KEEN-parison: Choosing the Perfect Pair of Women’s Slip-on Sandals

Can you feel it? Summer time. It feels like a warm breeze thawing out all that’s cold and clammy in the world. When summer finally makes an appearance, the time is right for a brand-spankin’-new pair of summery slides.

Here at KEEN, we’re footwear pragmatists. We say: when you’re shoe shopping, always start with what you need your shoes to do. First things first: slides aren’t for the more active summer adventures. If you’re gonna be exploring rocky coastlines or seeking out the perfect spot to stand-up paddleboard and surf, go for a more secure, rugged style (like the KEEN Newport hybrid sandal).

Day-to-day, summer is all about shoes on and off, on and off, over and over and over again. That's what's so great about slides: no hands and no bending over to strap them on every time. Slides are made for strolling around your neighborhood to feel the sun on your face, or just maxing and relaxing at home. Think beach walks, grilling in the backyard, and sitting on the patio in the evening with a frosty drink in your hand. (We’re getting blissed out just thinking about it.)

KEEN has a bunch of slides to help you make the most of your summer. But which pair of KEEN slides are the right ones for you? This handy chart shows you the main differences between KEEN women’s sandals that easily slip on:

Does that help? In case you’re still trying to decide, here are our personal recommendations for how and where we like to wear our KEEN slip-on sandals:

Elle Slide: We wear it around town, or on a day trip (they’re nice and light!). The Elle has city-friendly style with an eco-friendly difference. The upper is made of 100% recycled PET plastic bottles, and the jute-infused outsole uses less rubber than your average pair.

Kira Mule: It’s like a flip-flop… that’s not a flip-flop. (Does anyone else get bothered by that in-between-the-toes feeling?) Fans tell us they love this one as an everyday summer shoe that’s supportive enough for dog walks and errands. It’s also water-friendly, so it can head to the beach or the river (or just get sprayed down as you’re watering the hedges).

Bali Flip-Flop: Another pair if you like to wear flip-flops but would love a more supportive feel. If you have plans to relax at the pool or splash in the tide, these closed-toe flip-flops are the pair to bring along. We love the streamlined look of these beach shoes, plus that strappy upper (doesn’t it remind you of a starfish?).

Lana Slide: These women’s slides keep things simple for summer — with a classic style in environmentally preferred premium leather. We also made them with pesticide-free odor control so by the end of your day, they’ll still smell . . . like nothing (which is how we all want our shoes to smell). The cushioned midsole makes them super walkable, and they look nice with a casual summer dress.

Whichever pair of slides you go with, remember: by the end of the season they should have seen their share of dust, dirt, sand, and water. Summer is no time to stay indoors.

Elle Stretch Slide Sandals