Updated Jul. 12, 2022
Foot doctors share their recommendations for the best slip-on sneakers for women. Comfy, convenient, cute, and good for your feet? It sounds hard to pick—but these shoes offer features that respond to your needs.
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Sure, skipping shoelaces saves a few seconds in your day—but slip-on sneakers aren’t just convenient. For some people, having an easier, more accessible shoe is important. For example, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting that 58.5 million people in the U.S. live with arthritis, slip-on footwear can make life a little simpler. As Leo Krawetz, DPM, FACFAS, president of Healthy Feet Podiatry in Tampa, FL, tells The Healthy @Reader’s Digest: “Slip-on shoes are a good option for someone who can’t bend down, someone with arthritis, or a busy mom—because they’re easy to get on.”
We’re here for that ease when it’s time to get out the door. Andy Brief, MD, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon in Ridgewood, NJ, adds: “Convenience and practicality are the name of the name game here,” Dr. Brief says. “Slip-on shoes eliminate the potential risk of tripping on unwound laces, and afford the benefit of easy-on, easy-off.”
But, of course, the shoes need to offer convenience, as well as comfort and greater foot health. So here’s the question: are slip-on sneakers as supportive as a traditional sneaker? “Traditionally, slip-on sneakers had been made by manufacturers with perhaps less attention being paid to structure and support,” Dr. Brief explains—quickly adding how that’s changed: “But as the market share for slip-on shoes has grown, more attention has been paid to proper arch and heel support in these products.”
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The doctors say there are two key features to look for in a slip-on sneaker (but, many experts might say, this goes for just about any sneaker): arch support and proper heel cushioning. “Don’t be on the lookout for a ‘bargain’ with slip-on shoes,” says Dr. Brief. “You usually get what you pay for, so if it seems too cheap, it probably is priced accordingly.”
Balance and stability are also crucial, adds Dr. Krawetz. “Foot stability in a closed-in shoe is important to prevent heel and arch pain, tendonitis, and stress fractures,” he says.
Want to try a pair of slip-on shoes? To help take the guesswork out of the equation, Dr. Brief and Dr. Krawetz share the best slip-on sneakers for women that are on the market right now.
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These slip-on shoes boast an American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, thanks to their exceptional quality and shoe design that promote good foot health.
The OOtex four-way stretch upper ensures all-day comfort, while the OOfoam footbed cushioning absorbs impact and promotes natural foot movement when you walk.
The brand notes this model runs small, so you may want to size up.
Stylish, comfortable and built to last, this Rothy’s sneaker slips on like a sock and features extra support thanks to a cushy midsole. The knit fabric is made from plastic bottles, and the shoe and its inserts are machine-washable. All that makes this shoe a staple that’ll last for multiple seasons. “Stretchy woven knit shoes can provide more comfort at a lighter weight, just with less bells and whistles when it comes to structure,” says Dr. Brief.
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You won’t have to worry about smelly, stinky shoes when you slide into this machine washable mesh pair from Skechers. A plush-cushioned footbed offers ample comfort and the upper is cut shorter, which Dr. Brief says can favor people with high arches who often struggle with heel pain and discomfort along the lateral border of the foot and underneath the metatarsals. “[Shoes with] cushioned soles and breathable insoles are well-suited for walking exercise, too,” Dr. Brief says.
Looking for a pair of shoes that you can easily slip on and wear around the house so you don’t have to go barefoot? Dr. Brief recommends this Crocs’ pair. The footbeds have built-in air bubbles to provide your feet with an added bounce, a little massage and a bit more comfort with each step you take.
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Enjoy breathable knit fabric and a cushy, arch supporting insole with this eco-friendly slip-on sneaker. The fabric is made from recycled fibers and the back pull tab offers extra assistance. Choose from several color and width options. There’s a style and fit for every wearer!
This slip-on sneaker from Altra is comfortable and stylish for walking, running errands and chilling at home, featuring a memory foam insole that adapts to the wearer’s foot. “Altra shoes are known for having wide toe boxes—a shoe with a huge benefit for individuals—and athletes—with a wide forefoot,” says Dr. Brief.
Dr. Krawetz agrees, adding that the wide toe box is helpful for those with hammertoe as well. Plus? “If you have a bunion or bunionette, which is a bunion on your ‘small toe,’ or 5th metatarsal, this is a good shoe to look into,” he says.
Altra is also known for making “zero-drop” shoes, meaning that the heel and forefoot are at an equal distance to the ground. “The zero-drop feature encourages a midfoot strike during the gait cycle, which can help with better posture and alignment of the spine,” says Dr. Brief.
Struggling with extra sweaty feet? Slip on this breathable shoe that has cut-outs throughout the uppers. “Perforations are helpful to allow for breathability, an important feature in a shoe that you’re planning to wear all day and anticipate some perspiration,” says Dr. Brief. “The collapsible back has the benefit of preventing friction of the shoe against the back of the heel, which is helpful in patients who have insertional tendonitis of the Achilles.”
Not only will you enjoy the subtle design on these Dr. Scholl’s slip-ons, but your feet will also appreciate the perforated detailing that offers proper ventilation. Plus, the shoes have an anatomical footbed, which provides contoured features for comfort and support. “This is akin to designing a shoe based on the natural imprint one would leave in the wet sand when walking on the beach,” Dr. Brief says.
Made of canvas material that comes in five colors, this Sperry Crest Vibe slip-on sneaker gives the look of a laced shoe without the need to actually bend down and tie the laces, thanks to the pre-made barrel ties that stay put. Plus, this pair of slip-on sneakers features a memory foam-cushioned insole. “A ‘memory foam’ insole is a term many brands use to promote thicker, more cushioned soles, while maintaining a lightweight feel to the shoe,” explains Dr. Brief. “This technology is often good for patients with heel pain, or plantar fasciitis, and flat feet.”
Vionic shoes are well known among many podiatrists. Make a statement with these Vionic slip-ons featuring a dual-textured upper with textile and leather. A removable microfiber EVA offers softness and flexibility. An elastic strap over the upper adds dimension and security for all-day wear, making this an ideal pair for sprucing up an outfit without trading comfort.
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Originally Published: June 30, 2020
