Slides are now an integral part of our daily lives: comfortable, practical, and stylish, they are worn at home, in the city, or on the beach. However, few people know their true origin and the fascinating history behind this iconic accessory. From ancient civilizations to fashion runways, and through urban culture, slides have come a long way.
🕰️ The first sandals: ancestors of slides
The earliest forms of open footwear that could be considered similar to slides date back several millennia.
📍 Ancient Egypt (circa 4000 BC)
Egyptians wore flat sandals made of leather or woven papyrus, fastened with a simple strap between the toes.
📍 Ancient Greece and Rome
Sandals were popular among citizens and soldiers, and resembled modern slides in their open structure.
🔗 Learn more about the evolution of sandals in history on the Smithsonian Magazine website.
👞 From sandals to modern slides
It was in the 20th century that the slide as we know it truly emerged. The word "claquette" (slide) refers to a backless sandal, easy to slip on, often used indoors or at the pool.
📅 1950s-1960s
Slides appeared in sports changing rooms and swimming pools. The designs were simple: a rubber sole and a strap across the top.
📅 1980s-1990s
Major sports brands like Adidas launched iconic models like the Adilette, which popularized slides among the general public.
🔗 Discover our collection of classic slides
🎤 Slides and urban culture: a global phenomenon
In the 2000s, slides became a true cultural phenomenon through their adoption by urban and hip-hop movements.
💡 Slides with socks: This iconic style was popularized by rappers, influencers, and athletes.
🎤 Artists like Jul, Niska, Booba, and Drake regularly appear in slides in their music videos or on Instagram.
🔗 Take advantage of our promotion on trendy slides of the moment
🌍 Slides around the world: a symbol of identity
Each region of the world has adopted slides in its own way:
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Japan: Geta or zōri, traditional sandals, inspire some modern designs.
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West Africa: Handcrafted leather slides are an everyday essential.
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Brazil: The Havaianas brand popularized colorful flip-flops and slides internationally.
🌐 Slides have become a symbol of relaxation, style, and sometimes even social statement.
🧪 Innovation and design: slides version 2020+
Today, slides are being reinvented by designers, luxury brands, and independent creators:
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Innovative materials: memory foam, vegan leather, recycled plastic
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Futuristic design: platform soles, oversized shapes, neon colors
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Indoor and outdoor slides, suitable for all uses
🔗 Discover our ultra-comfortable slides
👟 The different types of slides today
There are several main families of slides:
|
Type of slide |
Main use |
Common material |
|---|---|---|
|
Sport / pool |
Locker room, beach |
Rubber, plastic |
|
Luxury / city |
Fashion, leisure |
Leather, suede |
|
Home / relaxation |
Indoor, cozy |
Foam, textile |
|
Orthopedic / comfort |
Walking comfort |
Ergonomic sole |
🔗 Explore all our categories on claquette-shop.com
💬 Why are slides so popular today?
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Immediate comfort
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Easy to slip on
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Assertive and relaxed style
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Wide variety of designs and prices
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Adaptability to all styles: from pajamas to blazers
And most importantly… It's a simple pleasure!
🛍 Our selection of popular slides
Click on the images below to discover the products ⬇︎
✍️ Conclusion: slides, more than a fashion, a culture
Long considered a simple extra shoe, slides have conquered all social and cultural spheres. From pharaohs to influencers, from beaches to runways, they have evolved with the times while maintaining their essence: freedom, simplicity, and comfort.
At Claquette-Shop.com, we offer a wide selection of models to suit all tastes, styles, and seasons. Explore our collections and find your perfect pair!
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