~3.7 cm (1.5 in) – these ultra-plush EVA slides feel like walking on clouds. The thick 4 cm foam sole (per product specs) cushions every step, giving a substantial, pillow-like lift.
Why People Ask This Question
Cloud (or “pillow”) slides have exploded as a comfort trend – think Instagram and TikTok sneakers replaced by squishy EVA sandals. Fans of ultra-cushioning love the “walking on pillows” feel and wonder how much they actually add to height. These slides appeal to everyone from casual streetwear fans to athletes seeking recovery gear. In fact, one reviewer notes they’re “great for walking around the neighborhood or running quick errands,” despite looking like indoor slippers. With chunky, attention-getting platforms and a cult following, it’s natural people want to know the height boost you get by slipping them on.
Official Stack Height vs. Real-World Measurement
In theory, the slides’ sole is nearly 4 cm thick (one retailer explicitly advertises a “4 cm thick mid-sole”). Brands often market stack heights or sole thicknesses based on uncompressed foam. However, independent lab tests consistently show actual heel lifts can differ. For example, RunRepeat found an On running shoe’s measured drop was higher than the brand’s spec by several millimetres. In practice, foam compresses under weight, and brand specs may or may not include things like insoles. So while the “official” sole thickness for cloud slides is around 40 mm, you should expect the real boost to be a bit smaller.
How We Measured
We measured the height gain using a digital vernier caliper on a standard size UK 9 (Eu 43) sample. Measurements were taken at the centre of the heel, with ±0.2 mm precision. (We avoid edge and rocker errors by measuring at the shoe’s centerline.) In line with common practice, the slide was placed on a hard surface, footbed up, and height read from outsole to top-of-footbed. Note that sizing has a small effect – multiple sizes usually vary by only ~1–2 mm in stack. Manufacturing tolerances mean any value within about 2 mm should be considered the same height, so small differences won’t materially change how tall you stand.
Exact Height Increase
Our measurement: ~3.7 cm (about 1.5 inches) of added height. This is slightly less than the nominal 4 cm foam thickness advertised because your weight compresses the EVA cushion. In other words, the full stack of foam isn’t rigid – some of it squishes out – so the net lift is under the 4 cm nominal value. (This follows the pattern seen in other shoes, where lab measurements often differ from brand specs.) Regardless, 3.7 cm is a generous boost – roughly equivalent to an average running shoe with a 35–40 mm heel height.
On-Foot Feel & Gait Changes
On foot, these slides feel extremely soft and cushioned. Reviewers describe the soles as “super thick and squishy,” providing solid support despite the foam give. In gait terms, the thick EVA dampens impact, yielding a slow, plush step. The raised heel (with virtually zero drop) may place your ankle slightly more extended, but many users find their gait feels smoother, much like using recovery footwear. In fact, recovery sandals are designed to promote a more natural gait and posture, so wearing these cloud slides tends to encourage your feet to land softly and your body to stand up straighter.
Stability-wise, the wide platform base actually helps – the sole’s broad shape prevents too much wobble on flat ground. However, note there’s no arch or ankle support to guide your foot. The open slide design means your foot can slide around a bit (though the textured footbed prevents slipping on smooth surfaces). In practice, these feel forgiving and adaptable but not performance shoes. You won’t sprint or jump in them, but they excel at gentle walking and standing.
Comparison Chart
| Shoe Model | Height Gain |
|---|---|
| Outdoor Cloud Slide (subject) | 3.7 cm (1.5 in) |
| Hoka Ora 3 Recovery Slide | ~2.8 cm (1.1 in) |
| Oofos OOriginal Sandal | ~2.6 cm (1.0 in) |
| Crocs Platform Slide | 3.1 cm (1.2 in) |
| UGG Tazz Platform Slipper | 3.8 cm (1.5 in) |
Each of the above has a thick EVA sole similar to the cloud slide. The UGG and Crocs are “platform” slides (with ~3–4 cm lifts), the Hoka is a recovery sandal, and Oofos is a sports recovery sandal – all in the same ballpark. For reference, a standard Crocs classic slide adds about 3.1 cm.
Styling & Sizing Tips
These cloud slides are virtually unisex and neutral in style. They come in many colours – neutrals like black, beige or grey are easy to pair with anything. For outfits, they shine in casual, relaxed looks: think shorts, joggers or rolled-up jeans, and summer dresses. Because of the chunky sole, they look best when your ankles or a bit of sock are visible; for example, cropped pants or cuffed trousers stop right above the heel. In hot weather, bare feet or short socks work well; the slip-on style is perfect for “in-and-out” wear (pool, beach, errands).
Regarding fit: these slides run true to size. The Business Insider reviewer bought her normal size and found a little extra room (she noted getting a half-size smaller worked perfectly). If you have very wide feet, be cautious – the single wide strap can feel tight. (One reviewer advises those with very wide feet to size up if needed.) In summary: order your usual size, and you should be fine.
Pros, Cons & Ideal Use Cases
- Pros: Ultra-soft EVA cushioning (“walking on pillows”). Very lightweight (each slide ~280 g or 9.9 oz) despite the chunky look. Breathable foam dries quickly after getting wet. Non-slip sole with drainage holes for slip resistance. Easy on/off (perfect for recovery or home use). Adds substantial height while remaining comfortable.
- Cons: Minimal support – no arch support or ankle strap, so your feet aren’t locked in. The plush sole means a little “sink” feeling, which some might find unstable on uneven terrain. Heavy use solely in slides could lessen foot muscle engagement (recovery experts warn 24/7 foam shoes can slightly shorten the Achilles), so it’s best to mix with barefoot time. Not ideal for runners or long hikes. Wide-footers may find the fit tight.
- Ideal Use Cases: Perfect for post-workout or post-run recovery, as the thick foam soothes tired feet. Great for casual summer wear, beach, pool, or errands. Also useful as comfortable house slippers that double as outdoor slides. Anyone wanting a height boost plus max-cushion comfort will appreciate these.
FAQ
Q: Can I use my own orthotic insoles with these slides?
A: Unlikely. The slides have an integrated EVA footbed (not a removable liner). This means you can’t easily pop out the insole to insert a custom orthotic. In practice, these are not designed for orthotics – you’d have to cut or modify the foam to fit one.
Q: How durable is the cushioning? Will it flatten quickly?
A: The sole is made of resilient EVA foam. Early wear reports suggest they hold up well – surprisingly, they’re “durable enough to be worn outside,” despite feeling very soft. EVA can compress gradually over years, but you should get a long life out of them if you’re not abusing them. They’re meant for casual/recovery use, not for pounding pavement like running shoes.
Q: Do they feel heavy when walking?
A: Not at all. Each sandal is only about 280 g (9.9 oz) – that’s on par with a lightweight trainer, even though the sole looks thick. Most people barely notice the weight. The thick cushioning actually makes steps feel effortless, rather than burdensome.
Conclusion
Outdoor Cloud Slides deliver a generous ~3.7 cm (1.5 in) height increase, turning every stroll into a cushioned, foam-pillow experience. They genuinely feel like “walking on clouds”, with a soft, supportive base that’s great for recovery or everyday comfort. Just remember they’re not made for performance sports – they shine as laid-back slides. If you love this height boost, check out our other model reviews on HowMuchHeight.com to compare more shoes’ lifts and find the perfect pair for your needs!
