These bouncy shoes might be the comfiest footwear trend.
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Cloud slides had their moment on TikTok nearly three years ago — and they're here to stay. Dubbed "pillow shoes" for their thick, bouncy platform cushion, the footwear trend falls squarely in the category of "ugly shoes," but their versatility and comfort prove there's a lot to love. I've loved my pair for stashing in a tote bag for the beach, a gym bag for public restrooms or simply while puttering around the house.
Think of them as wearable yoga mats for your feet: Many pillow slides are made from the same ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, a light synthetic rubber made of a dense, waterproof foam polymer with a springy, rubbery feel and excellent shock absorption — meaning "increased comfort and cushioning of your feet to relieve aches and pains from standing and walking for prolonged periods of time," says Dr. Miguel Cunha, podiatrist and founder of Gotham Footcare.
To find the cutest cloud slides, we consulted our Good Housekeeping Institute Lab experts as well as podiatrists, then scoured online reviews for the highest-rated pairs with rave reviews. An added bonus: Many of our picks are under $20.
More than 25,000 five-star Amazon ratings propelled this Cushionaire cloud slide to the top of our radar. And with a molded footbed, 1.75-inch cushioned sole and 30 (!) colors, it's no wonder why. Many online reviewers agreed they offered good bounce and absorbed shock from walking to make steps feel feather-light. Pair them with loungewear or an activewear set, and you have an elevated but cozy look.
For under $10, these plush, cozy slides are a game changer. Amazon reviewers with plantar fasciitis appreciate the slight angle that stretches from toe to heel, which aims to relieve pressure from sore joints while the thick sole lightly grips your feet. One Amazon reviewer even claimed that while wearing these slides they "do not feel the pain in my feet that I normally feel when walking around."
While simple in design, these chunky soles are a fun addition to any wardrobe. Amazon reviewers called these slides "soft" and "buttery," and one raved, "I bought them for a cruise, and once they were on my feet, there were no other shoes I wanted!" Just note that some recommended breaking them in before taking them on a trip.
No one shoe fits the same on everyone, but many Amazon reviewers agreed that these slightly oversized slippers fit large feet well when ordering true to size. One shopper complimented their comfort and stylish colors, adding: "If your feet are a little wide, these are even better for you. Quiet against floors, too!" Another said, "I wear socks with them, and it's like walking on a large marshmallow."
Make your slides as loose or tight as you wish. Especially great for swelling feet, these adjustable pillow cloud slippers are designed with a velcro strap. "I was having issues with my toes during a time when it was too painful to wear regular shoes," an online shopper explained. "They were only meant to be temporary, but I ended up liking how comfortable they are. The velcro strap allowed me to loosen when [my] feet were swollen."
Considered a must-have for those with plantar fasciitis according to Amazon reviewers, this sandal is designed to help with exercise recovery. Plus, it's water-resistant, so it's a great choice to take to the beach. "Unlike traditional flip flops, OOFOS slides supported my arches without causing any toe pain," says GH Textiles Lab Senior Analyst Emma Seymour. Though they're not super stylish, she said, "I love to wear mine after a workout at the gym showers."
Fun and colorful, these slides are a nice alternative to other strappy sandals. They're also a great choice for college students who need to get from their dorm rooms to the showers or want to look stylish poolside. Its strap detail lets you adjust to a more secure fit while tie-dye and leopard print options add a fun twist to the classic pillow slide.
This vibrant sandal hails from the same brand that makes some of our favorite shoes (like white sneakers). Though designed with a little less bounce than its companions on this list, these Cole Haan slides offer ample comfort, per reviewers. "The inner lining of the straps are smooth to keep your feet from getting blisters," a reviewer said. Others appreciated its lightweight feel and versatility, making it a great travel shoe.
These Crocs are downright charming. Using its trademark holes, wearers can customize their shoes with interchangeable jibbitz. Also a favorite among testers in our best slides guide, the pair handled water with ease when coming out of showers at the gym, thanks to the ridges on the footbed that channel it away. One tester shared that the outsole had better grip than other slides she's tried but commented that it fit loose on her narrow feet.
Easy to clean and quick drying, this is a solid pair to keep in your suitcase. Its textured zig-zag sole is designed to stop your feet from sliding around, meaning they're great for both indoor and outdoor wear. Plus, they're easy on your budget. One reviewer on Amazon says they're so comfortable they "feel like I'm walking on air." That lightness comes from the EVA material, which podiatrist Dr. Emily Splichal calls easy to clean.
With a thick sole, this bouncy slipper offers excellent shock absorption on hard surfaces. They're lightweight, but stable, making them a better option if you are going to be standing for a long time. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon, most reviewers adopted them as their post-work house shoes. "They are sooooo cushy that once you remove them, your feet go into cushion withdrawal!" one reviewer says.
Jacqueline (she/her) covers all things e-commerce in beauty, lifestyle and beyond for the Good Housekeeping Institute. Before joining GH in 2021, she was a style and beauty reviews fellow at Insider, testing viral trends, reviewing sustainable brands and more. She's a graduate of the University of Florida's School of Journalism, with a specialty in magazines and mass communication.
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Knitted Shoes For Ladies Jacqueline (she/her) covers all things e-commerce in beauty, lifestyle and beyond for the Good Housekeeping Institute. Before joining GH in 2021, she was a style and beauty reviews fellow at Insider, testing viral trends, reviewing sustainable brands and more. She's a graduate of the University of Florida's School of Journalism, with a specialty in magazines and mass communication.