Buying guide for best slides for women
Are you looking for a comfortable pair of easy-to-wear sandals? Slides are an ideal pick, especially if you want a relaxed and versatile design.
Slides have been around for years, but more recently, athletes and celebrities have popularized them. Now that the style is more mainstream, slides have switched gears from practical and functional to fashion-forward. According to some style experts, slides are on their way to becoming a wardrobe staple.
Another reason slides have grown in popularity is their refreshed look. Slides are now available in countless colors and materials. Even their straps and soles have undergone revolutionary changes.
It’s safe to say that slides have made great strides in the world of fashion, which is why every woman should have a pair in her wardrobe.
Key considerations
Signature slide features
Classic slides consist of a fairly plain sole with a single strap that covers the instep. The outsole is typically textured to provide adequate grip on floors and ground, and the footbed is often contoured for comfort. Straps have a soft, seamless design to prevent friction burns.
Reasons to wear slides
For function: Slides are ideal transitional footwear. They’re worn when walking across parking lots to soccer or football fields in order to prevent cleats from getting damaged by pavement. Slides are often worn as shower sandals in gyms and shared bathrooms as well.
For fashion: It’s easy to match slides to most sporty and casual outfits. They work well with athletic bottoms, including yoga pants and tracksuit pants. Slides are often worn with shorts as well, with and without socks.
For comfort: Slides are often the preferred footwear for lounging. Many designs are specifically geared toward indoor wear and have plush features like terry cloth straps or fuzzy footbeds. It’s also common for individuals with certain health issues to wear slides, such as diabetics and those with lymphedema.
Sizing and fit
Slides for women are available in whole sizes only. Generally speaking, women who wear half sizes will size up or size down. Those with slender feet often size down. Those with longer toes or wider insteps often size up.
It should also be noted that sizing is a bit all over the place with slides. It’s not uncommon to try a few sizes before you find the best fit. Slides typically have much wider footbeds than most footwear. This allows plenty of room for feet to spread out. The relaxed design is also highly conducive to wearing socks, if so desired.
If you have pets, note that slides are often confused for chew toys. For that reason, it’s recommended to keep them far out of reach of Fido.
STAFF
BestReviews
Features
Construction and materials
The soles of slides are usually made of durable synthetic materials like plastic, PVC, Phylon, rubber, or foam. These materials give soles considerable flexibility for comfortable walking.
The shell materials of slide straps are made of PVC, leather, denim, suede, or woven materials. Not only are these durable, they’re often water-resistant. Linings are soft and seamless and are often made with terry cloth, jersey, or cotton.
Sole styles
A signature design element of slides is their platform soles. They measure anywhere from one-half to one inch in thickness. Some soles have contoured footbeds for additional support and cushioning. It’s also common to see textured footbeds in slides, namely ones with tiny nubs that massage the feet while you walk.
Strap styles
The classic slide strap is a single piece of material attached to the outside. This gives slides somewhat of a “wrapped” look. Other popular variations include adjustable straps, multiple straps, and straps with large logos or embellishments.
DID YOU KNOW?
Walking in slides differs from walking in other types of footwear. Before you spend a long day on your feet in your slides, walk around your home to get used to the slightly different stride you’ll be taking.
STAFF
BestReviews
Accessories
Tube socks: Leotruny Over-the-Calf Tube Socks
Tube socks and slides make a dynamic duo. These versatile tube socks are an ideal way to pull off the look. They’re available with stripes in a dozen colors to match every outfit you envision.
Shoe refresher: Sof Sole Fresh Fogger Deodorizer Spray
Keep your slides smelling fresh between cleanings with a deodorizer spray like this one from Sof Sole. It’s safe to use on all footwear materials including mesh, leather, canvas, and synthetics.
Callous remover: Amope Pedi Perfect Electronic Dry Foot File
If you plan to wear slides barefoot, invest in this electric foot file. It gently buffs away hard, dead skin to leave your feet silky smooth. The file has an ergonomic handle for easy, effortless buffing — even in hard-to-reach areas.
Slides for women: prices
Slides for women cost between $20 and $150. While price mostly depends on quality, brand recognition also plays a role.
Inexpensive: If you’re looking for basic slides, there are many styles available in the $20 to $40 bracket. Some are manufactured by leading brands in athletic footwear. Unfortunately, these designs tend to be fairly basic, and color selection is often limited.
Mid-range: Mid-range slides, including those with cushioned or contoured footbeds, run between $50 and $80. These are made with better materials and have reinforced stitching that allows them to outlast less-expensive slides. Quite a few stylish and fashion-forward slides exist in this bracket.
Expensive: The priciest slides for women run as high as $100 or even $150. These are made by high-end brands with premium materials such as leather, suede, or shearling. With layered outsoles and the inclusion of memory foam or gel, these slides are far more comfortable than less-costly pairs.
If you pack slides away between seasons, it’s a good idea to store them inside a shoe box to prevent them from getting crushed by heavier shoes or garments.
STAFF
BestReviews
Tips
- Pack your slides in your flight carry-on. Instead of trying to slip swollen feet into regular shoes after a flight, let them stretch out and settle down in slides.
- Wear slides to a water park. Since you’ll be in and out of the water, wear slides between rides and activities. Not only are they easy to get off and on, they dry fairly quickly.
- Keep your slides away from heat. Because these shoes are often made of synthetic materials, it’s a good idea to keep them away from heat to prevent melting and warping.
- Consider recycling your slides when you’re done with them. Depending on the materials, some slides can be recycled. Certain footwear brands even buy them back, take them as a donation, or share instructions on the proper way to recycle them.
FAQ
Q. How long do slides last?
A. If you wear slides on a daily basis, there’s a good chance you’ll need to replace them in a year to 18 months. This is mostly due to the outsole deteriorating after walking across rough ground or pavement. If slides are worn seasonally or occasionally, they can last as long as two or three years.
Q. Do adjustable slides give a better fit?
A. Only by a little bit. More often than not, adjustable features such as Velcro, straps, buckles, and snaps are decorative. If fit is your top concern, slides may not be the best type of shoe for you given their wide, relaxed fit.
Q. How do I wash slides?
A. Most slides can be washed with dish soap and water and left to dry. For a deeper cleaning, you can actually place synthetic slides on the top rack of your dishwasher. Run a gentle wash cycle, and they’ll come out clean — but be sure to run the cycle without plates or silverware in it. Diluted vinegar and warm water is a good solution for spot cleaning; you may prefer this if you seek an eco-friendly cleaner.
Q. Are slides comfortable?
A. According to most people, yes, slides are comfortable. However, they have a rather spacious fit, which means they don’t provide as much support as other footwear. Individuals with certain foot issues, such as fallen arches, might find slides somewhat uncomfortable. On the other hand, those who experience foot swelling might find that the generous cut of slides makes them a highly comfortable option.
