Written by Menswear Style in Fashion History on the 14th August 2024

Sliders are meant to do exactly that; slide. These shoes have become a favourite for gentlemen looking to feel casual even on the summer formal occasions. They are often light in weight and have a loose heel that comfortably holds onto the foot from the front. With the right material and design, you can slide into these shoes for any event or function without worrying about altering your outfit. But how did they become this popular and why? Read on to find out.

The Origins of Men’s Sliders 

While the sliders have only become popular in the past decade, they have been in existence for more than fifty years. The history can be traced back to Ancient Rome, Ancient Greece, and Ancient Egypt. They became a popular wardrobe staple in the US in the 1960s after the introduction of vibrant and colourful options. In 1972, Adidas brought a modern form of the sports slides to protect German soccer players from foot funk in the locker rooms. These sliders for men quickly rose to popularity due to their ease of wearing, cleaning, and versatility. In fact, research shows that most suburban kids had them in the 1980s and 1990s after signing up for soccer classes. Later, brands such as Dolce and Gabbana invented functional beachwear sliders. They were made from high-quality rubber and were perfect for the summer. Other luxury brands followed suit and this blew the popularity of the men’s sliders even further.

The Rise of Sliders in Fashion 

Despite their practical and humble origins, sliders have risen in popularity and have even been seen on various fashion runways including the infamous Paris Fashion Week. Their popularity can be attributed to the influence of celebrities such as Kanye West, David Beckham, and Justin Bieber who have rocked these shoes. As with most trends, the celebrity culture from celebrities and street fashion enthusiasts is deeply rooted. The younger generations such as Millennials, Gen Z, and Gen Alpha have crafted new ways to rock these sliders including wearing them with socks. The trend is hugely associated with a relaxed but casual style that balances comfort and fashion. Luxury brands such as OOFOS, Dolce & Gabbana, Givenchy, and Gucci have also continuously invented more practical and fashionable men’s sliders to give you that chic look. 

Versatility and Style: Sliders Today 

Sliders are the perfect summer shoe. This is because they are easy to slip on and off. Even better, they come in a wide range of vibrant colours and playful designs that you can rock to any casual event. Whether you want to wear your sliders with beachwear or your casual outfit for an outdoor event, you can always coordinate your style. For those looking to wear sliders for athletic or sporty activities, consider going for those with cushioned soles to give you extra comfort. They are perfect for post-workouts to give you a break from sneakers during your activities.

Conclusion 

Sliders have had a remarkable journey in the fashion world. As you can see, they began as post-sportswear, to beachwear, and have now been incorporated into daily streetwear. They offer the wearer unmatched comfort while still being soft and sturdy. With a wide range of slider styles, you can get the perfect streetwear footwear.

The Origins of Men’s Sliders, The Rise of Sliders in Fashion, Versatility and Style, and Sliders Today.