Slip-on walking shoes?

May 1, 2006 3:04 PM

Help me find slip-on athletic shoes so I can walk home without pain!

I live about a mile away from my office. During the winter and spring, I walked home fine in my boots and loafers, but now that it's getting to be sandal weather, I need another option.

I would love to find pair of slip-on walking/atheltic shoes, with a back (so my heel doesn't constantly slip out), that I can just slip into at the end of the day and take my sweet time walking home.

If I have to slip on some socks before I slip on my shoes, so be it. I'd prefer not to but it's really not a must-have.

Ideally, the shoes would be black, so that I don't look like a freak wearing green shoes, black pants, and a red shirt. But comfort is key here, so if green is the way to go I'll do it!

This is Chicago, so there aren't a ton of hills or anything, and the wear-and-tear on the shoes shouldn't be an issue. Internet purchasing is ideal but if you know a store that rocks, please share.

All suggestions are appreciated. Thanks a bunch!

posted by MeetMegan to clothing, beauty, & fashion (11 comments total)

I really like these - I will likely buy a pair next year when I have the same walk-to-work dilemma.
posted by gatorae at 3:28 PM on May 1, 2006

merrell jungle mocs.
posted by judith at 3:50 PM on May 1, 2006

I like those Roos, gatorae. LL Bean has some options (here's one I like) as well.
posted by amro at 3:54 PM on May 1, 2006

Anything Merrell.
posted by etc. at 4:43 PM on May 1, 2006

I have these and really like them. I have them in tan, but they come in a bunch of different colors (including black).
posted by blackkar at 4:50 PM on May 1, 2006

Ditto the Merrels. The Mocs are all really really comfortable. I have a pair of the Jungle Mocs (though male)---they are hands down the most comfortable shoe I've ever worn.

(Heh. A shoe question I can acually help with.)
posted by bonehead at 5:09 PM on May 1, 2006

I love Keens.
posted by box at 6:14 PM on May 1, 2006

These Simples look good, come in black, and are on sale.
posted by cushie at 8:17 PM on May 1, 2006

Merrell Mocs or similar (Columbia makes a similar style, as do many others). The mesh ones are nice in the summer, but tend to be a little open for winter or wet weather. Good clogs will stay on your feet just fine...I've got some Keds walking clogs and I can walk all day without sliding out of them. I would suggest, however, not buying shoes online unless you know what size you wear in that brand or style. A good outdoor store (REI, f'rex) will have a shoe department with lots of selections.
posted by jlkr at 5:20 AM on May 2, 2006

I third (or fourth) the Merrells and second the Keens. Love them both. I also have a pair of Ecco clogs that would suit your needs too. REI usually carries a wide range of Merrells and Keens, that would be the place to start.

I have a pair of Simple sneakers and found that I needed to replace the original insole with one of those gel-padded thingies that they sell in the Dr. Scholl's section of the drugstore. Without them they really weren't very comfortable to walk in. The Merrells and the Keens haven't needed any such tweaking.
posted by ambrosia at 7:54 AM on May 2, 2006

Crocs, Crocs, Crocs. Lightweight, ventilated, ultracomfy foot bed, and with strap if you worry about heel slippage. And they come in plain colors as well as the funky ones they're known for.
posted by cdadog at 8:14 AM on May 2, 2006