If you’ve ever lived in a gym, crash pad or public pool, you have probably been told not to go into the shower barefoot. And that’s when the trusty shower slides step in. But when it comes to your beloved pair of Nike slides — is it actually okay for them to do double duty as shower shoes?
Let’s break it down. If you already have a pair and are thinking they will make for the perfect shower shoe, or are wondering if you should get your hands on a pair, read on to learn everything you need to know about wearing Nike slides in the shower.
Are Nike Slides Made for the Shower?
Nike slides are predominately used for comfort and are used as sandals especially for after-sport recovery or for wearing on an everyday basis. They’re light on your feet, easy to slip into, and come with cushioned footbeds that your feet will enjoy after a day’s work.
When it comes to whether it’s OK to use them in the shower, though, there’s a little bit of a gray area. Nike slides can also be worn in the shower, though not all are made for the wet.
Some models, including the Nike Victori One or Kawa Shower Slides, are constructed with waterproof materials and drainage holes that make them ideal for use in the shower. Others, including memory foam or leather-lined models, are not waterproof and can deteriorate or get slippery when wet.
How to Wear a Slide That’s Shower-Appropriate
Here are some of the key features to consider if you’ll be wearing Nike slides in the shower — whether in public or shared facilities:
• Waterproof material: Choose EVA foam or synthetic rubber for best results. These are quick-drying and do not absorb water.
• Non-slip sole: Wet bathroom tiles are no joke. Get a pair of slides with some grip and tread, so you don’t slip and slide.
• Drainage design: Some slides have perforated soles or architecture that make it fast and easy for water to drain. This helps the foot stay dry and free of bacteria.
• No fabric or leather parts: Look for slides with soft linings or fabric footbeds to be water absorbers that dry at a snail’s pace.
Nike’s Kawa Shower Slide, and some iterations of the Benassi JDI, are usually okay to get wet. They have quick-drying materials and grippy footbeds that can help prevent slips.
Benefits of Using Nike Slides in the Shower
If you have appropriate Nike slides, wearing them in the shower can be a Good Thing.
• Defense against germs and fungi: Public showers are home to bacteria, athlete’s foot, and other unpleasant surprises. Slides have a protective layer between your feet and the ground.
• Comfort: So are the Nike slides, they’re comfort. If you’re the sort of person who requires even a bit of cushioning in the shower, they can be an improvement on flatter, thinner flip-flops.
• Versatile: A quality pair of waterproof Nike slides can be used at home, by the pool, in the locker room, and in the shower in one product.
Cons and Cautions
That being said, not every Nike slide will be as moisture-smoothing. Taking non-waterproof models in the shower can result in:
• Slipping: Without traction on outsole, wet surfaces become a danger.
• Odor and bacteria: Large pores in some materials can trap moisture, leading to smells or bacterial growth.
• The slides material: Foam padding or stitching can deteriorate over time when in contact with water and soap.
Bottom Line
Can you wear Nike slides in the shower, then? Yes — but only if they are waterproof, non-slip and intended for wet terrain. Not all Nike slides have shower potential, so be sure to consult the model.
If you’re shopping for shower slides in particular, in addition to those considered here, you may want to consider Nike’s Kawa and others that are marked for “shower” or “pool” purposes. Or try a pared-down rubber slide in a bright color from another brand meant to be worn only in the wet.