When it comes to summer footwear, think breathable and lightweight. There’s no shortage of feathery light canvas sneakers to choose from, but we also love the simplicity of a pair of slides. They’re backless like mules but open-toe like flip-flops. That makes them sandals, but not flip-flops. Flip-flops have a thong or Y-shaped front that slips between one or more toes.
What Are Slides?
Slides usually have one or two straps that span across the toes and forefoot, though there are some unique variations. The easiest way to identify a slide is by the thickness of its strap. Slides have thick straps.
They first appeared in 1960s when Birkenstock introduced its Madrid shoe and Adidas introduced its famous Adilette slide, a waterproof shoe designed for a German football team to use in the locker room. However, the style dates back to Ancient Greece and Egypt, when they were made from papyrus, twigs and various types of leaves. Slides evolved as shoemakers eventually started making them from stronger materials like leather and the style became popular in women’s fashion after WWII.
Ever since, the slide has slowly shifted into the worlds of sport and athleisure, streetwear and gorpcore, often with socks to match. And while you could slip into a pair poolside, the summery style can go anywhere. Nearly every brand has riffed on the style, applying chunky soles, futuristic materials and high-end cushioning.
The Best Slides for Open Toe Adventures
Best Overall Slide
Birkenstock Arizona Essentials EVA
The Arizona is the ultimate slide. This is that same original Birkenstock, but made from soft, rubber-like EVA.
Best Upgrade Slide
Needles Papillion Shower Sandals
With soft rubber soles and a patterned lookalike leather strap, Needles’ slides are the nicest shower sandals I’ve ever seen.
Best Budget Slide
Adidas Adilette Stripe Sport Slide
First designed for the Germany’s national soccer team, Adidas’ Adilette slides are one of the most popular slides of all time. They’re simple, comfortable and often on sale.
Although some slides have slick, treadless outsoles, Nike’s Benassi JDI Slides have offer solid traction. The strip is meant to look like leather, and there’s even a raised heel cup to keep your foot in place.
Weestep Recovery Cloud Slide
Off-brand Birkenstock? Kind of. But whatever. Weestep’s Recovery Cloud Slide looks different enough, and it’s half the price.
Chaco is a classic name in the slide category. The Chillos are the brand’s best entry, with its vegan sole and two-strap top.
Elegant pool slides are a thing of the past. But Onia’s slides hark back. They have no logoing, a simple leather-looking strap and a tonal rubber sole.
The North Face Base Camp III Slides
Available in a number of colors, The North Face’s simple camp slides don’t offer much in protection or traction, but they’re comfortable — and cheap.
The worst part about most sandals is the durability. Few are designed to go the distance (aka last more than a few summers). But Suicoke’s are. The MOTO-Cab Sandals are a serious upgrade in the tread, strap and foot security departments.
HOKA ONE ONE Ora Recovery Slide Sandal
Designed for tired, achy feet, the HOKA ONE ON Ora Slides are what the brand calls “recovery sandals.” They’re perfectly symmetrical to treat stiff, stressed arches and cushioned for maximum comfort.
Crocs are cool, but they’re clogs, not slides. Crocs easily fixed that by opening the toe and removing the heel section. Behold, the Crocs Classic II Slide.
GREATS Classon 2-Strap Utility Sandal
The Classon 2-Strap Utility Sandals looks like a futuristic Birkenstock Arizona. That isn’t a bad thing, but these are definitely a statement.
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