Unexpectedly Chic: Zoe’s Reinvention of the Flat Shoe Trend

At this point, I think I have Zoë Kravitz’s style down to a T. In the summer months, the actor favours micro-mini shorts, boxy tees, tanks and little dresses, while come autumn, I’d expect to see her swap these out for fur-trimmed jackets, trench coats and plenty of suede. When it comes to shoes, she’s long been a proponent of the ballet flat, while winter typically calls for a chunkier boot. So, feeling fairly confident in my predictions, I was surprised to see Zoë eschew everything I thought I knew about her styling rules this week, stepping out for a walk in a shoe I never expected to see her in. Rather than her go-to pretty ballet flats, Zoë opted for a pair of rubberised, open-toe slide sandals instead.

Rendered in an inky black, these slip-on shoes aren’t far removed from the well-worn pairs that line many a garden door, ready to be stepped into for taking the bins out or pottering around outside. Ultra-casual and hard-wearing, they’re hardly the silhouette I’d expect to see on one of fashion’s most stylish dressers.

And yet, by styling this controversial flat, Zoë joins a growing line-up of chic celebrities reclaiming the ubiquitous plastic slip-on. With the likes of long-time style icon Jennifer Lawrence already giving the practical shoe her seal of approval, perhaps these purpose-made sandals are finally ready for their fashion moment.

So, if you’re in the market for a genuinely comfortable and surprisingly versatile slip-on shoe, I’m going to have to endorse Zoë’s recommendation. If you’re tempted to give the unexpected trend a try, read on to shop the slide sandals I’m eyeing below.

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