Nike Calm sliders

Calm slides

In the early 2020s, the demand for comfortable clothing led many brands to release sliders, flip flops and sandals. Nike was a big part of this trend for laid-back footwear, launching its own collection of comfort-focused silhouettes known as the Calm series.

The Nike Calm collection began with the Slide in the summer of 2023. Its one-piece outer is made of plush, supportive foam, with a broad arch securing the midfoot without feeling too tight or restrictive. It slips on and off easily, even when the feet are hot and sweaty, while the open heel and toe keep things breathable. The footbed is lined with spongy ridges that gently grip the foot, making it just as wearable with socks as without. On top of this, the smooth, almost glossy foam is naturally easy to clean and dries quickly after a day on the beach.

Since the release of the Calm Slide, Nike has added several other models to the series. The Mule came in August 2023, while the Sandal and a flip-flop versions were both launched in time for summer 2024. All include a moulded foam construction, with the Slide Mule having a closed toe that incorporates a large ventilation hole on the medial side and an adjustable Velcro-fastened strap around the heel. Made of flexible canvas with an oval-shaped foam pad for comfort, this can even be removed for an extra feeling of freedom. Meanwhile, the strappy upper of the Calm Sandal uses more plush materials and has its own adjustable Velcro strap, which allows the wearer to achieve a personalised fit.

Each shoe in the Nike Calm series has the same grippy rubber outsole with wide linear grooves angling in three different directions across its surface and thick lugs around its entire edge. This provides excellent traction on a range of surfaces, including wet, slippery ones, which makes each silhouette ideal for relaxing by the pool.

The Nike Calm collection is also known for its chic, minimalist style. All but the Sandal are adorned with engraved Swoosh logos on the lateral upper, footbed and outsole, while the Mule features capitalised Nike text on its heel pad. The Sandal exhibits an even more luxurious look, with 3D logos attached to each side of the upper and bold Nike lettering on the rear strap. Most of the colourways are decorated in calming, monochrome tones, making them fashionably versatile, with some featuring striking marbled patterns or captivating colour gradients and just a few covered in sumptuous fur.

Since launching in 2023, the Calm series has been incredibly popular, and in 2025, the Slide received its first collaboration. Nike teamed up with WNBA star A’ja Wilson to create a vibrant Hyper Pink colourway that helped boost the profile of a new set of designs released in 2025.

With their comfort-driven designs and easy-going looks, each Nike Calm model offers a fashionable way to chill out on summer days, effortlessly transition from the gym to post-workout relaxation or recover peacefully at home.