Slide shoes, also called slide sandals, are open-toed and backless sandals. These shoes are referred to as ‘slide’ because they are easy to wear, thanks to their slide design. All you need to do is slide in your feet, and you are good to go.
Usually, slides have straps that run across the center of the shoes. Depending on your preference, you can buy one whose straps are thin, thick, knotted, braided, or woven. The straps may cover a small part of the foot or a more significant part.
This article discusses slide shoes in detail. We will look at their history, benefits, and core differences between them and flip-flops. Let’s dive in.
The history of slide shoes
Slide shoes have been around for several centuries. They have survived several shoe trends. It is difficult to tell precisely when humans started wearing slide-like shoes, but there are reports that archaeologists discovered slide shoes dating back to 8,000 years ago.
Slide shoes made a debut in modern-day fashion after the Second World War. Italian shoemakers started crafting them immediately after the war, but they only gained popularity in the United States in the early 1970s.
Initially, shoemakers designed slide shoes for the bathroom, but eventually people started wearing them outside the house.
Slide shoes today
Today, people wear slide shoes everywhere, including the streets, beaches, and runways. They are pretty common during summer and spring, and you can pair them with several outfits. A pair of slides is a must-own for most Americans because they are comfortable shoes.
Why are slide shoes trendy?
There are four main reasons why slide shoes are trendy; versatility, comfort, durability, and adaptability.
Versatility
Slide shoes are pretty versatile. You can wear them with just about any outfit. The only outfits they don’t go well with are suits and gowns, but you are free to try if you are confident you can pull it off.
You can effortlessly pair slide shoes with dresses, pants, shorts, tights, and sweatpants.
Comfort
Slide shoes are among the most comfortable shoes you can own. Manufacturers use light and soft materials to make them so they do not strain your feet. Most of them also have an arched shape which protects you from heel pain.
Durability
Most people opt for slide shoes because they are very durable. Manufacturers use high-quality materials to make these comfortable shoes, so the chances are that you will wear them for a long time before they wear out.
Most of them are also waterproof and can withstand force.
Adaptability
You can wear slide shoes to almost any occasion, be it the beach, coffee date, or party. Their unisex design makes them wearable for different occasions. It is unlikely you would feel out of place wearing these trendy shoes.
Materials used to make slide shoes
Manufacturers make slides using various materials, including suedes and premium-grade leathers. Some attempt to make them more appealing by using regal pearls, faux fur lining, feathers, and floral patterns.
The famous Adidas slides are made of ethylene-vinyl acetate and polyurethane.
Advantages of slides
Comfort
Since slides have extra width, they can accommodate any foot size. This extra width makes them very comfortable, especially for people with wider feet.
Great appearance
Most people consider slide shoes fashionable because of their outstanding appearance. There are so many colors and designs to choose from, and you can easily pair them with your outfits. Unlike flip flops, they are acceptable in non-beach environments.
Adjustability
Most slide shoes come with adjustable straps. Therefore, you can easily adjust the straps to fit your foot size.
The downside of slide shoes
Bulkiness
In terms of size, slides are rather bulky. If you are traveling, they will take a considerable amount of space in your suitcase.
Can fall off as you are walking
Unlike flip flops, the straps of slide shoes don’t securely hold the shoes in place. Slides may fall off when you are walking or doing any other activity.
Slides vs. flip flops
Most people confuse slides with flip flops, but the two are different. Flip flops are typical sandals. They consist of a foot-shaped inner sole and y-shaped straps that rest between the big toe and second toe.
Slides and flip flops are similar in the sense that both of them have been around for several centuries, became popular after the Second World War, and people all over the world still wear them. However, there are three main differences between flip flops and slides: the insole, the strap, and general appearance.
Insole
The insole shape of a flip flop resembles that of a foot, while that of a slide shoe doesn’t. Usually, the insole is just wide.
Additionally, slide shoes have a wedge that raises the back of the heel to offer more support, while flip flops don’t have a wedge. If a flip flop happens to have a wedge, it is not as high as that of a slide shoe.
The strap
Although both slide shoes and flip flops have straps that keep the foot in place while walking, the strap placement differs.
On slides, the straps run across the shoes, forming something that resembles a belt. Most manufacturers use firm materials to make the strap.
On the other hand, flip-flops straps are y-shaped and go between the big toe and second toe. Most flip flops are made of fabric, leather, or rubber.
General appearance
Slides and flip-flops differ in general appearance. Flip flops are minimalist, usually thinner and more discrete, while slides are wider and stand out more. Additionally, slides come with logos of different brands, whereas flip flops don’t. It is unlikely that you’ll spot a brand logo wear flip flops.
Shop with us
Buy your slide shoes and flip flops from COMUNITYmade today to keep up with the slide shoe trend in 2022. We make all our footwear ethically and sustainably using high-quality materials. Additionally, they are comfortable and breathable.
Contact us if you have any questions about our slides or flip-flops.
