For more, check out our guide on the best Birkenstocks.
Best Budget Slides: Adidas Adilette Slides
For less than the price of an exceptionally affordable DoorDash order, you can own perhaps the most iconic, historically significant slide in the entire canon. Introduced in 1972, the Adidas Adilette hasn’t changed much since then—there’s still a quick-drying upper, suction pads on the sole to prevent slipping on wet surfaces, a contoured footbed, and that unmistakable three stripes design. “They’re the perfect slide for lazy days and poolside hangs,” Ortiz says, “they’re comfy, lightweight, and, crucially, waterproof.”
It’s worth noting that while we recommend the Aquas, there’s also the Adilette Comfort slides, which aren’t waterproof but have a softer foam cushioned footbed. However, the Aquas don’t lack in comfort thanks to a nice update: The strap now has a little jelly in it, for added comfort and improved security. All killer, a little filler.
Best Recovery Slides: Oofos Ooahh Slide Sandals
When it comes to recovery sandals, we think you can do no better than the Oofos Ooahh slides. They’re a longtime favorite here at GQ thanks to the brand’s patented EVA footbed that absorbs 37% more shock than your garden-variety EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate, which is what most plush slides are made from). The curvature of the sole and footbed also creates something of a natural cradle, which lightens the load on your feet.
Out of all the slides we tested for this guide, the Ooahh slides offered the most arch support while being incredibly cushioned and stable. “They feel like wearing a foot massage,” Ortiz says. Simply put, they’re lighter, softer and more ergonomic than any other slide we slide into, and they’ll make your feet feel great even after the hardest of sweat sessions.
Best Upgrade Slides: Todd Snyder Nomad Suede Slide
If you didn’t think slides could clean up, may we introduce you to the Nomad Slides. The product of approachable menswear patron saint Todd Snyder, the Nomads feature a super-textured suede strap that flows right into a suede-wrapped molded foam footbed, and all of that sits atop a long-lasting EVA outsole. When taken together, what you get is a gorgeous sandal that will look just as distinguished at the beach with some shorts as it will at dinner with some flowy slacks.
Surprisingly, it’s not that easy to find a simple, elegant, high-quality slide that isn’t exceedingly spendy. “We searched for hours and couldn’t find one that satisfied what we were looking for, except for Todd Snyder,” Ortiz says, adding that ”the suede is luxurious, the silhouette is refined, and the construction is fantastic.”
Best Designer Slides: Bottega Veneta Band Slides
We’ll level with you: Designer slides have the potential to be a pretty cynical offering, especially when most designers go for the single-strap look with their logo across it. On the other hand, Bottega’s Band Slides transform the concept of molded rubber footwear entirely, using “humble slide” as a baseline and iterating from there. The result is a one-piece, two-strap design that looks like a futuristic take on something from ancient times, complete with odd little cutouts and a treaded sole for needed grip.
Best Slides for the Outdoors: Teva Hurricane Verge Slides
Adventure slides exist? Better believe it. And Teva’s are, unsurprisingly, our favorite of the bunch. Equipped with an adjustable strap system and a quick-drying upper to lock your foot in during more strenuous activity, these also have an off-road approved outsole with a shank running through it for stability purposes. Are there better shoes for the tough stuff? Of course, an entire category is built upon the pursuit. But if you’re looking for one that’s easy to get in and out of, impossibly lightweight and completely unafraid of water, these are world-class. Will they cruise a Class 3 scramble? We wouldn’t advise trying, but if you’re on a trail, they’re plenty of shoe.
More Slides We Love
Hoka Ora Recovery 3 Slides
Nike Victori One Slides
King Kennedy Slides
Marni Trompe L’oeil Slides
Danner Shelter Cove Slides
Suicoke LETA-Ab Slide Sandals
What to Look for in Slides
While slides are a pretty pared-down concept, there are still some things to consider when zoning in on a pair. Here’s what we think about when we’re scouting for ours:
