One of the most important aspects of good style is functionality. As much as we enjoy a comfortable heel and a sneaker, shoes that fall somewhere in the middle of the footwear spectrum—such as loafers, ballet flats, and hybrid styles—are the most adaptable. They’re comfortable but appropriate for work and semi-formal settings, without screaming’sporty’ or ‘dressed-up’. “Slip-ons are having their moment, if you will, because collectively, we’re all getting comfortable with molding together fashion and function,” Lauren Sharkey, a hair stylist, says. “In today’s busy society, we need a shoe that does both.”
So, InStyle editors discovered and tested stylish slip-on shoes that do both. To narrow the list to only the best, we researched dozens of brands, read customer reviews, and asked a team of style and footwear experts—including a podiatrist—for their advice. These shoes, which range from sneaker crossovers to flats and low heels and lack laces or zippers, are comfortable, chic, and quick to put on when you need to get out the door.
The Salomon RX Marie-Jeanne sneaker elicits numerous compliments. It fits true to size and has no break-in period. Furthermore, it provides excellent arch support, making it so comfortable that Senior Editor Erika Reals wore them on her moving day and felt supported after hours on her feet. If you like ballet flats but dislike the flat footbeds they usually have, this hybrid could be your next favorite. While these shoes may not appear easy to style at first glance, stylist Alex Lamb recommends wearing them with “something simple, like jeans, a T-shirt, a nice sweater, and a transitional jacket for fall.”
Worth noting: Compared to other Solomon styles, the footbed is less plush, but still very supportive.
Erika Reals, senior editor, says, “Consider these my new favorite sneakers!” Or should I say, Mary Janes? I can see these lasting for several years, and I’m confident I’ll get a lot of use from them.”
Adidas’ Samba Jane is an example of a crossover shoe. “My daughter has a pair, and they’re adorable,” says Lamb. “It’s a fun play on that traditional Samba style, but more feminine.” If you like low-profile sneakers but don’t want to look like everyone else’s, the Samba Jane is a shoe you should consider. It feels like a traditional Samba on your feet, making it ideal for walking and wearing almost anywhere. Lamb recommends pairing these with dark wash straight-leg jeans to show off the strap. On cooler days, add a frilly sock for a fun, stylish touch that will also provide warmth.
Consider adding an insole to this style if you have high arches or prefer more support.
Summer, tester: “I really like these shoes.” They are minimalist, reasonably priced, and trendy in a variety of ways. It’s not often that you see a Mary Jane style in a sports shoe, but this one was a home run.”
The Brooks Glycerin 22 SE slip-on shoe is ideal for supporting your arches during a busy day or a strenuous workout. The classic sneaker eliminates the risk of shoelaces coming undone as you improve your mile time, without sacrificing the comfort you expect from a running shoe. This lightweight, lace-less sneaker is ideal for high arches and provides ample support for dog walks, jogs, and grocery store runs. “Pair them with leggings or biker shorts and a baggy sweatshirt.” It’s a cute, sporty, activewear look,” Lamb explains.
Worth noting: Our tester discovered that, while these shoes stretch slightly after the first few wears, they run slightly small. Consider going up a half size for the most comfortable fit.
