Sliders: The ugly shoe trend that everyone will be wearing this summer

They’re the new season’s most convenient style

Sarah Jones
Thursday 08 June 2017 12:03 EDT
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Tory Burch’s slides came covered in clusters of girlish pearls
Tory Burch’s slides came covered in clusters of girlish pearls (Rex)

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For a few seasons now, f-ugly shoes have been quietly elevating themselves from fashion taboo to street-style staple

And despite everything they go against, even stiletto-clad editors and style gurus have started to favour the acrimonious trend for garish footwear.

But, not any ugly shoe will do. Oh no, this season it’s all about the chunky, vaguely orthopaedic-looking slide.

Once vilified for having zero aesthetic appeal, this is a style that’s received a luxury makeover at the hands of some of the industries most illustrious designers.

No longer limited to rubbery, sporty soles, now slides are seriously high-fashion and adorned with everything from feathers to florals and regal pearls.

We are, it seems, in the midst of an ugly shoe revival.

Perhaps one of the best examples of this trend comes from Prada where the shoes took on a no-nonsense vibe. Here, it was all about unassuming rubber slides – some chunky, some not – in vivid Crayola colours and delicate floral embellishment.

Likewise, Miu Miu showcased its retro seaside-inspired collection with plastic beach slides that were embossed with shells, starfish and 3D flowers to match models’ blooming bathing caps.

Miu Miu showcased its retro seaside-inspired collection with plastic beach slides
Miu Miu showcased its retro seaside-inspired collection with plastic beach slides (Rex Features)

For a more extravagant take, Lanvin paired bejewelled slides with everything from two piece suits to crystal embellished LBD’s. While Tory Burch’s came covered in clusters of girlish pearls.

Whether you’re getting off on holiday or simply looking for something to cool-down your workwear uniform, slides are one summer’s simplest yet most intoxicating pleasures.

The benefit here is that they’re not only super-comfortable but, they’re also seriously on trend.

To avoid looking like a 80s P.E. teacher though, keep your slides feminine by pairing with everything from dresses and skirts or opt for something a little more tailored like a cropped trousers. Remember, you’re going for effortless here, not sloppy.

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