Are slides good for your feet?

As long you’re not wearing slides for extended periods of walking or standing every day, they can be good for your feet. “Slides are best to wear for short periods of time, like when you're going to the grocery store or just in the house. They are comfortable and don't hurt your feet. It's a breathable type of footwear that requires less maintenance and is good for those who have sweaty feet,” Powell says. When you’re doing more rigorous walking or will be on your feet for an extended time, it’s important to wear other types of footwear to protect your feet, apart from slides. “From a foot health point of view, we wouldn’t recommend using slides as your everyday shoe of choice. Slides tend to have limited fastening options, which can cause problems with your feet and overall stability,” Moore says.

Should you wear socks with slides?

It’s entirely up to you whether you want to wear socks with slides. If you’re wearing them to dress up for dinner or while on vacation, you may prefer to wear them with socks. If you’re wearing them in situations where you want to slip them on and off quickly, such as at the beach or by the pool, it probably makes sense to wear them without socks. However, if you’re going to be walking long distances or standing for an extended period of time, we do recommend wearing socks with slides. “Slides don't offer much support for walking. If you choose to wear them, ensure you have a comfortable pair of socks or insoles to help with any discomfort,” Jones says.

How much do slides cost?

Slides can cost anywhere between $20-$140, with average prices ranging from $20-$55. More expensive slides, such as Birkenstock’s Madrid Big Buckle or OOFOS’ OOahh Slide Sandals , are usually made from more premium materials, like leather or cork. They’re often more durable and offer features not always found in less expensive options, such as arch support and added traction. Budget-friendlier options are typically made of EVA or synthetic materials. The cheapest option on our list is often available for less than $20, whereas our best overall pick, Adidas’ Adilette Comfort Slides , were $35 when we published this list.

The 14 Best Slides of 2023

Slides are comfortable, easy to slip on, and stylish. Although similar to sandals, slides are slightly different because of how they fit your feet. “Slides typically have a backless design with a band that goes over the top of the foot, while sandals have a variety of straps that secure the foot in place,” says Michael Jones, personal trainer and mobility coach.

The price of slides ranges from $20 to $140, with most brands on our list coming in between $20 and $55. Some of the more expensive options can offer better support and cushioning compared to budget-friendlier finds and can also be more durable. But if you’re new to slides, you may want to start off with a lower-cost option to see if the style is for you.

When looking for quality slides, consider the materials they’re made of, whether they’re waterproof, and the type of slides that are right for you. If you have wider or narrower feet, a pair of adjustable slides could make all the difference when it comes to the right fit. You may need arch support or added traction if you’re planning on walking more often with the slides.

To help you find the best slides, we researched over 35 options and assessed each pair for fit, comfort, appearance, price, and more. We also consulted two experts to get their opinion on which features are most important to look for when purchasing slides.

According to our research, here are the best slides on the market.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Adidas Adilette Comfort Slides at Amazon

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Best Budget:

Welltree Cloud Slides at Amazon

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Best Cushioned:

OOFOS OOahh Slide Sandals at Amazon

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Most Comfortable:

Nike Asuna 2 Men’s Slides at Walmart

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Best Waterproof:

Reef Water Vista Slide at Amazon

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Best Splurge:

Birkenstock Madrid Big Buckle at Amazon

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Most Supportive:

HOKA ORA Recovery Slide at Amazon

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Best for Narrow Feet:

Under Armour Ignite VI Slides at Amazon

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Best for Wide Feet:

Adidas Adissage Slides at Amazon

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Best for Flat Feet:

Teva Universal Slide at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
How We Selected
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Fit

4.9

Amazon

Pros

Snug fit
Contoured footbed for added comfort
Wide range of colors and sizes

Cons

Strap not adjustable

Adidas’ Adilette Comfort Slides are our top overall pick, thanks to their versatility and comfort. We love how easy it is to slip these slides on and off, which gives you a snug fit whether you’re wearing them to the gym, in the house, or running errands outside. The shoes feature a contoured footbed that provides shock absorption and added comfort for everyday wear.

The only downside of these slides is that the strap isn’t adjustable—so they may not be ideal for those with wider or narrower feet.

Choose from 24 vibrant colors in a wide range of sizes.

Price at time of publication: $35

Sizes: 4-18 (Men), 5-19 (Women) | Materials: Synthetic and rubber | Straps: One non-adjustable wide strap

Amazon

Pros

Thick, soft sole for added comfort
Waterproof
Tilted toe cap for protection

Cons

Strap not adjustable

If you’re searching for slides whilst on a budget, we recommend Welltree’s Cloud Slides. They’re waterproof, making it easy to walk in the bathroom or outdoors on a slippery surface. We like that they have a thick, soft sole for added comfort, which is great for those requiring extra cushioning.

We also love that Welltree’s Cloud Slides are ergonomically designed with a tilted toe cap, which can protect the toes from injury in case you accidentally kick something while wearing them.

As is the case with our best overall pick, the strap on these slides isn’t adjustable, so they may not fit unusually narrow or wide feet.

Simply wash these slides by hand using a clean cloth and warm water. You can add dish soap if they’re extra dirty. We love that there’s a wide range of colors to choose from.

Price at time of publication: $20

Sizes: 3-12.5 (Men), 4.5-14 (Women) | Materials: Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) | Straps: One non-adjustable wide strap

4.7

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Designed to reduce stress on joints
Machine-washable
30-day manufacturer’s guarantee

Cons

Expensive

OOFOS OOahh Slide Sandals are our top recommendation for the best cushioned slides. These slides are made in a unique way that absorbs more impact than traditional slides, helping to reduce stress on knees, ankles, and other joints, making them a good choice for those who need running shoes for bad knees.

They’re machine-washable, and OOFOS provides a 30-day guarantee, so you can return these at no extra cost if you’re not satisfied with your purchase.

Note that they are one of the more expensive options on our list, and the strap isn’t adjustable. However, we feel the added support and comfort justify the higher price point and that these are still a worthwhile purchase.

Price at time of publication: $60

Sizes: 3-14 (Men) | Materials: Synthetic sole and leather outer material | Straps: One non-adjustable wide strap

Nike

Pros

Unique design
Foam midsole and outsole for added comfort
Traction for a variety of surfaces

Cons

No contoured footbed

For the most comfortable slides, we recommend Nike’s Asuna 2 Men’s Slides. We love the unique design of these slides that’ll have you stand out from the crowd wherever you go. And we love the foam midsole and outsole for more comfortable wear.

If you’re looking for added traction, Nike’s Asuna 2 Men’s Slides have a rugged tread pattern, allowing you to grip the ground better, no matter the surface you’re wearing them on.

However, there are a limited number of colors available, and unlike Adidas’ Adilette Comfort Slides, these slides don’t have a contoured footbed. If you’re wearing them for long periods of time, this may put extra stress on your joints, especially on your ankles and knees. But, unlike many of our top picks, the strap on these slides is adjustable, allowing you to get an even more comfortable fit.

And Nike also mentions that these slides are suitable for all-day use.

Price at time of publication: $55

Sizes: 6-15 (Men) | Materials: Foam | Straps: One wide strap, adjustable with cinch

Amazon

Pros

Stylish design
Lightweight and compression-molded footbed
One-year manufacturer’s guarantee

Cons

No added traction
Strap not adjustable

Looking for waterproof slides? We recommend Reef’s Water Vista Slides, thanks to their stylish, two-strap design. Not only are they waterproof, they’re also extremely durable and are made to withstand unexpected elements.

The lightweight and compression-molded footbed on these waterproof slides is soft and bouncy for all-day comfort. However, note that the strap isn’t adjustable, and there’s no added traction. If you’d prefer more traction and adjustability, we recommend Nike’s Asuna 2 Men’s Slides.

Reef’s Water Vista Slides are available in six different colors and come with a one-year manufacturer’s guarantee.

Price at time of publication: $55

Sizes: 5-11 (Women) | Materials: Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) | Straps: Two thinner, non-adjustable straps

Amazon

Pros

Made from premium materials
Interior and exterior arch support
Deep heel cup for added comfort

Cons

Not waterproof

We recommend Birkenstock’s Madrid Big Buckle slides as a great investment slide to complete your wardrobe. Made from leather and cork, these slides offer a deep heel cup, supporting the foot tissue and holding the heel bone in its natural position when worn. Although they are the most expensive option on our list, they also have additional features, like interior and exterior arch support, that we think justify their higher price.

Plus, we love that you can adjust the strap with the wide, metal pin buckle for a more customized fit. And there are a variety of colors to choose from.

Other than the higher price, the only drawback of these slides is that they aren’t waterproof, so you won’t want to wear them in rainy weather or wet environments.

Otherwise, they’re a versatile pair of slides that can be worn both casually and for outings.

Price at time of publication: $140

Sizes: 4-12.5 (Women) | Materials: Leather and cork | Straps: One wide strap, adjustable with a large metal pin buckle

What the Experts Say

“If you’re looking for a comfortable pair of slides, Birkenstock is a great option. Their slides are made with soft, contoured footbeds that mold to your feet over time for ultimate comfort.” —Michael Jones, personal trainer and mobility coach

Amazon

Pros

Grooves for comfort and traction
APMA Seal of Acceptance
High footbed of soft cushion

Cons

Strap not adjustable
Limited color options

For the most supportive option, we suggest Hoka Ora’s Recovery Slide. These slides are designed for comfort and support after a long run or a race. They’re APMA Seal of Acceptance approved and have a high bed of soft cushion compared to other items on this list for added comfort. Additionally, there are grooves throughout the outsole for added traction.

The strap isn’t adjustable on these slides, which is one of the main drawbacks of Hoka Ora’s Recovery Slides. This shoe also comes in limited color options compared to other top picks on our list, like Welltree’s Cloud Slide. But we still think Hoka Ora’s Recovery Slides are a dependable option worth the space on your shoe rack.

Price at time of publication: $55

Sizes: 3-14 (Men), 5-16 (Women) | Materials: Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and synthetic | Straps: One non-adjustable wide strap

Amazon

Pros

Foam footbed for added comfort
Durable traction pods in heel
Soft foam underneath strap

Cons

Limited color options
Not waterproof

We’ve chosen Under Armour’s Ignite VI Slides as our recommendation for the best slides for narrow feet. Not only do they have an adjustable strap for better fit customization, but the strap also has soft foam underneath it for further comfort and protection.

We love that there are durable traction pods in the heel, which add cushioning and shock absorption. The footbed is made with two layers of foam for even more cloud-like comfort.

Note that these slides aren’t waterproof, which means they’re not ideal for the bathroom or for taking to the sea. Compared to other options on our list, they also come in a limited range of colors. But overall, we think they’re a great choice for people seeking comfortable shoes for narrow feet.

Price at time of publication: $35

Sizes: 7-18 (Men) | Materials: Rubber sole, leather outer material, and foam footbed | Straps: One wide strap, adjustable with hook-and-loop closures

Amazon

Pros

Massage nubs in the footbed
Foam footbed for added comfort
Quick-drying

Cons

Not ideal for all-day use

Looking for the best slides for wide feet? We recommend Adidas’ Adissage Slides. We love that they have massage nubs in the footbed to rejuvenate tired feet, especially after a long run or workout. These slides are also quick-drying and feature a foam footbed for added comfort.

Note that Adidas doesn’t recommend purchasing these slides if you want a pair of slides for all-day use. These Adissage Slides are only designed to be worn for a short period of time post-workout. The brand recommends Adidas’ Adilette Comfort Slides if you’re looking for a pair to wear all day long.

Adidas’ Adissage Slides come in limited colors, especially when compared to other options on our list. But we do like the adjustable strap with the hook-and-loop closure, which is easy to use and offers a more customized fit.

Price at time of publication: $30

Sizes: 4-18 (Men), 5-19 (Women) | Materials: Synthetic, foam footbed, and EVA massage nubs | Straps: One wide strap, adjustable with hook-and-loop closure

Teva

Pros

Stylish design
Made from recycled materials
Added arch support

Cons

Limited color options

Teva’s Universal Slide is our top pick for the best slides for flat feet. We love the stylish design, which has two thinner straps that are joined together by another strap. They’re made from recycled materials—great for those who are environmentally conscious—and the added arch support makes them perfect for those with flat feet who may need to wear insoles for flat feet with their shoes.

Apart from the fact that the color selection is limited compared to other options on our list, we couldn’t find any other drawbacks. The slides are quick-drying and durable, and the hook-and-loop strap makes it easy to take these slides on and off, as well as adjust their fit.

Price at time of publication: $50

Sizes: 5-11 (Women) | Materials: Rubber outsole and EVA midsole | Straps: Two thinner straps, adjustable with hook-and-loop closure

Amazon

Pros

Foam footbed for added comfort
Customizable with added charms
Lightweight

Cons

No added traction or arch support

For our pick of the most versatile pair of slides, we’ve chosen Crocs’ Classic Slides. Not only are they lightweight and quick to dry, but they also have a foam footbed for added comfort.

We love that you can purchase and add charms to these slides, making them customizable and fun to wear. This gives each pair its own unique personality. The strap, unfortunately, isn’t adjustable, but these come in a variety of sizes, so you should be able to find a good fit.

Note that there’s no added traction on these slides, like with the Hoka Ora Recovery Slide, and no arch support, like on Teva’s Universal Slide. But we like that the slides are easy to clean because of the materials they’re made from–simply wipe them down with a damp cloth. Crocs’ Classic Slides are available in 11 different colors.

Price at time of publication: $30

Sizes: 4-13 (Men), 6-12 (Women) | Materials: Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) | Straps: One non-adjustable wide strap

Skechers

Pros

Designed to massage your feet with every step
Dual-density traction outsole
Contoured footbed for added comfort

Cons

Expensive

If you’re looking for slides for walking, we recommend Skechers’ Go Walk Massage Fit Slides. They have a contoured footbed for extra comfort while walking, and the dual-density traction outsole provides stability on your walks, whether they’re long or short. We also love the wave midsole on these slides, designed to massage your feet with every step.

The added features on these slides do come at an extra cost. The strap isn’t adjustable, either, and there is a limited range of colors to choose from. But we think these are still a great investment for exercisers looking for foot relief post-workout, and we like that they’re both lightweight and durable.

Price at time of publication: $80

Sizes: 7-14 (Men) | Materials: Synthetic upper, foam midsole and footbed | Straps: One non-adjustable wide strap

Amazon

Pros

Stylish design
Added arch support
Lightweight and durable for all-day wear

Cons

May run small for some wearers

When it comes to the best-designed slides, we recommend Vans’ Checkerboard La Costa Slide-Ons. Inspired by Vans sneakers, we love the stylish design of these slides. They’re lightweight and durable, and you can comfortably wear them for an extended period of time.

The slides are available in three different colors and have built-in arch support for added comfort.

They may run small for some, so you may need to order a size up. Also, like some other options on our list, the strap isn’t adjustable, which isn’t ideal for those with wider or narrower feet. But overall, these are a great everyday option that you can wear both at home and out running errands.

Price at time of publication: $37

Sizes: 4-13 (Men), 5.5-14.5 (Women) | Materials: Synthetic strap, rubber insole, and foam footbed | Straps: One non-adjustable wide strap

Amazon

Pros

Foam footbed for added comfort
Stylish design

Cons

No added arch support

Looking for the best lightweight slides? We recommend New Balance’s Women’s 200 Slides. Thanks to their foam footbed, they’re both lightweight and comfortable, which also makes them great for everyday wear.

Weighing under 4 ounces, these are a great pair to keep in your gym bag to slip on after a hard training session. We also like these as an option to take to the beach.

We love the stylish design of these slides that comes in both bright and subtle colors. And we like that they’re offered in a wide range of sizes. However, note that the strap isn’t adjustable, and there’s no added arch support.

Price at time of publication: $30

Sizes: 5-13 (Women) | Materials: Synthetic upper, polyester lining, foam midsole, and rubber outsole | Straps: One non-adjustable wide strap

How We Selected the Best Slides

To choose the best slides on the market, we first consulted two experts—Michael Jones, personal trainer and mobility coach, and Keira Moore, podiatrist and foot health expert—for their expert advice on the benefits and drawbacks of wearing slides, whether slides are good for you feet, and features to look for when purchasing quality slides.

Keeping the expert insights we gathered in mind, we then researched over 35 slides from the most trusted and popular brands, analyzing specs and reading reviews for each pair. When selecting our top picks for this list, we paid special attention to the quality of materials, fit, comfort features, design, price, and more.

What to Look For in Slides

Fit

Slides are available in a wide range of sizes, depending on the brand you choose. For example, Adidas’ Adissage Slides start at size 4 and go all the way up to size 19. It’s not common to see half-sizes in slides, although there are one or two brands on our list that do have them. When in doubt, we recommend ordering a size up to ensure the slides aren’t too tight.

It’s important to find the right size for you, ideally one that isn’t too tight or too loose. Finding a pair of slides that fit you just right will ensure they won’t fall off while you’re walking if too loose or cause pain and discomfort if too tight. “The slides should fit securely on your feet while you walk,” Powell says.

Comfort features

Check to see if the slides you’re eying come with any additional comfort features, like contoured footbeds, arch support, additional cushioning of the footbed, deeper heel cups, thicker soles, and soft foam underneath the strap. It’s important to think about what your needs are before purchasing, as every individual is different. “Prioritize finding a pair with the thickest sole possible. This will provide additional cushioning and foot support,” says Moore.

Materials

Slides are typically made from EVA, foam, synthetic, leather, cork, or rubber—or from a combination of these six materials. Usually, you get what you pay for. More premium materials such as leather typically make slides more expensive (as is the case with the OOFOS OOahh Slide Sandals). Whereas slides made of EVA or synthetic materials tend to be budget-friendlier.

If you’re buying slides for a quick vacation and you’re not as concerned about long-term durability, a budget-friendly pair may be all you need. But if you’re looking for a pair for everyday use, consider investing in a higher-priced pair made from higher-quality materials.

Adjustable strap

If you have uncommonly wide or narrow feet, we recommend slides with an adjustable strap, as featured on Under Armour’s Ignite VI Slides and Adidas’ Adissage Slides. Adjustable straps give you the ability to have a more custom fit, which is harder to get with slides featuring straps that don’t adjust. Also, consider the width of the strap—some slides have wider straps that tend to be more comfortable and keep your feet more secure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are slides good for your feet?

As long you’re not wearing slides for extended periods of walking or standing every day, they can be good for your feet. “Slides are best to wear for short periods of time, like when you're going to the grocery store or just in the house. They are comfortable and don't hurt your feet. It's a breathable type of footwear that requires less maintenance and is good for those who have sweaty feet,” Powell says.
When you’re doing more rigorous walking or will be on your feet for an extended time, it’s important to wear other types of footwear to protect your feet, apart from slides. “From a foot health point of view, we wouldn’t recommend using slides as your everyday shoe of choice. Slides tend to have limited fastening options, which can cause problems with your feet and overall stability,” Moore says.
Should you wear socks with slides?

It’s entirely up to you whether you want to wear socks with slides. If you’re wearing them to dress up for dinner or while on vacation, you may prefer to wear them with socks. If you’re wearing them in situations where you want to slip them on and off quickly, such as at the beach or by the pool, it probably makes sense to wear them without socks.
However, if you’re going to be walking long distances or standing for an extended period of time, we do recommend wearing socks with slides. “Slides don't offer much support for walking. If you choose to wear them, ensure you have a comfortable pair of socks or insoles to help with any discomfort,” Jones says.
How much do slides cost?

Slides can cost anywhere between $20-$140, with average prices ranging from $20-$55.
More expensive slides, such as Birkenstock’s Madrid Big Buckle or OOFOS’ OOahh Slide Sandals, are usually made from more premium materials, like leather or cork. They’re often more durable and offer features not always found in less expensive options, such as arch support and added traction. Budget-friendlier options are typically made of EVA or synthetic materials.
The cheapest option on our list is often available for less than $20, whereas our best overall pick, Adidas’ Adilette Comfort Slides, were $35 when we published this list.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

As a certified personal trainer and health and fitness writer, Ravi Davda understands how important quality product recommendations can be. He recommends products that are reliable, comfortable, and genuinely well-reviewed by those who’ve tried them.