Easy Sliders
A framework for selecting the perfect slides with options beyond the Boston clog
This week, I stumbled upon a gem of an article: "My Worst Purchases of Last Year" by The Wardrobe Edit. With a title that promised to spill the beans on shopping mishaps, I couldn't resist diving in. As I scrolled through Anna's revelations, my eyes jumped to the notorious Birkenstock Boston clogs. A wave of camaraderie swept over me. "OMG, SAME!" I thought, excited to find someone else admitting to the same shopping blunder.
Though Anna’s lessons were slightly different than mine, we had similar issues. I ordered a pair from Ebay a couple months ago, pretty late to the game but figured they would be a wardrobe staple. It only took a couple wears for me to think they were kinda… meh.
First, they are really heavy! I might be spoiled by the advancements in shoe technology. They seem to have figured out how to engineer the weight out of all modern shoes. It makes me question the quality of said shoes, but that’s not enough to deter me from pedal comfort. I’ll be first in line for the shoes made of actual clouds.
Weight aside, I just didn’t like how they looked – but I loved having shoes I could easily slide on and off. Soon after my Boston clog purchase I came across a pair of Rachel Comey Rosie Clogs on Noihsaf. I had been searching for these for quite some time and suddenly, as if by magic, they came to me.
Fast forward to present day and you’ll find me wearing my Rosie clogs on the daily. I quickly sold off the Bostons and settled into life with my true loves. Every time I slip them onto my feet I marvel at the ease they offer in function and style. They instantly make my outfit more interesting, and they are so light and comfy!
I love these clogs so much it got me thinking about why shoes have backs to them at all! I’m not stupid, of course I know why shoes have backs – to give us blisters. This thought sent me down a rabbit hole of posshoeibilities.
There are so many options ranging from house slipper to work loafer, so I used this framework to help make my selections:
Casual – Wear them around the house, on errands, to the café, or to your favorite bar with your best friends and you accidentally have 3 IPAs but can still walk home without twisting your ankle.
Cool – They must bring an element of surprise and delight to the outfit, otherwise keep your slippers on and stay home.
Comfortable – Just don’t pinch my toes, please.
Convenient – Most importantly, this needs to be a hands–free operation. No reaching down to futz with any part of the shoe. Slide and go.
Scroll down and enjoy the ride…
Rachel Comey Leather Braided Accents Mules
Rachel Comey shoes are hit or miss for me, but these have always stood out as a very fun option. Like most Comey items, they feel classic with a little twist, or in this case, a little braid.
Plasticana Opana mule
Go from the flower garden to the beer garden in these French waterproof mules made of 100% recycled plastic.
Women's LL Bean Storm Chaser 5 Slip-Ons Size 7 Medium
I had a pair of these in high school that I wore religiously through the winter. I don’t think they won me any style contests then (or now), but I stand by them as hitting all four casual, cool, comfortable, convenient marks.
Diemme Maggiore Black Mesh shoes Slipon Size 42
Do not miss out on these Italian made slip-ons. If you aren’t familiar with Diemme, check out their site and keep a look out for more of their excellent slides options.
Footprints by Birkenstock Ashby Leather Slip-On Clogs Mules Eucalipto Womens 38
I discovered these after Harling Ross Anton linked a cool pair of Birkenstocks in her post Vintage Shopping for Spring Outfits. I love these as a slicker, less ubiquitous alternative to the Boston clog.
Reebok Classic Club C Laceless Mule Size 6
I bet you didn’t know sneakers could be backless. Well now you do and I urge you to consider removing the backs of all your sneakers after seeing these.
Predictions 7.5 Red Chunky Slides Mules Platforms Shoes 90s Y2K
If you came up in the 90s, this material will whisk you back in time with its nostalgic charm. I remember owning several shoes with this slinky top – a perfect blend of softness and snugness that hugged the foot just right. Incorporating these into your wardrobe could inject a nice touch of nostalgia.
Staud Astro Faux Shearling Mules 39
Incidentally, Birkenstock and Staud did a “collaboration” which seems like a stretch to me. I would ditch the slightly modified Boston and go for these delightful shearling mules.
Birkenstock Tatami Black Clogs Womens Size 6
We still love Birkenstocks, you see! Here is another option that could give your outfit a little pump up. They have a nice beefy 90s quality that I am loving.
Vintage Canvas Keds 80s 90s Slides Flats Mules
Many years ago when I was serving at a trendy restaurant in Brooklyn, I had pair of Keds that I wore every day. They were so ragged with stains and holes on the top. But they looked so cool that a diner offered to buy them right off my feet. I of course declined because I knew they were too good. I think these could become your perfect worn in summer shoe!
Hereu Leather clogs
For my Hereu stans, these are for you. I am not a loafer or a fisherman sandal gal, but these clogs are so cool. The bottom part of the shoe creates such a unique shape and really makes these stand out from other clogs.
Thanks for letting me slide into your inbox again today,
XO - Best Friends 🏍️
PS.
Some weeks I toil over the post I am about to send. I look at the items I’ve selected and wonder if anyone out there will think they are cool. What am I even doing? Is any of this good? Questions of this variety rattle through my brain all the time.
The only way out of this mindset is to tell myself that I like it! I like them! And I can only hope that you do too. If not, I’ll get ya next time.
Also, PLEASE comment, email, or DM me if you have something you’re looking for or are really into something you think no one else will like.
Rolling 🤣 “I’m not stupid, of course I know why shoes have backs – to give us blisters.”
I’ll take one of each, please! To wear with my stripes ❤️❤️❤️