17 Best Women’s Slip-On Shoes for Travel
For travelers without TSA PreCheck, wearing shoes that easily slide on and off makes navigating airport security checkpoints a tad more efficient. Let’s face it, we’ve all been the passenger with mere minutes to make it to the gate on time, and some footwear just isn’t meant for beating the clock (hiking boots, strappy sandals, most lace-ups). Beyond efficiency, those who have their hands full—traveling with kids comes to mind—or who face mobility challenges may also appreciate this type of travel-friendly shoe.
As a travel writer who is frequently moving through airports, I've faced this dilemma before, and have a few personal favorite pairs to share, but I've also asked fellow frequent fliers what women's slip-on shoes they can't live without. When possible, we lean toward sustainable and versatile options for those tricky packing scenarios when there is simply no space for an extra pair of kicks in your carry-on.
Whether your priority is fashion, comfort, or function, here are 17 slip-on shoes that pair well with most any travel itinerary, starting with a few top picks. (For even more styles, check out our roundup of the best men's slip-on shoes.)
- Most versatile: Sabah slip-on
- Best loafer: Rothy's The Lug Loafer
- Best recovery shoe: Hoka Ora Recovery Shoe 2
- Most comfortable: Koolaburra Tizzey
- Best mule: Gucci Princetown mule
This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
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Rothy's The Lug Loafer
It’s always hard to narrow down Rothy’s collection of cozy shoes, but the wool Lug Loafer adds a little height to your step, without sacrificing comfort. As I approach 40, I thought I had left heels behind until I met this chunky, 1.5-inch platform. My list of reasons for loving these is endless: four plastic bottles go into making the loafer; you can throw them in the washing machine and they come out like new; they can be worn all day; you don’t have to break them in; and they work for almost any occasion.
Allbirds Wool Runners
Loving the shoe's versatility and ease, Kristin Sluyk, a travel professional with The Decker Royal Agency, can’t say enough about the Wool Runners from Allbirds, which, while not technically a slip-on, are easy enough to take on and off (I'm a fan of them as well). As an Ayurvedic yoga teacher, she’s also keen on a sustainable product. “The shoes can be dressed up or down and are so flexible that they practically pack flat if needed.” Another perk: The sneakers are machine-washable.
Koolaburra Tizzey
I often travel with my teenager who puts comfort and efficiency over everything. When I learned Ugg has a budget-friendly line called Koolaburra, I praised the shoe gods. The popular Ugg Classic Slipper II, a bestseller that comes in at $120 has a lookalike in the Koolaburra Tizzey ($80). In my opinion, quality and fit are the same; the only difference seems to be that the Koola uses faux fur.
Kizik Prague slip-on
“Before my trip to Italy this summer, I searched high and low for a sneaker that offered a combination of support and style. Enter the Kizik Prague slip-on sneakers. I loved how they cushioned my feet without weighing them down thanks to their pillowy-soft albeit breathable foam outsoles. I'm not being dramatic when I say they felt like I was walking on clouds. Even after trekking 17,000-plus steps per day around Rome and Florence, they've yet to unlace. It's also worth mentioning that the shoes are made with a titanium band that adapts to your heel, which means you can literally slip them on and go as you would a flip-flop—read: no need to bend down, wedge your foot in, or even untie the laces. The shoe's leather accents add a fashion-forward flare, and, best of all, they go with any outfit, so there's no need to overpack on the footwear front.” —Lauren Dana Ellman, contributor
Samuel Hubbard Free Spirit leather Drivers
With a name like Free Spirit for Her, these leather drives from Samuel Hubbard don’t just have the perfect name for travelers—the memory foam insoles make them a go-to pick for long travel. While the style is not new for the brand, five fresh colors have dropped for fall: pewter leather, red suede, hazelnut suede, black suede, and leopard print.
Cole Haan Original Grand Platform Venetian Loafer
Whether leather or suede is your thing, the Cole Haan Original Grand Platform Venetian loafer brings a touch of sophistication to your vacation. Stroll through the park or enjoy a night out without coming home to sore feet. One reviewer calls these “the most comfortable shoe in the world.” The durable platforms are made with grippy soles with a 1.7-inch heel.
Eddie Bauer Haller slip-on
Packing a pair of white shoes makes coordinating outfits a breeze, especially when they can stand up to hours of wear. Shoppers are buying multiples of the Haller Slip-on and have sworn by the casual, affordable shoe for years, noting its comfort, versatility, and longevity.
Sabah
A longtime Traveler favorite, Sabah shoes are all handmade in Turkey (sabah means “morning” in Turkish) and are designed to mold to your feet, meaning they only get comfier over time. They're also incredibly durable and the leather gets softer and better looking with age. Choose from patterns and colors like zebra print, a soft camel shade, or this bold blue.
Hoka Ora Recovery Shoe 2
The brand that people can’t stop talking about has a pair of shoes that are travel-ready. The Ora Recovery Shoe 2 has all the comfort of the original lace-up favorites, including a cushioned, memory foam heel, but can be slid off and on in a jiffy. If running is part of your vacation itinerary, these shoes are designed to aid in recovery.
Rothy's The Point II
Refresh your all-black travel day look with the new and improved flats from Rothy’s. The bestselling Point II shoe has been updated with a more spacious toe box, added elastic, thicker insoles, and arch support. The original Point is still available and both versions have the option of bolds, neutrals, and prints.
Gucci Princetown Loafer Mule
You can't get more timeless than a Gucci mule. Available in six colors (red, sand, and cream among them) and made from butter-soft Italian leather with the gold horsebit detailing the brand is known for, it's the ultimate plane-to-meeting-to-dinner shoe. (Which also helps if you're trying to pack light.) They do, however, run small, so make sure to order your pair half a size up.
Keen Elle Suede mule
Keen is another brand committed to the planet and made to take on the elements. The Elle suede mule may not be the rugged outdoorsy shoe Keen fans are used to, but it does have superb traction to hold up to a spontaneous adventure and cooler temperatures. The comfort and anti-odor feature (and color options that match the changing leaves) delight travelers who don’t want to do a shoe change between activities.
Bizu Moya Ballerina
Soft Italian leather meets traditional African Kanga fabric in these bold and lightweight ballet flats. Each pair of shoes has a script with a Swahili proverb or saying. The slides are made to be breathable, taking you comfortably from one destination to the next. The shoes are named after the founder, who was born in Ethiopia and was inspired by the bright and beautiful colors of her childhood.
OluKai Pehuea Lī ‘Ili leather sneaker
Champion free diver and native Hawaiian Kimi Werner may spend her days on the water with guests at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, but when her feet need respite she turns to OluKai. “I love the shoes and Olukai’s efforts to be earth-friendly,” says Werner, who grew up in Maui and loves the brand’s Ho’opio sandals. “But it’s the love, respect, and the way they give back to Hawaiian culture that makes me feel connected to the brand.” All of OluKai’s shoes are made with a drop-down heel, allowing for the entirety of their collection to slide on and off with ease, then add more ankle support when you need it.
Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 slip-on
