With everything heading back to something like normality again, there’s every chance you’ll be in the gym, at the swimming pool or living in a dorm room sooner rather than later. However, given everyone’s wake-up call to the ease of illnesses or infections transference, it’s easy to understand added caution when you return. One smart and simple way to protect your feet from fungal infections and other surface-transferred nasties is to don a pair of the best shower slides.
Whether you’re walking around a swimming pool, using a communal shower or getting changed in the locker room, shower slides put a protective barrier between you and things like athlete’s foot, bacteria and other gross items. (Why are there always so many used band-aids around?)
Shower shoes are also available in a range of different colors, sizes and styles to ensure there’s something you’ll actually enjoy having on your feet. So when it comes to choosing the best shower slides, there are a few brands you might be familiar with (as well as some lesser-known options) that offer up some of the best shower shoes, including:
- Adidas
- Under Armour
- Crocs
- Showaflops
- Nike
- New Balance
Furthermore, these versatile footwear additions aren’t just limited to communal showers, either. After investing, you’ll be surprised just how often you find them upon your feet. Some shower slide-worthy locations include:
- Swimming Pools
- The Beach
- Public Showers
- Steam Rooms
- Dorms
- Locker Rooms
- Vacations
- Spas
- Gyms
- Round the House
- Camping
Regardless of what you end up going with, the best shower shoes for men in 2021 will have your back. Don these waterproof duds in the dormitory shower, around the gym locker room or even at the pool to ensure your feet stay disease-free.
Here are the best shower shoes to invest in before you head back to the gym or school.
The Best Shower Shoes Available
1. Showaflops Men’s Slides
BEST OVERALL
These fungus fighting shower shoes, which are available in a few different color options, boast antimicrobial layers and plenty of drainage holes that will protect your kickers against mold and other nasty shower bacteria. Just prop them up vertically after your shower and they’ll be dry before you know it. Oh, and you don’t have to worry about these sliding off during your shower jam sessions because they’ve even got an adjustable strap — allowing you to achieve the perfect custom fit.
Buy: Showaflops Men's Slide $31.89
2. Xomiboe Shower Shoes
BEST VALUE
If you’re only looking to drop a few bucks on some shower shoes, these should do the job. These quick-drying, non-slip shower slides have 4.5 stars and nearly 500 reviews on Amazon. It’s pretty safe to say they do what you need, especially for the price. For just under $13, you can pick these up in black, blue or white, as well as a few other colors.
Buy: Xomiboe Shower Shoes $12.98
3. Vertico Shower Flip Flops
FAN FAVORITE
A lot of people really dig these shower flip-flops on Amazon. With over 1,800 reviews, they hold a solid four-star rating, and that’s pretty good for a lesser-known brand. The best shower shoes for men don’t need to have a ton of frills, but they need to be able to get the job done. These are built to absorb the least amount of water possible and feature slip-resistant grips — both of which are key features.
Buy: Vertico Shower Flip Flops $13.99
4. GuanZo Shower Slippers
FASTEST DRYING
By including drainage holes throughout the sole to move water out straight away, these GuanZo Shower Slippers are one of the quickest drying shower slides featured on our list. Combine this smart design with the skin-friendly EVA material construction, which is rubber-like in its flexibility and softness, and you have an impressive shower shoe that is available for less than $15. Furthermore, for added comfort, the sole features massage nodules to gently massage your feet. They are also available in several different colors and in models with a slightly thicker sole for added comfort.
Buy: GuanZo Shower Slippers $12.99
5. FUNKYMONKEY Men’s Bathroom Shower Slippers
BEST COLOR RANGE
Boasting a one-piece design, these FUNKYMONKEY Men’s Bathroom Shower Slippers offer a durable build quality as well as a secure and comfortable ride. They are made from an eco-friendly, flexible material which further adds to your comfort levels. You’ll also find that the inside of the slippers is lined with back-to-back rhombus shapes to increase in-shoe grip for your feet. Furthermore, the slippers are available in 20 different colors, ensuring there’s a pair to match the rest of your shower getup.
Buy: FUNKYMONKEY Men’s Bathroom Shower Slippers $13.99
6. Vertico Men’s Shower Slide On Sandals
BEST IN-SHOE GRIP
If your major concern is not slipping out of your shower slides, the Vertico Men’s Shower Slide On Sandals could be the choice for you. These open-toed shoes come backed by over 3,500 five-star ratings and include a contoured, memory foam insole alongside a raised outer rim to help keep your feet snuggly in place. The soles are made from a tough, waterproof rubber for greater durability which can withstand walking around the gym shower room day after day.
Buy: Vertico Men's Shower Slide On Sandals $14.49
7. Clapzovr Men’s Shower Sandals
BEST CLOG SHOWER SHOES
These clogs from Clapzovr provide a little more coverage than shower flip-flops or slides provide — if that’s the kind of thing you’re looking for. The shower shoe is made out of breathable material that’s moisture-proof and also eco-friendly. But the best part is that these shoes feature a removable footbed to make for easy drying and cleaning. They tend to run a bit on the smaller side, so if you’re picking up a pair of these, make sure to go for a half-size or full-size higher than you usually wear.
Buy: Clapzovr Men's Shower Sandals $15.99
8. GEMAX Unisex Pillow Slippers
ULTRA-THICK PICK
For a shower slide you can definitely feel beneath your feet, give the GEMAX Unisex Pillow Slippers a try. These well-reviewed shoes feature a four-centimeter-thick sole to increase your in-shoe comfort, especially on hard floors. The slipper’s soles also sport a wave-shaped patterning on the bottom to provide a better grip. In addition, the insoles include hundreds of particles that offer a gentle massage when the slippers are on your feet. There are also five different colors to choose from.
Buy: GEMAX Unisex Pillow Slippers $20.99
9. Under Armour Men’s UA Locker IV Slide Sandal
BEST ATHLETIC BRAND
If you want to don a trusted athletic brand in the shower, the Under Armour Men’s UA Locker IV Slide Sandals are the way to go. These quick-drying slides look pretty cool, but that’s actually because they’re designed to keep the flow of water away from the foot. They also have five holes in each sole as well as a few on the side of the strap to allow for easy drainage. These stylish slides are available in black or gray.
10. Showaflops Shower Flip Flops
BEST FLIP FLOPS
No-fuss is the name of the game here. These shower flip-flops are straightforward and to the point. The soles of these shower sandals feature several rows of drainage holes to protect your feet from all the shower nasties, but the sole itself is still thick enough to keep you elevated off the shower floor. They include thin yet durable toe-thongs so you can slip them on and off with ease. Plus, you can choose from a few different colors and designs.
Buy: Showaflops Shower Flip Flops $23.89
11. Crocs Crocband Flip Flops
LIGHTWEIGHT PICK
When it comes to functional shoes for the shower, Crocs know what they are doing. This is perhaps most evident in the Crocs Crocband Flip Flops. The stylish yet minimalist design includes Crocs’ signature racing strip. These 100% man-made shoes also sport a synthetic sole that features raised bumps and contours above and below to provide a better grip. Additionally, the flip flops are available in over 30 color options.
Buy: Crocs Crocband Flip Flops $18.62
12. Adidas Men’s Adilette Shower Slides
MOST TRENDY
Unlike other Adidas slides, these are made to get wet! The reviews point out that these are a bit of a tighter fit, but that’s a good thing. You don’t want to lose your shoe mid-shower. The straps feature the iconic Adidas branding and come in an assortment of colors. The only downside here is that they don’t have any drainage holes, so you’ll want to keep the showers brief and give these slides a chance to dry between sessions.
Buy: Adidas Men's Adilette Shower Slides $23.32
13. New Balance Men’s 200 V1 Slide Sandals
CASUAL PICK
In addition to being a functional shower slide, these stylish New Balance Men’s 200 V1 Slide Sandals are great for general, day-to-day use, too. They are available in over 15 different color combinations and sport a single, over-foot brace to create an easy-to-slip-on-and-off shoe. The sandals are made from a mix of plastic and soft rubber which forms the plush top bed to help maximize comfort for the wearer while the slightly contoured sole helps provide greater grip on slippery surfaces.
Buy: New Balance Men's 200 V1 Slide Sandals $24.11
14. Showaflops Men’s Marble Slide
COOLEST DESIGN
Even though we’ve already featured Showaflops as a favorite overall option, we had to give a shout-out to these slides as well. These boast all of the anti-fungal and quick-drying capabilities as the other Showaflops option on the list, but this navy marble design is too cool to pass up. The sole of the slide looks like the ocean, and who doesn’t want to pretend they’re standing in the Caribbean sea as they get ready for their day?
Buy: Showaflops Men's Marble Slide $33.89
15. Crocs LiteRide Shower Shoes
MOST COMFORTABLE SHOWER SHOES
Now, these aren’t the clogs that the Crocs brand is so well-known for, but these slides provide equal comfort in a different design. The soles of these bad boys are made from their ultra-soft LiteRide foam technology that gives you the most comfortable fit, even when you’re in the shower. Plus, the breathable band features drainage holes so the roof of your foot doesn’t suction underneath. These will let your feet breathe while keeping them elevated and away from the shower floor bacteria.
16. Crocs Duet Sport Clogs
MOST VERSATILE
The Crocs Duet Sport Clogs are one of the most popular and versatile water shoes available. While not specifically for the shower or a slide, these well-reviewed shoes made it onto the list because of their impressive versatility. Backed by over 170,000 five-star ratings from Amazon users, it’s hard to find fault in these 100% synthetic shoes. The clog’s design includes multiple holes in the upper to promote ventilation and water drainage while the hinged band at the heel can offer greater in-show security or be moved aside for a slip-on style of shoe instead.
Buy: Crocs Duet Sport Clogs $43.34
17. Nike Men’s Beach & Pool Shoes
BEST SPLURGE
If you love Nike footwear, the Nike Men’s Beach & Pool Shoes could be your answer to your shower shoe conundrum. These well-thought-out shoes include draining holes throughout the flexible sole for faster drying as well as full-length, wavy grooves which provide better grip on slippery surfaces. You’ll also find these grooves inside the shoes for better in-shoe security. Style-wise, the slides feature Nike’s trademark swoosh across the upper and also come in 10 different styles.
Buy: Nike Men's Beach & Pool Shoes $64.00
What is Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot, which is also known as tinea pedis, is a fungal infection that most commonly affects the skin on your feet. However, in some cases, it can spread to your toenails and hands. It usually presents itself in the form of itchiness between toes or on the sole of your feet and is more often than not accompanied by stinging and burning. Other possible symptoms include itchy blisters, cracked skin and discoloration and loosening of your toenails.
You may have already guessed, but the name comes from the fact that this fungal infection is more prevalent in athletes. A likely reason to explain this prevalence is that athlete’s foot spreads through direct contact and loves warm, moist environments to do so. Cut to a locker room, a communal shower or the area around a swimming pool and it becomes clear that these areas are potential hotbeds for fungal transference.
What are the Dangers of Athlete’s Food
For the most part, athlete’s foot is nothing to worry about as it can be treated with a number of over-the-counter (OTC) topical antifungal medications.
However, left unabated, it can result in some potentially unpleasant complications. These include:
- Fungus Allergy – Some people may be allergic to the fungus itself. This may lead to blistering around the affected area.
- Infection – As with any open wound, no matter how small, it can become infected. If a secondary bacterial infection is allowed to develop, you may experience additional pain and swelling in the affected area. Beyond this, pus production and fever are likely to appear. Eventually, the infection may spread to your lymph nodes or lymphatic system. It is best advised to avoid this scenario.
How to Prevent Athlete’s Foot
Luckily, there are plenty of ways to minimize your chances of contracting athlete’s foot. To keep this fungal infection at bay, simply:
- Wash your feet daily using soap and water. Ensure every part of your foot is dry, too.
- Try to avoid sharing clothing with other athletes.
- Favor socks made from breathable materials.
- Disinfect your shoes with disinfectant wipes.
- Wash your clothing and gym gear in water temperatures above 140°F (60°C).
- Wear shower slides in places where you may be sharing a surface with other users (showers, locker rooms, swimming pools).
- Apply antifungal powder to your feet.
Following these guidelines will give you the best chance of keeping athlete’s foot, as well as other potential unpleasant foot conditions, from becoming a problem you have to deal with.