A pair of casual mens slip on shoes can go one of two ways. They can either subtly say, “I’m comfortable right now, and I know I look pretty darn good from the ankles down,” or they could scream, “I just cruised out of my house and couldn’t be bothered to look down.” Clearly, the first option – comfy cool – is the winner and to help you achieve slip on chic, here are a few shopping tips and sure-fire eco-friendly shoes.
Here’s a slip on rule to take to the grave: don’t wear a light colored sock with a dark shoe. These Patagonia Cardons ($110) go perfectly with all sorts of pants and shorts and can be worn sockless, with no-show ankle socks or even dark socks. Just no white socks, please. These slip ons are made from vegetable tanned leather, have a little stretch for comfort, and can collapse for travel.
When it comes to casual summer time slip ons, don’t be afraid of light colored shoes. Think, “yacht club in Capri” and rock a pair like these North Face Men’s Mountain ($68) shoes with shorts or a light pair of jeans or khakis. The Men’s Mountains not only have a kicka** nmae, but the shoes upper is made from recycled PET (coke bottles) and the sole comes from partially recycled materials.
What’s not to love about a slip on like Patagonia’s Pau ($110)? Kick up your chic factor a notch with a glossy leather in a buttery brown color for a look that is still weekend worthy, but with a formal touch. If you are feeling extra adventurous, pair them with non-cargo, non-denim shorts instead of trousers. The Pau packs and eco punch with outsoles made mostly from hevea-milk latex and stitched, eliminating the use of glues that are harmful to the planet and shoe makers.
In the summer time, a slip on in the form of a boat shoe is always a go. And the Urban Costa Dorada ($94) is one of Timberland’s alternative takes on a boat shoe. Notice the two tone color scheme comes from the same color family. That’s key. Also, if you have a larger foot, size 12.5+, look for a detail to break up the length. For instance, the strap on this Timberland slip on, which is made from recycled PET, draws the eye to the middle of the shoe, thus minimizing the effect of an extra long foot.
If you’ve woken up on a Sunny Saturday morning and thought, “It’s hot. I’m not going into work. And if I must leave my house, I will only do so in my old sneakers because they are the most comfortable,” think again. Surf brand Ocean Minded has a pair of shoes, Lowers ($59), just perfect for comfort seekers. They are lined with bamboo and are made from hemp and canvas, which offers major foot breathability. Take it to the bank: a canvas slip on is just as effortless to wear as a tennis shoe, but far more sophisticated. Throw them on with your Saturday jeans, some cargo shorts, or even cutoffs. Just kidding, only Bruno get’s to wear cutoffs this summer.
