Stride On In Slip-Ons



Rodarte S/S14 Show; Source

 On a scale of 1 to 10 I used to rate slip-ons as a 5 in the shoe category. I know that is firmly in neutral territory but I didn’t have strong feeling either way about them. I had a fondness for them but not overly so. I have changed my mind somewhat about my prior rating. Why, you ask? The new versions are not as timid in appearance as the versions I was acquainted with previously. Case in point, the slip-ons featured in Rodarte's Spring 2014 runway show and those featured in Michael Kors 2014 Pre-Fall collection. In addition, those designed by Chanel are rather cute if I must say so.

Rodarte S/S14 Show; Source

Rodarte S/S14 Show; Source

Rodarte S/S14 Show; Source

Most slip-ons still aren’t as flashy as the type of shoes I tend to form a kinship with and to me most slip-ons tend to fit into the safe shoe choice category; however, safe is sometimes the best quality a shoe can have. After all, safe shoes are likely to be acceptable footwear for many different occasions and locales. Slip-ons are the opposite of more daring shoes like gladiator sandals. They are more akin to the shoes you wear when you don’t want your footwear to cramp your style. Let’s face it, if you desire to make a memorable entrance at a grand event slip-ons are probably not going to be the type of shoe that comes to mind. On the other hand, when you absolutely care about how your feet will feel near the end of a night of partying it is a great idea to have a pair of slip-ons at hand. This, I believe, is a reason that slip-ons won’t go away, ever. They are the perfect fit for many occasions when comfort rules. Have you noticed that even when slip-ons aren’t on the seasonal trends’ list people still wear them? This is the reason I consider them to be classic.

Michael Kors PF14; Source

Michael Kors PF14; Source

Michael Kors PF14; Source

What is there to hate about a pair of shoes that are as comfortable as a pair of slippers? I once had a pair of red espadrilles in my early teenage years that I absolutely loved. They were the end all be all for me. They can not be compared in monetary value to the Chanel espadrilles that are so popular now amongst the fashionistas whom can afford them but their personal value to me was beyond the stratosphere. I ran and jumped and generally did a lot of the things that tomboys do in my red beauties. I had what some might call an un-natural attachment to them. I should have known then that I would become a shoe hoarder. The point is that I think the reason I am not over the moon about slip-ons is because I just have not yet found the pair that can rival how I felt about those red espadrilles.

Of course, being the fashion enthusiast that I am I was prompted to research the history of slip-ons. The bottom line is that slip-ons were created many, many centuries ago; however, like many trends, they get recycled every now and then. I admit that regardless of how I feel about slip-ons I certainly understand their popularity. At least if a certain trend tends to return it can be the type of trend that doesn’t stand out for the wrong reason if you know what I mean. Neon, underwear as outwear, wearing socks with heels and so many other trends conjure up feelings of either hatred or adoration. Slips-ons are a type of middle of the road trend that does not generally incite such strong feelings. Commonly spotted on city streets and fashion runways it is their time to shine but somehow I believe when slip-ons are placed back on the not hot list they won’t stay on the list for long. Keep on striding in your slip-ons if you like, whether they are hot or not, because you can be assured that you will be in good company. Take a cue from the looks below to see just how to rock them whether they are hot or not.

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Of course with my curious nature I wondered about what actually defines a slip-on shoe. What I discovered is that a slip-on is described as a low shoe without laces. By this definition, and just as I had already concluded, several types of shoes such as loafers, espadrilles, smoking slippers and the currently over-the-top in popularity sneaker slip-ons fit into the slip-ons category. While I was out shopping this past weekend I could not help but notice slip-on sneakers in many store front windows. Whatever type of slip-on you choose to shod your tootsies in just know that despite the fact that slips-on may be hugely on-trend one year and less so the next they will always reign supreme in their level of comfort. If you want to sport your slip-ons every year you go right ahead and stride in comfort because what goes around comes around. Slips-on have proven that their versatility, comfort and many variations will ensure they stand the test of time.

Do you have a favorite pair of slip-on shoes? I would love to know. I look forward to your comments.

Thanks for reading my post.