.,It’s the Summer of Slides and you’re all invited. No longer are slides (also known as sandals) worn exclusively on the beach or in tropical destinations, they’re now in style — as always, you can thank Hollywood for that — and if you want to kick it up a notch, wear them with high socks too. Let’s dive right in:
6. Balenciaga
One of the hottest street style influencing brands is making a scene with their simply designed slides. Balenciaga has been owning the street wear game with their sock-height knit sneaker, “dad” shoes, and their Piscine Flat Sandals are no different. Crafting a simple yet memorable silhouette with comfort and ease of use in mind, the slide features molded footbeds with the entirety made out of lambskin. The luxury texture of the lambskin and the bold branding at the top of the strap make this an unmistakable icon. Featuring multiple colorways in white, black and the famous “Bleu Ocean”, which was inspired by Bernie Sanders’ 2016 campaign. A bargain at $595 USD? That’s up to you.
5. Birkenstock x Rick Owens
In the most unpredictable collaboration of the year, Rick Owens, the king of grunge fashion, teams up with German sandal brand Birkenstock to deliver an edgy twist on a lovable classic. Question: What happens when ninja-goth style is applied to to open-toe strap slides? A surprisingly awesome result. Predominantly black and other dark shades, Owens has diversified the materials in creating the sandal, featuring luxury components including full-grain leather, felt, and pony hair. The footbed is still the famous Birkenstock cushion that we have all come to know and love, though with dark tones and premium materials, these sandals would not look out of place at a runway show.
4. Nike
You can always count on The Swoosh to make something that will make you look not twice, but three times. Their newest creation is combining two of the hottest modern trends: slides and cross-body bags. Yes, you read that correctly. Fanny-pack slides.
A remix of the popular “Benassi” slide, the footbed cushion is set in a refreshing lime green with a rich teal strap. The strap is also where the “fanny pack’ compartment is housed. Complete with a Nike block logo in black and green in the middle. Perfect for music festivals as well as keeping your house keys safe, this slide brings practicality and comfort together in the most unexpected form.
3. Hunter
When the rain comes down, the Hunters come out. The famous Scottish company, known for their wellington boots, is now trying their hand in the world of slides. Going with a simple approach, these Velcro sandals are easy to use and easy on the eye. Unmistakeably theirs, the trademark Hunter logo is split in half between the two midfoot straps in their iconic white background with red border. Keeping things simple with a black molded foam footbed, these have a strong case to be a timeless classic for the beach or the street. And the rain? We’ll leave that up to you.
2. Louis Vuitton
What does the fashion titan Louis Vuitton have to think about sandals? A lot, apparently. Their luxury approach to slides have crafted a Japanese-inspired sandal that is sure to turn heads. The Honolulu Sandal is beautifully designed with comfort as well as aesthetic in mind. The pre-molded footbed is plush and finished with a white sole with serrated bottoms so there is extra mobility with every stride. The LV monogram canvas envelops the top of the mid-foot, overlapped by navy straps with a silver block font. This is the best (and one of the most premium) open-toed slide you’ll experience, and for $950 USD, you may never take them off.
1. Gucci
The Italian fashion juggernaut has been turning everything they touch into gold. So it has decided to join in on the fun with slides, and to great success. With its Midas Touch, Gucci has created a sandal for the ages. With a floral backdrop composed of a rich silk in a textured pattern. The mid-foot strap for these slides may be the most intricate of all. The right strap has “Gucci” embroidered in the Greek colours and language, and “XXV” embroidered on the left strap. Which is Creative Director Alessandro Michele’s lucky number. Absolutely Golden. But I mean if you’re about following the “trend” you could go for the classic Gucci stripes version that has been constantly sold out all summer. If you could find them that is.
What’s your favourite? And please, don’t say the Adidas ones (we didn’t list), just because Kim Kardashian wears them. Either way, let us know in the comments below!