Slides: A Fashion Evolution

Slides are the choice of footwear of many different people who lead a variety of lifestyles. With a great number of slides now on the market, such as cheap flat slides and much more premium looking designer sandals, it’s become more apparent to see that a number of people wear these types of sandals as their choice of casual wear as they offer up the best amount of comfort whilst keeping them looking at their absolute best. With this in mind, it is no surprise to learn that for many people there is so much choice available to them that slides have in fact become one of the leading types of footwear available, that symbolize a person’s choice of casual wear (Holt & Cameron, 2010).

Many understand the unique characteristics of slides and their cultural meaning. At the same time, it is also important to clarify their history. The first models of slide type of footwear have existed since ancient times. These originally were simply sandals made of leather or straw. Open-backed shoes such as these were a staple in many ancient societies including that of the Greeks and Romans, where they were often worn for formal events and celebrations. According to DeMello (2009) sandals of the open type have been ‘appropriated’ by many cultures around the world, with the various different styles being often adapted for use within local contexts and designs. The history of slides, as shoes of a simple open type, goes hand in hand with many of the cultures of the world. In recent years the designs have undergone many changes; often striving to be fashionable as well as comfortable to wear.

Looking at the design of slides in detail, it can be observed how the combination of various aesthetic and functional features has changed over time. Throughout history, most slides have been simple, mostly neutral in color, and were made of basic material without any special embellishments. The late 20th century was a time of great change in fashion. All types of footwear started to appear in bold colors and interesting patterns, and were made of exotic, luxury materials. Modern slides follow the general trend of combining extreme comfort with fashion. According to Westman (2020), modern slides are especially popular with a young target group. They have chunky soles and have been embellished in various ways, which make them stand out from other types of comfortable footwear.

The slides’ market has been impacted greatly by the strategies that companies use to advertise and present their products. These strategies have created a lifestyle around many different types of shoes and it can be very hard to ignore the influence of the advertisements. Rahman stated in his research that social media has impacted the way in which people behave as consumers very greatly (2018). Because of the many social media platforms, people are able to see how celebrities and influencers present themselves while wearing slides. In most of these images, the slides are shown in a very fashion-forward way which is able to impact the consumers’ perception of the product greatly. Easey stated in his research that the way in which slides have been marketed has caused people to view the shoes in a different light (2009). Rather than viewing the slides as simple casual wear, people now view them as an essential item in many people’s wardrobes. As a result of the impact that effective marketing has had on the way in which people view slides, many people are now wearing the shoes with outfits of beachwear and street style.

In summary, slides footwear has woven itself into the fabric of contemporary fashion and everyday life through their cultural significance. By providing a symbol of casual comfort and versatility, showcasing a rich historical context, evolving in design, and being shaped by impactful marketing, slides continue to influence how we perceive and wear footwear today. Their journey reflects larger trends and changes in society regarding comfort and style., Slides have become an important part of everyday life and contemporary fashion trends. Their versatility allows them to fit into many different settings, from casual outings to more semi-formal events. People can wear slides to the beach, a picnic in the park, or even a casual dinner with friends. This variety fits well with current fashion trends that prioritize comfort without sacrificing style. Many fashion brands have adapted slides to include trendy colors, patterns, and materials, making them suitable for almost any occasion (Soares & Blum, 2022).

Furthermore, to examine the socio-economic implications of the use of slides is to realize how one item can be able to satisfy the needs of so many consumers. Firstly, due to the affordability of slides available in many price ranges, they can be a suitable option for individuals searching for comfortable shoes which will not put a strain on their finances, as so many individuals lead busy lives and require a shoe that will be comfortable to wear. In many instances the variety of consumers can consist of young adults, families as well as the elderly, as many brands offer inexpensive slides as well as more expensive designs created from premium materials, for the more fashion-orientated consumer searching for footwear that is not only functional but also fashionable (Biehal, Stephens, & Curio, 1992).

When thinking about slides it is also important to consider the biomechanical benefits to the foot. From an ergonomic perspective it is very important to choose the right footwear for the activities you are going to perform. And from this perspective slides are a very good option. The open design and the cushioned footbed make it comfortable for the user and it supports the foot while moving. Slides are very good for people that are constantly on their feet because they reduce the pressure on the heels and they help to distribute the weight of the body in a more balanced way. In addition, they also provide good air circulation to the foot which is very important in order to avoid foot problems. These are the reasons for which, from a biomechanical perspective, slides are a very good option. (Tencer et al., 2004)

Slides have an impact in contemporary fashion which goes beyond its function. Not only is a product of current fashion trends but also the sum of contemporary lifestyles and shopping behaviors. For this reason it reflects and, at the same time, drives the ongoing casualization in fashion, turning slides into the most common representation of a relaxed way of life. Often worn by fashionable people, this item of clothing and footwear shows that comfort and style have become the norms in many segments of contemporary society and it therefore expresses a sort of identity and way of life (Kornberger, 2010). As such, the slide is more than just an article of footwear: it has become a part of modern living.

Citations:

Rahman, O., 2018. Online consumer choice: Footwear design and visual presentation. Journal of Textile and Apparel, Technology and Management, 10(4). https://jtatm.textiles.ncsu.edu/index.php/JTATM/article/view/14109

Westman, P., 2020. Brand strategies & aesthetics–Designing visual frames for a product. https://aaltodoc.aalto.fi/items/4c0c17ea-df04-40a6-a2ec-a04ee361c039

DeMello, M., 2009. Feet and footwear. https://www.torrossa.com/gs/resourceProxy?an=5527128&publisher=FZ0661

Holt, D. and Cameron, D., 2010. Cultural strategy: Using innovative ideologies to build breakthrough brands. Oxford University Press. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=CDgtbanRLT8C&oi=fnd&pg=PR7&dq=Best+slides+footwear+brands+and+styles&ots=7P8MRD-RpJ&sig=HJ5nLtzbZ1PN0VF5Vua8ZlEbCls

Easey, M. ed., 2009. Fashion marketing. John Wiley & Sons. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=7KyIbhpkjGIC&oi=fnd&pg=PR5&dq=Best+slides+footwear+brands+and+styles&ots=HQAtGNv2Op&sig=jF8sYPV0R7tCTILuDUZ3J9_2hrI

Biehal, G., Stephens, D. and Curio, E., 1992. Attitude toward the ad and brand choice. Journal of Advertising, 21(3), pp.19-36. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00913367.1992.10673373

Goonetilleke, R.S. ed., 2012. The science of footwear. CRC Press. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=HB6oGzDRSSIC&oi=fnd&pg=PP1&dq=Best+slides+footwear+brands+and+styles&ots=e6BoHv5MIT&sig=JB-DH7s9oWNZBaOW9k4A7OjfL8Q

Kornberger, M., 2010. Brand society: How brands transform management and lifestyle. Cambridge University Press. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=j-njBg7RzSQC&oi=fnd&pg=PR10&dq=Best+slides+footwear+brands+and+styles&ots=UEXwj6Y4Fy&sig=fa_81nH6qoKI0KyD8t9raIg0Ui8

Tencer, A.F., Koepsell, T.D., Wolf, M.E., Frankenfeld, C.L., Buchner, D.M., Kukull, W.A., LaCroix, A.Z., Larson, E.B. and Tautvydas, M., 2004. Biomechanical properties of shoes and risk of falls in older adults. Journal of the american geriatrics society, 52(11), pp.1840-1846. https://agsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1532-5415.2004.52507.x

Soares, F. and Blum, A., 2022, July. Shoe Brand Management: Looking at Direct Stakeholders. In International Fashion and Design Congress (pp. 417-428). Cham: Springer International Publishing. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-16773-7_36