Sling Is Back
After a long hiatus categorized by ballet slippers, Uggs, and worst of all, crocs, the heel is back at its rightful place in fashion's forefront. With the severe shoe’s rise comes a returning style that has captivated wearers and critics alike for decades, the slingback.
Saint Laurent Slingbacks in patent leather, Photo courtesy of MYTHERESA © All rights belong to their respective owners. No copyright infringement intended.
Most notably a nineties staple worn by the likes of Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct the heel-revealing shoe combines utility and glamour. Being grilled by cops from all directions, Stone's character possesses a calm poise, a sensuality that has seldom been replicated. Both the officers in the room and audience at home were awestruck, captivated by her dazzling slingback and almost cartoonishly perfect cigarette. Rumor has it Stone stole the entire outfit, and anyone who's seen the film can understand exactly why.
Tom Ford also embraced this design at Gucci successfully reinvigorating the brand after his appointment in 1994 as creative director. In unlimited colorways including his infamous clear strap, Ford’s embrace of the slingback helped cement it as a Gucci staple. The shoe’s level of sophisticated minimalism and versatility have made it a fashion fan-favorite and a welcome returning trend in 2024.
Gucci by Tom Ford 2003 Ad Campaign by Mario Testino via TheLastFashionBible © All rights belong to their respective owners. No copyright infringement intended.
Delicate straps frame the ankle while the often pointed toe elongates the foot providing the perfect silhouette. This year designers have embraced the sling backs like never before while introducing new variations of the classic design. At Carolina Herrera Pre-Fall slingbacks take on a new multi-heel technology in red leather. Another version totes crystallized bows perfect for an evening with friends and family, or a private soiree.
Carolina Herrera Pre-Fall 2025 Slingbacks Photo courtesy of Carolina Herera for Vogue Runway © All rights belong to their respective owners. No copyright infringement intended.
Loewe also understood the slingback memo this year with Jonathan Anderson morphing the shoe how he saw fit. In one iteration this became a wedged strappy confection, The buckle-work and square toe a trademark of Anderson’s time with the Spanish brand. He also reimagined the slingback as a heeled sandal for Spring Ready-to-Wear, complete with similar golden buckle work.
Loewe Spring 2024 Ready-to-Wear Collection Photo courtesy of Alessandro Viero for Vogue Runway © All rights belong to their respective owners. No copyright infringement intended.
In trying to explain the slingback’s allure and pervasiveness one must also recognize the auditory element the shoe possesses. As you walk into the office not only will your new height catch your office crush’s attention but the sound of your foot as it slaps the bottom of the shoe. Ideally a satisfying clap if done right, this combined with the heel’s click make what Vogue has dubbed the “siren sound effect”. A perfect flip flop meets stiletto auditory sensation that gives these shoes a unique leg (or I suppose foot) up on the competition.
It's no wonder the slingback is also a favorite of timeless it-girl Carrie Bradshaw. The Sex and the City protagonist has committed to slingbacks throughout her NYC fashion journey, even getting a pair stolen by a petty thief in season 4. So though her relationship choices are up for debate, the icon’s shoe picks may never be doubted. As she herself states “men I may not know, but shoes, shoes I know!”
Carrie Bradshaw in Manolo Blahnik slingbacks Photo courtesy of HBO via The Zoe Report © All rights belong to their respective owners. No copyright infringement intended.
The slingback has returned in full force and whether YSL or Gucci, Manolo or Loewe, I’d advocate a shopping spree pronto if you want the sexiest shoe of the new year.
