THE JOURNAL
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Step To It: The Best Slides To Wear This Summer
Words by Ms Molly Isabella Smith
20 July 2021
In the olden days – we’re talking at least five years ago – the only slides you could get your hands on were of the rubber variety. This pool-friendly footwear is still commonplace, but now that slides have become standard issue in our summer wardrobes, the available options have multiplied. We’ve picked out five to slip into as it heats up. Now you just need to decide whether you dare to wear them with socks.
01.
The leather pair
Swimwear brand Onia specialises in no-fuss beach staples. It’s hardly a surprise, then, that it took a minimalist approach here. With contoured rubber footbeds and a simple, sleek leather upper, these navy slides aren’t just for the beach. They’ll work with laid-back weekend looks, too.
02.
The logo pair
Gucci has timed its summery Multicolour capsule perfectly. The collection landed at MR PORTER just as things were heating up. And, lucky for you, this verdant green pair is exclusive to us. Gucci fans will recognise the monogram. It’s been around since the 1950s, but it has been given a new lease of life by creative director Mr Alessandro Michele.
03.
The standout pair
Are these for everyone? No. But Bottega Veneta’s fuzzy slides do tick a lot of this summer’s trend boxes, including neon. Made from beach-friendly terry, they’re embossed to mimic the label’s signature intrecciato weave. If they’ve turned your head, we bet you’ll also be a big fan of the brand’s jelly sandals.
04.
The raffia pair
“About half my designs are controlled fantasy, 15 per cent are total madness and the rest are bread-and-butter designs,” footwear designer Mr Manolo Blahnik once said. Falling into the latter category, these woven raffia and leather crossover slides are as classic as they come, which means they’ll see you through countless summers.
05.
The suede pair
Suede slides should not be your first choice if you’re going near any large bodies of water, but if you promise to steer clear of the beach, this visvim pair is for you. Like much of the Japanese brand’s output, this wrap-over style – known as the Christo after Bulgarian installation artist Mr Christo Javacheff, who specialised in wrapping buildings in fabric – has amassed a cult following.