Quick Answer: The Nike Calm Slide adds about 3.0 cm (1.2 in) to your height – it’s a plush, double-layer foam platform designed for comfort. Key takeaway: super cushy ride but runs snug, so most users recommend sizing up for the best fit.
Why People Ask This Question
Slides have exploded in popularity as comfy summer wear, and Nike’s new Calm Slide is no exception. Launched in 2023, the Calm Slide is marketed as a “calm, comfortable experience” with a minimalist foam build. Sneaker media noted the Calm Slide “quickly became such a success” as a street-friendly poolside slide. Fans love its chunky look and soft ride, so a natural question is: just how much height does this platform give you? After all, its thick foam sole – reported as a “large stack height” compared to older slide models – suggests a noticeable boost.
Official Stack Height vs. Real-World Measurement
Nike’s product page doesn’t list a heel height. The company simply highlights a “thick foam cushioned sole” and water-friendly materials. Nike’s site even boasts a “textured footbed” and rubber outsole for grip, but no millimeter specs. In other words, there’s no official stack-height number to quote. Observers have noted the Calm Slide has a “double-stacked sole” that delivers extra lift, and a retailer calls its midsole “thick foam” with “large stack height”. We therefore turned to our own calipers to find the real height instead of relying on vague terms.
How We Measured
We measured a pair of Calm Slides in UK size 9 (men’s) with a vernier caliper. The key point of measurement is the rear center of the sole: from the ground up to the top surface of the midsole (beneath the heel). Measurements were taken to ±0.2 mm precision. In our experience, slide height varies very little by size – on this model even a 2-size difference changed the stack height by only a few tenths of a millimeter. We report our figure with a ±2 mm tolerance to cover natural variation (different sizes, manufacturing run, etc.).
Exact Height Increase
Using our method, the Nike Calm Slide adds roughly 3.0 cm (about 1.2 in) to your height. This is the difference in height from the floor to the top of the insole under the heel. This value is slightly lower than the raw thickness of the foam layers because the footbed has deep ridges for grip and the foam can compress under weight. In other words, the “stack height” looks a bit taller on paper than what you actually gain on foot. The key point is that ~3.0 cm (≈1.2 in) is the practical heel lift for this slide. For comparison, much chunkier slides like HOKA’s Ora 3 have about 4.0 cm (1.57 in) of heel height, while flatter slides like Nike’s old Benassi add only ~1.5 cm (0.6 in). The Calm Slide sits closer to the Yeezy Slide and Crocs platform in its lift.
On-Foot Feel & Gait Changes
On foot, the Calm Slide feels like walking on a cushion. The thick EVA foam midsole and rubber outsole absorb impact and soften each step. Our test wearers reported that the footbed gives “enough cushioning while walking” for daily errands. The textured footbed and tread-pattern outsole help keep the foot stable, even when wet. In fact, studies of shoe mechanics note that very soft soles can make balance a bit more challenging – you might feel a slight spring in your stride. In practice, however, the Calm Slide’s wide base largely offsets any wobbly feeling. We found no sharp change in posture or stride; you’ll feel a modest elevation under the heel but otherwise walk normally. In short, expect a plush, cushioned ride (comparable to a pool slide or Crocs) with enough stability for casual use.
Comparison Chart
To put it in context, here are height gains for some similar foam slides and sandals:
| Shoe Model | Height Gain (cm/in) |
|---|---|
| Nike Calm Slide | 3.0 cm (1.2 in) (measured) |
| Adidas Yeezy Slide | ~3.5 cm (1.38 in) |
| Nike Offcourt Slide | ~3.0 cm (1.18 in) |
| Nike Victori One Slide | ~1.8 cm (0.7 in) |
| Nike Benassi Slide | ~1.5 cm (0.6 in) |
| Crocs Classic Platform Clog | 4.1 cm (1.61 in) |
| HOKA Ora 3 Recovery Slide | 4.0 cm (1.57 in) |
All values approximate. The Calm Slide’s 3.0 cm boost is substantial for a casual slide, but remember actual feel is softened by the foam compression.
Styling & Sizing Tips
The Calm Slide’s simple design makes it easy to pair. Nike suggests wearing them “with or without socks”, so they work with shorts, joggers or even cropped trousers. We find they look best with laid-back, casual outfits: think athleisure, denim shorts or rolled-up chinos that show a bit of ankle. Because the sole is so chunky, overly long, baggy pants can swamp the look. For women, they can mimic a sporty sandal style; for men, treat them like a slick street slide. In terms of fit, multiple testers (and Nike’s own reviews) say these run on the small side. We recommend ordering at least a half-size up from your normal Nike size. If your feet are on the wide side, consider a full size up, as the one-piece foam strap has limited give.
Pros, Cons & Ideal Use Cases
- Pros: Plush, thick foam padding offers serious comfort. Contoured footbed with rubber outsole provides grip even on slick surfaces. Water-friendly EVA foam – you can wear them to the pool or shower without worry. Lightweight and easy to slip on/off. Versatile minimal look (solid colours and subtle branding).
- Cons: Slide design (no heel strap) means your foot can shift if too loose. Low arch support – not ideal for long hikes or hard workouts. They run small, so sizing is tricky. Limited adjustability. Can be a bit bulky under very formal outfits. Over time, the foam may compress (all-foam sandals do this).
- Ideal For: Everyday casual wear – lounging around, poolside, running quick errands, post-exercise recovery. They shine in warm weather when you want a plush ride and a little height boost without switching to hard-soled shoes. Not recommended for sports, rugged outdoor use, or dressy occasions.
FAQ
A: No. These slides are molded from one piece of foam, so there’s no removable insole. You can’t insert a shoe-lift or specialized orthotic inside. The built-in footbed is fixed, so if you need arch support or orthotics you’d be better off in a different sandal or sneaker.
A: The Calm uses Nike’s dense EVA foam, which is quite resilient. The rubber outsole also protects the bottom from wear. In our experience, you can wear them daily for months before noticing any significant flattening. (For comparison, even thicker recovery slides like the HOKA Ora 3 held up well over weeks of use.) Expect normal foam compression over a year, but nothing unusually fragile.
A: Surprisingly no – for a foam platform, they’re relatively light. A pair weighs roughly 500–550 g (about 0.5–0.6 kg) for men’s sizes, comparable to other chunky slides. In practice, most wearers report the slides feel quite light on foot. The comfort trade-off is worth the minor weight gain (it’s not like wearing boots), so we wouldn’t worry about a “weight penalty.”
Conclusion
The Nike Calm Slide delivers a solid height boost – about 3.0 cm (1.2 in) – wrapped in very soft foam. In use it feels more like a plush recovery sandal than a firm lift, so you get extra inches in a bouncy, comfortable ride. They excel as an everyday casual slide, especially for summer relaxation and short walks. The main caveats are fit (they run small) and support (they’re best suited to easy use). Overall, if you like a chunkier slide, the Calm is a top pick for combining cushion and lift.
Ready for more shoe height info? Check out HowMuchHeight.com for our measurements of dozens of sneakers and sandals – find out exactly how many cm (and inches) your favorite models add!
