Glide Through TSA Security With the Best Slip-on Shoes for Men (2024)

Updated on February 9, 2024

Looking for a pair of carry-on friendly slip-ons? The Hey Dude Men’s Wally sneakers are the ultimate airport-friendly shoes thanks to their ultra-lightweight design and ability to slip them on and off hands-free, which is one less thing to worry about in a TSA security line. These slip-ons earned perfect scores in all of our tests throughout months of wear.

Although the shoe is exceptionally lightweight, the sturdiness of the leather-lined rubber soles isn’t compromised, as they are plenty thick and supportive on a variety of surfaces. The equally lightweight cotton upper is breathable and soft but the fabric is very thin, so these might not be the best shoes to wear in inclement weather. There aren’t any half sizes so we recommend sizing up for a better fit, but there are adjustable no-tie laces that are very helpful if you need to tighten up the top part of the shoe.

The Details: 7 to 15 | Removable insoles

The breathable upper material, comfortable midsoles, and overall laid-back style of these OluKai slip-on sneakers make them an excellent choice for beach-goers or tropical vacationers. With a mesh upper and midsoles designed to feel like bare feet walking on sand, the compressive top material and cushioned footbed contour to the shape of the foot to fit a variety of arches and foot shapes. Best of all, the insoles can be removed and washed to boost the lifespan of the shoes. For extra versatility, the heel of the shoe is designed to drop down and lay flat to turn the sneaker into a mule style if you don’t need the extra support of the heel. If you don’t wear socks with these slip-ons, you may want to consider ordering a half-size down, as we found that the heel may slip up a bit with a looser fit.

The Details: 7 to 15 | Half sizes | Drop-in heel | Removable insoles

No matter what your personal style is, these iconic Vans slip-ons have a color and pattern for every traveler’s wardrobe. Out of the box, the shoes felt sturdy and slightly on the heavier side because of the thick rubber soles and canvas upper material, but durability-wise, we don’t expect the gum rubber outsole to wear down easily. The canvas upper comes in 44 different colors including checkered and solid-color prints, so you can choose the style that suits you best. There was a minor break-in period where the upper material loosened up a bit, but it didn’t cause much discomfort or any blistering, so we feel the customized and comfortable end result is worth it. Unfortunately, the materials aren’t very breathable, so they may be better suited for cooler seasons.

The Details: 3.5 to 13 | Half sizes | Canvas upper

Whether you’re traveling to a wedding or commuting to work, these hand-sewn loafers from G.H. Bass look and feel luxurious. From heel to toe, the loafers are made with a premium-feeling leather that molds to the foot the more they are worn and they run true to size with half-size options, too. The shoe itself is sturdy, there’s plenty of room in the toe to avoid pinching, and the sides are flexible enough to accommodate wider feet, too. The interior of the shoe is unlined, so we wish there was a bit more cushioning and a softer lining, but luckily there is a good amount of arch support for added comfort. There isn’t any traction on the bottom of the loafers so you’ll want to be careful on slick surfaces like tile and airport floors.

The Details: 7 to 13 | Half sizes | Leather upper and sole | Hand-crafted

These Naot leather shoes are an investment-worthy pair of slip-ons that boast style and comfort. The rugged leather upper and thick rubber sole feel durable enough to withstand the test of time and the midsole arch support and cushioning offer exceptional comfort. Plus, they feature a unique design: they’re easy to slip on and off hands-free but look like a pair of Chelsea boots without the shaft going up the ankles. The padded heel cup and bumper add extra comfort and the arch support provides enough structure and cushioning for all-day wear at the office or out to dinner. After we wore the shoes for several weeks, the leather upper material still felt a little tight but began to loosen up the more the shoes were worn. That said, the shoes do run true to size even with the longer break-in period.

The Details: 7 to 14 | Removable insoles

When it comes to quickly slipping on a pair of shoes, it doesn’t get much easier than a set of clogs from Birkenstock. The leather upper gives the clogs a more rugged and outdoorsy look while the suede-lined cork footbed adds an abundance of comfort thanks to the arch support and contoured heel. With zero break-in period required, these Birkenstocks are comfortable right away and are designed to continue molding to the shape of the foot for a custom fit over time — something we already noticed after just a few weeks of wearing them. Although there isn’t a true heel like with other slip-on sneakers we tried, the cupped heel of the clogs helps with stability and there is a strap that rests on the top of the foot so the tightness can be adjusted as needed.

The Details: 6 to 17.5 | Standard/wide and medium/narrow options | Adjustable straps

Users who want the convenience of a slip-on shoe but the adjustability of a lace-up will love the Kizik Limas. They provide plenty of cushion for staying on your feet and feel spacious. The heel is wide enough that you can slip these on and off without morphing the structure, but aren't so loose that it causes heel chafing. Plus, the adjustable laces allow you to tighten these slip-ons as much as you need to feel secure. We found the Limas are so breathable, you can even wear them without socks while staying comfortable and sweat-free. The shoes are made of high-quality Rabbit foam outsoles for added cushion and traction as well as a durable knit upper that won't rip as you pop into these shoes and rush out the door.

The Details: 4.5 to 15 | Standard, wide, and extra-wide options | Adjustable laces

At just 12.8 ounces per pair, these lightweight shoes are both comfortable to wear and easy to pack — perfect for any warm-weather vacation. We found these shoes to fit true to size and be comfortable right out of the box. They did not cause any chafing, blistering, or red spots, even after wearing for long days of walking. The upper is made of light canvas and a natural rubber outsole so the shoe is quite breathable and cool.

We especially love how easy these are to slip on and off without using our hands at all. While they provide very little arch support, we like that the design is bendable enough to shove into checked or carry-on bags without much strategy. After our full test, they only show signs of wear and tear on the sole, the canvas upper still looks great and these slip-ons have become our go-to choice for when you need to head out the door in a hurry.

The Details: 7 to 17 | Half sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

• Should I wear socks with slip-on shoes?

  Wearing a pair of socks or no-show socks can be super beneficial, especially if you’re breaking in your pair of slip-on shoes or if the fit of the shoe is a bit loose. Wearing socks can also help absorb moisture from the feet and prevent chafing on the sides or heels of your feet, so wearing them has benefits.

• Are slip-on shoes good for walking?

  Slip-on shoes with the right comfort and support features can definitely be good for walking. You’ll want to look for arch support, cushioning, and soft materials to factor in comfort and consider breaking in the shoes before bringing them traveling to prevent possible blisters or pain from disrupting your trip.

• How do I wash slip-on shoes?

  We recommend you defer to the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning a pair of shoes to ensure the longevity of the materials. Some slip-ons can be machine washed and others require delicate spot cleaning, so you’ll want to double check beforehand.

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