Slides shoes

Slides are a increasingly popular type of casual footwear. Slide sandals are typically an open-toed sandal that are easy to slip on and off. They typically have a single strap that goes over the top of the foot. They get the name ‘slides’ as they are easy to slide on and off the foot. Slide were once criticized as have no aesthetic appeal and just being functional, but now have several prominent designers producing high end fashionable models.

Slides as a category of footwear can be traced back to Ancient Rome. In 1964, the German brand Birkenstock produced the first fitness sandal with a slide like design that had a deep and flexible foot bed. In the ’70’s Adidas came up with their pool slides with the launch of its iconic Adilette and now its Yeezy branding. In the mid 2000’s with the increased popularity of athleisure, the slides started to become more popular. The Oofos brand as well as models by Nike and other sports brands are becoming increasingly popular as casual slides.

What’s the difference between slides and flip flops?

Slides do have a similarity to flip flops in that they have a flat sole, but instead of the y-strap, slides have a single, wide strap that crosses the top of the front of the foot near the toes.

What are slides made of?

They can be made with any type of material, from leather to fabric, through natural fibers to synthetic materials such as EVA. The Birkenstock’s are made from a cork like material.

Are slides good for your feet?

The comfort and suitability of slides for your feet depends on various factors, including the design of the slides, the materials used, and your individual preferences and foot characteristics as well as the shape of the last used by the manufacturer. Different manufacturers will use different lasts, so will have slightly different shape. Various health professionals will have different opinions on if they are good for the feet or not.

Arch Support:
Many slide sandals do not provide any significant arch support. Some are a flat foot bed, some have a contour and some do provide arch support (eg the Archies slides).

Cushioning:
The level of cushioning can vary between different slide sandals. Some may have more padding or cushioning than others.

Material:
The material that the slides are made from can impact comfort and breathability. There are a wide variety of materials that slides can be made from. The natural leathers for the strap can breath, but the EVA plastics do not.

Fit:
Like any footwear choice, the slides should fit well and are not too tight or too loose. Slides that are too tight can cause discomfort, while those that are too loose may not provide adequate support. Those with a very narrow fit often find the standard slide to not be comfortable.

Foot Problems:
If you have specific foot conditions or concerns, it’s advisable to consult with a podiatrist or footwear specialist for personalized recommendations as to if they are suitable for you. For example, if you have cracked heels, you are probably going to be better off with footwear that is closed in at the heel. For conditions like plantar fasciitis, you nay be better off with the slides that have some arch support. Those with bunions who do not like wearing flip flops prefer slides as they can still get the casual look and the bunion is not visible.

How are Slides made?

Where to buy Slides:

Oofos (Canada)
Archies Slides (Australia)
Oofos (USA)
Slides (UK)

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