WORDS BY JOSEPH FURNESS
It's officially the second most wonderful time of the year, which means it’s finally time to put our transeasonal boots and super-grip sneakers to one side – by that, we mean in the attic – and start browsing for a brand-new pair of designer sandals or slides.
But this year, choosing the right pair of designer slides or sandals will prove no easy feat as there are more styles to choose from than ever before. Sure, the likes of Alessandro Michele and Riccardo Tisci have kept things classic to suit their staunch customer base, but designers such as Daniel Lee, Kanye West and Matthew Williams flipped the script on the concept of a summertime slip on with their avant-garde designs.
Explore our edit of the 10 hottest summer slides and sandals for 2021, from the humble thong sandal to a sneaker-slide hybrid created using algae foam. Yes, really.
Yeezy Foam Runners
Arguably the most unorthodox style of summer slip-on is the Yeezy Foam Runner: Kanye’s sculpted sneaker-like sandal, constructed using a combination of EVA foam and harvested algae. Not only is it au courant, but it’s also super practical and versatile making it ideal for your summer vacay – especially if you prefer to pack light.
Chloé Wood Logo Strap Sandals
The Chloé logo strap sandal is for the intrinsically sophisticated: those who are no stranger to the finer things in life. The refined, easy-to-style footwear offering – solely constructed with fabric and rubber – is available in a selection of carefully considered colorways to suit a mondaine’s wants and needs.
Bottega Veneta Puddle Slingback Sandals
Sure, the slingback sandal isn’t Daniel Lee’s first foray into Bottega sandals, but it certainly is his most remarkable interpretation yet. The British-born designer has cut down the brand’s trailblazing puddle boot and turned it into a rubber low-top that’s sure to be omnipresent come August – especially on Insta. We, for one, can’t wait to see how you all style them.
Balenciaga Moulded Sandals
For years, Balenciaga has been experimenting with sneaker sandal silhouettes; it finally feels like they’ve hit the nail on the head for summer ‘21. The Parisian-based label’s recently released moulded sandal – seemingly inspired by the Track sneaker line – is just as comfortable and durable as it looks, and it pairs well with every kind of trouser, short, skirt and dress imaginable.
Burberry Check Print Slides
If you’re a fan of the classic pool slide silhouette, Burberry – currently helmed by Riccardo Tisci – should have your attention. The brand’s Nova check slip-on is timeless with a capital T, meaning that you can wear these this summer, next summer and every summer after that and still be in style. Ideal, right?
Gucci Leather Thong Sandals
Like Burberry, Gucci prefers to keep things classic. The Florence-based label’s leather thong sandal is sure to become the cornerstone of your summer wardrobe ad infinitum, thanks to its simple, ageless design. Now that’s what we call a savvy investment.
Givenchy Marshmallow Sandals
Matthew Williams’ mission as creative director of Givenchy is to ensure the brand is, once again, ahead of the curve – appropriately, he’s designed a sneaker-inspired Givenchy slip-on named the marshmallow sandal. As you may have guessed by the name, they’re super bouncy and therefore an absolute pleasure to wear.
1017 ALYX 9SM Asymmetric Slides
Matthew Williams has also developed a rubber slide for his own brand, 1017 ALYX 9SM. This asymmetric, almond-shaped silhouette features perforations – for reasons of breathability and aesthetics – and is available in an all-so-summery white. What more do you need to complement your sure-fire summer fits?
Balenciaga Logo-Debossed Flatform slides
Balenciaga is set to elevate more summer fits than ever before with their ultra-high flatform slides. Available in an assortment of bright colors (our favorite being this Barbie-esque pink), the 100% rubber footwear offering is sure to feel at home in any up-to-the-minute wardrobe.
Yeezy Slides
For the past two years, Kanye has been disrupting norms with his bulky, off-beat Yeezy slides – and this summer, the silhouette is set to hit its peak. Pair your Yeezy slides with everything from an oversized suit to a relaxed cotton tracksuit and watch the compliments (and the fire emoji comments) come piling in.