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Slip on these cushy TikTok-famous slippers after a long day.
Cloud slides may not be the prettiest sandals in the world, but they’ve become hugely popular since they started trending on TikTok. Also known as pillow slides or cloud slippers, the cushioned, rubber platform shoes are designed to offer comfort and support to achy feet. But are they okay to wear for long stretches of time? And what should you look for when choosing the best cloud slides?
To answer these questions and more, we spoke to podiatrists and pored over online reviews to find the best cloud slides on Amazon and beyond.
These slides are derived from a type of post-workout sandal called a “recovery sandal,” which have been used by athletes for years. “They are designed to help recover sore muscles in the lower extremity and foot by allowing muscles to have more of a natural motion,” says Mark J. Mendeszoon, DPM, of Precision Orthopaedic Specialties, Inc. in Chardon, Ohio, and owner of Achilles Running Shop.
It's important to note that these types of sandals don’t provide great support if you're on your feet all day, and you should only be wearing them for a few hours after a workout or after a long day of wearing regular shoes, says Dr. Mendeszoon. They’re fine to wear at the beach or around the house, but they’re not meant to be worn all day long because they can affect biomechanics and cause common overuse injuries, such as plantar fasciitis, if worn for too long or too frequently.
If you’re interested in purchasing a pair of cloud slides to wear post-workout or after a long day at the office in heels, there are a few things to look for: “A good recovery shoe is something that will be generally lightweight, have a wide toebox, and a good arch filler to support the foot,” says Dr. Mendeszoon. “The foot bed also typically has different pressure points or elevations on the materials to massage your feet and stimulate trigger points to promote circulation.”
To put together our list of top picks, we looked for slides with rave reviews, affordable price points, and plenty of color choices. We also gave preference to footwear that's earned the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)’s Seal of Acceptance, which means the shoes have been evaluated to ensure they allow normal foot function and promote quality foot health.
Thanks to solid arch support, these top-of-the-line recovery slides have earned the APMA Seal of Acceptance. Available in over 10 basic colors, they have a cushy feel and the brand claims they can even be tossed in the washing machine for cleaning.
With more than 22,000 reviews on Amazon, these water-resistant comfort slides are a perennial favorite for runners, in particular. Many reviewers rave about the arch support and comfort, and say they're especially soothing if you're dealing with plantar fasciitis.
Like most cloud slides, these super-soft 1.57-inch slippers are made of Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA), a lightweight, waterproof foam that feels dense yet bouncy. With a molded footbed, these bath slides are perfect for keeping your feet off the funky floor at the gym or when walking around the pool — plus the grippy, non-slip soles offer nice cushioning. They're also easy to clean and come in more than a dozen colors.
Available in more than 30 colors, these cloud slides are reasonably priced with a nice, pillowy top and decent shock absorption, according to Amazon reviewers.
The 1.75-inch sole is not as contoured as some, but reviewers say they're great for a few hours after work or beach day, if you don't have to walk far. With more than 30,000 reviews, they're one of the most popular choices for pillow slides on Amazon.
These slides have a 1.6-inch-thick sole that Amazon reviewers love (especially those who say they have plantar fasciitis). They're lightweight, come in more than 18 colors and are a great slide to toss in your luggage for travel so you don't have to walk barefoot around your hotel room, in the shower, or poolside. With a grippy, textured sole, these quick-dry slides are a great choice for college students using communal showers, too.
With deeply cupped footbeds and a soft sole, this slide — made by Crocs, a long-time manufacturer of easy-to-wear slip-on sandals and clogs — has a more streamlined appearance than some others. Available in more than 10 mostly neutral colors, reviewers say they offer good support, and the massage beads lining the footbeds offer extra foot pain relief. Just note that they run big, so you may want to size down.
These slides have a 1.7 inch deep sole, so they feel extra soft and spongy. Available in more than a dozen colors, some users say they aim a blow dryer at these shoes for a few minutes to mold them exactly to their feet before wearing. Reviewers say they're durable and very soft, but that they don't have good arch support compared to some other brands. Also, apparently, they tend to run a little large.
These slides, which have earned the APMA Seal of Approval, are a great choice for unwinding after a tough workout or run. Available in more than 20 bright colors, these slides are lightweight and have plenty of airflow vents to help you cool down. Hoka is a popular brand among pro runners, but be aware that reviewers say they run super-wide.
With a cushy feel and a bandage-style upper, these slides — which come in five colors — are a fun way to kick off your shoes and chill. Reviewers say they're a great option if you want your slides to have some funky style.
If recovery slides feel clunky and awkward to you, try this flip-flop style, which will give you the same cushioning and support as a slide, but it may feel more secure on your foot. This recovery flip-flop also has earned the APMA Seal of Approval.
If you're looking for a clog-style recovery slide, these have the same patented foam technology as the OOFOS slides, but the styling may be more appealing to some wearers.
Though they're on the pricey side, more than 10,000 Amazon reviewers give them a thumbs up. They also have received the APMA Seal of Approval.
Arricca Elin SanSone has written about health and lifestyle topics for Prevention, Country Living, Woman's Day, and more. She’s passionate about gardening, baking, reading, and spending time with the people and dogs she loves.
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