Can you feel it? Summer time. It feels like a warm breeze thawing out all that’s cold and clammy in the world. When summer finally makes an appearance, the time is right for a brand-spankin’-new pair of summery slides.
Here at KEEN, we’re footwear pragmatists. We say: when you’re shoe shopping, always start with what you need your shoes to do. First things first: slides aren’t for the more active summer adventures. If you’re gonna be exploring rocky coastlines or whitewater rafting down class III rapids, go for a more secure, rugged style (like the KEEN Newport hybrid sandal).
Day-to-day, summer is all about shoes on and off, on and off, over and over and over again. That's what's so great about slides: no hands and no bending over to strap them on every time. Slides are made for strolling around your neighborhood to feel the sun on your face, or just maxing and relaxing at home. Think beach walks, grilling in the backyard, and sitting on the patio in the evening with a frosty drink in your hand. (We’re getting blissed out just thinking about it.)
KEEN has a bunch of slides to help you make the most of your summer. But which ones are the best slip-on sandals for you? This handy chart gives you a quick overview of our women’s sandals that easily slip on so you can find the perfect pair:
| SUMMER SLIP-ONS | Closed-toe | Ethically sourced leather | Arch support | Aquagrip | Water-friendly |
| Elle slide | X | ||||
| Bali slide sandal | X | X | X | X | |
| Waimea flip-flop | X | X | X | X | X |
| UNEEK II convertible | X | ||||
| Shanti clog | X | X |
Does that help? In case you’re still trying to decide, here are our personal recommendations for the best slides and how and where we like to wear them:
We wear it around town, or on a day trip (they’re nice and light!). This women's bestseller has city-friendly style with a lighter footprint. The straps are made of ethically sourced leather and textile, and the jute-infused outsole uses less rubber than your average pair. Shop Elle here.
Elle fan says:
"I love these slides. This is my second pair. Good support, and look cute with casual dresses and shorts." — Janet B.
It’s like a flip-flop… that’s not a flip-flop. (Does anyone else get bothered by that in-between-the-toes feeling?) Fans tell us they love this one as an everyday summer shoe that’s supportive enough for dog walks and errands. It’s also water-friendly, so it can head to the beach or the river (or just get sprayed down as you’re watering the hedges). Shop Bali here.
Bali fan says:
"I absolutely love these slides. I've had another pair for several years now and wanted to get some more before mine wore out. Although they wear like iron - very durable and so comfortable. Plus if they get soiled I just wash they off. Love, love, love them!! I highly recommend them." — Betty M.
This one is for those of you who like to wear flip-flops but would love a more supportive feel. If you have plans to relax at the pool or splash in the tide, these closed-toe flip-flops are the pair to bring along. We love the streamlined look of these beach shoes, and the asymmetrical strappy upper. Shop Waimea here.
Waimea fan says:
"Not only is this a comfortable shoe but my toes are protected! I get to have a flip and not worry about stubbing a toe. Sweet!" – Wanda B.
You know we love hybrid and best-of-both-worlds design. So we had to come up with a way to make our UNEEK adaptable cord slide easily convert to a shoe. Wear the strap up when you want slide convenience. When you start to dial that summer energy up, just pull the strap down to secure your heel. One shoe, all summer. Shop UNEEK here.
UNEEK fan says:
"I love this shoe. It’s a slide, yet I can have my heel strap. I get lots of compliments on them." – Diana A.
Shanti is the open-air clog for before, during, and after all the fun of summer. Its original silhouette makes it versatile from street to beach to campsite to hammock to outdoor yoga class. But perhaps its most underrated feature is how easy it is to hose down and clean off. Shop Shanti here.
Shanti fan says:
"These are the most comfortable clogs I've ever experienced. Arch support, roomy toe box, smooth and cushiony insole, excellent traction on wet and other surfaces, all make for a great relaxed shoe that still provides good structure for happy feet." – Leslie L.
Whichever pair of slip-on sandals you go with, remember: by the end of the season they should have seen their share of dust, dirt, sand, and water. Summer is no time to stay indoors. (Don't worry, we have shoe care tips to keep those sandals in great shape for summers to come!)
