7 Best Slip-on Running Shoes For Women, 100+ Shoes Tested in 2023

Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen on
7 Best Slip-on Running Shoes For Women, 100+ Shoes Tested in 2023
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Slip-on running shoes can do wonders to your running routine. It saves you time and motivates you to get out the door quickly before procrastination (or another distraction) takes over. It takes only a second to slip on a pair of shoes and run out the door without having to sit down and tie the laces, and all that.

However, it can be pretty daunting to find the perfect slip-on running shoes for women that offer genuine value and solid performance. Most traditional slip-ons out there are made mainly for either walking or jogging — not for intense daily grind and training for your first 10K race, or a full marathon.

To help you with that, we’ve handpicked and reviewed 110+ of the best women’s slip-on running shoes available in the market today. Go check our best picks in different categories.

How we test running shoes

With years of running experience and knowledge about the running shoe business, we can positively say that we know a lot about slip-on running shoes for women. To make our best recommendations, we put each model into a meticulous process of wear testing and a myriad of mechanical tests in our lab.

We follow these protocols to ensure our top picks and reviews are 100% bias-free and comprehensive:

  • We purchase all slip-on running shoes with our own money to avoid brand loyalty.
  • We cut the shoes open in the lab and analyze their essential parts (30+ parameters), from the midsole softness, breathability, traction, support, and many more.
  • Our runners log 30-50 miles in each shoe in various training and racing conditions.
  • We collect additional information from other experts and regular users.

When all are said and done, we go to our proprietary CoreScore system. It calculates all the data above and gives each model in the list its corresponding overall ratings ranging from 0 to 100. Our best picks are featured on this list.

Best women's slip-on running shoes overall

Allbirds Tree Dasher
Allbirds Tree Dasher

Corescore

91
Superb!
4.6 / 5 from 3,736 users
88 / 100 from 11 experts

Pros

  • Peppy on moderate tempos
  • Stable on uneven surfaces
  • Stays comfortable all day
  • Versatile in use
  • Great lockdown
  • Stretchy upper
  • Roomy toe box
  • Durable outsole
  • Uses eco-friendly materials
  • Clean & attractive design

Cons

  • Not for narrow feet
  • Poor grip on wet surfaces
  • Bottom-heavy

What makes it the best overall?

The Allbirds Tree Dasher is the brand's first running shoe, and we're happy to report that it's not a miss. Apart from championing sustainability, this shoe manifests versatility. From easy days to moderately fast runs, walking, and gym training, it's a perfect pick for beginners and long-time runners alike. Overall, if you care for your feet and the environment, the Tree Dasher is a must-have.
Read our full review of Allbirds Tree Dasher here
allbirds tree dasher review
allbirds tree dasher lab test

Best trail slip-on running shoes for women

Vivobarefoot ESC Tempest
Vivobarefoot ESC Tempest

Corescore

79
Good!
3.6 / 5 from 96 users
94 / 100 from 5 experts

Pros

  • Superb traction
  • Extremely comfortable
  • Minimal, yet protective
  • Dries quickly
  • Feels light on foot
  • Versatile for running and swimming
  • It can be folded up
  • Recycled materials

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Not very durable

What makes it the best trail?

Made with sustainably harvested algae, the Vivobarefoot ESC Tempest is a minimalist shoe created for those who spend a lot of time between trails and water. With an incredibly sticky and protective outsole and plenty of comfort, it’s an excellent hybrid for swim-running and every fast-paced adventure along beaches, rivers, lakes, and any other wet or muddy situation.
Read our full review of Vivobarefoot ESC Tempest here

Best neutral slip-on running shoes for women

Adidas Ultraboost 22
Adidas Ultraboost 22

Corescore

90
Superb!
4.7 / 5 from 70,312 users
84 / 100 from 25 experts

Pros

  • Fits true to size
  • Dreamy cushioning
  • So light you forget it's there
  • Excellent lockdown
  • Grips both wet & dry tarmac
  • Looks amazing
  • Very popular as a sneaker
  • Great for long slow runs
  • No break-in period needed
  • Great for heavy runners
  • Supreme comfort

Cons

  • Not for wider feet
  • Tight toe-box
  • No energy return

What makes it the best neutral?

The Adidas Ultraboost 22 is a super-comfy daily runner that doubles as a piece of show-stopping streetwear. Using chunky amounts of the infamous Ultraboost foam, the 22 is a modern, plush runner for slower days.
Read our full review of Adidas Ultraboost 22 here
Adidas Ultraboost 22_20
Adidas Ultraboost 22_31
Adidas Ultraboost 22_25

Best slip-on medium toebox running shoes for women

Merrell Vapor Glove 5
Merrell Vapor Glove 5

Corescore

80
Good!
4.2 / 5 from 2,886 users
81 / 100 from 3 experts

Pros

  • Natural sensation
  • Sock-like fit
  • Versatile use
  • Lightweight
  • Roomy toe box
  • Durable
  • Easy on and off

Cons

  • Not breathable
  • Less barefoot than predecessors

What makes it the best medium?

If you like being barefoot but want to stay protected, the Merrell Vapor Glove has become a staple in its kind. It is a barely-there shoe that helps you feel more naturally for a wide variety of activities. But if you’re not ready to feel every pebble underfoot, consider the Trail Glove series. It offers more protection on rocky trails.
Read our full review of Merrell Vapor Glove 5 here

Best jogging slip-on running shoes for women

APL TechLoom Wave
APL TechLoom Wave

Corescore

79
Good!
4.4 / 5 from 296 users
N/A

Pros

  • Comfy all day every day
  • Ready for the heat
  • Fits snugly
  • Easy to wear
  • Keeps weight down
  • Great for gym training too
  • Easy to clean
  • Street-ready style

Cons

  • An upscale price
  • Rubs the heel

What makes it the best jogging?

The APL TechLoom Wave is a daily trainer that offers premium comfort at a premium price. If you're a new runner, who (1) doesn't mind splurging and (2) wants one shoe for your everyday runs, walks, and gym sessions, the TechLoom Wave is a must-have. And if you want a supportive wrap that will keep your strides slip-free, this is it.
Read our full review of APL TechLoom Wave here

Best value slip-on running shoes for women

On Cloudswift
On Cloudswift

Corescore

90
Superb!
4.5 / 5 from 10,793 users
90 / 100 from 17 experts

Pros

  • Durable
  • Flawless grip
  • Wow looks
  • Great for the gym
  • Excellent laces
  • Feels like a slip-on
  • Laces stay tight

Cons

  • Weird lockdown
  • Lacks cushioning underfoot
  • Not so breathable

What makes it the best value?

Based on the general users' feedback, the On Cloudswift 2.0 is exceptionally durable, grippy, and protective. It delivers unrivaled impact absorption in each step! If you want a daily trainer that will handle your slow, short runs with ease, pick the Cloudswift.
Read our full review of On Cloudswift here
on cloudswift 2 0 pieces of the shoe
on cloudswift 2 0 heel
Author
Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen

Jens Jakob is a fan of short distances with a 5K PR at 15:58 minutes. Based on 35 million race results, he's among the fastest 0.2% runners. Jens Jakob previously owned a running store, when he was also a competitive runner. His work is regularly featured in The New York Times, Washington Post, BBC and the likes as well as peer-reviewed journals. Finally, he has been a guest on +30 podcasts on running.