You don’t have to be a marathon runner to benefit from a comfortable pair of quality, supportive trainers. We usually think of sneakers as having laces, but there are actually a lot of benefits to owning a pair of sneakers without laces, which we’ll talk about. But right away, an obvious reason: you’ll never have the embarrassing experience at best (painful at worst) of tripping over your shoelaces.
The best sneakers without laces, at a glance
But beyond that, there are plenty of reasons to consider a pair of laceless sneakers. If you have nerve disorders, especially those that aggravate the nerves in your hands like carpal tunnel syndrome, seemingly “easy” tasks like tying your shoes can be painful and difficult. According to studies, carpal tunnel affects 4 to 10 million Americans, making it one of the most common nerve disorders. Also, if you have rheumatoid arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, you’re likely experiencing weakness or numbness in your hands, which also makes it difficult to tie your shoelaces.
But even if you don’t have joint pain that prevents you from tying your shoes, you may have a job, such as a nurse practitioner, that requires you to stand for very long shifts. In this case, you will need a comfortable and practical sneaker that you can put on easily. Or even if you don’t have a job that involves a lot of walking or standing, you can live in a house without shoes, and so having a pair of slip-on sneakers makes things so much easier every time you walk in or get out of the house. .
So, there are clearly plenty of reasons to consider investing in a quality pair of slip-on sneakers. But while it’s easy to find a lot of casual slip-on shoes, it’s actually hard to find ones without laces”sneakers sneakers. That is, sneakers that are more traditionally athletic and can also double as running shoes. Many major shoe brands don’t have many laceless sneaker options – and some don’t carry them at all.
So we’ve worked hard for you and found the best slip-on sneakers on the market.
Best overall
Vionic Zeliya Lace Up Sneakers – $100.00
The beauty of these Zeliya sneakers designed by podiatrists from ortho brand Vionic is that they look like traditional lace-up shoes, but one reviewer rightly called the design “window dressing” because they really are slip-ons. With a cushioned outsole and a lightweight, breathable upper, these shoes are ideal for walking and standing for hours on end. A nice touch is that while they’re available in a medium and wide fit, they’re not super bulky (so they look stylish with a pair of jeans, pants, or leggings).
Available sizes: 5-12, medium and wide fit
Colors: 4
Ideal for runners
Women’s Nike React Phantom Run Flyknit 2 Road Running Shoes — $142.00
Of all the major brands, Nike offers the largest selection of laceless sneakers. At $140, the React Phantom Run Flyknit is on the more expensive side of our picks, but it’s still a great deal for a laceless pair of Nikes. If you run close to 10 miles or more a week, you’ll definitely want to invest in a quality pair of shoes that feel lightweight, but are still durable enough that you can get plenty of mileage out of them. A note: These can run a little tight, so consider going down a half size.
Sizes: 5-12
Colors: seven
Ideal if you are on your feet all day
Puma Softride Sophia Slip-on Running Shoe — $55.00
If you’re traveling and know you’ll be walking more than usual, consider replacing your old tennis shoes with a pair of cushioned sneakers, like these slip-on shoes from Puma. They have a “bootie style” which means that the tongue (the upper part of the shoe) is higher and offers a little extra support. They’re great if you have a job where you’re on your feet all day. An Amazon reviewer said, “I’m a nurse and have browsed through many shoes looking for comfort. It’s the best of all time. It’s so encouraging and I feel like I’m walking on cloud nine.
Sizes: 5.5-11
Colors: ten
Best Illusion Lace Sneaker
Skechers BOBS Sport Sparrow 2.0 — $49.00
Originally $70, now $49
If you like the look of laces but don’t really like want to laces, these sneakers from Skechers are a great choice. They have the illusion of laces, but they’re still a slip-on. You might associate Skechers with the late 90s/early (“It’s the S!”), but they’re still around. And they have quality sneakers at a really reasonable price if you want the convenience of a slip-on shoe. This particular style is made from knitted fabric and has a memory foam insole. Bonus: it’s from their BOBS range, and for every BOBS purchase a donation is made to shelter the animals.
Best true to size fit
Adidas Puremotion Adapt Sneakers – $70.00
If you want a sneaker that looks like a sock, go for a laceless option that has straps on the upper. The straps give it a perfect fit and a minimalist look. And the fabric is stretchy, so whether you have a narrow or wide foot, this style is your best bet. Most Amazon reviewers say it fits true to size so no need to size up or down. These are designed for running, but even if you’re not a runner and just want a comfortable walking shoe, they’re a great choice.
Sizes: 5-12
Colors: 5
Best Velcro Basketball
Women’s Gola Coaster Velcro Sneakers — $75.00
Velcro sneakers have the unfair reputation of being for the very young or the very old, but they are for Everybody, and they are making a well deserved comeback. Technically, these aren’t slip-on shoes, but with Velcro shoes, you don’t have to worry about laces. So they’re great if you have arthritis or just don’t want the inconvenience of shoelaces. And this pair of Gola’s has a laid-back, retro vibe that’s perfect with jeans, yoga pants, or a sundress.
Sizes: 5-10 (just be careful to choose the correct size per country, as Amazon offers both US and UK, as well as children’s sizes)
Colors: ten
Ideal for wider feet
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 FlyEase — $120.00
Nike made our list again, unsurprisingly, as they have the largest selection of laceless sneakers. The zipper on these shoes is perfect if you want something between a lace-up shoe and a slip-on shoe. But the zipper is discreet, and it still looks like a shoelace. Additionally, this style is particularly suitable for people with wider feet who find many running shoes too tight and narrow for them.
Sizes: 5-11
Colors: 1
Better madness
APL TechLoom Bliss Sneakers – $220.00
If you want to invest in a pair of luxury laceless trainers that are as stylish and designer as they are comfortable, these from APL are a great choice. Says one reviewer, “I broke my right leg and my arm was in a cast, but putting this shoe on my left foot was a breeze.”
And even those without physical ailments raved about the style: “I wore them to a bridal shower with a printed dress and got so many compliments!” So yes, they’re the “most lavish” pick on the list, but they do have rave reviews.
Sizes: 5-11
Colors: 18
The most versatile
New Balance Nergize Sport Training Shoe – $60.00
If you want a quality pair of slip-on sneakers that don’t sacrifice style for comfort, but still cost well under $100, this pair from New Balance is a great choice. It’s perfect if you want something to wear to the gym that you can easily put on and take off, but also works for the rest of your day. It also has the lace illusion look, if you prefer that. And if you’re running wider, many reviewers suggest going down a half size.
Sizes: 6-11
Colors: 2
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