One Pair of Slides I’m 98% Sure About

I didn’t need another pair of slides. I wasn’t looking for them, didn’t have a Pinterest board saved for them, and I certainly wasn’t in a “click-add-to-cart” kind of mood. But then I saw Everlane’s Day Crossover Sandals—simple, sculptural, a just-right shade of soft tan that made my usual neutrals look a little more intentional. I hesitated for all of thirty seconds before whispering, okay fine, and checking out.

And honestly? They almost nailed it. They’ve got that elusive balance between laid-back and polished, the kind of vibe that works with breezy trousers or a cotton sundress. But here’s the thing: I’m not giving them a full 100%. They’re living firmly in the 98% zone—and today, I’m breaking down why that’s actually a good thing.

The Slides That Caught My Eye

I wasn’t actively searching for slides, but isn’t that always when the good ones show up? One minute I’m scrolling with zero intention, and the next I’m zooming in on stitching and imagining them with my linen pants. Classic.

What Drew Me In Initially

It started with the color. That soft, sandy taupe—somewhere between oat milk and sunbaked clay—felt like the kind of neutral that doesn’t need to try hard. It didn’t scream for attention, but it made everything else I was wearing feel a little more curated. A little more…me.

And then the shape sealed it. The wide, cushioned leather straps cross with just enough structure to look intentional, but without the stiff, try-too-hard vibe. No hardware. No fussy trim. Just clean lines, a subtly squared toe, and a low profile that somehow manages to feel both casual and refined. They’re the kind of slides I’d reach for on autopilot—when I want to get out the door fast but still look like I thought things through at the coffee shop.

Where I Found Them

I found them through one of those Instagram boutique links I usually scroll past. But this time, I clicked. The brand wasn’t a household name, which I liked—less risk of running into five other people wearing them at the farmer’s market.

The price? Right in that sweet middle zone: not fast fashion cheap, but not aspirational either. Let’s just say they didn’t make my credit card sweat. Compared to the designer versions I’d been eyeing, these held their own without trying to be dupes—and I appreciated that.

How They Fit, Walk, and Wore Over Time

Here’s the real test: looking good in photos is one thing, but how do they actually feel after five wears? I put them through my usual routine—coffee run, errands, pacing around my apartment on a call—and here’s how they held up.

First Impressions on Fit

Out of the box, they looked narrow—but not alarmingly so. I have slightly wider feet, and I braced for that telltale pinky-toe pinch. Surprisingly, it didn’t happen. They’re snug in a secure way, not suffocating. If you’re between sizes, I’d say go up a half size just to give your toes room to breathe.

Break-in period? Minimal. The top strap felt a little stiff at first, but by the third wear, it softened up nicely without losing its shape. No blisters, no band-aids required. A quiet win.

Walkability Test

I took them for a spin—literally. Groceries, coffee, a long-ish walk through the neighborhood. No slipping, no awkward shuffling. The sole has enough grip to handle uneven sidewalks, and the footbed’s got a bit of bounce to it—not marshmallowy, but supportive.

I wouldn’t wear them for a day of airport gates or cobblestones in Rome, but for everyday life? Solid.

Quality Details

This is where I usually get picky, but the stitching is clean, the inside lining is smooth, and nothing’s peeled or warped so far. The sole hasn’t flattened out (yet), and the edges haven’t started fraying—two things that often give cheaper slides away after a few wears.

The only surprise? A faint squeak on tile floors. It’s not constant, but it’s there. Mildly annoying, but not a dealbreaker.

What Worked (And What Gave Me Pause)

I always say: if I’m 98% sure about something, that’s a pretty strong yes. But let’s not skip over the other 2%. These slides are good—really good—but not untouchable. And sometimes, that’s more helpful to know than a glowing review.

Style Points

They’re easy. That’s probably their best trait. I’ve worn them with loose trousers and a striped button-down for a quick coffee run. Threw them on with a slip dress and a denim jacket one lazy Friday. They blended in and still made the outfit look intentional.

The design is understated enough to pass as dressy-ish when needed, but not so delicate that I’d worry about wearing them with bike shorts and a sweatshirt. They live in that nice middle ground—unfussy but elevated. You won’t catch me pairing them with a cocktail dress, but I’ve reached for them more often than expected.

That Tiny Irritation

Let’s talk about the 2%. For me, it’s a barely-there squeak on hard floors. Not all the time, but just enough to notice. Also, after a few wears, I realized the inner strap rubs slightly if I’m barefoot and walking a lot. It’s not painful, but it’s one of those little things that makes you pause before choosing them for a longer day out.

And here’s the honest part: I still reach for them. A lot. They’re not “perfect,” but they’re in heavy rotation—which says more than a flawless first impression ever could.

Would I Wear Them Again? Yep. And Here’s Why

Not every piece in my closet needs to be a revelation. Some things earn their keep just by making mornings easier—and these slides are firmly in that camp. I’m not writing love letters to them, but I’m definitely still wearing them.

Where I’ve Already Reworn Them

Last weekend, I wore them to brunch with relaxed cream trousers, a tucked-in tee, and oversized sunglasses. The kind of outfit that says “I tried,” even if I barely did. They also came with me on a Target run—paired with black joggers, a slouchy sweater, and hair I barely brushed. Still looked put together.

There’s something about them that just finishes an outfit without overthinking. I’ve even thrown them on with a floral midi and crossbody bag for one of those in-between events where you don’t know if people are dressing up or not. Spoiler: I felt appropriately neutral, in the best way.

How I’d Style Them Next

I’m already thinking about pairing them with cuffed jeans and a boxy blazer when the weather evens out. Or maybe that breezy white shirt dress I always forget I own. They’ve got that shapeshifter quality that works across seasons—especially those late-summer days when your wardrobe starts to feel confused.

Bottom line? They weren’t a risk. They were a “maybe” that turned into a solid yes. Not a regret, not a rave—just reliable in a way I respect.

The 2% That’s Still Thinking

I always believe in giving pieces time to prove themselves. Sometimes, the things I almost returned end up becoming staples. Other times, they quietly slip to the back of the shelf. These slides? They’re somewhere in between—but leaning closer to the front.

They’re Not Everything

Here’s where they miss the mark just slightly: they don’t always win out when I’m in a mood to dress with intention. If I’m curating a look for dinner, or pulling something together for a shoot, I usually pass them over for something a little sleeker or more styled. They’re great for grounding an outfit, but they don’t elevate it—at least not the way my favorite mules or block heels do.

There were also a couple of days I reached for sneakers instead, just because I wanted that extra cushion. The slides didn’t get picked—not because they failed, but because they didn’t feel right for that moment. And I think that’s okay.

But I’m Still Keeping Them

Despite that, I’m not sending them back. The 98% is working for me. They’ve earned a spot by the door—the unspoken sign of a go-to in my house. I keep grabbing them when I don’t want to think too hard, and they haven’t let me down yet.

Will I feel the same in a month? I’ll let the wear patterns (and my outfits) decide. But right now, they’re doing just enough to stay—and I don’t take that lightly.

Taste Over Trends

Here’s the plain truth: these slides aren’t trying to go viral. They’re not statement-makers, and they probably won’t turn heads at brunch. But they’ve shown up for me in quiet, consistent ways—and that kind of reliability deserves a little spotlight.

They don’t chase trends, and maybe that’s why I’ve worn them as much as I have. They just fit—my outfits, my pace, my in-between moments. And while they’re not perfect (we’ve talked about the squeak, remember), they feel aligned with how I actually dress, not how I think I should.

So no, they’re not the star of my closet. But they’re a strong supporting role—and sometimes, that’s what style really needs.