by When the sun’s out and the timetable’s full, there’s no time to faff with shoelaces. Enter: the slip-on sneaker. The ultimate in throw-on appeal, these canvas kicks are the sneaker world’s answer to the ballet flat – lightweight, laceless, and made to move with you from lecture halls to lazy afternoons in the park.
You might be tempted to label slip-on shoes as too practical, maybe even basic. We have to admit even we used to think of them as grandpa shoes or trainers for little kids! But don’t be fooled. 2025 is shaping up to be the year of slip-on sneakers thanks to a high-fashion revival, led by big name fashion house, Valentino. Their autumn/winter runway collab with Vans put the humble checkerboard back on the style radar, and suddenly the skate shoe your mate wore in Year 9 is now fashion’s next It-trainer.
Originally designed in the ’60s and embraced by California’s skate scene, slip-ons have never really gone away, they’ve just been waiting for their moment to hit again. Those checkerboard Vans also take us right back to Avril Lavigne’s Sk8r Boi summers of the 00s.
Read more: How to Dress Y2K Style for Uni
And with fashion insiders (and actual celebs) pulling them back into the spotlight, it’s clear: that moment is now.
But you don’t need a designer budget to get involved. Whether you’re after affordable dupes, vintage gems, or sustainable options that won’t wreck your overdraft, there’s a slip-on for every student. Let’s dive into the trend and see how the big kids are wearing the slip-on sneakers trend this summer.
Get the Look
If you’ve ever rushed out the door five minutes late with a bagel in one hand and your phone in the other, you already know the power of a good easy-on shoe. This season’s hottest trend? Slip-on trainers that combine comfort, style, and practicality—and, crucially, don’t require you to sell your student loan to afford them.
Here’s a breakdown of the latest brand collabs, new arrivals, and student-friendly favourites hitting retail stores and the trending charts.
🎨 Valentino × Vans Checkerboards: Skatecore Goes Luxe
Let’s start with the big-ticket collab: Valentino x Vans, seen on the runway for Autumn/Winter 2025. It’s the checkerboard slip-on, but not as you know it—think bold blues, elevated fabrics, and Alessandro Michele’s signature maximalist flair. While the exact price is still under wraps, this high-low fashion fusion is expected to land in that sweet spot between streetwear best sellers and high-end luxury.
And even if the designer price tag is beyond your current means, the influence this collaboration is already having is enormous. Expect to see checkerboards everywhere again, from campus corridors to the club queue.
Student tip: Recreate the look for less with classic Vans slip-ons, available in outlets, second-hand shops, or on resale apps like Depop or Vinted. You can often snap up a pair for £20–£50—a far cry from runway prices.
💎 Jimmy Choo Diamond FLEX Trainers: From Luxe to Lecture?
For those days when you want to look expensive (without having to live off instant noodles for a month), the Jimmy Choo Diamond FLEX slip-ons are giving major glam energy. With a hybrid sneaker-mule design, these shoes combine durable construction, easy slip-in wear, and serious sparkle. They’re launching in peachy picks like ruby red, leopard print, and metallic silver—ideal for when you want your feet to do the talking.
Originally made for fashionistas, these have made their way into casual outings and even campus wear for those who love a touch of luxury.
Student tip: Look for pre-loved pairs on resale sites, especially older colourways that no longer qualify as “new new.” You can also sign up for student discounts or wait for off select styles during seasonal sales. Some Jimmy Choos dip below £600, and who knows—you might just find a free shipping deal too.
🌱 PSUDO blu Slip‑On – £75/$94: Green, Clean, and Campus-Approved
If sustainability is top of mind, the PSUDO blu slip-on is about to become your new favourite shoe. Launched with a focus on eco-conscious design, these trainers are made using 85% recycled foam and built in a solar-powered factory. That’s sustainability with arch support.
Not only do they align with your values, but they also come in minimalist colourways that work for lectures, group projects, or post-exam drinks in the park. The price point is also one of the best on this list—£75 or around $94, with free exchanges available through many stockists.
And while they’re not from your usual top brands like Nike or Adidas, they’re quietly becoming the comfortable shoes choice among eco-conscious students who want something beyond the usual Air Force 1s.
Celeb & Influencer Inspiration—On a Student Budget
Want proof that slip-ons are everywhere? From celebrities to your flatmate’s Instagram story, the humble canvas sneaker is back on everyone’s radar.
- Emily Ratajkowski regularly rocks the Vans checkerboards with cargo pants and a cropped tee—a look you can easily recreate with student staples like graphic tees and denim cutoffs.
- Harry Styles, Zoë Kravitz, and Jennifer Lawrence have also been spotted in low-top slip-ons, embracing both leather and canvas versions for casual outings or errands.
Pro tip: Check eBay, Vinted, and Depop for vintage gems or archive styles like the Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 or Nike SB Janoski. Prices range from £20–£50, making them a total steal—especially if you don’t mind the odd scuff (which just adds to the skatecore vibe, really).
And don’t be afraid to make them your own: add patches, doodles, or colourful laces for a totally custom pair. Who needs designer when you’ve got DIY flair?
Why Slip‑Ons Matter to Students in 2025
Still not convinced you need a pair? Here’s why slip-on sneakers should be your go-to:
✅ Time-saving
You’ve got 10 minutes to get from your flat to your 9am. Do you really want to be fiddling with laces? Slip-ons are your best friend for 0–3 yrs of university life (or 3–7 yrs if you’re on a PhD!).
👟 Versatility
Dress them up with trousers and a Nike Precision tee, or dress them down with joggers and a hoodie. Perfect for workout shoes, brunch dates, or late-night library runs.
🌱 Eco-benefit
Sustainable brands like PSUDO, or pre-loved classics like Air Force 1 slip-ons, keep your carbon footprint low and your campus style high. Even Dr. Scholl has joined the game with comfy canvas kicks.
🔥 Trend credibility
From Nike Metcon slip-ons to Adidas’s revived Taekwondo trainers, athletic shoes without laces are on the rise. And the fact they double as women’s road running shoes or basketball shoes? Bonus.
🛍 Shop the Look: Student-Friendly Slip-On Picks
| Style | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Vans Checkerboard (thrift or outlet) | Campus classic—£20–£50, timeless style you can personalise |
| PSUDO blu slip-on (£75/~$95) | Sustainable, lightweight, and part of the future of comfortable shoes |
| Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 (lace-less version) | Retro cool, durable build, and often under £60 |
| Adidas Taekwondo Slip-On | Once made for martial arts, now seen in lecture halls—often discounted |
| Nike SB Janoski Slip-On | Skatecore meets comfort, and they last through festival season |
| Dr. Scholl Slip-On Sneakers | Surprisingly stylish, with arch support and clean designs under £60 |
You don’t need a celeb stylist or a fashion degree to rock the slip-on sneaker trend—just a bit of savvy shopping and a good eye for resale deals. Whether you’re team bold blues, peachy picks, or minimalist cream tones, there’s a pair out there for every vibe.
So next time you’re walking past retail stores or scrolling new arrivals, give those laceless wonders a second look. They’re not just comfortable shoes—they’re your new uni uniform.
