The real key to putting together a men’s wardrobe is to go where you might expect, because that produces the best results in matters of style.
Pick up a specific and often overlooked shoe. It really wasn’t unexpected to say that the best slip-on shoes shouldn’t be an afterthought in your footwear rotation, right?
In my experience, they are as important as lace-up sneakers in spring and summer – and they are easy to wear. And, if flexibility is the name of the game, slip-on shoes are often made of durable canvas or stylish leather, like lace-up sneakers.
I find that I can easily wear mine in casual style situations. Bear with me, because when I say slippery shoes, I’m not talking sandals. I’m talking about shoes that combine the comfort of a sneaker with the sliding power of a breezy sandal.
With slip-ons. you get the polish of closed shoes, the comfort of sneakers and the effortless cooling you need when the mercury rises. In fact, during the summer months, they can quickly turn into reliable trips several times a week, in most cases.
So, while the expected move might be to jump on a pair of sneakers, many of the men’s clothing brands offer a kick made with modern technology and comfortable comfort.
Why did I choose it?
Ideally, your slip on sneakers should be about as light and fluffy as the breeze on the beach. With both a unique mesh upper and a protective gel insert, the OluKai Lae’ahi hits the mark on both fronts, with the ability to go from beach to bar in one fell swoop.
OluKai Lae’ahi Slip-ons
When choosing the best slip-on sneakers, I looked at everything from durability to wear — the essential act of sliding your foot in and out of the slip-on — and the nature of the fabric and comfort of the outsole. Price is an important consideration, too.
OluKai’s proud Hawaiian heritage informs everything the company does, resulting in a lightweight, almost shoeless slip-on sneaker. In my personal experience, OluKai shoes offer plenty of bounce, support and comfort – sometimes a rare occurrence in other skate shoes.
From rocky beachwear to your favorite beach bar, consider these cool slip-ons with a heel that lets you slide your feet in. The washable insole allows for more wear as well.
SeaVees Baja Slip-On
If you haven’t considered slip-on sneakers, start with a brand you can trust.
SeaVees has been making surf-inspired slip-ons for decades, and this pair of linen sails keep your feet cool while still providing solid protection from the scorching wind and boardwalk sun. Plus, they’re priced under $100 in a variety of colors to match with anything.
VANS Slip-Ons
Shopping for menswear on a budget still requires a keen eye for both detail and quality. It’s not all about price: It’s about versatility, classic design, high-quality construction and “bang for your buck,” or how many times you can wear an affordable pair of sneakers.
I’ve been wearing VANS slip-ons for years, and they’re as reliable and classic as they were back then.
To be sure, VANS has made its name producing cool kids’ skate shoes out West. These days, they still do a great job balancing trends with classic looks.
The VANS Slip-On maintains skate-ready traction with a waffle rubber outsole, and the integrated collar ensures a comfortable yet comfortable fit. Best of all is the sub-$60 price tag, which means you should definitely consider snagging more than one pair.
Slip-Ons for Thousands of Streets to Come
The way of the future – and indeed, the way of the present – is sustainability combined with outstanding style, and if you can find a brand that goes above and beyond in both areas, that’s even better, and that’s what Thousand Fell proudly believes in.
Its airy slip-ons are impossibly eco-friendly, made from palm, coconut and sugar cane and covered in quartz. The mesh liner is coated with aloe vera for softness, while the rubber sole is made from recycled rubber, and it all comes together for a smooth shoe that saves thousands of hours of energy use.
OluKai Kakaha Full Grain Leather Slip-Ons
The best shoes these days tend to blur the line between casual and dressy. Take these cute OluKai leather slip-ons, which use an office-friendly tan leather upper and a 2-in-1 design for sandals and lightweight slip-ons (just slide them on easily using the pull-on heel).
Wet Grip Rubber product pods add support in high-wear areas, while a little touch of contrast stitching elevates these slip-ons even more. Wear them with rolled up tan chinos and a navy polo for a business casual style that works well.
Columbia Bahama Vent PFG Boat Shoe
If your date is drifting from the deck of the boat to the beach, you need shoes that can handle the splash and the scene. These versatile canvas-and-leather slip-ons are built for everything—featuring a breathable, airy design with a lightweight, ridged heel.
Omni-Shield treatment keeps stains and moisture away, while the Techlite lightweight midsole grips every step with high energy return. Underfoot, the razor-siped Omni-Grip outsole grips slippery, wet surfaces with ease, keeping you stable wherever the wave takes you.
All that’s missing are your chino shorts and a lightweight hoodie for sun protection.
VINCE Fletcher Suede Slip-On Sneakers
VINCE is often known for its designer take on little black jeans and crisp Oxford shirts, but these sneakers add a touch of warm-weather style to your favorite rolled-up jeans or summer shorts.
The suede is nicely done in a few colors, while the durable bumper sole offers plenty of repeatability and a comfortable all-day ride. They are made of leather, so make sure you wear non-showing socks to avoid foot fun.
Florsheim Crossover Slip On Sneakers
Florsheim’s legacy stands in 100-plus years of designing beautiful boots and shoes, but modern performance is the name of the game with the company’s sneakers.
The Comfortech footbed delivers responsive cushioning, the EVA midsole absorbs shock at every turn, and the leather upper on these low-key slip-ons keeps your feet cool from coast to coast.