My shoe obsession predates my ability to walk. In fact, one of my first memories is of me trying to eat one of my grandma’s saddle shoes. It looked like a giant inverse Oreo. It tasted like leather. Later, as a much wiser four-year-old, I wrote off Cinderella as a Halloween costume because I knew glass slippers were far from practical. Don’t get me wrong; I appreciate a cute shoe. But when it comes to footwear, comfort comes first.
As a full-time travel writer, my feet get put through the wringer. When I’m not logging 20,000 steps/day on 500-year-old cobblestone streets, I’m often stuck on 15-hour flights where sometimes, my feet double in size due to swelling. Compression socks can only do so much. Fortunately, I recently found a pair of slides on Amazon that make every day feel like a spa day, at least for my lower extremities.
Why I like the Cushionaire Feather Slides
A slip-on shoe made of featherlight foam, these slides are basically the love child of my beloved Birkenstocks and my Croc clogs. I’d never heard of the brand, Cushionaire. But I figured its designers must know their stuff since they’ve produced some of Amazon’s best-selling sandals. Even though I haven’t worn mine in 50 countries yet (a feat I’ve done with my OluKai ‘Ohanas), I’m ready to write my own five-star review. It actually starts with a question.
Am I even wearing shoes?
Crocs don’t sell four pairs every second because they’re stylish. Crocs are popular because they’re practically weightless. Similarly, these slides are so light I often forget that I’m even wearing shoes. The secret? They’re made of EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate), a copolymer foam-like material that isn’t just lightweight, but also waterproof. But wait, it gets better. EVA is incredibly shock-absorbing and flexible, too. I can almost bend my slides in half and they immediately bounce back.
Slide is a misnomer
Yes, these simple sandals slide on and off. That said, they don’t slide-slide. The non-slip outsole ensures that I have a healthy grip on any surface, even a well-waxed hardwood floor or extra-slick splash pad. Similarly, the footbed is molded, so they don’t fly off, even when I’m running after my dog when he sees a rabbit during our daily walks. Yes, I wear these slides outdoors. While they’re a great indoor shoe or slipper, they’re also a must for hot, summer days when you want to stay cool without dealing with flipping or flopping. In fact, if I ever break up with my flip flops, it will be because of these slides.
I stand taller without wincing
The ideal heel gives you added height without any hurt. And that’s just what these platform slides do. The 1.75-inch platform is substantial enough that you definitely feel taller (and your legs look longer). But instead of stumbling around like you would on stilettos, or worrying about twisting an ankle like you would in wedges, you can walk for hours without needing to sit down. “I’d walk 50 miles in them any day,” reads one rave review titled “Walking on air.” While I don’t suffer from plantar fasciitis, bunions, heel spurs, or other common foot ailments, many five-star reviews are from people who do. Some satisfied shoppers even say these slides were recommended to them by podiatrists.
They’re perfect for every day, and almost everywhere
These slides have replaced my favorite fleece slippers as my must-have house shoes, for the summer months at least. However, I also plan on traveling with them. Ultra light-weight and flexible, they take some of the pain out of packing. Of course, I also plan on wearing them in airports and on planes, since they’re so easy to slip off and on (even if your feet swell). They’re also surprisingly versatile. I got the color khaki which goes well with everything, from a sundress to my $20 Wander Agio Swimsuit Cover-up.
Next month, I’m exploring the Rhine on a cruise, where these slides will be my boat shoes (after all they’re waterproof and have a great grip) for the week. And in August, I’ll wear them in Western Montana as recovery shoes after a long hike.
More slides to shop
Shop TODAY writer Emma Stessman called these slides "surprisingly comfortable."
Reviewers say these shoes are comfortable and nicely molded to their feet.
"I put the Ooahh Slide Sandals on for the remainder of the day, just walking around the house. I also had them on for a short walk around the block after dinner, and the day after an event that found me wearing high heels. If there’s one thing I can say, it was like walking on clouds," wrote one Shop TODAY writer in a review article.
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Katie Jackson is a freelance writer for Shop TODAY, serving as an expert during our Shop TODAY 2024 Travel Awards and covering a wide array of topics including fashion, home, travel and more.
