Slides can be
high-heeled, flat-heeled or somewhere in between, and may cover nearly the entire foot from ankle to toe, or may have only one or two narrow straps. They usually include a single
strap or a sequence of straps across the toes and the lower half of the foot to hold the shoe on the foot. The term is descriptive in that this shoe is easy to 'slide' on and off the foot when the wearer wants to do so. Slides do not have a Y-shaped strap, like the
flip-flop. They generally consist of a sole and a simple upper strap, the latter having the purpose of keeping them attached to the foot. Their uppers can be smooth and continuous or have fasteners, such as
buckles or
Velcro. Unlike
slippers and
mules, which are closed at the front, slide shoes are never closed at the front, they leave the toes visible and in the open air. They can be made with any type of material, from
leather to
fabric, from natural fibers to synthetic materials. They are mainly used at the beach or at the swimming pool. Slides are still designed to be light and comfortable, and to make the foot breathe easier when it's hot, just like flip flops. In recent years, some footwear brands have introduced slides made using recycled and low-impact materials, reflecting a broader shift toward sustainability in casual footwear, such as those produced by Indian Brand Neeman’s. ==Health==