The 15 Best Shower Shoes for Any Shared Space
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Rinsing off after a good workout or dip in the pool is supposed to get you clean. But the reality of many public showers can make you feel even grimier. Fact: the hot, wet shared floor is a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus, which can lead to painful infections like athlete’s foot, staph and plantar warts.
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However, it’s easy to stay safe with a simple pair of shower shoes.
“You don’t know what type of sanitary conditions are in shared locker rooms or around pools,” says Dr. Saylee Tulpule, a DPM based in Maryland and Washington, D.C. “Fungi and bacteria love warm, moist environments like an enclosed shoe, locker room, gym or pool.”
Infections occur when germs enter the body through breaks in the skin (these can be easy to miss, such as small cracks on your feet due to calluses or dry skin). And any one who has experienced a foot infection knows they’re no fun. According to Dr. Tulpule, itchy skin and scaly rashes are a telltale sign you may have an infection.
There are many shower sandals and slides to choose from for every scenario. There’s the classic dorm room flip-flop —something cheap and easy to clean, like a style from Old Navy or ShowaFlops. There’s the shoe you want to wear to the beach but also to the outdoor shower to rinse off after — something a little more stylish and substantial, like Adidas or Nike slides. And there’s the post-workout, function-first shower shoe that’s mold-resistant and super grippy — like a pair of Crocs.
No matter which style you choose, look for shower shoes that are waterproof and made with EVA, a cushiony but quick-drying material. Also, opt for pairs with antimicrobial properties, a detail you may have seen on some of your workout clothes.
To ensure proper safety, Dr. Tulpule recommends cleaning your shower shoes daily, or as often as you can. (Soak them in a bleach and water for eight to 10 minutes and let them air dry.) And, you should replace them every few weeks.
“Get a bunch of cheap flip-flops and keep them for traveling or stashed in your gym bag,” says Dr. Tulpule.
To narrow down your choices, we compiled the 15 best shower shoes for men and women. Shop them ahead.
AquaFlops Shower Slides
Besides safeguarding feet from fungus and bacteria, shower shoes also ensure there’s no slippage happening during your rinse. These AquaFlops have a textured surface and slip-resistant sole that are made to keep your feet steady. The slip-on shape makes it easy to take each foot out for washing while keeping your balance, and those drainage holes help prevent any on-shoe bacteria growth.
Courtesy of Bed, Bath & Beyond
Oofos Ooahh Luxe
If you’re looking for a shower shoe upgrade, consider these unisex shoes. They’re made for post-workout recovery with a bit of bounce and a ton of support. They’re moisture- and odor-resistant, so they’ll work just as well at keeping sweat off you as they will on shower floors. Plus, they’ve gotten the American Podiatric Medical Association’s stamp of approval for promoting quality foot health.
Courtesy of Zappos
Crocs Classic Slides
People love their Crocs and swear by their ability to keep feet comfortable and supported all day long. These sandals are a great addition to add to that lineup. Not only can you wear them in the shower —they’re made with EVA — but they’re also solid enough of a shoe to wear outside, too. The wide strap up top is ventilated, which helps feet cool.
Courtesy of Crocs
Room Essentials Flip-Flops
College dorm room shopping would not be complete without communal shower preparations. Target’s in-house brand makes a cheap pair of flip-flops with a perforated footbed so the shoes won’t get gross too fast. You should be able to get away with replacing these once a semester.
Courtesy of Target
Adidas Adilette Slide
The Adidas Adilette is the slide of all slides. It’s easy to slip on, dries quickly and takes up next to no room in a packed bag. Get these for when you need your shower shoes to complement your style, not distract from it. They also great to wear for quick trips outside, too, like walking the dog or taking out the trash shoes.
Courtesy of Amazon
Showaflops Water Sandals
Showaflops are made with drainage holes and antimicrobial layers, both of which are key to a quality pair of shower shoes. They also feature slip-resistant soles to keep you upright on slippery floors.
Courtesy of Amazon
Cross Band Shower Shoes
In a reliable shower shoe, look for EVA soles. The material is super lightweight but has some bounce to it. These water-resistant cross band slides fit the bill. They’re just as great for padding around the house as they are for wearing in gym locker rooms. Just make sure you clean them in between use.
Courtesy of Amazon
Old Navy Classic Flip-Flops
For emergency situations, get a cheap pair of flip-flops that you can keep in your car or gym bag. These Old Navy flip-flops don’t have all of the details the other pairs on our list have, but they are waterproof and under $5.
Courtesy of Old Navy
Viyear Shower Sandals
For anyone worried about slipping in the shower, these shoes are made to get even grippier when wet. They’re a top-rated shower shoe on Amazon, noted especially for their comfy feel. The shoes are slide shaped but feel almost like slippers. Pack ‘em for trips.
Courtesy of Amazon
Under Armour Locker Slide
The Under Armour slides are super easy to clean and stash in your gym bag’s side pocket. The rubber shoes have strategically placed holes to improve airflow and prevent bacteria buildup.
Courtesy of Amazon
Showaflops Antimicrobial Sandals
Showaflops are another crowd favorite, and these sandals really do double duty. They look like a beach- and pool-ready shoe from the top, but the drainage holes mean they’re functional for the outdoor shower, too. Plus, they come in fun colors and patterns, so they won’t feel clunky or out of place with the rest of your outfit.
Courtesy of Amazon
Nike Victori One
Nike makes a shoe for every workout or casual need, and the brand’s signature pool slides are a favorite. They’re waterproof, making them a great shower shoe.They’re also comfortable enough to wear post-workout or around the house. We’d get a pair in every color.
Courtesy of Nike
Price: $25
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Luffymomo Shower Slippers
These foamy sandals are like plush slippers for the shower. Bring these to your gym sauna or the next time you go to a spa. Underfoot, they include plenty of perforations to keep them dried out and smelling fresh.
Courtesy of Amazon
Clootess Shower Shoes
If you plan to walk around in your shower sandals after rinsing off, choose a style with a more solid outsole. These quick-drying ones should look and fit like your standard slides. But the non-slip grip on the sole and PVC material make them ideal for public shower wearing. According to Amazon reviews, these also make good gardening shoes.
Courtesy of Amazon
Shower Shoez Water Sandals
Some of the best shower sandals are ones that dry quickly. Shower Shoez’ water sandals are winners in this category. They’ll dry before you even have to put them away, which means they’re super easy to pack when you’re on the go. Get a pair for each travel bag, just in case.
Courtesy of Amazon
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1. Crocs Crocband Flip Flops
This style is made of soft yet durable Croslite foam material that offers shock-absorbing cushioning for added comfort.
Key Features: Designed with a massage-pod footbed. Midsole racing stripe offers a sporty look. Available in 10 colors.
Take Note: The material may shrink if left out in the sun.
Crocs Crocband Flip Flops $24-$47
2. Adidas Adilette Shower Slides
This classic look includes a cushy bandage strap boasting Three Stripes branding and a contoured Cloudfoam footbed.
Key Features: EVA outsoles provide ultimate grip on a range of surfaces. Comes in various colorway options.
Take Note: These may not suit wider feet.
Adidas Adilette Shower Slides $15-$66
3. Vertico Shower Sport Sandals
The footbed on this strappy slide is designed to vent trapped moisture away to prevent bacteria from building up.
Key Features: Durable rubber tread keeps you stable. Plush memory foam insoles and wide toe box enhance comfort.
Take Note: These may fit too loose on smaller feet.
Vertico Shower Sport Sandals $13-$14
4. Under Armour Playmaker Slides
This pair has a fixed toe strap featuring added foam and strategically placed perforations for better ventilation and comfort.
Key Features: Lightweight outsoles won't weigh you down, even when wet. Drop-in EVA footbed supplies cushioned arch support.
Take Note: They may run small.
Under Armour Playmaker Slides $27-$36
5. Shower Shoez Flip Flops
Drainage holes in these flip-flops allow them to stay fresh and dry while a textured surface keeps feet from sliding around.
Key Features: Slip-resistant outsoles create a steady grip between your feet and the shower floor. Multiple colors available.
Take Note: Pebbles and other smaller items may get stuck in them.
Shower Shoez Flip Flops $14
6. Shevalues Shower Slides
Made with high-elastic EVA material, these foldable slides stretch to fit the shape of your foot for a more controlled step.
Key Features: Large holes in the sole allow water and soap to easily escape. Grippy dots also help prevent slippage.
Take Note: Some may find them a bit flimsy.
Shevalues Shower Slides $13
7. FunkyMonkey Slides
These malleable slides easily fold up for convenient storage travel and deliver optimal rebound for recovery purposes.
Key Features: Anti-slip soles prevent your feet from moving around inside the shoes. A textured outsole enhances stability.
Take Note: The footbed may be narrower than other slides.
FunkyMonkey Slides $13-$15
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