Nike Calm vs. Yeezy Slides: Which one is better?

Compare Nike Calm and Yeezy Slides - affordability vs. high-fashion exclusivity. Discover which slide suits your style and budget for ultimate comfort.
Spencer Lanoue
Written by: 
Spencer Lanoue
Last updated: 

The Nike Calm Slide and the Yeezy Slide are two of the most popular foam slides, but they serve very different purposes. The Nike Calm is an affordable, widely available slide with a classic, sporty design, while the Yeezy Slide is a premium, high-fashion statement piece known for its chunky silhouette, exclusivity, and much higher price point, especially on the resale market.

Here's everything you need to know to decide which minimalist slide is the right choice for your style and wallet.

Nike Calm Slides

The Calm Slide is Nike's entry into the minimalist foam slide trend. It's designed for simple, everyday comfort, making it a functional and practical choice for post-workout wear, lounging, or running quick errands. Its understated design and accessible price make it an easy addition to almost any casual wardrobe.

  • What it is: A single-piece EVA foam slide with a contoured footbed designed for casual, all-day comfort.
  • Key features: Made from a soft, responsive foam that cushions your foot, with a subtle textured pattern on the footbed for grip. The single strap features a small, debossed Nike Swoosh.
  • Price: Regularly retails for $50.
  • Materials/Construction: Constructed from a single piece of durable EVA foam, making it lightweight, waterproof, and easy to clean.
  • Sizing/Fit: Fits true to size for most people. The strap provides a secure but comfortable feel without being too tight.
  • Pros: Highly affordable compared to designer slides. Readily available directly from Nike and other retailers. Classic, versatile look that's easy to style. Durable and easy to maintain.
  • Cons: Lacks a unique design or "hype" factor. The aesthetic may be too simple for those seeking a fashion statement. Feels more functional than luxurious.

This is the ideal slide for anyone prioritizing practicality, affordability, and reliable comfort in a classic sporty package.

Shop this product: nike.com/w/calm-36pfh

Yeezy Slides

Designed by Kanye West, the Yeezy Slide goes beyond simple comfort to become a distinct piece of streetwear fashion. Famous for its chunky, exaggerated silhouette and monochromatic, earth-toned colorways, this slide is a cultural icon. Its exclusivity and ties to high fashion give it a status that few other casual footwear options can match.

  • What it is: A minimalist statement designer slide made from injected EVA foam, celebrated for its sculptural design and place in modern street style.
  • Key features: Exaggerated, rounded silhouette with a distinct high-profile look. Deep, serrated outsole for a unique visual and functional grip. Available in coveted monochromatic colors like "Bone," "Resin," and "Onyx."
  • Price: Retails for around $70, but resale prices are often $150 or more due to extreme demand and limited availability.
  • Materials/Construction: Made from a single piece of injected EVA foam for a seamless, lightweight, and cushioned feel.
  • Sizing/Fit: Known to run slightly small and snug. Most people recommend sizing up one full size for a more comfortable and relaxed fit.
  • Pros: Instantly recognizable, fashion-forward design. Considered a status symbol in streetwear culture. Extremely lightweight and comfortable. High resale value.
  • Cons: Very difficult to purchase at retail price. Resale market prices can be triple the original cost. Sizing can be inconsistent, making online purchasing tricky.

The Yeezy Slide is for the dedicated follower of fashion who values design, brand cachet, and exclusivity above all else.

Shop this product: yeezy.com

Nike Calm vs. Yeezy Slides Comparison

Style &, Aesthetic

The most immediate difference is in their appearance. The Nike Calm Slide has a traditional, athletic-inspired silhouette that is clean and understated. It’s designed to be versatile and blend in, featuring a simple strap with a tiny Swoosh. It comes in a range of accessible colors from neutral to bright.

In contrast, the Yeezy Slide is purposefully designed to stand out. Its chunky, pillowy shape is minimalist yet bold, turning a simple piece of footwear into a structural fashion object. The focus is on the unique silhouette and the coveted monochromatic color palettes that define the brand's aesthetic.

Comfort &, Materials

Both slides are constructed from single pieces of EVA foam, making them lightweight and well-cushioned. Nike's foam is soft and responsive, providing reliable, straightforward comfort for walking and lounging. The footbed has a light texturing that helps prevent your foot from slipping.

The Yeezy Slide is also lauded for its comfort, offering a soft yet firm cushioning that molds slightly to the foot over time. Its wider frame and rounded shape create a unique, cloud-like feeling when worn. While both are comfortable, the design and feel of the Yeezy Slide are often described as more plush and encompassing.

Price &, Availability

This is where the two slides could not be more different. The Nike Calm Slide retails for $50 and is widely available through Nike's website and retail partners. You can almost always find them in stock in a variety of sizes and colors, sometimes even on sale.

The Yeezy Slide is the exact opposite. It retails for about $70 but is released in limited drops that sell almost instantly. Most people who want a pair have to turn to resale marketplaces like StockX or GOAT, where prices are driven by demand and can easily reach $150-$250+. The experience of buying a Yeezy Slide involves anticipation and competition, while buying the Calm Slide is a simple transaction.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both deliver on comfort, but they cater to completely different budgets, styles, and priorities.

Choose the Nike Calm Slide if:

  • Your priority is comfort and function at an affordable price point.
  • You want a reliable, no-fuss slide for everyday wear, like going to the gym or the pool.
  • You prefer a classic, sporty style that isn't overly trendy.
  • You want to purchase a product easily without dealing with drops or high resale prices.

Choose the Yeezy Slide if:

  • You want to make a fashion statement and view your footwear as a key part of your outfit.
  • You are a streetwear enthusiast who values exclusivity, hype, and designer branding.
  • Your budget is flexible and you're willing to pay a premium for a highly sought-after item.
  • You love the unique, sculptural silhouette and minimalist, monochromatic look.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between Nike Calm and Yeezy Slides?

The main differences are style, price, and availability. The Nike Calm is a sporty, affordable, and widely available slide. The Yeezy is a bulky, high-fashion, and exclusive slide that's expensive and hard to buy at retail.

Are Yeezy Slides more comfortable than Nike Calm Slides?

Comfort is subjective, but both are considered very comfortable due to their EVA foam construction. The Yeezy is often described as feeling more plush and "cloud-like," while the Nike provides a soft and supportive, more traditional feel. Many find the comfort to be comparable.

Do Nike Calm Slides run true to size?

Yes, the Nike Calm Slides generally fit true to size. You should be safe ordering your standard shoe size.

Should I size up for a Yeezy Slide?

Yes, it's highly recommended to go up one full size when buying a Yeezy Slide. They tend to run small and snug across the strap, and sizing up provides a much roomier and comfortable fit.

Why are Yeezy Slides so expensive?

Their $70 retail price reflects their designer status. However, the high resale prices ($150+) are a result of extremely limited supply meeting massive demand from the streetwear and celebrity culture surrounding the brand.

Which slide is better for everyday wear?

For sheer practicality, the Nike Calm Slide is better for everyday use. Its lower price, durability, and simple design make it a great option for those who don't mind it getting dirty or scuffed.

Are the Nike Calm Slide a "dupe" for the Yeezy Slide?

While both are minimalist foam sliders, the Calm is not a direct "dupe." It's more of Nike's interpretation of the popular trend. The silhouettes are quite different - the Nike has a classic shape, while the Yeezy stands by its unique sculptural, bulky design.