follow her on is a travel writer and photojournalist based in Indianapolis, Indiana. Follow her on Instagram *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.
