17 Best Women’s Slip-On Shoes for Travel

Kizik’s Prague slip-on sneaker offers equal parts comfort, support, and style. Contributor Lauren Dana Ellman wore these on a trip to Italy last summer and swears by them for long days on your feet. “I love how they cushion my feet without weighing them down thanks to their pillowy-soft albeit breathable foam outsoles,” says Ellman. Even after trekking 17,000-plus steps per day around Rome and Florence, they didn’t unlace or bother her feet. “It’s also worth mentioning that the shoes are made with a titanium band that adapts to your heel, which means you can literally slip them on and go as you would a flip-flop—read: no need to bend down, wedge your foot in, or even untie the laces.”

Loving the shoe’s versatility and ease, Kristin Sluyk, a travel professional with The Decker Royal Agency, can’t say enough about the Wool Runners from Allbirds, which, while not technically a slip-on, are easy enough to take on and off (I’m a fan of them as well). As an Ayurvedic yoga teacher, she’s also keen on a sustainable product. “The shoes can be dressed up or down and are so flexible that they practically pack flat if needed.” Another perk: The sneakers are machine-washable.

Last month, on a girls trip to Disney World, we started the day at Epcot, went over to Hollywood Studios, and then back to Epcot. For 12 hours I wore the OOmy Stride and went to bed without any aches or pains in my feet, legs, or back. The only time I had worn these sneakers previously, was on a nonstop flight to my destination. So, they didn’t even have any real break-in time. These shoes aren’t really slip-ons, but I’ve found them easy to slide off and on without touching the laces. I’ve always known this brand as “recovery shoes,” but now I can say they are also amazing theme park kicks.

These look like your ordinary pair of white sneakers, but they are so much more than that. Commerce editor Meaghan Kenny has been slipping these on when she’s running errands or going on walks around her neighborhood. “The Tree Gliders are my very first pair of shoes from Allbirds—and they did not disappoint. Based on reviews I’ve heard from friends, I expected them to be comfortable, but I did not expect them to be so easy to slip on and off.” These are deceivingly easy to slide right into, making them a ideal travel day shoe.

Champion free diver and native Hawaiian Kimi Werner spends most of her day on the water, but when her feet need respite she turns to OluKai. “I love the shoes and Olukai’s efforts to be earth-friendly,” says Werner, who grew up in Maui and loves the brand’s Ho’opio sandals. “But it’s the love, respect, and the way they give back to Hawaiian culture that makes me feel connected to the brand.” All of OluKai’s shoes are made with a drop-down heel, allowing for the entirety of their collection to slide on and off with ease, then add more ankle support when you need it.

I have been eyeing this brand for quite some time because it’s specifically made for those who have bunions (an ancestral hand-me-down I could’ve done without). The hype for the Star shoes makes sense now. From wearing these shoes, I learned that feet actually don’t have to hurt after walking 25,000 steps around New York City. What makes these a slip-on, you wonder? Once you’ve tied them to your desired fit, just use the zipper for easy on and off.

In warmer months, I wear the Native Jefferson shoes almost daily, but for the rest of the year, the Apollo 10 is in my regular rotation. At first glance, the sneakers appear to tie, however, the lace is more for the look. You can tighten it a bit, but I’ve personally never touched the laces, so for me, they’ve been a true slip on. The heel also has extra cushioning, which is appreciated after a day of wandering through city streets. One tip: order a half size up.

I’ve recently become a traveler who carries a pair of “purse shoes.” I spend a lot of time in sneakers because I like exploring a new place on foot, so it’s nice to have a pair of shoes to change into real quick if I don’t have time to go back to the hotel before dinner. That’s where the Dream Pairs Ballet Flats come in. They fold up without losing shape and the material itself feels nice on the feet after a day in sneakers. For travelers with minimal carry-on space, this shoe is a must.

A longtime Traveler favorite, Sabah shoes are all handmade in Turkey (sabah means “morning” in Turkish) and are designed to mold to your feet, meaning they only get comfier over time. They’re also incredibly durable and the leather gets softer and better looking with age. Choose from patterns and colors like zebra print, a soft camel shade, or this bold blue.

Soft Italian leather meets traditional African Kanga fabric in these bold and lightweight ballet flats. Each pair of shoes has a script with a Swahili proverb or saying. The slides are made to be breathable, taking you comfortably from one destination to the next. The shoes are named after the founder, who was born in Ethiopia and was inspired by the bright and beautiful colors of her childhood.

I return to this brand again and again for the combination of comfort, style, and versatility. The Wool Loungers have been a staple in my collection for years, but I recently tried out the Lounger Lift and wore them religiously on a trip to Florida. The gray ones I have go with everything. I haven’t had to wash these ones yet, but I’ve washed my other loungers countless times over the years and they come out looking new.

I’ve been a Sanuk fan since I first tried its sandals made from yoga mats several years ago. A more recent favorite is the Sanuk Puffy Chiller Low. It’s like wearing a puffer jacket on your feet. Water-repellent and warm with super-soft microfiber lining, these make winter and spring travel feel cozy even on the coolest of days. I especially like the tab on the heel, making it easy to pull on even when standing.

I first learned of Angela Scott when I was looking for comfortable and cute silver shoes to complete my Eras Tour outfit. Because the Elliot Sneaker passed the test, I knew the Miss Emma Mule was next to try. Easy to slip on and off while passing through TSA and versatile enough to accompany jeans or long dresses, these shoes check all the boxes. The mule adds little height to your step, without sacrificing comfort.

Ugg’s Tasman slippers are popular for good reason. The inside is lined with the brand’s signature, soft shearing material, so they’re just as comfy as your favorite slippers while still being durable enough to wear outdoors. Condé Nast Traveller UK’s commerce editor Lauren Burvill loves packing these when she travels. “The Ugg Tasman slipper is incredibly comfortable—possibly the most comfortable pair of shoes I own. The soft, shearling-lined style gives your feet a nice warm hug while remaining incredibly lightweight.”

It’s always hard to narrow down a pick from Rothy’s (the Driver is an all-time favorite), but the Cozy Clog has been a newaddition that I’ve found myself recommending. My list of reasons for loving these is endless: ten plastic bottles go into making the clogs; you can throw them in the washing machine to bring the color back to life; they take two seconds to slide on; you don’t have to break them in; and the neutral colors make them super versatile.

Keen is another brand committed to the planet and made to take on the elements. The Elle suede mule may not be the rugged outdoorsy shoe Keen fans are used to, but it does have superb traction to hold up to a spontaneous adventure and cooler temperatures. The comfort and anti-odor feature (and color options that match the changing leaves) delight travelers who don’t want to do a shoe change between activities.

I often travel with my teenager who puts comfort and efficiency over everything. When I learned Ugg has a budget-friendly line called Koolaburra, I praised the shoe gods. The popular Ugg Classic Slipper II, a bestseller that comes in at $120 has a lookalike in the Koolaburra Tizzey ($80). In my opinion, quality and fit are the same; the only difference seems to be that the Koola uses faux fur.

Living in a winter climate, my boot collection has grown over the years as I’ve come to realize how much more fun (or tolerable) cold weather is when you have the proper (but cute) footwear. The Wonder Boots were love at first sight, but the feature that really blew me away? Retractable stainless steel studs for those extra slippery days. So, fold down the shearling lining for a luxe look while strolling through a light snowfall or engage the studs on that morning trudge to the coffee shop around the corner.

This style intrigued me because it’s in between a clog and a boot. The Kamalahas that indoor-outdoor slipper vibe that seems like it’s going to have a permanent place in our shoe collections. My daughter has the clog version as well as the mini boot, but I had my goldi-locks moment with the Kamala as I liked the comfort of having some height around the ankle, but still being able to kick them off and on between outings.