Stylish Sandals, Mules, And Slides To Ease You Into Wearing Proper Shoes

With the highly-anticipated Phase Two already here, and probably in full force this weekend, there might be certain iffy situations you’ll encounter — wearing shoes, for instance. We’re not even kidding.

If you’ve been working from home, imagine this. After months of going barefoot around the house and only donning casual slippers or slides for that quick errand run, chances are, going back to high-top sneakers would be quite uncomfortable. Your poor soles and heels might even develop blisters. Not a good thing! To avoid all that fuss, slip into something more comfortable; our list of sandals, slides and mules — all backless designs — should suffice for some celebratory post-Circuit Breaker style.

SANDALS

If you’ve been online shopping these past few months, a key Spring/Summer trend you would’ve noticed would be this: the comeback of strappy sandals. We’d attribute it to our current cultural obsession with the 90s, so similarly, you’d want to pair those slim leather straps and functional kitten heels with a slip dress. For sandals that won’t kill your feet, block heels can be a go-to, while other details to look out for also include chic square toes, lace-up styles, and even the ultra-casual thong style, though now elevated with leather and in pleasant monochrome.

1. Charles & Keith Lace Up Block Heel Sandals, $49.90 ; 2. Porte & Paire Leather Sandals, $366 ; 3. Mango Heel Leather Sandals, $35.90 ; 4. ASOS DESIGN Figtree Woven Leather Tie Leg Sandal in Tan, $46.99

MULES

If we’re talking backless shoes, mules have to be at the top of the list — the Latin root word literally refers to backless shoes and slippers. Gone are the days we’re limited to bedroom slippers though. Stylish loungewear has been in vogue this half of the year, thanks to our “new normal” habits, but we’re thinking versatility here. These are styles you’ll want to wear from bedroom to the boardroom, if your work allows it. Or maybe, an off-duty weekend with a linen dress. Cult Gaia’s sculptural Alia mules make for a good talking point with that spherical heel, while we quite enjoy Zara’s square toe mules for a chic update. Details such as fun leopard prints or a studded buckle give life to the classic look too.

1. ASOS DESIGN Wide Fit Landing leather mules in leopard, $59.99 ; 2. Zara Soft Flat Leather Mules With Square Toe, $39.90 ; 3. Cult Gaia Alia Snake-Effect Leather Mules, $207 ; 4. Charles & Keith Studded Buckle Mules, $49.90

SLIDES

Then, you’ve got good old slides; with no heel in sight and a completely flat base instead, to maximise comfort. It will be incredibly difficult to hurt your feet with these! Instead of the usual streetwear styles though, we’ve pulled together a couple more sophisticated designs you can flaunt with dresses, denim, or even a pastel pantsuit. The intertwined straps of Ancient Greek Sandals’ handmade leather slides give off the most casual yet versatile vibe, while mock croc, weaved fabric, and pops of bright pastel will make your slip-ons the ideal accessory to the dream first-time-out outfit you’ve been planning.

1. Charles & Keith Buckle Strap Slide Sandals, $32.80 ; 2. Aldo Eowenassa Double Straps Slide Sandals, $54.90 ; 3. Free People Sidelines Mock Croc Sliders, $100.79 ; 4. Ancient Greek Sandals Desmos Cutout Leather Slides, $231