Best Slide Sandals Reviewed & Rated
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Fit
One of the biggest problems with slide sandals is keeping them on your feet. This is because there is nothing around the ankle that secures it to you. We tend to wear slide sandals because of the convenience of not needing to strap the. So, what’s the solution to keeping your slides on without adding a strap? The answer, a great fit.
Many manufacturers of slide sandals take this into consideration and use different systems to help keep your shoes in place. This is a difficult task when you think about the fact that, feet are like snowflakes, all of them are unique. Some add buckles or elastic, for other companies they go more towards Velcro. What works the best? That answer is usually pretty individualized, based on preference and foot type. Let’s take a look at the different options available and how each works. You will then be able to decide which will work best for your particular taste, style, and feel.
Buckle Straps – Some prefer a buckle strap because of the broad range of adjustability. For frequent flyers, swelling feet, or those who wear socks with sandals this is wonderful. Some find, as their slide sandals get older and the material stiffer, adjusting the straps can be difficult. A set of two buckle straps adjusted to your feet do a good job at keeping your slides on because of their adjustability. Paired with a footbed that molds to your feet and you may have a winner.
Elastic – Elastic is used in many products for its ability to stretch and fit to even the most uncommon shapes. When paired with a soft material you can get some seriously comfortable slide sandals that adapt well to swelling feet. Some people find that elastic cuts into them as their feet swell, making their slides super uncomfortable. Depending on the maker the stay-on capability of elastic varies. Often with no adjustability over time you will find your once fitting slide sandals too big from stretching.
Velcro – Offering supreme comfort, Velcro is used as the closure and adjustability system for many slide sandals. Velcro is easy to adjust and offer comfort to swollen feet as well as the option of wearing socks with your sandals. Because you can adjust slide sandals that have a Velcro so easily, keeping them on your feet in a variety of terrains and situations is also easy. The problem with Velcro is over time it starts to lose its sticking capability, making adjustment impossible at the time. It’s important to note, another common problem with Velcro, is the fact that everything sticks to it. Over time one side builds up with a variety of debris, making it impossible to secure your favorite sandals.
Comfort
Part of the comfort factor is indeed fit, however, footbed, upper material, outsole material, and overall build all play a role as well. Rather than break each of these into their own category of criteria used for evaluation, we will take a quick look at each piece. This will provide you with the general insight into what to look for and will lead to ultimate comfort instead of a pair of slide sandals that are painful every time you put them on.
FootBed
Upper
Outsole
Overall Build
Durability
You need sandals that will last for a while. No one wants to buy a new pair every couple of months. Even the affordable shoes would rack up a healthy bill for you over time if you have to buy new shoes every couple of months. So look for shoes with features that are more durable.
Consider the outsole material. Rubber or synthetic materials are the most durable without sacrificing flexibility or comfort. Next, consider the upper design: what is the upper made of? If it’s made with a mesh or fabric material, then it’s less durable than a solid leather or synthetic upper. If you want to preserve the breathability features of your shoes, look for a breathable mesh upper with leather or synthetic overlays, which protect more of your shoe from rips or tears.
Support
Support is an important aspect of a shoe that needs to be considered, even though support doesn’t contribute that much to shock-absorption. However, it does contribute to your shoe’s shock-absorbing capability. It just isn’t quite as important as cushioning and flexibility.
How Support Contributes to Shock-Absorption
Everyone needs at least a little support. Without the right amount of support, someone could easily roll an ankle or their foot, which would result in injury. However, support also reduces the shock generated by each footstrike, as it corrects pronation and supination problems and promotes normal foot motion. Support features include foam wedges beneath the arch, heel, midfoot, and full-foot TPU shanks, and supportive overlays. Over and underpronation put more strain and stress on your feet and reduces the natural ability of your feet to absorb injury and pain-inducing shock.
Value
Ultimately, the cost-effectiveness of the shoe, or its overall value, depends on its durability, convenience and actual price.
Durability
You want and need a shoe that won’t fall apart right away. A shoe that wears down too quickly cannot protect your feet from injury and cannot properly absorb shock. Every region of the shoe needs to be durable from the upper to the outsole. Always check the reviews and the technologies used in the shoe you are looking to buy to confirm that the shoe is durable and won’t fall apart in a week or two.
Convenience and Ease of Use
All of the shoes on this list are slip-on shoes. Slip-on shoes are the most convenient, as you can just slip them on and go so already you're getting great value.
Cost
The actual price of a shoe matters too. Most of them can be found for a very reasonable price, so always shop around if it looks like the shoe you have decided on is going to cost you an unreasonable amount.
10 Best Slide Sandals
1. Clarks Leisa Lacole
Once again, Clarks hits our list with the Leisa Lacole. A dual strap slide style foot apparel made from leather uppers, and cushioned with classic Clarks technology and design, it will have you ready to go long into the evening hours. With a slight heel to elevate the foot a little, it adds some pizzazz to your step, and the adjustable hook and loop closures will guarantee a perfect fit for your foot. The closure is hidden with a button detail, and perforations in the strap help to add even more ventilation to keep you cool and dry.
Ideal for casual or evening wear, the Leisa Lacole’s design allows you to wear these from afternoon BBQ’s well into the evening hours of dancing in town. Its rich leather look upgrades typical slide sandal fashion, and with several color options, you’ll be able to pair with any outfit. Perforations in the upper straps add some design detail, and a button detail gives the hook and loop closure a hidden appeal.
Typical of Clarks brand shoes, the Leisa Lacole packs all of Clarks well-known technology for comfortable footwear into a slide sandal. Ortholite footbed adds a plush feel to each step and helps reduce foot fatigue during wear. Soft comfort technology helps to cushion the foot, and with a soft footbed feel, will have you going all day long. Synthetic soles help add stability and wave pattern design give the tread traction.
2. Teva Tirra
For almost 40 years Teva has been a leader in the outdoor industry, providing high quality, high functioning shoes for every situation. Teva is committed to innovation, performance and the ability to keep you going comfortably through life’s adventures, indoors and out. Their Tirra slide footwear is proof that they stand good to their word of keeping it natural, comfortable, affordable, and possessing the ability to exceed your expectations in every purchase.
The Teva Tirra slide foot apparel offer an EVA midsole and a cushioned shock pad to keep your feet, joints, and legs feeling great. Absorbing shock takes the stress off of your knees, ankles, and feet. Not only does this insole absorb extra shock it also fights against odor and bacteria. The addition of a Microban treated lining will keep your feet protected against, the difficult to deal with, fungal and bacterial growth. So, not only will your feet feel great with less shock, but they will also be healthier and smell better.
Many materials are used to make the sole of this model, and they are not all created equal. The convenience of slide footwear is obvious but keeping them on your feet and keeping your feet under you are important. The rubber sole of the Teva Tirra not only gives you better traction but also better grip. Rubber will provide grip on a variety of surfaces ensuring you stay safely on two feet.
3. Under Armour Ignite V
Under Armour may seem like an underdog to many consumers, but don’t be fooled. The Ignite IVs are slides not to be taken lightly. That being said, they are truly lightweight, as well as form-fitting, durable and grippy. The athletic wear giants have outdone themselves with this model by putting user needs first and designing smart.
Hot summer days can be unbearable. With the Ignite Vs, not anymore. HeatGear fabric wicks sweat and keeps feet cool. Consider your beach day comfort restored. Walking around in sandals that weigh a ton or slide around on smooth surfaces can be a deal breaker. The lightweight EVA material in the Ignite Vs provides traction while not compromising on portability.
For their fair price, these slides are a great pair to have in the arsenal for any active or outdoors loving person that values pragmatism, durability, and comfort above all else.
4. Skechers On the Go 400
Skechers offers high-quality footwear in many categories, and naturally, they provide excellent slide sandals. The Skechers On the Go 400 will keep your feet comfortable with superior technologies like the 5Gen midsole, Goga Max insole, and GOimpulse sensors. A thicker sole helps to absorb more impact keeping your feet, ankles, and legs feeling better than ever. Super lightweight and great for those casual nights on the beach, this summer the Skechers On the Go 400 will be your favorite.
The 5Gen Midsole is the fifth generation of this type of technology. What does five generations give you? Great experience that leaves you with greatly responsive slide sandals. The comfort and responsiveness are not often found in other similar models. The fifth generation offers greater energy return to keep you going happily through all of life’s adventures. In addition to greater energy return, they have also made these lighter than ever before.
This type of foot apparel isn’t known for being supportive, comfortable yes, but not supportive. Skechers On the Go 400 are something a little bit different. Their Goga Max insole offers great support, keeping your feet more comfortable, for more miles. In addition to keeping you supported, they are also awesome at absorbing shock. Keeping shock away from your feet and joints keep you and your feet happy throughout those long days.
5. Nike Benassi Solarsoft
The Nike Benassi slide has been around since what feels like forever and has managed to maintain its allure. The Solarsoft installation of the Benassi slide takes the model one step further by introducing a modern design chock full of new technical features that ameliorate the wearer’s experience. The Solarsofts contain all the lore of the traditional Benassis, but with a fresh new twist.
Taking geometry present in nature and applying it to footwear technology has always been a clever strategy. Here, Nike does just that by creating an entire exterior material patterned like a fractal that both enhances comfort and style. Appeasing the arch of the wearer is a major tipping point in many designs. The Solarsofts nail it with their midsole cushion, which adapts to different foot arches.
For an upgraded model of the classic Benassis, the Solarsofts have great value, coming up at a price comparable to the other athletic fit slides on this list, while still having unique features.
6. Alegria Colette
The Alegria Colette is an embellished slide, with a strappy design and buckle adornment to help adjust the fit to where you desire. With a variety of colors and textures to choose from, you’ll find them suitable for not just casual wear, but some dressier occasions as well. A slight wedge gives a little bit of height, and with a rocker outsole, you can step in comfort and style into the evening.
Leather straps cross this slide over a small 0.75-inch wedge platform, which gives it richer look than some and makes it great to pair with dresses or skirts. Uppers are hand sewn, and the outsole is a Polyurethane rocker construction, with slip resistance to keep you stable and with traction on slippery or wet surfaces. Similar to Birkenstocks, the insole is made from polyurethane, memory foam, and cork, and is removable if desired.
Available in many color options, patterns, and textures, this sandal steps up the slide with its fancier design elements. Contrast stitching against the outsole compliments the colored uppers that range from metallic colors to blue patter, whites, blacks, and neutrals. Plus with options for a bit of sparkle, they keep true to fashionable trends for summer footwear this year.
7. Adidas Adilette
Instantly recognizable. Legacy bearing. Precisely designed. It’s hard to find words with which to describe these iconic sporty slides. Available in a plethora of bold colors, the Adilette slide has been a staple for lounging athletes and casual hikers alike since 1972. Water resistant, durable, comfortable and bold, Adidas has truly hit the nail on the head with the Adilette.
Making sandals usable for different foot shapes and arches can be challenging. The Adilette slides bypass this issue with ease by implementing a well-designed footbed that contours and molds to almost all foot shapes. Footwear that takes ages to dry is a pain point for all users, from on-the-go athletes to beach lovers. The synthetic material in these slides wicks moisture to make way for more comfort.
For their fair price point and recognizable brand name, the Adidas Adilette slides do not compromise on quality, opting instead for durability, simple style, and practical usability.
8. OOFOS Ooahh Slide
If you’ve not yet tried one of OOFOS many styles of sandals, start with the Ooahh Slide. Unparalleled in comfort and cushion, the Ooahh Slide certainly lives up to its namesake. Designed for after sport training, beach, pool, or casual wear in general, OOfoam helps pad and cushion your foot by absorbing up to almost 40% more so than other similar models. This slide will conform to your foot over time, cradling your unique foot shape in utter comfort.
Proprietary technology from OOFOS, its closed cell foam construction allows for 37% more shock absorption than other footwear, helping you soothe tired feet and comfortable walk after a hard workout. They’re ideal for wearing to the pool or beach as they are made from synthetic material, and won’t hold water or wetness. A grippy tread helps keep you stable on wet surfaces.
Unlike some open footwear, the OOFOS Ooahh slide cradles the foot in an anatomical design, to help hold tight the foot when walking. Over time it conforms to the shape of the foot, while still helping to absorb impact through it superior cushioning. This design helps relieve back pain, leg, hip, and knee pain, and you’ll notice a difference immediately compared to other models.
9. Madden Girl Brando
A subsidiary of Steve Madden, Madden Girl is a brand dedicated to high fashion at mid-range prices. The Brando slip-on is designed with a 0.75" heel for lift and a 0.5" platform for comfort. A textured outsole provides traction and ensures stable footing, while the padded footbed adds extra comfort and cushioning. These sandals are available in eight color options, and sizes range from a US 6-10, including half sizes.
Traction is important with any shoe but is especially so when it comes to slide sandals. Not only does this traction give you stable footing, but it can also help keep your foot from sliding around in the shoe as you walk, which can be uncomfortable and a nuisance to deal with. The Brando sports a textured outsole that is designed to give you stable footing on a wide range of surfaces, from the boardwalk to the beach.
While not necessarily a feature of the shoe, we like it when shoes come in a wide range of color options. This makes them more versatile as you can choose the right color you need to pair with your wardrobe, and can tailor to a wide range of interests. The Brando is available in eight colorways, from basic black to glittery black.
10. Crocs Capri
Since their inception in 2002, Crocs has become so much more than their signature foam clogs. The brand has expanded into other areas of the shoe industry with much success. The Capri sandal is a good example of this; a Croslite cushioning system is augmented with a micro-suede liner for extra comfort, while the X-shaped bands offer a secure and fashionable fit. This shoe comes in three color options, and side range from a US 4-11, with some sizes coming in wider options.
What is Croslite, anyways? This lightweight material is a signature technology of Crocs and is prominent in every shoe they make. This closed-cell material is neither plastic nor rubber but is a resin-like material. Because of its closed-cell nature, it doesn't absorb odors and sweat as foam insoles would. They also have anti-microbial properties and strong shock absorption. According to the US Ergonomics Lab, Croslite foam reduces fatigue up to 62% more than standing barefoot. Impressive.
With the exception of perhaps hiking sandals, sandals as a whole are typically considered a fashion item. The X-shaped band on the Capri works double duty; it provides a secure and comfortable fit while looking stylish. This versatile design goes well with anything, from jeans to sundresses. It also gives the shoes a more secure fit, which is important for slide sandals since there is nothing on the back to keep your foot in the shoe.