Nobody knows where this name for rubber slippers came from - slates. Wikipedia believes that the term “came” from the Soviet city of the same name. To be more precise, During the USSR, the Polymer factory operated in Slantsy, producing shoes made of rubber and PVC. The manufacturer embossed the word “shales” on the soles, and buyers believed that this was the name of the beach pair.
Today polymer, rubber, cork, rubber and even leather slippers for walking on summer days can quite legitimately be called by this “name”. Trendy proposals from couturiers annually drive travelers and ordinary fashionistas crazy. Wearing flip flops in summer is comfortable in the heat, so every woman must have at least one pair in her shoe wardrobe.
By the way! Slides are a separate category of flip-flops designed for beach looks. But it is quite possible to fit them into an everyday ensemble. But in the evening - hardly.
In the current fashion season, minimalist shoes, richly decorated, branded, and sports shoes are in trend. But first things first.
Trends 2020–2021
Still at the helm classic materials and colors. However, fashion designers also pleased us with new items. Practical, comfortable to wear and non-slip soles are a must. It is assumed that a fashionista will conquer the shores of the sea or lake in such shoes, so the slates must be resistant to getting wet.
Materials
There is no particular preference in the choice. In the hot season 2020–2021, the following “raw materials” for beach flip-flops are relevant:
- Rubber. The soft shock-absorbing sole will be a reliable ally near a pond or on the shore. A pair of such material is usually made with a simple top design. This could be a “spike” sole and a wide jumper with a simple print or puffy decor.
- PVC. The most budget model. It is often made in a one-piece version and has an incredibly long shelf life. But this material also has a minus - slippers made from it have a harsh, minimalist design and are suitable exclusively for brutal trips to the “sea game”.
- Rubber. Standard models are made from it, most often with a bridge between the thumb and forefinger. Men's options are simple in design, women's are decorated with large details in the form of a heart, bow, braid or other ornament, for example. Such shoes can be not only with a solid sole, but also with a wedge heel.
Colors
In 2020–2021, couturiers are unanimously promoting classics. Well, when it comes to beach shoes, there is also room for traditions to flourish. Transparent, white, black, beige, pink, blue options are relevant. Gold or silver colors fit perfectly into the concept of the season. There is also a place for combined color blocking. For example, black soles and uppers of a different color are in demand.
Reliefs
Unlike sports fashion, beach fashion this year surprises with calm surfaces. Neat curves, absence of tractor elements, flat or feminine soles, clear jumper lines are the main trends.
Stylish details
From one extreme to another - this is the motto offered by couturiers today. Trendy slates have classic minimalist components or are decorated with convex embellishments. However, there is also a place for a golden mean. Branded slates are distinguished by their strict lines and colors. Prints and colorful motifs are rare.
Smooth sole
A tight last with a small recess for the heel of the foot is the most preferable option. Also popular are solid thick soles, Birkenstock-type models, classic flip-flops, and wedges. All examples are feminine, follow the curve of the foot and always have reliable fastenings.
Wide single or double jumpers
The wide, continuous upper area is the feature of the season. It can be one or two parts the width of a belt or even more, located crosswise. Also popular is the “flip-flop” design with a jumper and an expanded upper zone, where large decor is usually located.
Big bows
The “bow” theme seeped into shoe fashion for a reason. Large puffy compositions in the form of a tied bow are the highlight of the season. And polymer slates also look great with this decor. As a rule, the wide side parts are connected at the top and form a bow or something similar. Or it could just be an imitation.
With a bridge between the fingers
Classic flip flops fashionable solid colors or color blocking are preferred.They look great not only with a playful beach look, but also with a summer evening look. As a rule, such shoes are minimalistic and are not decorated with anything.
Another option - shoes with a wide upper part and a closed bridge between the big and second toe. These slates look great with evening resort wear. They are made from high-quality rubber, rubber and even fabric and leather, and look expensive.
Thin straps
The likeness of sandals or elegant slippers looks very nice and is quite capable of complementing an attractive resort look. These shoes go well with an unusual dress, shorts and a loose blouse or flyaway tunic. The color of the straps is preferably gold or silver; decoration from beads or their imitation is possible.
By the way, Such slates are also made of rubber or polymers. Expensive options can also be made of leather.
Shoe decoration
Stylish beach shoes for 2020, on the one hand, are minimalistic, but on the other hand, they can be richly decorated. Such extremes are quite in the spirit of the season. And if you want a bright holiday, why not?
Shales have performed well in 2020–2021 with a puffy top, voluminous bows, floral arrangements, large elements in the center – flat shiny hearts, daisies, roses, brand logos and so on. Shoes decorated with beads, large stones and rhinestones, and large buckles look great.
Fashionable slate models
Classic, sporty and signature slates are the main options offered by designers this year.
Classic
Traditional models are the most popular. Let's list some.
- Plain sole with a feminine curve, a bridge between the fingers and straps that diverge diagonally (rubber, fabric). A model in a minimalist color or color blocking is preferred.
- Slates with a wide solid top. They are very comfortable, fit securely on the leg, and the price is quite affordable (not counting branded ones, of course).
- Flip-flops on a thick wedge sole. There is a slight rise in the heel area, and the upper can be either classic or richly decorated.
Sport
Sports models are options like Birkenstocks and slates with a small edge along the edge of the sole. The top is a classic cross or with a jumper. Such shoes are minimalistic and can be decorated with single inscriptions with brand logos. Pairs well with pants of different styles.
Brand
Original models from leading designers in the 2020–2021 season traditionally minimalist, consistent with the trends described above. Creations from couture fashion shows:
- black slides with gold domed balls from Miu Miu;
- beige top and black bottom with a square nose from Givenchy;
- simple brown slippers with white top from Marni;
- chocolate foam ones on a high platform from Fendi;
- gold simple flip flops from Dior.
And many more. Most are distinguished by a minimal amount of decor, traditional colors and comfort to wear..
Male models
Brutalization is in honor this season. Still at the peak of popularity black slates with a slightly thicker sole, a minimalist upper and a small brand logo or without it at all. A wide rubber solid top, criss-cross straps, and a classic version of flip-flops are in fashion.
The sole can be flat, straight, with a slight bend in the instep area, with a side along the edge. Black, brown, beige, transparent colors are popular. Gray-green, electric, red are allowed. A little color blocking wouldn't hurt. If you want bright prints, then that can also be arranged. Pay attention to the large inscriptions on the entire sole, large company logos, the colored inner area of the upper, and the “layered” last.
The men's version of the flip-flop may have a tractor sole. Options that follow the curve of the foot, with a bridge and a discreet fabric or rubber wide top look especially stylish.