The 10 Best Slip-On Shoes for Every Stage of Motherhood

Kiziks has amassed a huge following, especially among What to Expect moms in the third trimester, thanks to its unique hands-free design. When you step into the shoe, the back heel bends with zero resistance and then springs back for a secure fit. It also earns high praise for its foam insole and cushioned feel. The Vegas shoe has gotten specific shout-outs for its elevated leather upper that’s actually stretchy enough to accommodate swollen feet.  

But pregnant or not, these are a great, basic white sneaker that will quickly become a wardrobe staple (although do note that they come in other colors as well!). “They look just like casual sneakers (not too sporty), so I feel like they pair well with almost every outfit,” says Sarah Darby, Senior SEO Strategist, who adds she “absolutely loves” hers. 

The Allbird Tree Loungers are close runners-up to the best slip-on shoe. Super lightweight and supportive, the eucalyptus tree fiber construction also makes them incredibly breathable. The shoe naturally wicks away moisture, making it a top choice among shoppers whose feet tend to get hot and sweaty easily. That also means you can wear them without socks; a reprieve during the summer season. Plus, a foam insole and outsole provide plenty of cushioning — so much so that one What to Expect mom swears by them when logging long work hours at a theme park.  

Leah Rocketto, What to Expect Associate Commerce Director, previously shared her Allbirds were “the only shoes I wore during pregnancy,” adding she loves the Tree Lounger because they stretched along with her swollen feet while pregnant. The style also offers a surprising amount of arch support, a welcomed detail for Rocketto’s flat feet. During two years of regular wear, they’ve held up nicely for her. And I can say the same about mine — I own three different pairs of Allbirds, and I’m still amazed at how comfortable they are, no matter how long I’ve been walking or standing in them. 

Some slip-on shoes still require extra help from your hands. That’s not the case with the OluKai Pehuea Li Slip-On Sneakers. The drop-in heel folds nearly flat so that you can easily slide your foot in without having to use your finger to get the heel on properly. 

“I swear by these slip-ons,” says Liz Buxton, Commerce Content Strategy Director, who calls them “perfect for swollen, sweaty feet.” She also likes their versatility, saying they go with everything from leggings to a skirt, and points out the wide range of colors they come in (including some fun prints if you’re looking for something bold). Plus, the all-mesh upper makes them breathable and cool, while the footbed feels cushioned enough for daily use. Just keep in mind that the brand recommends sizing up in these since they tend to run a little small. 

The jury’s still out on the aesthetic appeal of Crocs, but there’s no denying that the classic clogs are beyond comfortable, especially for swollen and hot feet. Made of a proprietary Croslite material, these are lightweight and breathable but still offer plenty of support. Not to mention, the pivoting heel straps provide a more secure fit if needed or can be pulled down if your feet are feeling particularly swollen. 

Crocs also come in a borderline dizzying amount of colors and patterns, from neutral whites and tans to bright neon shades. But they all are water-resistant and buoyant, making them a huge hit among the camping and outdoorsy communities. They’re also easy to keep clean — simply wipe them with a wet cloth or hose them down. 

And while they seem like they’re only suitable for hot weather, you can easily wear Crocs with socks, or opt for a fuzzy, fleece-lined clog to keep feet cozy all year long. 

If you’re looking for shoes you can get away with wearing indoors and out, I can’t recommend Minnetonka Moccasins enough. The Tempe style is so easy to slip into — they’re stretchy and loose enough to get my feet in and out with no assistance, but they never feel super loose. Just as soft and cozy as your favorite pair of slippers, the difference is the durable rubber outsole and removable contoured footbed for a greater level of support. And take it from me, the pile lining is so soft, you won’t want to wear socks with them. But even then, the interior refused to matt down flat, standing up nicely to regular wear.

Whether you’re looking to hit the gym or take a longer stroller walk around the neighborhood, ALLSWIFIT sneakers are a great choice for workout-related activities. The thick EVA foam midsole offers rebound and shock absorption, and the thick insole helps relieve pressure and pain. They’re durable and slip-resistant, and the breathable mesh material keeps feet cool. 

I bought these sneakers about a year ago and have worn them constantly ever since. Despite the bulky silhoutte, they don’t weigh me down, and I haven’t once had to fidget with the elastic laces — these slide on and off without worry. They deliver the look of trendier Hoka’s without the heft price tag. 

The one thing I will say is that while I love the breathability, these let so much air in that I typically pass on putting them on during the winter months (I live in the Northeast, where negative wind chills and snow are the norm). 

If you’re logging long miles, however, consider upgrading to the On Cloud 5 Sneakers. They might not look like a typical slip-on shoe at first glance, but the elastic laces and stretchy mesh upper make them easy to take on and off. Although marketed as an athletic sneaker, I still think they’re stylish enough to wear more casually. 

In fact, I bought myself a pair of On Clouds when planning a trip to Disney World with my two girls. They arrived only one day before we left — but they never needed to be broken in. I wore them for 12-plus hours straight without any pain, blisters or uncomfortable rubbing. 

Another brand that comes highly recommended on the WTE community boards? Hey Dude Stretch Fleece shoes. These are inexpensive, stretchy and lightweight. The elastic laces and low-top style don’t require any extra help to slip on. They’re so flexible, in fact, that they can be folded up — in other words, they’re a fantastic travel-friendly pick too, especially because they won’t hog any extra space in your suitcase (more room for souvenirs!). 

The Wendy style in particular boasts a wide range of different colors and materials, including fleece for chillier days and casual canvas, so there’s a lot to choose between. But since these are pretty inexpensive, you can scoop up a couple of pairs without a second thought.

If you need a formal shoe for the office or want to get a little more dressed up, Rothy's Double Bit Loafer Mules are worth the splurge. The timeless style works just as well with jeans as it does with a skirt or suit for a tailored outfit, but the boucle texture gives them a much-needed je ne sais quoi. 

Cushioned insoles keep these surprisingly comfortable (the brand vouches these deliver on “all-day wearability”) for a pair of nearly flat shoes, and the rubber outsoles are durable enough to last, even with regular wear. They come in only a few colors and one print and take note that the brand says they may run large. But the material is pretty stretchy overall, so swollen feet won’t cause any issues. Plus, if they happen to get dirty or scuffed, you can safely put these on a cold rinse cycle and they’ll come out looking good as new again. 

If these KIDMI Suede Clogs look like a budget-friendly dupe for Birkenstock’s Bostons to you, it’s because they kind of are. The suede upper, metal buckle and cork footbed make these look far more expensive than the $39 price tag suggests (a fraction of what the originals cost — $165). I bought these a few months ago on a whim, and I wasn’t sure I would like them, but am now full-blown obsessed. 

The deep heel cup and soft lining provide a really nice feel under your feet, even when wearing them for a long time, and they are versatile enough for casual, everyday wear. But my favorite feature? They don’t constrict my wide feet. These are incredibly comfy with a little extra room, which means not only will they pair well with swollen feet during pregnancy, but you can also play with layering chunky knit socks. I don’t find them to be super cushioned, per se, but they’re so lightweight I forget I’m even wearing them. So far, they seem pretty durable, too, as they’ve held up well. TLDR: These are my go-to shoes when I’m late for school drop-off and running out the door.