The 11 Most Comfortable Men’s Slides for Travel, Tested and Reviewed

Slip these slides into your travel rotation whether you’re cruising, camping, or just chilling.

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Olukai Mahaolu slides on grass

Travel + Leisure / Steven Schrimpf

When you need a pair of sandals to simply slip on and off, turn to the trustworthy slide. Whether you’re hitting the beach, heading somewhere warm, or just need to replace your worn-out sandals, we found the most comfortable slides for men. The best slides will be supportive and sufficiently grippy no matter what conditions you find yourself in, with no foot slippage or gripping toes straining your feet.

We put 20 pairs of men’s slides to the test, assessing them for fit, comfort, support, durability, and value. We’ll continue to test them for a period of six months, but after our initial tests, these are our favorites.

Best Overall

OluKai Maha’Olu

OluKai Maha’Olu

Zappos

Our Ratings
  • Support
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Fit
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
Why We Love It
  • These are far and away the best slides we’ve ever worn thanks to their quality materials and superior comfort.

What to Consider
  • There are no half sizes available, and the top strap isn’t adjustable.

These are some of the most comfortable sandals we’ve ever put on our feet, and we’ve put on a lot. The fit is nearly perfect, with the strap keeping them tight and secure without any friction, and the materials are extremely flexible while still being durable and stylish. They snap right back into place even after being rolled like a burrito, and the traction was impeccable on both wet and dry surfaces. We wore them nearly every day during our testing, and they showed no wear, looking almost like they were still fresh out of the box.

They performed flawlessly in almost every condition (you still can’t exercise in them though), with not one moment of discomfort or sliding either within the shoes or on the ground. One of our team members, who has high arches and plantar fasciitis and struggles to find any style of footwear comfortable, was truly blown away by how comfortable these slides are. If you’re usually between sizes and have wide feet, we recommend sizing up. There are four colors to choose from, including a fun leaf-print option if you’re feeling tropical.

The Details: 7 to 15 | Foam, rubber

Birkenstock Men's Arizona Soft Footbed Suede Sandal

Zappos

Our Ratings
  • Support
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Comfort
    4/5
  • Fit
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
Why We Love It
  • The versatile colors, soft suede, and comfortable cork footbed show why Birkenstock is such a key player in the slide space.

What to Consider
  • They are on the heavier side.

There’s nothing quite like a classic Birk. These fit true to size, with enough extra room to be comfortable but not so much that you feel like you’re sliding around (though you should round down if you’re between sizes). Walking feels natural, and the inner lip of the footbed and molded ridge in toes help your foot stay in place. The build is still as high-quality as you expect from a brand with Birkenstock’s legacy, featuring a soft suede upper and adjustable straps that didn’t rub, chafe, or pinch anywhere during testing. They were comfortable out of the box and fully broken in after about two weeks of wear. The thick soles aced our bending test, and our feet felt supported throughout the day with enough traction for almost any surface other than mountainous or rough terrain. We also appreciate that they can be dressed up and still fit in at a variety of occasions with four neutral colors to choose from.

The Details: 7 to 13 | Suede upper, leather lining, synthetic sole

Chaco Men's Lowdown Slide Sandal

 Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Support
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Comfort
    4.5/5
  • Fit
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
Why We Love It
  • These super-supportive sandals come with plenty of cushioning and color options and a fully adjustable strap system.

What to Consider
  • They may look out of place in more formal situations.

If your slides are racking up some miles, you want your feet to be supported while you do it. The Lowdowns fit perfectly and are easy to walk in, staying secure thanks to the adjustable straps (though they do loosen up a little bit during long walks, they’re easy to tighten up again). The sole is on the thicker side, also adding to the support, and you won’t feel any rocks you may step on. They’re also made of rubber, so they’re great for any water you may encounter. These extremely durable shoes come in seven different colors, so you can find one for all your favorite outdoor outfits, though they may have trouble blending in if you need to wear them on a nicer occasion.

The Details: 7 to 15 | Polyester webbing, EVA footbed, rubber sole

Best Traction

Crocs Echo Clog

Crocs Echo Clog

Crocs

Our Ratings
  • Support
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Fit
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
Why We Love It
  • These Echos are a step above their siblings, with an even more comfortable build, a solid structure, and a sporty look.

What to Consider
  • They don’t have the most versatile look.

Crocs have been making a comeback lately, and the Echo Clog does one better than the traditional clog, adding extra grip to the soles and a heftier construction. The supportive sole is extremely cushioned and comfortable, and the strap is cushioned on the heel as well, making them wearable without any break-in needed. There’s no bend in the soles to worry about integrity either, and we saw no signs of them wearing down any time soon. In fact, they felt better-designed and higher-quality than other styles from the brand. The sporty style comes in nine different colors, from a bright red to a range of neutrals, but the look may not work in every situation.

The Details: 4 to 17 | EVA foam

A pair of Crocs Echo Clogs with tags on wooden floor

Travel + Leisure / Mariah Tyler

Danner Shelter Cove Slides

Danner

Our Ratings
  • Support
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Comfort
    3.5/5
  • Fit
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
Why We Love It
  • Thick Vibram outsoles and a comfortable insole kept us from sliding across all conditions we threw at them.

What to Consider
  • They run narrow, and the straps are very tight at first, causing some discomfort until broken in.

If you’re doing some extra clambering around in your slides, go for the Shelter Coves. The insole feels like stepping onto a slightly firm pillow, gently gripping your feet so you don’t slide off when walking. The straps also hold on quite securely (almost too securely at first; we had a friction burn on the top of one foot and some discomfort during extended wear, but this went away after about a week). Their soles are flexible enough to be comfortable but not so much that they aren’t supportive, and at no point did they slip and slide over any terrain, wet or dry. The materials also feel high-quality and performed well in every setting. They do run a bit narrow, so wearers with wide feet should go half a size up. They come in black or forest green.

The Details: 6 to 14 | EVA upper and midsole, Vibram outsole

Crocs Echo Clogs with the tags on wood floor

Travel + Leisure / Mariah Tyler

Nike Air Max 1 Men's Slides

Nike

Our Ratings
  • Support
    4/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Comfort
    4.5/5
  • Fit
    5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
Why We Love It
  • These stylish slides are easy, casual, and comfortable.

What to Consider
  • At points, you can feel the stitching on the inside of the strap brushing against your foot.

If you’re ready to upgrade your classic sporty slide, the Nike Air Max 1 is your best option. The fit feels just right, leaning slightly tighter (a good thing for slides so they stay on) and feeling true to size. We noticed some stitching on the inside of the strap that may cause some irritation when you walk, but the rest of the materials feel pleasant and comfortable. They have a moderate amount of flexibility and feel well-engineered. They’re still slides though, so they are better suited for casual activities. Choose between red, navy, and black footbeds, all of which are nicely designed.

The Details: 4 to 18 | Mesh and suede upper, foam footbed, rubber outsole

OluKai Nalu Men’s Slide

Zappos

Our Ratings
  • Support
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Fit
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
Why We Love It
  • A faux suede upper, adjustable strap, and high comfort levels make these a great addition to your packing list.

What to Consider
  • They don’t come in half sizes and aren’t fully waterproof.

When you’re choosing the best slides for your vacation, you want them to be able to go with as many outfits as possible. The Nalu slides can see you through. They fit true to size and have an adjustable velcro strap to fine-tune the width and tightness. We found them a bit loose out of the box, but tightened them up to fit perfectly. The combination of soft materials, firm support, and a good arch should keep them comfortable for all wearers, even those with fussy feet, and we experienced no discomfort at any point. In our bending tests, they kept their shape well and are thick enough that you won’t feel the ground, but not so thick that they feel heavy. The footbed has just enough give to adjust to your foot’s shape and pressure points, and the bottom has the right amount of grip to maintain traction without feeling bulky. They also still look brand-new even after we wore them for weeks. The black or brown suede gives them a slightly dressier look than your average slide. Just note that they aren’t fully waterproof — just water-resistant — so you won’t want to get them too soaked.

The Details: 7 to 18 | Synthetic upper and lining, rubber sole

Best Lightweight

OOFOS OOahh Slide

OOFOS OOahh Slide Sandal

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Support
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Fit
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
Why We Love It
  • These versatile slides are extremely comfortable and light without seeming to sacrifice durability.

What to Consider
  • They are a little on the pricey side for the foam construction.

The recovery-directed Oofos will give your feet a vacation. The fit runs a little on the large side, and they slide around slightly on your feet when you walk, but are still extremely easy to walk in thanks to a naturally grippy material. At one point we worried they were too comfortable and wouldn’t be as durable as other shoes, but that hasn’t been an issue. They offer excellent support and provide both cushion and traction, and the more you wear them, the more impressive their durability gets. They are a little on the pricey side for the foam construction, but the high comfort level helps balance it out.

The Details: 4 to 14 | Foam

Reef Men's Fanning Slide Sandals

 Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Support
    4.5/5
  • Durability
    4.5/5
  • Comfort
    4.5/5
  • Fit
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
Why We Love It
  • These offer all-day function and versatility in a clean package.

What to Consider
  • The traction isn’t enough for unpredictable hiking terrain (though no slide really is).

When you're swapping out your hiking boots for some comfortable campsite slides, go for the Reef Fanning. The underside of the strap is soft but grippy enough to help them stay on your feet. We found that these had a brief break-in period, with the back of the strap digging in slightly until we wore them around for about an hour. The soles are thicker than average, but the built-in air cushions provide cushioning, and the traction is good for walking around outside (though not quite good enough for hiking on unpredictable terrain). The materials also feel premium, with no visible wear on the soles or straps after testing, and they look clean and stylish. There are six colors available, and they even have a built-in bottle opener for that post-hike beer.

The Details: 6 to 14 | Synthetic strap, EVA footbed, rubber outsole

Why We Love It
  • These rugged-looking slides fit well and stayed on no matter where we wore them.

What to Consider
  • It can be tricky to simply step in and out of the shoe due to the adjustable top strap.

If you’re going to be putting some real mileage on your slides, opt for the Hurricane Verge. Tevas are known for their sturdiness, and these live up to that. They’re a little snug out of the box but easy to adjust, and they stayed on securely in all conditions during testing. It only took a few wears to break them in, and the soles are quite thick, holding traction on all varieties of surfaces. They also feel well-constructed and ideal for going between casual hikes and a more urban setting. The top adjustable strap allows you to find your ideal fit but can also be a little difficult to maneuver if you want to be able to just step in and out of the shoe.

The Details: 4 to 14 | Recycled plastic webbing, EVA footbed, rubber outsole

The North Face Men’s Base Camp Slides III

Dick's Sporting Goods

Our Ratings
  • Support
    4/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Fit
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
Why We Love It
  • This timeless, no-fuss style has plenty of functional benefits as well.

What to Consider
  • You may need a few wears for your feet to find their best spot on the sole.

You don’t need to spend a ton of money on slides to find a solid pair. This classic slide style from The North Face fits securely, with a cushioned top strap that keeps your feet comfortable and in place. We didn’t experience any rubbing or chafing, and the cushioned lining on the strap performed well. They’re also firm enough that you won’t feel any irregularities on the ground underneath you or lose support, though your feet may take a few wears to find their best spot in the molded sole. They kept their traction even when we walked on rocks in a moving stream, though the cushioned liner meant the upper took a bit more time to dry. They also come in a whole slew of colors, from basic black and bright yellow to a camouflage print. If you’re between sizes, size down for a more secure fit.

The Details: 7 to 14 | TPU upper, EVA foam midsole and outsole

Other Slides We Liked

These slides also performed well during testing, although we found some small issues that kept them from our main list.

Birkenstock Boston Soft Footbed: The combined cork, leather, and latex footbed on the Bostons feels better than being barefoot, but we found them less than ideal for walking long distances. It’s essential to get the fit just right, and even then, we struggled to keep them on while walking around. But they’re extremely comfortable for casual events where you’ll be doing more standing than actual moving.

Chaco Men’s Chillos Slide Sandals: These slides lived up to the Chaco’s reputation of thick soles with plenty of arch support. But we found they ran very wide, and we weren’t able to get them tight enough to keep our feet secured. Even still, they felt supportive and solidly grippy after a few miles of walking, and we liked the waterproof build — they’re just better suited for wearers with wider feet.

Alo Men’s It Slide 2: The arches of the slides are contoured to the foot, which provides plenty of support; however, there is not a ton of cushion, leading to leg and foot fatigue after wearing for long periods.

Our Testing Process

We tested a total of 20 men’s slides and will continue ongoing testing for a period of six months. Upon unboxing, we examined all angles of the shoes, including the heels, bottom soles, insoles, and exterior and interior fabrics to evaluate their quality. Then, we bent each shoe in the middle and also attempted to wring them out washcloth-style to check their level of arch support. (The best slides won’t bend very much if at all.)

Once we were ready to put them on our feet, we wore them around for at least one hour at home to break them in, noting the comfort level, sturdiness, fit, and ease of walking. Then we took them out into the world, wearing them at least two more times for a minimum of two hours per use but ideally as often as possible. We paid attention to comfort, support, versatility, traction, and if they caused any blisters or hot spots. We also noted how long it took shoes to feel broken in and whether they started to show any abnormal signs of wear-and-tear during testing.

Tips for Buying Comfortable Slides

Look for molded footbeds and cushion

Podiatrist Dr. Cory Clement recommends a few characteristics to find the best slide for you. “Look for a slide with a cushioned rubber or EVA sole that provides good arch support and stability,” he says.

You also want grooves on the outside of the sole for traction and a molded footbed to “offer better support and help your feet conform better. Over time, your feet won’t get as tired as if you were walking on shoes without support,” Clement says. Steer away from flat footbeds and their lack of shock absorption.

Consider your activities

Figure out what you’re going to be doing in these shoes and look for features accordingly. If you’re heading to the beach, you’ll want something waterproof and easy to brush sand off of. If you’re planning on doing a lot of walking tours on your next trip, look for a thicker sole and more arch support. If it’s the woods that call to you, it will be helpful to look for a snug fit with more ankle support so you don’t trip over errant roots.

Break them in before you travel

Almost no shoe is perfectly comfortable right out of the box. Make sure to give any new shoes a solid break-in period (ideally at least two weeks) before your trip so you don’t end up hobbled by blisters on day two of your vacation.

Frequently Asked Questions
  • Are slides bad for your feet?

    It depends on the slide. Generally, the more straps anchoring you to the shoe and the less work your feet have to do, the better. But according to Gotham Footcare, slides are superior to flip-flops. Slides tend to have harder soles, which makes them better for uneven or hard terrain, as well as thicker straps, which help prevent digital contracture (gripping onto the footbed with your toes, as many tend to do in flip-flops). The wider toe box is also more comfortable for the toes.

  • How do you keep slides on your feet?

    A good pair of slides should fit well enough that keeping them on your feet doesn’t feel like a struggle. If you’re constantly gripping with your toes, they aren’t the right slides for you. If this is an ongoing issue, look for slides with adjustable features like buckles so you can make sure they’re tight enough. Plus, a grippy footbed can help.

  • How do you clean slides?

    Our answer is always “by following the manufacturer’s instructions.” If you don’t have those instructions, it depends on the materials. Plastic can usually be easily rinsed, while suede and leather usually require specialized cleaners and a gentler touch. Don’t throw your slides in the washing machine, as that can weaken the shoe’s structure.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this story, Rena Behar sorted through testing notes from multiple Travel + Leisure editors and utilized her many years of experience as a gear reviewer and traveler to find the most comfortable slides for men.

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Updated by
Taylor Fox
Taylor Fox, Commerce Updates Writer at Travel + Leisure
Taylor Fox is a Commerce Updates Writer at Travel + Leisure where she tests, researches, and writes about travel products. Taylor holds a Master’s in Geography and has been a writer and editor for over seven years.
Edited by
Jasmine Grant
Jasmine Grant
Jasmine is a senior commerce editor at Travel + Leisure, specializing in luggage and travel accessories. Jasmine has over a decade of experience as a writer and editor in lifestyle and travel media. In her spare time, she's probably planning her next voyage to a nearby Caribbean island.
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