SLIDING INTO A pair of slip-on walking shoes might be the easiest thing you’ll do all day. This footwear was built for speed and convenience, making it an accessory that deserves valuable real estate by your door. Slip-on walking shoes have a rocky history—older versions had a looser fit, raising the risk of instability and friction, especially with higher mileage.
But newer designs use no-tie laces, sock liners, pull tabs, and collapsible heels to create a custom fit that rivals what you’ll get with traditional laces. These shoes are an obvious choice if you have dexterity issues, but they're also just convenient for everyone looking for an easy pair of walking shoes. Slip-on walking shoes also offer more structure than other laceless shoe designs, which has earned them a fanbase with podiatrists.
Nicole Graf, DPM, founder of Lexington Podiatry and associate professor at the University of Kentucky, also calls slip-on walking shoes a “huge step up” from flip-flops and slides. Slip-on walking shoes aren’t for everyone. The fit can still throw some people off, and some simply prefer the tighter feel that laces deliver.
But if you want travel-friendly shoes you can toss on in a second, these are a solid choice. As people who value quality, supportive footwear, Men’s Health editors have put in plenty of miles in slip-on walking shoes. The below check all the boxes.
The On Cloud 6 is an excellent example of how good a slip-on shoe can be. You can get in and out of this sneaker with no issue thanks to its wide opening, but the shoe’s elastic “speed” laces and sockliner create a snug fit once you’re in. (Those elastic laces can be adjusted to find your perfect fit.) The sneaker uses Zero-Gravity CloudTec, which is On’s signature lightweight foam with hollow pods below for a cushioned, yet stable, feel underfoot. (Just be aware that those pods are prone to trapping small pebbles and debris.) A built-in flexible plate, called a Speedboard, helps push you forward with each step. This shoe also comes in a waterproof option, if you’re into rainy strolls.
With a wide range of color options and an unobnoxious design, you can pair these with just about anything. It’s tough to find a quality shoe under $100 right now, let alone one from a big brand. But the Adidas Cloudfoam Cuxxion Sock Shoes have some colorways under $50, making them an ideal choice for budget shoppers who don’t want to mess with laces.
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