The 9 Best Slip-On Shoes You Can Wear Anywhere, Any Time

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.