The 9 Best Slip-On Shoes You Can Wear Anywhere, Any Time
Perfect for the beach, a run to the corner store, or (in some cases) a nice dinner.
lip-ons are an important addition to most shoe wardrobes. Something between sneakers and dress shoes, an outdoor slipper, to round out the collection They're, first of all, very comfortable. You slip them on and head out the door, making them the perfect shoe for a run to the story, a dog walk, taking your kid to the bus stop, or taking yourself through TSA. And lord knows that we at Esquire love a smart, easy shoe that looks cool. The ultimate trifecta.
Here, we rounded up nine slip-ons we love. Indeed, that we have loved for a long time. We've got the classic Birkenstock Boston clog—really, a no-brainer for the slip-on genre—and the G.H. Bass Weejun, ole reliable through the years. If you want something more casual, like a sneaker, we love Nike ACG's latest clog iteration. And if you're in the market for something luxe, we've yet to see a shoe top the Gucci Horsebit loafer or a pair of Loewe slippers.
These shoes are great for easy every day dressing, and some are especially great for travel with their easy on-off design and comfortable, all-day wear. Find your next best pair, here.
Boston Birks are a footwear staple for anyone who wants an easy, timeless shoe. They go from lounging at home to your neighborhood sports bar with ease. Available in multiple color options, they fit true to size, have a buckled strap for a flexible fit, and have the brand's signature logo on the side. We like the lighter tan for a spring-friendly choice.
Am I obsessed with this Nike ACG clogs? You bet I am. They're a fun, edgy alternative to a Birkenstock with that familiar backless (and super casual) style. They are chunky, built for treading outside, and as open to Gorpcore dressing as you want them to be. Or not.
G.H. Bass's Weejuns loafers are an Esquire mainstay. They are the penny loafer—as in, the one you think of when you hear the term—and the brand has maintained the simple, high-quality design over the years. They come in a ton of colorways now, but still in that classic shape. This may not fit your slip-on vision, but once you break them in they're molded to your foot. Also, there are regular and wide fit options, though those with super wide feet still say they feel narrow.
Sabah's handmade leather shoes are beloved for their construction, easy wearing, and packability. But for the slip-on category, we're really into the backless version. They are made with a leather upper and sole and come in more than 20 colorways. They're great for traveling, particularly for packing given that the lightweight design takes up next to no room. (Though if you're wearing them through TSA, please god wear them with socks.)
They are very flat though, so keep that in mind for your travels. Plus this backless pair can't be resoled as easily, so it might be a better beach shoe. If you want something to buy for life, the regular Sabah model can be resoled over and over.
We love Vans for its easy styles for everyone, skater or not. This slip-on style is an excellent Birkenstock alternative, if you like the ease of slip-on but want the look of a sneaker. The classic slip-on has canvas uppers, supportive padded collars, and rubber waffle outsoles, making them perfect for the modern world. At $60 a pop, they're hard to beat.
At this point, you probably know how good the Gucci horsebit loafers are—how they look dressed up and dressed down, how they are expertly designed, how they use the best leather a shoe can get. You already know how we love them. Gucci's version is the venerable elder statesman. With intricate detailing and beautiful construction, you can't (and shouldn't) pass this option up. Pricey, of course, but in this case, you are getting what you pay for.
Again, this gets a slip-on nod because once you and the shoe become one, there's no need for shoe horns. You hardly need your hands. We can step right into these things.
Whoever said slip-ons are a lazy shoe was lying. Loewe proves that they can be easy, breezy, and elegant with its elevated leather slippers. Made in Italy, they'll always keep you looking and feeling good. Wear 'em with the heel up or smush it down for your extremely White Lotus-coded outfits.
Doc Martens, with its leather tech, makes a pair of loafers that is tough, rugged, and cool. We love how this option is built for long-lasting comfort but is still durable enough to stand up to whatever the day hands you. They toe the line between casual and dressy, depending on how you wear them. We love them with trousers and a T-shirt.
The boat shoe is a seasonal staple for a good reason. (And yes, you can wear Sperrys again! Just style them differently than you did 12 years ago. No pastel polos, please.) It's comfortable, casual, and slip resistant, which comes in handy when you're tacking and jibbing—or just dodging spilled G&Ts.
When compiling a list of the best slip-on shoes for men in 2025, our experts looked for options that were comfortable, stylish, and, of course, would actually stay on your feet. We also prioritized shoes with solid construction, minimal break-in time, and a range of prices.
As for testing, we've been "testing" these our entire lives. Someone in the office has worn every one of these shoes and has brilliant things to say. Were we putting them through walking tests or cutting them open with a table saw like those guys on TikTok? No. We're better than that.
Great materials: Slip-ons come in a plethora of materials, so it really comes down to your intended use. If you want a shoe that's more durable or can get wet, look for water-resistant construction in a material like rubber or a special-treated leather. If you're looking for a slip-on that you can wear on fancier occasions, you may want to opt for suede or soft leather that transitions from day to night.
Great fit: Finding the correct slip-ons is crucial to your overall experience of wearing them. You want them to be tight enough that your foot isn't slipping out, but not so tight that you can feel your toes being squeezed. Find your personal Goldilocks fit.
Support: Slip-on shoes are ideal for a variety of activities, and yes, that even includes walking. Though, some are better than others. If you plan on wearing slip-on shoes for your daily stroll, look for options that have great arch support and rubber outsoles for added grip and comfort. If you're not doing a ton of walking, the lighter weight, lesser support should be just fine.