Slip on in: How to wear open-back shoes for men with style

If you’re in a hurry, open-back shoes for men are just the job: These shoes with an open heel are like sandals or classic slip-on shoes, which makes them particularly practical. In the form of sneakers or half sandals, they are more than acceptable to wear out. This style of shoe is also called a ‘sabot’, which is French for ‘hoof’ – originally this only referred to traditional wooden shoes. Today these half shoes have become so much more than rustic wooden mule sandals. Four style rules for a successful casual look with open-back shoes.

Avoid socks

Wearing open-back shoes with socks is absolutely forbidden! Socks have no business being paired with these open-heeled summery shoes. If you would rather not go out without socks on a hot day, it’s better to wear closed slippers or other light slip-on shoes.

Combine with jeans

Open-back shoes for men are leisure shoes which look best with casual pants. Chic jeans in subtle washes or with a mildly used look are a good choice. It’s better to go with styles which are tight at the ankles. No-Gos: Don’t combine open-back shoes for men with hiking pants made of synthetic material – this comes across as stuffy.

Avoid long shirts and sweaters

Open-back shoes for men are open at the back, making them a perfect choice for spring and summer. That’s why you should keep summer in mind when choosing your shirt as well. Casual T-shirts with prints or slogans in a regular or slim fit are a good pairing with these comfortable shoes. No-go: shapeless baggy shirts or turtlenecks.

Choose your open-back shoes with care

Style beginners are better off choosing open-back shoes in a sleek design with one or at most two colors. Only fashion experts should go for extravagant styles with multiple colors or bold patterns.

From garden work to a lakeside excursion: Open-back shoes for men are comfortable and low-maintenance and can be worn for all kinds of occasions. The most famous open-back shoes are Crocs, which are made of rubber. Originally those colorful plastic sandals were worn by lifeguards in Australia and New Zealand, but they have long since become popular elsewhere as leisure shoes.

Comfortable, roomy, practical: Their half-open structure makes open-back shoes for men ideal spring and summer shoes.

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