Hey there, comfort seekers! If you haven‘t yet hopped on the pillow slide bandwagon, you‘re missing out on the coziest footwear trend to hit the scene in years. I‘m obsessed with these cushy sandals and I‘m excited to share everything you need to know to find your perfect pair.
What are Pillow Slides?
First off, let‘s define what exactly pillow slides are. Picture a cloud – now imagine strapping that fluffy goodness directly to your feet. That‘s the magic of pillow slides! Also known as pillow slippers or cloud slides, pillow slides are a type of slip-on sandal featuring a thick, cushioned footbed made from lightweight EVA foam. This squishy, responsive material compresses under your weight, molding to your feet to provide maximum comfort.
The primary appeal of pillow slides lies in their incredible softness and support. Most wearers say it really does feel like walking on marshmallows or memory foam. They‘ve become a hugely popular choice for casual wear, lounging, errands, and working from home. Trust me, once you try pillow slides, you‘ll never want to take them off!
Why Pillow Slides are Trending
So why is everyone and their mother suddenly rocking pillow slides? A few key factors have fueled the craze:
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Comfort: In our post-2020 world, coziness reigns supreme. Pillow slides offer a blissful reprieve for tired tootsies and achy joints. The thick cushioning reduces impact and hugs your feet with every step.
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Style: Despite their squishy soles, pillow slides look surprisingly chic. The minimalist single or double-strap design pairs perfectly with leggings, sweats, sundresses, and more. Celebs like Hailey Beiber and Kendall Jenner have rocked pillow slides, cementing their cool-girl status.
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Versatility: From dorm rooms to afternoons by the pool, pillow slides transition seamlessly to any laidback setting. The waterproof, easy to clean foam is also ideal for beach days, showers, and more.
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Work from Home Staple: Let‘s face it, no one wants to be clomping around the house in heels or suffocating their feet in stuffy slippers anymore. Pillow slides have become the ultimate WFH shoe, blurring the line between cozy and presentable.
The numbers don‘t lie. According to Allied Market Research, the global slide sandals market size was valued at $7.5 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach $15.6 billion by 2030. Pillow slides are a key driver of this growth, with more and more brands hopping on the trend each season.
Top Pillow Slide Brands to Know
The pillow slide market has exploded with options in recent years, from the original Pillow Slides™ brand to a plethora of Amazon best-sellers and designer dupes. While the sheer volume of choices can feel overwhelming, a few brands consistently rise to the top in terms of comfort, quality, and style.
Here are the best pillow slide brands I‘ve personally tested and reviewed:
1. Pillow Slides
The OG brand that put pillow slides on the map, Pillow Slides is still the gold standard IMO. The 4.5cm thick cushioned sole feels like legit heaven and molds to your unique foot shape for custom softness. I have the classic single-strap style in 4 colors and can attest to their amazing comfort and durability. Plus, the range of cute colorways is unmatched – who doesn‘t need lilac pillow slides in their life?
Pros:
- OG brand with the thickest, cushiest sole out there
- Huge array of colors from basic black to pretty pastels
- Anti-chafing lining keeps feet happy all day
Cons:
- Pricier than some other options at full price
- Regular width may be a bit snug for wide feet
2. Rosyclo
Need something a bit cozier? Rosyclo‘s faux fur pillow slides wrap your feet in velvety plushness for ultimate pampering. The criss-cross strap style looks so luxe and stays put on your feet. I love the dreamy pastel ombre options – I get so many compliments on my "unicorn" slides. With a lightweight foam sole, these are perfect for padding around at home or wearing as slippers.
Pros:
- Ultra-soft faux fur lining feels amazing
- Cute ombre color options
- Sole is lightweight and flexible
- Stylish criss-cross strap design
Cons:
- Faux fur can get matted over time
- Less arch support than other options
3. Joomra
If you‘re on a budget, Joomra‘s pillow slides on Amazon are an awesome affordable pick with thousands of rave reviews. I have the double-strap style in gray and I‘m honestly shocked at the quality for the price. The EVA sole has a nice density that feels supportive and stable. I love that the adjustable straps let you customize the fit. Textured footbed adds nice grip too.
Pros:
- Under $30 price point
- Sturdy, non-slip EVA sole
- Secure fit with adjustable straps
- Range of colors and prints
Cons:
- May run slightly wide
- Footbed pattern can feel pronounced underfoot
4. Freedom Moses
If you‘re ready to splurge, Freedom Moses makes the cutest printed pillow slides that give me total retro vibes. The molded footbed cradles your arches while the 1.75 inch platform sole adds a funky boost. Rubber outsole provides great traction. I‘m obsessed with the terrazzo and bandana prints for summer.
Pros:
- Stylish platform sole
- Unique bold prints
- Contoured footbed molds to feet
- Durable rubber outsole
Cons:
- Over $50 price point
- Runs slightly small
How to Choose the Perfect Pillow Slides
With so many tempting pillow slides out there, you may be wondering how to narrow it down. Here are a few key factors to consider:
Sole Thickness: The hallmark of a great pillow slide is the thick, squishy sole. I recommend looking for styles with at least 1 inch of cushioning. Some brands like Pillow Slides offer a whopping 4.5cm!
Footbed: Check if the footbed is flat, textured, or contoured. Flat options are great for wide feet while a contoured or textured footbed can provide extra support and grip.
Strap Style: Do you prefer a classic single strap, trendy double strap, or cozy full coverage? Consider if you want adjustable straps or a pull-on style.
Materials: Most pillow slides use lightweight EVA foam but some incorporate neoprene, faux fur, rhinestones, or even glitter. Consider the lining and strap materials for breathability and durability.
Width: Pillow slides are known for running wide to accommodate the cushioned sole. If you have narrow feet, look for styles with adjustable straps or a snugger fit. Wide feet may prefer open-toe options.
Activity: Are you wearing pillow slides mainly at home or out and about? Styles with non-slip soles and waterproof materials are great for outdoor wear and travel.
Real User Pillow Slide Reviews
Don‘t just take it from me – let‘s see what actual customers have to say about their pillow slides. Here‘s a roundup of glowing reviews and top-rated styles:
Pillow Slides Originals
- Rating: 4.8/5 stars from 3,548 reviews
- Review: "I was influenced into purchasing these after seeing them all over TikTok and IG – I have plantar fasciitis and I‘m SO glad I did. WOW. I have never felt anything like this before. They are the perfect amount of softness and support. It feels like I‘m walking on marshmallows 😍 I don‘t even wear my Oofos anymore after getting these." – Allie S.
Equick Cloud Slippers
- Rating: 4.6/5 stars from 15,697 reviews
- Review: "I bought these on a whim and I‘m so happy! I have problems with my arches and these are so squishy and bouncy, they are now my go to house shoe. Very lightweight, easy to walk in and your feet just sink right in. I usually wear between an 8-8.5 and the 8 fits perfectly. Buying another pair!!" – Taylor
Joomra Pillow Slippers
- Rating: 4.5/5 stars from 6,234 reviews
- Review: "I love how comfortable and lightweight these sandals are. Like walking on a cloud. And they are very adjustable for a perfect fit. The sole has a nice tread, so they feel very secure when walking, not slippery at all. Great quality, especially for the price!" – Megan L.
Overwhelmingly, reviewers rave about the unbeatable comfort, support, and pain relief they experience with pillow slides. Common callouts include:
- Walking on clouds or marshmallows
- Alleviating foot pain, plantar fasciitis, and joint stress
- Lightweight, non-slip soles
- Versatility for home, travel, and everyday wear
- Great quality and durability for the price
Pillow Slides vs. the Competition
Of course, pillow slides aren‘t the only uber-comfortable slide sandal option out there. Two major players in the game are Oofos and Hoka slides. So how do pillow slides compare?
Oofos slides are a recovery sandal designed to absorb impact and reduce stress on joints. They use proprietary OOfoam technology for a soft yet supportive feel. Oofos have a chunkier, more orthopedic look compared to the sleeker style of most pillow slides.
Hoka slides are another popular recovery slide with maximal cushioning. Hoka‘s signature thick midsole provides a soft, bouncy feel with a rocker design to promote your natural gait. However, Hokas tend to be heavier and clunkier than pillow slides.
In my opinion, pillow slides offer the perfect balance of squishy comfort and on-trend style. The range of colors, prints, and strap designs means they look just as good as they feel. I reach for my pillow slides way more than my Oofos or Hokas for everyday wear.
Wrapping Up
Well, there you have it – the ultimate guide to all things pillow slides! I hope this deep dive into the top brands, styles, and customer favorites has helped you find your cushiony sole mate.
As someone who‘s always on the hunt for the comfiest, cutest footwear out there, I can honestly say pillow slides are a game-changer. No matter which pair you choose, your feet will thank you. Say goodbye to tired, achy tootsies and hello to marshmallow magic.
So go ahead, treat yourself to a pair (or three) of pillow slides and feel the difference. Your feet deserve it! And be sure to tag me in your pillow slide pics – I love seeing how you style these cushy kicks.
Until next time, stay comfy!
Xx, your pillow slide obsessed bestie
