The 17 Most Comfortable Slides for Men and Women of 2023
Since the slide style is more on the casual and beachy side, we looked for top picks that could be equally at home on the shore or seated at the dinner table, with qualities like arch support, a solid build, and adjustability. Do note that we said “most comfortable” and not “most attractive.” There are tons of extremely cute slides out there, but many of them won’t pass the arch support flex test, so we prioritized support and sturdiness over aesthetics. That being said, we think you’ll still find something to suit your style.
There’s a particularly satisfying ease about simply slipping in and out of shoes without even having to wiggle your toes. The most comfortable slides can take you to and from the beach or in and out of temples without cramping your toes or your style.
Best for Women
Best Overall
Clarks Drift Ave Black
Amazon
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Why We Love It: They’ll look good almost anywhere, and keep you feeling good, too.
What to Consider: The platform may make them difficult to pack.
With Clarks’ reputation for combining comfort and style, we’re excited to see this slide in their lineup. While they aren’t technically waterproof, the fabric upper, EVA midsole, and rubber outsole should be able to hold up against some splashing. Once the sun goes down, the platform build with a slightly higher heel and the knotted, textured leather straps won’t have trouble fitting in at your evening event. Either way, the EVA footbed and midsole should keep you supported and springy, and the grippy outsole will keep you stable.
Getting the right width is extra important in a slide, since that band is the only thing holding your foot in the shoe, so it’s great that the Drift Ave comes in both medium and wide options. It also offers half sizes, which many slides do not. In addition to the size range, there are seven colors available, whether you’re looking for simple black, or pink and blue pastel tie-dye.
Price at time of publish: $65
Sizes: 5 to 12 | Materials: Textile upper, EVA footbed and midsole, thermoplastic rubber outsole
Best Budget
Reef Cushion Spring Bloom Slide Sandal
Zappos
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Why We Love It: These light slides can fit in almost anywhere.
What to Consider: The logo on the side isn’t to everyone’s tastes and may be hard to dress up.
If you’re going straight from the pool to happy hour, or just trying to save on suitcase space, the Reef Cushion Spring Blooms are the best slides to maximize your wearing potential. The PVC faux leather upper won’t suffer from getting wet, while the criss-cross slit straps look stylish enough that no one will actually know you just walked off the sand. The cushion spring footbed, meanwhile, is breathable and provides both arch support and a heel cup, sitting on top of a durable rubber sponge outsole. You can choose from black, champagne, or white for maximum matching potential. They’re also affordable enough that if you happen to lose one to the beach, it won’t ruin your vacation. While they should be plenty comfortable, keep in mind these aren’t designed for a long day of walking (few slides are); they also don’t come in half sizes.
Price at time of publish: $55
Sizes: 5 to 11 | Materials: Synthetic
Best Athletic
Hoka Ora Luxe
Hoka
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Why We Love It: A rocker base, bright colors, adjustable top, and breathable mesh keep you in post-workout comfort.
What to Consider: The chunky build isn’t super versatile.
Hoka makes great running shoes, so it makes sense they make an equally great slide for when the race is done. Slip into Hoka’s Ora Luxe after your workouts to step off the course in comfort, with a plush cushion and adjustable top strap. The Luxe doesn’t have the APMA seal of approval, like its predecessor the Ora, but it’s got an extremely similar build and we’ve no doubt it provides a similar level of comfort, especially now that you can adjust the top. There are 16 colors available, from basic solids to Hoka’s signature bright color combinations, and the two-band design on the top also adds an extra element of visual interest that we appreciate. The use of sugarcane in the EVA midsole is also a sustainability bonus.
Price at time of publish: $80
Sizes: 5 to 16 | Materials: Ariaprene canopy with mesh and foam, velcro straps, sugarcane EVA midsole, injection-molded foam outsole
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Best for Walking
Spenco Breeze Slide Sandal
Amazon
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Why We Love It: These podiatrist-approved slides will support you all day.
What to Consider: The design is on the sporty side and colors are limited.
It’s unusual for a slide to be podiatrist-approved, but the Spenco Breeze has managed just that, winning an APMA seal of approval. It offers orthotic-grade arch support, along with a metatarsal dome, deep heel cup, and slight heel lift, all designed for maximum striding efficiency and comfort. The upper has a good amount of stretch to accommodate differing foot widths, and its open sides make it extra breathable. There are only two color options available, a black and lavender combination or pink and white, but they’re still decently versatile – if more on the sporty side – and thin enough to pack easily.
Price at time of publish: $65
Sizes: 5 to 11 | Materials: Synthetic mesh upper, rubber sole
Best Arch Support
OOFOS WOMEN’S OOAHH SLIDE SANDAL
OOFOS
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Why We Love It: These provide maximum stabilization and cushioning in a smooth package.
What to Consider: There are no half sizes available.
Get maximum shock absorption with Oofos’s “Oofoam technology,” which absorbs more impact than traditional foam, reduces stress on your joints, enables natural motion, and provides cradling arch support. The foam is also machine-washable, so you can wear them pretty much anywhere, and designed to minimize odor even if you’re going a while between washes. There are seven colors available, in both basic neutrals and more fun colors like mauve and Mars red. You can also upgrade to the Luxe version, which has all the perks of the originals with some extra-shiny gradient finishes for a slightly fancier feel.
Price at time of publish: $60
Sizes: 5 to 16 | Materials: Foam
Best Waterproof
adidas Adilette Comfort Sandals Slide
Amazon
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Why We Love It: This throwback style shows you why it has stuck around.
What to Consider: There are no half sizes available and the top band isn’t adjustable.
Adidas makes some of the easiest slides on the market, with a simple synthetic construction that will dry quickly as you go from beach to boardwalk. The Adilette slides wrap your feet onto a contoured footbed with light cushioning and a textile lining on the upper to keep you comfortable. The slides come in 18 different color options, including pastels, metallics, tortoiseshell, and more. There’s even a platform version available if you’d like to add a little extra height to your beach outing, though it only comes in black. There aren’t, however, any half sizes available.
Price at time of publish: $40
Sizes: 5 to 11 | Materials: Synthetic
Best Leather
BIRKENSTOCK Madrid Big Buckle Slide Sandal
nordstrom
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Why We Love It: This shoe has the classic Birks style and comfort with a slightly more sophisticated touch.
What to Consider: The top leather may be a bit stiff and will need to be broken in.
The name Birkenstock conjures up images of the brand’s classic Arizona sandal, but that’s far from the only thing it has to offer. We prefer something a little sleeker — specifically, the Madrid Big Buckle, which has just one super-sized strap and buckle for a more solid yet stylish build. You don’t lose any of that Birkenstock comfort either; it’s still got the contoured cork footbed that will shape to your feet, and the buckle isn’t just decorative, it’s also adjustable to keep the sandal on your feet. There are four colors available, including an especially fun magenta shade.
Price at time of publish: $140
Sizes: 4 to 12 | Materials: Cork-latex footbed, leather upper, EVA sole
Most Versatile
OluKai Hila slide
Zappos
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Why We Love It: An on-trend fluffy upper pairs perfectly with a cushioned footbed and waterproof build.
What to Consider: The size range is a little more limited than some other options.
The criss-cross design helps step these up from beach shoe to bar, and the marshmallowy cushion is very on-trend right now. OluKai is also a Certified B Corporation, so you get an extra touch of sustainability in your purchase. The cushioned footbed offers plenty of arch support, and the synthetic construction is water-resistant so you don’t have to worry about a little splashing. Choose from black, a light neutral, or navy and see where these can take you.
Price at time of publish: $80
Sizes: 5 to 11 | Materials: Synthetic
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Best for Men
Best Overall for Men
OluKai Maha’Olu
Zappos
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Why We Love It: Versatile, waterproof, comfortable, and crafted with social responsibility in mind – what’s not to love?
What to Consider: They aren’t super formal and don’t come in half sizes.
OluKai brings a relaxed island style and comfort to all their footwear, including these slides that will keep you wrapped in comfort no matter where you take them. The puffy stripes on the top both add visual texture and disguise a velcro closure so you can make sure you get your foot snugly situated. You can settle into the anatomically contoured footbed, which the brand says is inspired by the feeling of bare feet in wet sand and is designed to cup your feet. There’s also plenty of grip on the soles, and the material is water-resistant so you can wear them without fear of waves or puddles. You can choose from black, brown, or navy to go with any of your preferred accessories.
Price at time of publish: $90
Sizes: 7 to 15 | Materials: Synthetic upper, rubber sole
Best Athletic for Men
Hoka Ora Recovery Slide 3
Hoka
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Why We Love It: The smooth, breathable design puts your feet in their ideal stepping positions.
What to Consider: They aren’t very versatile and might be a bit large to pack.
We love Hoka’s running shoes, so it makes sense that they make an equally great sandal for after your run. And the professionals agree, with the American Podiatric Medical Association granting the Hoka Ora its official seal of approval. There are four channels on the top band for increased breathability (great for your sweaty post-run feet) and chunky rocker soles topped with an eco-friendly sugarcane footbed provide both comfort and stability. Choose from 15 different color options, from basic black or gray to color blocked blue combos.
Price at time of publish: $60
Sizes: 3 to 14 | Materials: Injection-molded EVA
Best for Walking for Men
Spenco Thrust Slide Sandal
Amazon
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Why We Love It: These are APMA-approved, easy to pack, and loaded with comfort features.
What to Consider: The sole is a little on the thinner side.
Spenco offers another APMA-approved pick, from the only brand other than Hoka to receive that stamp of approval for their slides. The design centers on podiatrist-approved features like orthotic-grade arch support, a deep heel cup, a metatarsal dome, and a slight heel lift that all help you stride along with proper form. They’re also designed to control odors, which is a nice bonus after a long day of pounding the pavement. The stretchy fabric of the band will mold to your feet to make sure you’ve got the correct fit, and the sandal comes in blue or black. We also appreciate that they’re thin enough to easily slip into your suitcase.
Price at time of publish: Starting at $33
Sizes: 9 to 14 | Materials: Synthetic upper, rubber sole
Best Arch Support for Men
OOFOS Men’s Ooahh Slide Sandal
Amazon
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Why We Love It: These are almost smooth enough for street style with plenty of comfort-focused features.
What to Consider: Figuring out your size may be tricky.
These shoes are essentially unisex; the men’s listing of this sandal offers all the same benefits as its women’s counterpart, just with different size and color options. You’ll get the same “Oofoam,” with excellent impact absorption, joint support, and machine-washable and odor-eliminating construction. Choose from black, navy, tan, or gray, in the supportive double-band strap design made to ensure the best fit for your feet. And if it doesn’t, you’ve got 30 days to try them out or get a full refund.
Price at time of publish: $60
Sizes: 3 to 14 | Materials: Foam
Best Waterproof for Men
Adidas Adilette 22 Slides
Adidas
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Why We Love It: This offers a futuristic take on a classic style.
What to Consider: The top isn’t adjustable.
Adidas has been making slides since the ‘70s – and they really know what they’re doing. For an updated take on their classic design, the Adilette 22 puts a futuristic twist on the design. Their chunky topographical texture was inspired by both 3D topography and expeditions to Mars. You’ve still got the contoured footbed and rubber outsole for comfort, and the cushioning contains 25 percent plant-based content (derived from sugarcane) for an added sustainability bonus. If you want an extra level of massage and an adjustable upper, the Adissage slides are also classic, though the brand cautions they aren’t designed for all-day wear.
Price at time of publish: $55
Sizes: 4 to 15 | Materials: Synthetic
Best Sustainable for Men
Allbirds Sugar Sliders
Allbirds
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Why We Love It: Sugarcane-based SweetFoam and an adjustable band keep a spring in your step.
What to Consider: There are no half sizes and these only come in two colors.
One of the most popular sustainable shoe brands is getting into the slide game and we aren’t mad about it. Allbirds takes its eco ethos and applies it to the Sugar Sliders with SweetFoam, a proprietary foam made from sugarcane and a carbon-negative green EVA. The straps are made with recycled polyester and a bio TPU strap end so you’re eco-friendly from heel to toe, and they’re also adjustable for finding your right fit. The soles themselves have a pebble texture on the bottom for grip and on the footbed for comfort and springiness, and you can choose between black and white color options.
Price at time of publish: $50
Sizes: 3 to 14 | Materials: SweetFoam sole, recycled polyester webbing
Best Suede for Men
Birkenstock Kyoto Nubuck Suede Leather
Birkenstock
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Why We Love It: An added velcro band makes these extra-adjustable while still keeping all of Birkenstock’s classic features.
What to Consider: Suede is not a water-friendly fabric.
It’s hard not to love Birkenstock’s suite of classic designs. If you want to take their look to the next level, upgrade to the Kyoto. This modern sandal has a wide suede upper with an added velcro contrast band to get your fit adjusted, accompanied by the Birkenstock cork-latex footbed that will conform to your feet as it provides arch support. There are four colors available.
Price at time of publish: $150
Sizes: 6 to 15 | Materials: Cork-latex footbed, suede, and nubuck leather upper
Best Splurge for Men
Suicoke Moto-Mab
Suicoke
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Why We Love It: This cult brand makes sandals more interesting while keeping them comfortable.
What to Consider: The style may not be for everyone.
Japanese brand Suicoke has generated a ton of buzz in the fashion world, especially around their sandals. With partnerships with brands like Missoni, Carhartt, and Lanvin, it seems that the secret of these chunky sandals is out. The double-strap uppers are adjustable and made of materials like nylon, suede, and sometimes even calf hair or shearling. Meanwhile, the Vibram footbed and sole provide just the right combination of bounce and traction, with the height varying slightly across styles. There are 44 different style options available, so you’re sure to find one that speaks to you.
Price at time of publish: Starting at $225
Sizes: 4 to 16 | Materials: Varies
Best Leather for Men
Mephisto Conrad Slide Sandal
Nordstrom
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Why We Love It: These smooth leather sandals are perfect for dressing up your summer wardrobe.
What to Consider: These are on the expensive side and may run wide.
If you’re looking for something a little higher-end, consider the Mephisto Conrad for your new favorite slide sandal. The brand is known for creating shoes that keep you comfortable all day, and this slide is no different, with both arch support and shock-absorbing air cushioning. The insole is cushioned, as is the air-injected sole, and very slight elevation helps put your feet in a more natural walking position. Choose between classic black, navy, sand, and a beach-friendly brown and tan combination.
Price at time of publish: $229
Sizes: 7 to 13 | Materials: Leather upper, rubber sole
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