Slip-on shoes, as the name suggests, are a type of footwear that can be easily slipped on and off without the need for laces or other fastening action. Their striking features are open backs and lack of closures, making them convenient and quick to put on or take off. Slip-on shoes typically have a flexible upper and are designed to provide comfort and convenience.
Characteristic Of Slip-On Shoes
The characteristics of slip-on shoes can vary depending on the specific style and design, but here are few factual details.
Easy Wear
Hassle-free Slip-ons allow instant getting into and out of the shoes. Besides, they save time compared to shoes that require tying or adjusting.
Low-cut Design
Open back and low style, allowing the foot to easily slide into the footwear. The design is highly relaxing and practical in hot days.
Lack Of Closures
Slip-on shoes are missing closing mechanism like laces, zippers, or straps. Instead, they rely on the flexibility of the upper material or other design elements to provide a secure fit. However, some shoes types such as boat shoes display two set of eyelets with laces.
Flexible Upper
These shoes often feature flexible upper materials that can easily stretch or bend, allowing for a comfortable fit and ease of movement. Common materials include leather, suede, canvas, knit fabric, or synthetic materials with stretch properties.
When To Wear Slip-Ons
While we all underestimate slip-ons for their flat sole and casual appeal, they are perfect option for weekend chill and summer days. And, for added bonus they are low maintenance too. Here we expand on some occasions when you can proudly showcase slip-on style shoes.
Casual Outings
Slip-ons are perfect for casual occasions like running errands, going to the grocery store, or hanging out with friends. They provide a comfortable and convenient option for everyday wear.
Work Environment
Depending on the dress code of your workplace, slip-on shoes can be appropriate for professional settings. Loafers or dressy slip-on shoes made of leather can give a polished and sophisticated look.
Warm Weather
Slip-on sandals, espadrilles, or lightweight canvas shoes are excellent choices for hot months. They allow your feet to breathe and provide a comfortable alternative to closed-toe shoes.
Travel
Slip-on shoes come handy and practical for travel. They also offer comfort during long journeys and provide convenience when you need to quickly get in and out of your shoes.
Different Types Of Slip On Shoes
There are several different styles of slip-on shoes for men that offer style, comfort, and convenience. Here are some popular options:
Loafers
Clever and majestic, loafers have secured a permanent bunk in every closet, unwilling to step down, come what may. They have a low heel and decorative elements like tassels or metal accents. For the most part they are casual shoes.
With boundless styles and infinite detailing options loafers take over the world of footwear. Penny loafers are characterized by a leather strip or band across the front, often with a diamond-shaped slot where a decorative penny can be inserted. Tassel loafers exude decorative tassels on the front, while horsebit loafers feature a metal ornament.
Loafers are popular for their slip-on design, which provides convenience and ease of use. Loafers go well with jeans, polo or a shirt, chino combination. One should look for an apt model to mix with the outfit.
Overall, loafers are a timeless footwear option that combines style and comfort.
Espadrilles
Who does not love stylish footwear? But, choosing one may be an extremely taxing job unless you know ‘espadrilles.’ The name sounds exotic; and they really are. An aerodynamic, super lightweight model of casual slip-on shoes. A sophisticated alternative to sandals and a complementary shoe with laidback wardrobe.
Jute sole and canvas upper guarantees that espadrille is always gentle on skin and environment as well. They have a casual and summery appeal, making them suitable for beach trips, vacations, or laid-back social events.
As to history, Espadrille belongs to the Catalan region between Spain and France, where they first caught up as the functional footwear among labourers and farmers. Best during hot days when you crave to throw on short sleeve shirt and cuffed pants. That’s not it, this unrivalled veteran shoe is a magnificent tie-up with linen suits and plain round neck tee.
Boat Shoes
Boat shoes, otherwise called deck shoes or topsiders are a type of casual footwear with a built-in nautical character. First to introduce them was the American brand Sperry Top-Sider in the 1930s.
Some distinguishing qualities of Boat shoes
- low-cut design which imparts casual profile.
- Decorative but lacing all around the side edge of the shoes.
- Eye-catching visible stitching.
Its non-marking rubber sole has thin cuts or grooves, which consequently provides good traction on wet surfaces, making them ideal for boating activities. It also helps channel water away, reducing the risk of slipping.
Shoe construction, generally upper, employs leather or canvas material. Both are quick-drying materials. Boat shoes are nonchalant and ideal pairing for every cool leisurely outfit, especially outdoor activities. They look well-matched with shorts, khakis, jeans, or even summer dresses for a relaxed and classic look.
Sneakers
They are worthy of all the approbation for having served mankind, so far. Slip on sneakers are sharp, versatile and the comfiest footwear you would ever wear on your feet. They lend you an edge and latitude as compared to their lazy cousins- the lace ups.
Thick sole is ideal for off-road running, while soft and robust rubber sole minimizes jerks. Moreover, upper breathable fabric ensures fresh air circulation, whereas elastic band provides firm grip around ankles. A small strap at the back of the shoes helps your foot slide smoothly into and out of the sneakers.
Modern variants come in leather, suede, ribbed soft fabric or synthetic stuff to suit everyone’s choice.
Driving Shoes
No doubt, shoes make driving safer and more comfortable, especially when you can’t take your foot off the race pedal for miles. But modern men need a contemporary design that’s stylish too. No problem, you have got driving shoes or aka driving moccasins, another style of casual slip-on shoes. Well, whatever name you choose they remain the ultimate champions of the shoe-Olympics.
While the prototype racing gear has laces, its fashionable version lacks all that fuss. At first glance they appear exactly as boat shoes for their showy laced-up eyelets but turn their downside up, and the distinctive rubber sole will tell you the reason why the name, driving shoes. The specialized sole has cut-pattern that give your feet an unyielding grip, even when your attention is elsewhere.
