As summer’s heat rages on, slip-ons serve as a functional solution to warm-weather footwear needs. Capitalizing on this, designers have not only created new easy-to-access silhouettes, but have found ways to accomplish this with reimagined versions of existing styles as well. While mules and clogs continue to serve as seasonal go-tos, we’ve assembled a list of the best sneakers that have been converted into slip-ons.
Nike Clogposite (2003)
One of many boundary-pushing silhouettes from Nike during the early aughts was the Clogposite. Chopping down 1999’s Air Flightposite sneaker, the Clogposite failed to garner much traction with its reinforced shell upon its inaugural release, though has since been prepared for a big comeback this year. Not only is a slew of colorways en route, but an upcoming Supreme collaboration remains anticipated as a key fall release.
Y-3 Qasa Sandal (2016)
Yohji Yamamoto and adidas’ Y-3 line has presented countless unique footwear silhouettes, though none have commanded as much attention as the Qasa line. Introduced as a high-top, the Qasa eventually released in alternate styles ranging from a towering boot to a slick low-top. On top of this, the Qasa Sandal was released in 2016 as a summer-ready option that removed the upper’s base and lacing system, leaving just its unique straps running across the wearer’s foot.
Nike Air Force 1 Lover XX (2018)
Nike kicked off 2018 by teaming up with 14 of the brand’s female designers to create “The 1 Reimagined” collection -- an assortment of remixed takes on the Air Force 1 and Air Jordan 1. Amongst the range was a mule version of the Air Force 1 named the Air Force 1 Lover XX. Simplifying the upper into a perforated toe box, its slip-on shape was backed by a platform version of the traditional AF1 sole unit, further differentiating it from its predecessor.
Martine Rose x Nike Shox MR4 (2022)
Martine Rose’s meteoric rise is partly due to the success of her projects with Nike, drawing the eyes of the masses to her eccentric style via their collaborative designs. When it came time to rework the Shox R4, the sneaker that introduced the world to the Shox support system in the year 2000, Rose not only crafted it with a sleeker shape, but converted it into a mule as well. Its new square-toe and tighter sides combined seamlessly with the tailoring Rose designed with the Swoosh as women’s pre-match football attire. Having been well received by the fashion community, including Kendrick Lamar, who wore a pair at the GRAMMYs in early 2023, a total of six colorways from the duo have hit the market in the past three years.
New Balance 610S (2023)
New Balance’s Tokyo Design Studio is responsible for many of the brand’s most fashion-forward creations. When the line decided to rework the 610, which returned in 2022 for its 10th anniversary, it stripped it of several overlays, including the midfoot’s “N” logos, and converted it into a slip-on. Beyond the two TDS pairs, New Balance tapped COMME des GARÇONS and Aminé to put their own spins on the sneaker, resulting in a concise-yet-diverse lineup of colorways that have released thus far.
Oakley Factory Team Chop Saw Mule (2023)
Back in 2022, Brain Dead connected with Oakley to create a new modern lineup of products under their revived Oakley Factory Team umbrella. The duo’s first co-designed silhouette was the Chop Saw, and they wasted no time in converting it into mule form the next year. Slimming its build and removing its lacing system, its summertime launch last year was later expanded on by Junya Watanabe MAN, which assembled its own all-black rendition of the shoe for Spring/Summer 2024.
Salehe Bembury x Crocs Pollex Slides (2023)
Salehe Bembury quickly went from a Crocs collaboration in 2021 to spearheading a new division of the brand -- Crocs Pollex -- in 2023. Part of his expanded range of work with the brand involved remixing his hit Pollex Clog into a Pollex Slide. While the Pollex Clog is already a slip-on, its seamless transformation to slide form earns a nod as it maintains its predecessor’s fingerprint motif across both the midfoot strap and outsole.
New Balance 1906L (2024)
One of the most divisive designs of 2024 has been New Balance’s 1906L sneaker loafer, a rework of the 1906 from 2009. Our first look at the revised sneaker came courtesy of Junya Watanabe MAN’s presentation at Paris Fashion Week, showcasing its modified loafer-inspired upper and prompting many to attribute the design work to the bold brand. However, when it later came out that it was also releasing as an in-line look, the conversation surrounding the shoe grew even more contentious, with some clamoring for a pair and others citing it as an abomination.
MM6 Masion Margiela x Salomon XT-4 Mules (2024)
Maison Margiela’s MM6 diffusion line has been particularly active as a collaborator this year, teaming up with Supreme for an expansive collection while also continuing to work closely with Salomon. The latter partnership just oversaw its most unique release to date, converting the trail-ready XT-4 into a mule that launched in three colorways. While Margiela’s numeric logo catches eyes at the toe, the contrast of an outdoor sneaker styled as a slip-on is where the magic is best delivered.
Miu Miu x New Balance 530 Mules (2025)
The latest designer conversion of a sneaker to a slip-on was assembled by Miu Miu, which took the 530 sneaker, one already redesigned by the Prada subsidiary, and chopped its heel to create a mule. Maintaining key details from the duo’s 530SL, this take sees co-branding visible at the tongue and footbed while also delivering a two-piece lacing arrangement that combines different colors and textures on each shoe.
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