Step out in the best slip-on trainers

Hands-free shoes to walk the extra mile.

Step out in the best slip-on trainers

by Natalie Knowles |
Published on

For walking, wellness and on-the-go lifestyles, the best slip-on trainers are designed with ease and comfort in mind. Just 30 minutes gentle walking every day greatly enhances wellbeing. The best trainers for walking provide comfort, support and breathability to keep your feet fab, even at kilometre number five.

Yes, finding the perfect footwear can be an uphill struggle, especially if you're looking for trainers for wide feet. The great thing about slip-ons is that they have a wide mouth, so putting them on is effortless. More loafer than lace-up, slip-ons have a stretchy upper and generous toe box that's made from a breathable material. Much more stylish than old school plimsoles, top brands, such as Skechers, have some of the best slip-on footwear.

Best slip-on trainers at a glance

Best overall slip-on trainers: Skechers Women's Summits Sneaker – View on Amazon UK
Best slip-on trainers for comfort: Skechers Slip-ins: GO WALK 6 – Fabulous View – View on Skechers
Best extra wide slip-on trainers: FitVille Women's Cloud Wanderer Slip-On V12 – View on FitVille

How many of us are guilty of forcing our feet into trainers with the laces still done up? Blame a busy lifestyle or being rushed through airport security checks – but ultimately, we end up ruining the shoe. By investing in a pair of slip-on trainers you benefit from convenience. In addition, this lightweight and durable footwear has shock-absorbing cushioned soles to lessen leg fatigue. Essential, when you're on your feet all day.

Looking for a flat shoe to walk the dog or a casual fashion trainer? Put your best foot forward in a pair of slip-ons. As sports luxe is a trend, this athleisure footwear looks fab paired with a midi dress. Whilst we don't recommend slip-ons as the best trainers for gym workouts, they are versatile and can help you to reach your daily step count in comfort.

Best slip-on trainers

Best overall slip-on trainers

Skechers Women's Summits Sneaker
Price: $85.00

There's no need to break your shoes in with Skechers Women's Summits Sneaker. A best seller on Amazon, these lightweight, athletic trainers have a flexible sole and cushioned memory foam insole. Choose from 43 styles in frothy pastel shades, mints, pinks or neutral navy and grey. The upper has a soft diamond-pattern mesh fabric that allows your feet to breathe. A bungee-laced front gives the aesthetic of laces, rather than function.

Customer review: "Most comfortable shoes; be it a day at the shopping mall, gym or at work these shoes will amaze you and will keep you going untired for long hours. That’s how comfortable they are. Very pleased with my purchase."

Pros

  • Wide fit and half sizes available
  • Huge range of styles
  • Super cushioning and support

Cons

  • Not waterproof
SizeUK 1–13.5
MaterialSynthetic, rubber
  • Skechers have footwear collections for Women, Men and Children

Best slip-on trainers for comfort

Hit the pavement in Skechers Slip-ins: GO WALK 6 – Fabulous View. Expect a comfortable fit, with sock-like ease. No need to bend down to put these trainers on; simply slip your foot into the shoe. This makes them a convenient option for security checks at the airport. Featuring Skechers Air-Cooled Memory Foam® insole, a high apex Stretch Fit® upper, lightweight ULTRA GO® cushioning, high-rebound Hyper Pillars®, and Heel Pillow™ support these hands-free slip-ins are like walking on a cloud. For trainers that fit like a glove, Skechers is a top choice for lightweight, low maintenance and supportive footwear.

Customer review: "I was tempted to try these trainers while waiting for shoulder surgery and I'm so pleased I did. So comfortable and so easy to get on and off. No bending, no trying to tie laces one-handed. So good I've ordered another pair."

Pros

  • Easy fit
  • Lightweight
  • Machine washable

Cons

  • Limited sizes available
SizeUK 3–5
Material100% vegan materials
  • TOUCHLESS FIT® comfort
  • Hands-Free Slip-ins®
  • Available in Grey or Black/Lavender
  • 1 1/2-inch heel height

Best extra wide slip-on trainers

Feel like you're walking on air with the FitVille Women's Cloud Wanderer Slip-On V12. Offering the right support with a stable wide base to spread out your toes, these trainers can help to reduce blisters and bunions that are caused by tight shoes. They feature 10mm thick responsive heel cushioning and a 5cm thick sole that's made from eco-friendly, high-elastic EVA for slip resistance, shock absorption and rebound. The upper is made from breathable and airy elastic knit. It's seamless for an aerodynamic look. A removable insole allows you to wash them and maintain good foot hygiene. With front and back handles these ergonomic shoes are super easy to slip on and take a turn around the park.

Customer review: "I have spent a lot of money on shoes and innersoles for my plantar fasciitis but to no avail. I read all your reviews on your website so I purchased a pair of these and to be truly honest my feet have not hurt once since. They are very broad so I personally would recommend a size smaller than you actually are. I will definitely be buying my footwear from Fitville from now on."

Pros

  • Wide toe box
  • Springy cushioning to minimise impact
  • Ankle support
  • Machine washable

Cons

  • Limited colourways
SizeUK 3.5–8.5
MaterialUpper: High elastic knit; Sole: 5cm extra-thick, eco-friendly, high-elastic EVA sole
  • PropelCore™ technology
  • Cushioned Wideplatform

Best smart slip-on trainers

Fitflop Rally Elastic Tumbled-Leather Slip-On Trainers
Price: £77 (was £110)

www.fitflop.com

Fitflop Rally Elastic Tumbled-Leather Slip-On Trainers are expertly engineered footwear from a leading brand in ergonomic shoes. With a classic round-toe shape, they're stylish too; pair these soft plush tumbled leather trainers with jeans or a midi dress. They're ideal if you're on your feet all day at work and need footwear that looks smart and is also comfortable. The midsole flexes with your feet to move naturally. All-in-all, Fitflop's Rally footwear is ultra-flexible, slip-resistant and boasts superlight cushioning.

Customer review: "Excellent shoes to just slip on and go. Very comfortable and lovely leather uppers. As with all Fitflop products very comfortable on the feet."

Pros

  • Stylish
  • Ultra-light
  • Hardwearing
  • Anatomically contoured footbed

Cons

  • Not many sizes left in the stock
SizeUK 3–9
MaterialUpper: Leather, elastic; Lining: Lycra/Jersey, antibacterial mesh footbed; Outsole: Slip-resistant rubber
  • Anatomicush™ all-day cushioning
  • Available in All Black or Urban White

Best slip-on trainers for casual weekend walks

Perfect for summery weekend walks, these Rieker Metallic Floral Trainers will put a spring in your step. With a low-cut design and contemporary bungee lacing, these effortless shoes combine style and practicality. A metallic floral print is perforated for breathability. Plus, a decorative side zip and cork-effect trim makes these trainers versatile enough to pair with a wide range of outfits.

Customer review: "Great shoes so comfortable to walk in and very stylish."

Pros

  • Effortless style
  • Breathable
  • Cushioned insole

Cons

  • Insole detaches
SizeUK 3–8
MaterialNot specified
  • Rieker's signature Memo Soft anti-stress technology
  • 3cm heel height
  • Multi White colourway also available

Best slip-on trainer for breathability

Geox Nebula Woman Navy
Price: £84 (was £140)

www.geox.com

Great if you're commuting or travelling, Geox Nebula Woman Navy trainers are ergonomically designed and made from breathable materials. This navy-blue shoe is a sustainable design that's made from recycled and regenerated nylon thread obtained from fishing nets and other materials. With an elasticated lining that's breathable, and removable footbed, so it can be washed, these Geox trainers are practical and comfortable.

Pros

  • Breathable
  • Made from recycled materials
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • No customer review
SizeUK 2.5–8
MaterialTextile, synthetic material, leather
  • Range of colourways available
  • Mad from recycled mesh and ECONYL®

Best value for money slip-on trainers

Walk the talk without spending a fortune with TIOSEBON Women Trainers. For the price you could treat yourself to several pairs of these trainers. With 31 colourways to choose from – create coordinated outfits from the feet up.
Popular on Amazon with almost 16,000 reviews, rating the trainers 4.4 out of 5 we couldn't recommend them enough for lightweight casual footwear. Take the weight off your feet with soft cushioning and never trip over laces again.

Customer review: "At first you might think they are too lightweight to be any good but they are amazing. They are extremely comfortable. I used to walk around five miles a day and found them supportive. After a sporting injury, I thought I might need something stronger but I decided to give these a try before spending unnecessarily and I’m pleased I did. Despite knee surgery, these trainers have proved just as supportive which is why I’m treating myself to another pair."

Pros

  • Value for money
  • Range of colours
  • Soft, elastic opening
  • Comfortable

Cons

  • Not vegan-friendly
SizeUK 3–10
MaterialRubber, textile, pigskin insole
  • Latex arch insert
  • Flexible footwear for light fitness training

Best slip on trainers for range of sizes

Finding shoes for wide feet is a walk in the park with Hotter Chase II Women's Extra Wide Fit Trainers. With a timeless design that could be worn with all manner of outfits, these comfy Hotter's have a 25mm heel height, removable insoles for hygiene and an interior leather footbed for comfort. They're available from size 3 to size 9 in UK sizing, plus half sizes.

Pros

  • Half sizes available
  • Extra wide

Cons

  • No specific product review
SizeUK 3–9
MaterialLeather, textile, PU
  • Colour: Blue-Denim Navy Suede
  • OrthoLite® insole
  • Cushion+ technology
  • FreeSole

Best ultra lightweight slip on trainers

Heavy shoes can take a hike, thanks to HKR Women's Slip on Trainers. These best selling shoes on Amazon come in an array of colours and are super soft and stretchy. 40 per cent lighter than similar shoes and featuring rebound dissipating soles to minimise ground impact and lessen foot pressure – these trainers are ideal if you're on your feet a lot. They're a great summer shoe too, with the well-ventilated, breathable knit upper.

Customer review: "I am very happy with these shoes. I wanted a pair that would not cut into my sensitive feet, and have plenty of support for the heel and sole. This shoe fits the bill. It is very soft and stretches allowing me to place the shoes on without having to prise them in."

Pros

  • Ultra light
  • Slip them on and off without deforming the upper
  • Breathable foam insole with arch support
  • Elastic slip-on mouth

Cons

  • Not suitable for fitness training
SizeUK 3–8
MaterialRubber, mesh
  • Available in a range of colours
  • Arch support
  • Memory foam insole
  • Hand wash only

FAQs: Best slip-on trainers

What are the benefits of slip-on trainers?

The benefit of slip-on trainers is they're easy to pull on-and-off. Without no laces, you simply slip your feet in, making them a convenient option if you're always on the go. They're suitable for a wide range of activities – from running errands to light exercise. Wear them inside and outdoors; slip-on shoes are hassle-free for light gardening, taking out the trash or nipping to the shop.

Designed to be comfortable, slip-ons have a flexible sole and supportive fit. They're an everyday shoe that you won't even notice you're wearing.

Slip-on trainers are a popular fashion choice for a versatile, laid-back and relaxed look. Available in a variety of colours, patterns and materials, this casual and sporty footwear allows you to express your style.

They are breathable, for better air flow around feet. This is particularly effective in hot weather or when you're engaging in activities that may cause feet to sweat. So, slip-on trainers a great option for travelling to hot climates; not least for making it easier to remove shoes to get through airport security.

Some fabric slip-on trainers can be cleaned in the washing machine. If they are not marked 'machine washable', it's best to hand wash and air dry. Read our guide on how to clean trainers for more hints and tips.

Are slip-on trainers beneficial if you have a medical condition?

Imagine you've just had a cataract operation and you're not allowed to bend down for the next fortnight. That's an instance where a slip-on shoe is super practical. Additionally, slip-on trainers can be beneficial for individuals with certain medical conditions or mobility issues, as they eliminate tying laces. Use a shoe horn with a long handle to slip them on.

However, individuals with specific foot conditions need to ensure that shoes provide adequate support and comfort. This includes arthritis in the feet and diabetes. It is most important that the shoe fits securely, therefore lace-ups or Velcro straps offer more adjustability. If one foot is more uncomfortable than the other, you've got more flexibility to adjust. For diabetics, it's essential shoes don't rub. Loss of sensitivity in parts of the foot means a person can't tell if they have blisters, which can worsen. The NHS offers footwear advice for diabetics.

In short, to ensure the foot is held securely – keeping bones and tendons in place – lace-up shoes are more suitable. Wear shabby lace-up shoes indoors and avoid flip-flops which can result in trips, slips and falls.

What are slip-on trainers unsuitable for?

Slip-on trainers are unsuitable for high-impact sports and heavy exercise, whereas traditional athletic shoes with laces provide better stability. For activities, such as trekking, a sturdy pair of hiking boots is essential. Go Outdoors has a comprehensive buying guide on hiking boots. Similarly, specialist cycle shoes are required for cycling, it's especially important to wear the right footwear for mountain biking. Finally, follow expert advice to get the right footwear for climbing sports. In all of these instances, slip-on trainers are not suitable.

Natalie Knowles is a Homes & Garden Product Writer for Yours, specialising in home appliances. When she's not testing sparkling water makers, she flexes her creative flair as an artist.

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