In this product guide:
- 1. Our top pick: Nike Phantom Run 2
- 2. Affordable slip-on: Nike Interact Run Easy on
- 3. Slip-on skate shoe: SB Janoski+ Slip
- 4. Nubuck leather slip-on: Nike ACG Rufus
- 5. Flexible slip-on sneaker: Nike Free Run 5.0
- 6. Cushioned slip-on sneaker: Nike Air Max 270
- 7. Retro slip-on sneaker: Nike Air Force 1 Easy on
- How we selected
If we had to pick just one Nike slip-on shoe, it would be the React Phantom Flyknit. It’s based on a similar React midsole as the React Infinity Run 2, so the cushioning comfort is almost identical.
However, the slip-on model differs in a couple of ways. The midsole doesn’t have the stiff rims from the Infinity, and instead uses a smaller heel clip for support. The second difference is the lace-free Flyknit upper. The foot is secured by the elastic knit upper and the bands running over the midfoot. The overall design deftly straddles the fine line between performance and athleisure.
There’s ample cushioning and upper grip to make the React Phantom Run Flyknit versatile enough for short runs. Also, the shoe is an excellent casual sneaker and walking shoe.
This shoe is the lace-free version of the Interact Run – one of Nike’s popular sub-$100 shoes. If you ask us, the Easy-on variant looks better than the laced-up model. While the slip-on Interact has the same midsole and outsole as the regular model, the Flyknit upper looks anything but cut-price. The shoe even looks better in the SE edition with its contrasting accents. The entire upper isn’t elastic. Only a tiny portion over the instep is stretchy to make wearing the shoe easier.
Under the foot, the shoe performs identically to the standard Interact Run. A firm EVA foam midsole offers daily comfort; the outsole uses waffle lugs with recycled rubber contact for hard-wearing traction. The cushioning lacks the comfort of more expensive products like the Infinity Run or Pegasus, so the Interact Run is best used for short runs or walks.
The original SB Janoski – named after skateboarder Stefan Janoski – was released in 2009. This shoe went on a brief hiatus before returning to the catalog recently. It has two versions – laced and slip-on. Even though many people may buy the Janoski to use it as a casual slip-on sneaker, it is first and foremost a skate shoe. Most skate shoes have a tight fit for a better board feel and prevent slippage when performing flip tricks. The Janoski Slip is no different. Right out of the box, the fit is very snug, and the heel collar is firm. The upper takes a week or so to break in, and it will always have a snug fit due to its skate-focused design.
The forefoot has a firm cushioning, and the only softness is available through the removable insole. If not skateboarding, the Nike Janoski Slip makes for a good gym sneaker. The footbed has a small Zoom Air bag attached under the heel for cushioned landings. A gum rubber outsole in a Herringbone design offers grip on the board and sidewalks.
The ACG (All Conditions Gear) Rufus is a slice of nostalgia that’s easy to wear every day. The modern ACG Rufus uses the same materials as the vintage, using a one-piece Nubuck leather upper with a padded entry for comfort and a secure fit. The raised heel lip keeps this heavy-duty mule from slipping. It’s worth mentioning that the Rufus needs to be bought in a smaller size for a secure fit. If you usually wear a US 10, the Rufus should be fit well in a US 9, a full size smaller.
If you’re looking for a slip-on clog that lasts, the Rufus makes a strong case for itself. The molded foam midsole and soft footbed add comfort to everyday walks, and you’ll get plenty of durable grip from the rubber outsole. Its $115 retail price makes it a good value, and the tonal exterior makes it aesthetically versatile.
After an extended hiatus, the Nike Free is back in the performance running game. This snug fit of the Free Run 5.0 secures the foot over the soft and flexible midsole.
This time, the narrow forefoot and cord-assisted lacing give the Nike Free a performance-oriented fit that reminds us of the 2013-14 Free models. The snug upper and cushioned ride make this shoe versatile enough for everyday runs (of up to 10K) and athleisure wear. Included with the soft collapsible heel is a padded, sock-like collar which makes slipping into the shoe a breeze.
The Nike Air Max 270 isn’t as popular as it was 3 years ago. You still see them now and then, but hey – Nike probably sold millions of pairs when it was a hot commodity. Today, shoes such as the Nike Pegasus Premium and Vomero Premium are the in products.
The large Max Air bag and molded heel clip are mated to an EVA foam midsole to make the 270 a comfortable lifestyle sneaker. Say what you will; having a large visible Max Air bag under your heel is childish fun. An asymmetrically laced upper provides the required levels of lock-down, and the rear includes a slip-on collar and a soft, padded heel.
It’s hard to tell the difference between the regular AF 1 and the ‘Easy-On’ Air Force 1. Both have the instantly recognizable white leather upper and the distinctive cupsole design.
Everything is the same, except for a couple of hidden accessibility features on the upper. Inside the heel collar is a semi-collapsible frame that makes the shoe easy to slip on. Slide your foot inside the shoe, and then press down on the heel; the internal frame snaps right back up over the foot. The tongue is supported by a firm piping, so it doesn’t get in the way of the foot.
How we selected
Even though many slip-on shoes have laces, the bootie construction usually allows the lacing to be set in a fixed position. In other words, the laces do not need to be tied every day. Having said that, a fixed lacing position works better on some shoes than others. For example, shoes like the Free Run 5.0 and Nike Free RN NN have an elastic heel collar. So all you have to do is to leave the laces in a semi-secure position, and then use the shoe as a slip-on.
Most Nike shoes with a slip-on entry are not performance running shoes, so not having a high level of fit security isn’t a deal-breaker. Shoes such as Air Max 270 are walking or casual footwear at best. Then there are true slip-ons like the React Phantom Flyknit 2. Instead of laces, the React Phantom uses a stretch upper and elastic midfoot cords to secure the foot.