How to Choose the Perfect Slingbacks

Your Guide to buying the best Slingbacks

Overview

Slingbacks are a timeless and versatile style of shoe that have been around since the 1940s. They are characterized by an open-backed heel that is secured with a strap or buckle across the back of the ankle. Slingbacks can be found in a variety of styles, from classic to contemporary, making them a great shoe to add to any wardrobe. This buying guide will provide all the necessary details to help you find the perfect pair of slingbacks for your unique style and needs.

Key features

  1. Style - Consider the style of slingback you desire, as there are many options from classic mules to strappy sandals.
  2. Materials - Choose a pair made with materials that fit your lifestyle, such as leather, suede, canvas, or synthetic materials.
  3. Heel Height - Consider how much heel height you desire by selecting a pair with a slightly raised heel or a chunky block heel.
  4. Colour - Choose a pair of slingbacks that complement your wardrobe in the colour that best suits you.
  5. Fit - Make sure to select a pair that fits your foot comfortably, as slingbacks are designed to be snug and secure.
  6. Price - Consider the price of the pair you're interested in to get the best value for your money.

See the most popular Slingbacks on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Style: Slingbacks are a stylish and classic shoe, allowing wearers to dress up any look with a modern twist.
  • Comfort: They provide great support and flexibility, making them a comfortable option for everyday wear.
  • Versatility: They can be dressed up or down and can be worn with a variety of outfits.
  • Easy-to-wear:They are easy to slip on and off and don’t require any lacing or buckling.
  • Variety: They come in a wide variety of styles, colors, and materials, making them a great choice for any occasion.
  • Affordability: Slingbacks are usually more affordable than other types of shoes, making them a great choice for budget-conscious shoppers.

Cons

  • Fit: Slingbacks typically have an adjustable strap, but depending on the exact style, fit can vary. This makes it difficult to find the right size and fit for your foot.
  • Durability: The design of Slingbacks often means that they are not as durable as other styles of shoes. The straps can wear out more quickly than other materials.
  • Level of Comfort: Slingbacks do not typically provide as much cushioning and support as other shoe designs. This can make them uncomfortable to wear for extended periods of time.
  • Style: Slingbacks are generally considered to be dressy shoes, so they may not fit into a more casual wardrobe.

Best alternatives

  1. Platform Wedges - A two or three inch heel with a platform underneath for added height and comfort.
  2. Thong Sandals - A comfortable sandal with a single strap that goes between the toes.
  3. Slides - Slip-on shoes with a low heel and an open heel.
  4. Stiletto Heels - A classic style of shoe with a high heel and narrow toe.
  5. Mules - A slip-on shoe with a closed back and low heel.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

Common questions

  1. What are Slingbacks? Slingbacks are shoes that have a strap across the back of the heel, typically connected with a buckle or elastic. The style is popular for dressy sandals and pumps, for both casual and formal occasions.
  2. What fabrics are Slingbacks available in? Slingbacks are available in a variety of fabrics, including leather, suede, denim, velvet, fabric, and metallic.
  3. What colors are available? Slingbacks are available in a variety of colors, such as black, brown, blue, red, pink, white, and many more.
  4. What heel heights are available? Slingbacks can come with a variety of heel heights, including low heels, mid heels, and high heels.
  5. Are Slingbacks comfortable? Slingbacks can be comfortable depending on the materials used and the fit of the shoe. When shopping for Slingbacks it is important to try on several pairs to find the right fit.
  6. What is the best way to care for Slingbacks? To keep Slingbacks in good condition, it is important to use the appropriate cleaning and care products. Leather Slingbacks should be cleaned with a leather cleaner, while fabric and suede Slingbacks should be cleaned with a mild soap and water solution.

Trivia

The story of the first slingback shoes is quite unique. In the 1940s, women's shoes had square-shaped toes and heeled platforms. The popular shoe style of the period was the mule, a shoe with no back. This shoe style was considered unfashionable, so women began to make their own slingback shoes. They took a piece of fabric that matched their dress, cut it into a circle, and attached it to the back of the shoe. This created the slingback style, which became a popular alternative to the mule. The use of fabric also allowed the shoe to be adjusted to the wearer’s foot more tightly, providing better support. This creative approach to fashion is what made the slingback so popular and it is still an iconic style today. Source: LiveAbout.com.

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.