Slides For The City
Image: Rothy’s
For an elegant alternative to the sandal this Summer we can’t get enough of City Slides. These brands offer our favourite styles.
Slides, in all of their variations, could be fashion’s latest broken taboo. If once relegated to the beach or informal outdoor outings, they’re now dominating any context. From street style to more formal occasions they are now a totally accessible footwear style. You can wear them to complement a chic, understated minimal outfit, or to contrast an elegant dress. Personally, we cherish any shoe that combines style with comfort. Whatever style you opt for, one thing is certain: slides are here to stay!
Birdsong
Like their ready to wear range, Birdsong create made to order shoes with a 2-3 week wait, reminding us that the remedy to fast fashion is a slow approach to consumption. Their bestselling Birdsong sandals are hand-crafted in London, with reclaimed faux leather and eco-friendly jute soles that mould to your feet for ultimate comfort and support. Because it’s Birdsong, you can be sure that your shoes are made by women facing barriers to employment in Bethnal Green, East London.
Rothy’s
With knitted straps are made with Rothy’s signature thread spun from plastic water bottles diverted from landfills these slides are durable, washable and sustainable. The strobel boards (the green part of the shoe under the insole) and the footbeds use an algae-based foam. Harvesting harmful algae from waterways helps to keep our marine ecosystems in balance, and makes for extra-sturdy shoes.
The Bubble Slide, $155, Rothy’s
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Alohas
These super comfy slides have an anatomical sole silhouette which adapts to the form of your feet. Alohas makes the prettiest shoes, made to order. This format often comes with an early bird discount, and a more sustainable purchase. You’ll invest in a brand that doesn’t produce the unnecessary, enabling less product to go to waste through anticipating demand, and reducing the environmental impact caused by overproduction.
Brother Vellies
Brother Vellies is committed to treating each step of their production with the utmost care for artisans, customers, and our planet. You will find vegetable-tanned leathers, soles made from recycled tires, hand-carved wood and floral dyed feathers. They strive to lessen the impact of their production practices, and they do not put products on sale, as their value is assigned based on materials and fair labour practices, which are unaffected by the traditional commercial consumption cycle.
Nomadic State Of Mind
Nomadic State of mind is exponentially growing without losing sight of its original social focus and its interest in Fairtrade. It chooses natural resources like organic cotton, bamboo and hemp, and recycled materials to create their shoes. In addition they use a partly reclaimed polypropylene cord that is super durable and colourfast. Scraps of rope from cutting sandals are turned into new products – from rugs and bags to water bottle carriers or picnic baskets.
Kyma slip-on sandals, £76, Nomadic State of Mind at Farfetch
St. AGNI
ST. AGNI’s ‘Arne’ slides have thick, woven straps, resulting in an artful texture that’s airy and flexible. All their shoes are made with leather sourced through silver and gold medal LWG (Leather Working Group) suppliers. The Leather Working Group is a not-for-profit membership organisation that monitors leather suppliers around the world. Its audit protocols are designed to certify companies according to their environmental compliance and performance capabilities.
Shekudo
Shekudo makes its super cute accessories in Lagos, Nigeria. They endeavour to source everything they need locally. From the recycled insoles, local leather and the traditional Aso Oke/Akwete fabric for its shoe uppers. The brand has grown from 4 to 14 local artisans and craftsmen. In doing so they are empowering the local economy and reducing their carbon footprint.
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Disclaimer: The people and models in the images featured are not associated with The Vendeur and do not endorse it or the products shown. This post may contain affiliate links. Prices correct at time of publishing.
