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Okay, tough guy. We see you lacing up those Converse, but consider this: Do you really want to commit to a day of sweaty feet? In this heat wave? We didn’t think so. Deep in the throughs of the dog days of summer, we’ll just come right out and say it: it is simply too damn hot for brogues, boots or even you $800 Balenciaga kicks. So bite the bullet, whip out the Crocs and admit it — the time for slip-on shoes is now.
Despite their status as a lazy, informal footwear style (a sentiment that we fully disagree with), slip-ons have a ton of benefits, especially in blazing hot weather. Easy-on and breathable, they also travel exceptionally well, whether the destination is Bali or the bodega.
The best part? Your choices are endless. Leather slip-ons and huarache sandals play nicely with linen formalwear, while foam slides and water shoes provide some much need comfort. There are boat shoes and loafers, clogs and espadrilles. Hell, there are even slip-on sneakers (remember Vans?) to keep you looking sharp when the temps spike.
As an anti-laces publication, we’ve decided to help you on your journey to free the foot by rounding up a variety of slip-on styles for your perusal. From Crocs to Our Legacy, there’s a shoe for everyone, in a bevy of styles and across a medley of price points. Wear them to the beach, wear them to the office, just save your poor feet the hassle and invest in a pair today.
The Best Overall Slip-On: Crocs Classic Clogs
Crocs may not be the sexiest shoe out there, but from a purely pragmatic standpoint, they’re the unequivocal slip-on champion, especially when it comes to sultry summer days. Their ultralight outer is perforated for increased airflow, and the foam sole is springy, even after a full day at the pool. If you can find us another shoe that ticks all the summer slip-on requirements and costs a measly $35, we’re all ears. But until then, we’re sticking with Crocs.
The Best Huaraches: Nisolo Huarache Sandal
The huarache style has wormed its way onto men’s feet in recent summers, and for good reason: the leather strapped style looks more dressed up than a sneaker or open-toed sandal, but is still cool enough to beat the heat. Nisolo’s attempt gets everything right: a sustainably derived construction, handwoven design, water-resistant leather and loads of class.
The Best Slip-On Sneakers: Sperry Striper II
You’d think that Vans would be a shoe-in for the InsideHook’s coveted slip-on sneakers award, but we actually find the Sperry Striper II to be more forgiving in brutal summer weather. We’ll chalk it up to the saltwashed twill upper, which can take quite a beating for its relative breathability.
The Best Boat Shoe: Sebago Rossisland Jib Shadow
Yes, technically boat shoes do have laces, but for the sake of practicality and the unmatched versatility of the style, we’ll let it slide. As far as our top pick goes, we have to highlight the Sebago Rossisland. Modeled after archival ’70s styles, the hand-sewn leather shoe features a canoe moc construction that we can’t get enough off.
The Best On-Trend Slip-On: Birkenstock Boston Suede Clog
If you’ve scrolled through Instagram, Twitter or TikTok recently, there’s a good chance that you’ve seen the Birkenstock Boston crop up on the feet of influencers and style gurus alike. The German clog style has caught fire in recent months and makes for a decidedly excellent (although admirable less breathable) slip-on for all your summer ‘fits. If you’re looking to level-up your summer style, this is your shoe — just avoid the thick leather styles if you want to stay cool.
More Slip-On Styles We Love:
OOFOS OOahh Recovery Slide
Cariuma Knit Slip-On Sneaker
L.L. Bean Casco Bay Boat Mocs
Merrell Hydro Moc Slip-On Water Shoe
G.H. Bass Larson Woven Weejuns
SeaVees Del Mar Espadrille
Freedom Moses Wild Cat Sandals
Tecovas Monterrey Slip-On
Our Legacy Camion Mule
Chaco Chillos Clog
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