Pool sliders and leather slides are officially the 'it' shoes of summer – here are the best pairs to add to your basket now

Sliders definitely aren’t a new shoe trend, but they sure aren’t going anywhere either. A year-on-year guarantee, slides can be seen across various Spring/Summer catwalks and in multiple stores. Why, you ask? For the versatility, comfort levels and inevitable style credentials that come with wearing a pair.

The fashion slider is divided into two styles - the pool slider, usually made from rubber or a water-resistant fabric, and then there's the open-toe loafer-inspired leather styles, which have, confusingly, also been dubbed slides. The latter trend was born on the runway after a demand for something as comfortable and as summery as pool slides but smarter and are now owned by most fashion editors across the land.

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By Alexandra Fullerton

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The pool slider, which retains its popularity thanks to the likes of Gucci, Givenchy and Adidas Yeezy, is a shoe that has zero aesthetic appeal (think ugly shoes or chunky dad sandals) but is wanted for that exact reason. The pool slider is practical, unpretentious and - as always - all over the high street this season. If you like to dabble of the eclectic side of things, you might choose to wear yours with a pair of socks in a nod to athleisure, perhaps with a pair of cycling shorts and a baggy white T-shirt too, or if you prefer something more feminine then you’re more likely to offset the footwear style with a summer dress? They’re a sure fire way of making every summer outfit look more pared down, and they’re a cooler (in terms of temperature) alternative to your trusty fashion trainers.