Buzz
Almost every sport—basketball, tennis, and even bowling—has its own specialized footwear, so it was inevitable that the post-game ritual of showering would eventually get its own dedicated shoes.
Shower shoes are perhaps the most laid-back and unassuming type of footwear out there. We wear them at our sweatiest, and they only truly shine when water sprays onto the tiles of a locker room shower. While tennis shoes can pass in non-court settings, sporting shower shoes anywhere beyond the bathroom makes you look like someone who wandered into the office wearing a bathrobe.
What inspired the creation of such a niche shoe? Despite their unglamorous appearance, their purpose was rooted in hygiene. In fact, that’s still the primary reason we use them today.
When did shower shoes first come into existence?
Although shower shoes are a relatively recent invention, sandals in various styles have been around for thousands of years. They are frequently associated with ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, but the oldest known pair was discovered in present-day Oregon and is roughly 10,000 years old. Were these ancient sandals used similarly to shower shoes? Most likely.
The true origin of shower shoes can be credited to Adidas. In the early 1960s, the German national soccer team sought footwear to protect against athlete’s foot in showers. By 1963, Adidas founder Adi Dassler provided the solution: lightweight, waterproof sandals with foam soles that dried quickly and were safe to wear near tubs, pools, and showers.
Adidas Slides, also known as Adilettes (with many variations), are widely regarded as the first shower-safe shoes. These straightforward slip-ons featured suction pads on the soles to avoid slipping, molded footbeds, and the iconic three stripes on the top strap.
They were made available to the public in 1972, just before the Summer Olympics in Munich, Germany. Athletes adored them, frequently using them as transitional footwear between locker rooms and events. (Though not during competitions; sprinting 100 meters in wet flip-flops is no easy feat.) The general public also embraced them, often taking Slides to the beach to avoid scorching sand.
Is it appropriate to wear shower shoes in the shower?
Gyms, pools, and sports facilities can harbor harmful bacteria, causing issues like athlete’s foot and plantar warts. Not only is it acceptable to wear shower shoes in the shower, but it’s also highly recommended every time you step into one. Most experts agree that this practice promotes good hygiene and offers protection, particularly in shared spaces.
Over the years, the design of shower shoes has advanced, with Adidas introducing adjustable straps and raised edges for better foot stability. Their notorious Adissage Slides take it a step further, featuring massage nubs on the footbed. While these are meant to soothe tired feet, many users find them uncomfortably intense, often leading to quicker showers just to remove them. (It’s akin to walking on hot coals, building resilience in the process.)
Today, shower shoes are available from a variety of brands, not just Adidas. Some models resemble socks or slippers and are engineered to prevent slips. Others might choose to wear Crocs in the shower due to their waterproof nature, but caution is advised as their design can trap soap and water in the toe area, increasing the risk of slipping.
Regardless of the style, shower shoes are a common sight in gyms, dorms, and other slippery environments where people prefer to avoid barefoot contact. They guide us from wet to dry surfaces, protecting our feet while subtly signaling that we’re in no hurry—unless, of course, someone snatches your towel.
