Seems like just yesterday Singaporean millennials were blowing up the Internet with “inappropriate” footwear – through scathing critiques about slipper etiquette and the ghastly sin of daring to flip flop your way to town. We’ll admit we were never fans of slippers anywhere except inside the home ourselves; but fast-forward to the present and looks like the joke’s on us. It’s officially Summer 2016, and pool slides as everyday footwear has never been bigger.
Maybe it’s the Rihanna effect, or just the general rise in the athleisure trend, but those rubbery single-strap slides have quickly become a staple in our closets – and the rest of the world. Whether it’s the traditional pool slide, or an updated version featuring crisscrossed straps, a bulkier platform, or even night out-appropriate bling, they’re absolute winners for their impossible comfort, and for nailing that effortlessly chic off-duty look.
So the time has come: cast aside your prejudices and embrace the flip flop footwear life – because it’s about to get pretty inappropriate. Here are some of our faves:
$36.90, available at Topshop
No prizes for guessing where these bad boys took inspiration from (though just in case you didn’t know, it’s Nike); but we’re not complaining, since Topshop makes some pretty affordable dupes.
$55 and $49 respectively, available at adidas
Take a break from the typical black-and-white striped adidas slides, and try these on for size instead.
$79, OOS
Damn you Rihanna, for making furry shoes cute again! Keep it casual yet wickedly stylish with these fur slides by Fenty, courtesy of PUMA’s Creative Director Rihanna, which come in three tempting staple colourways. Currently unavailable, well, everywhere, it’s a sign that you should definitely snap these up the moment they come back into stock (if ever..)
$410, available at Gucci Paragon and Marina Bay Sands
Warning: not for the faint-hearted. If you’ve got the extra dough on hand, we’d hand it over for these super luxe Tian slide sandals by Gucci. It won’t be any day soon, but hey; a girl can dream.
L: £14, available at ASOS | R: £18, from Boohoo, available at ASOS
A more wearable alternative (if you’re still iffy about the rubbery pool-ness of the traditional slide), crisscrossed slides usually come in smarter looking materials that are just as comfy. Stay casual-chic with an espadrille detail and soft cloth straps, or opt for a leather upper if you want something to dress down workwear.
$141, available at net-a-porter
Nothing like gorgeous flower rose petal detailing and quality soft black leather to elevate the humble pool slide. Oh, and the Tory Burch brand name of course.
£17.50, available at ASOS
And for some real kick in your step, go all out with chunky platforms, a cork-style footbed, and a crap ton of silver studs. Now these are definitely town-appropriate.
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