11 Best Shower Shoes to Wear in Shared College Bathrooms and the Gym

While not exactly glamorous, the best shower shoes and sandals can protect you from bacteria or fungus that may be present in a public shower at the gym or in your college apartment (we've also got a few dorm room essentials to check out). “Shower shoes can help prevent the possibility of exposing your feet to unwanted diseases,” says Asim Sayed, DPM, AACFAS, a podiatrist based in Miami, FL. To avoid athlete’s foot, ringworm, staph, and MRSA infections, Sayed recommends looking for a slipper with holes made of a breathable and non-absorbent material like rubber and resin. “The added ventilation will help prevent sweat accumulation and odor,” he says. Also, when searching for a top-rated shoe, make sure that they’re slip-resistant (for obvious reasons) and ideally waterproof.
From easy-to-carry flip-flops (they're great to keep in your shower caddy) to popular non-slip shower slides from brands like Birkenstocks, Adidas, and Crocs, these shower shoes will keep your feet protected. And, for what it’s worth, we happen to think all these picks are cute, too!
The best shower shoes
- Best overall shower shoes: Shower Shoez Non-Slip Flip-Flops, $16
- Best shower shoes with adjustable straps: Birkenstock Arizona Sandals, $55
- Best slip-resistant shower shoes: Adidas Unisex-Adult Adilette Slide Sandal, $32
- Best quick-drying shower shoes: Xomiboe Shower Shoes, $16
- Best shower shoes with arch support: Hoka Ora Recovery Slide 3, $60
Best overall shower shoes: Shower Shoez Non-Slip Flip-Flops
Shower Shoez Non-Slip Flip-Flops
Whether you’re heading off to college or embarking on a hostel trip across Europe, you’re going to need shower shoes. But if you’ve waited until the last minute and don't want to spend a fortune, these Amazon flip-flops are precisely what you need to avoid walking on germ-infested surfaces. They feature drain holes, slip-resistant soles, a thick rubber sponge, and a wide rubber strap to help your feet feel more comfortable and secure.
- Pros: Slip-resistant soles, Drains easily
- Con: A bit wide for narrow feet
- Size range: 5-12
- Material: Polyurethane
- Type of shoe: Flip-flops
- Design details: Open-toe
Best shower shoes with adjustable straps: Birkenstock Arizona Sandals
Birkenstock
Eva Arizona Sandals
Birkenstocks may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about the best shower shoes. However, this pair isn’t only comfy to wear, but it's also waterproof. Crafted with a flexible EVA footbed, sturdy arch support, and a deep heel cup, these shower sandals will help protect your feet from germs and provide comfort, support, and a touch of style.
- Pros: Has both wide and narrow width options, Comes in a ton of cute colorways
- Con: Not as durable as the original Birkenstocks
- Size range: 4-12
- Material: EVA, Cork
- Type of shoe: Slides
- Design details: Open-toe, Adjustable straps
Best ergonomic shower shoes: Joomra Non-Slip Slippers
Joomra Non-Slip Slippers
These shower shoes received the “Amazon's Choice” badge, so we already know they're definitely worth trying. They're crafted from a waterproof and quick-drying EVA material and have an ergonomic design featuring a deep heel cup and roomy toe box. “I use these sandals at the beach when I take a shower. The holes on the bottom drain the water out real easily, and they don’t track water behind when you walk. They dry out really fast. They’re so comfy. It’s like you’re walking on clouds,” wrote Amazon reviewer, Wubbies. On the bottom of the shoe, you'll find a wavy pattern that works as an anti-slip grip.
- Pros: Anti-slip, comfortable thick base with a roomy toe box
- Con: May shrink in intense heat
- Sizes range: 4-16
- Material: Foam, EVA
- Type of shoe: Slip-on
- Design details: Open-toe
Best slip-on shower shoes: Crocs Unisex Classic Sandals 2.0
Crocs
Unisex Classic Sandals 2.0
Crocs has become well known for their easy-to-wear sandals, and their double band slide happens to be an editor-favorite. “I wear my Crocs so much, I had to purchase multiple pairs to keep everywhere. I have a designated pair for the shower, for the car, and for just walking around the house,” says Teen Vogue commerce editor, Shauna Beni-Haynes. The brand's unique Croslite foam provides comfort for long wear and offers 360-degree support to keep your feet feeling sturdy and slip-free while in the shower.
- Pros: Colorful options, Great arch support
- Con: May shrink if left out in the sun
- Size range: 4-17
- Material: EVA
- Type of shoe: Slide
- Design details: Open-toe
Best slip-resistant shower shoes: Adidas Unisex-Adult Adilette Slide Sandal
Adidas Adilette Comfort Slides
The Adidas Adilette slide sandals can be worn with or without a pair of socks at home, the beach, or the gym. With a contoured footbed and lightweight cushioning, this pair is extremely comfortable and offers a place for your feet to rest in the shower without touching the germ-filled tiles. These slides are also very lightweight and feel extra soft thanks to the Cloudfoam Plus footbed feature.
- Pros: Cushioned, Quick-drying
- Con: A bit narrow for wide feet
- Size range: 4-8
- Material: Textile synthetics, Rubber
- Type of shoe: Slides
- Design details: Open-toe
Best flip-flop style shower shoes: Vertico Rubber Shower Flip-Flops
Vertico Rubber Shower Flip-Flops
There’s no such thing as too many flip-flops, and these are great for traveling and navigating slick locker room floors and showers. They come with slip-resistant soles and a closed-cell EVA construction which limits the amount of water absorbed, making them quick-drying and sustainable for long-term use without unwanted odors.
- Pros: Lightweight, Non-slip
- Con: No arch support
- Size range: 8-13
- Material: Rubber, EVA
- Type of shoe: Flip-flops
- Design details: Open-toe
Best quick-drying shower shoes: Xomiboe Shower Shoes
Xomiboe Comfortable House Slippers
If you’re not looking to spend a fortune on shower flip-flops, then you’ll want to opt for this pair of non-slip ones with a price tag of under $20. These non-slip flip-flops are crafted from a premium high-elastic EVA and are ideal for dorm and gym locker room showers to create a barrier between your feet and the tile. Additionally, they have holes throughout for quick drainage and drying, so after using them, you can toss them into your caddy or gym bag for safekeeping.
- Pros: Lightweight, Non-slip
- Con: No arch support
- Size range: 8-13
- Material: Rubber, EVA
- Type of shoe: Flip-flops
- Design details: Open-toe
Best shower shoes with arch support: Hoka Ora Recovery Slide 3
Hoka Ora Recovery Slide 3
If you’re someone who’s obsessed Hoka sneakers, we've got some great news to share. The brand also offers super comfy recovery slides made of EVA that are ideal for water use. They are easy to slip on, provide cushioned comfort, are durable enough for long walks, and feature ventilated airflow holes on the upper band of the shoe, which is useful when it comes to preventing smelly odors. These slides have also received the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance for the beneficial foot health features.
- Pros: Cushioned, Cute color options
- Con: Pricey
- Size range: 6-11
- Material: EVA
- Type of shoe: Slides
- Design details: Open-toe
Best closed-toe shower shoes: Merrell Hydro Moc
Merrell Hydro Moc
Available in six colors, these water shoes provide lightweight comfort and support while the rubber keeps feet sturdy on the floor. They can be worn in the shower or at the beach, making them versatile for different occasions, both outdoors or indoors. Plus, they are eco-friendly thanks to their FloatPro foam with Bloom algae material.
- Pros: Colorful options, Easy to clean
- Con: Back may dig into heel
- Size range: 5-11
- Material: EVA foam, BLOOM® performance foam, FloatEco Foam™
- Type of shoe: Sandal
- Design details: Close-toe
Best slide sandals: Lululemon Restfeel Slide
Lululemon Restfeel Slides
These slides were designed to soothe the feet after an intense workout and that includes everything from the shower to your ride home. With dual-density cushioning and heel-to-toe rubber traction, these shower shoes will keep your feet comfortable and well-supported and feature a minimalist upper with foam lining for extra stability.
- Pros: Cushioned, 30-day trial
- Con: Pricey
- Size range: 5-12
- Material: Foam, Rubber
- Type of shoe: Slides
- Design details: Open-toe
Best budget shower slide: Neida EVA Two Band Footbed Slide Sandals - Shade & Shore
Shade & Shore
Neida EVA Two Band Footbed Slide Sandals
Available in a slew of bright and bold colors (we love the blush pink shade), these EVA dupes are a must-have and they’re only $10! They're constructed from 100% plastic and have an overall squishy feel. “These pink sandals have become my go-to shoe for running errands, grabbing coffee, or strolling through the park,” says Teen Vogue commerce editor Shauna Beni-Haynes. They feel very lightweight and comfy on the feet; the only gripe is that I wouldn't recommend wearing them on days you plan on walking for an extended period of time. I did find that my heels started to hurt after walking in them for a long time due to the lack of cushioning."
- Pros: Arch support, cost under $20
- Con: Some people don’t like the holes in the bottom of the shoe
- Sizes range: 4.5-14
- Material: EVA
- Type of shoe: Slid-ons
- Design details: Open-toe












