Design
Quality of Materials
Value for Money 
Craftsmanship 
Customer Service I tend to struggle with shoes.
My issue?
Keeping crisp looking kicks on my feet while also leading the type of lifestyle that leaves shoes torn, scuffed, faded, and muddied up.
For me, this means strategically purchasing a pair of well-built kicks for each of the drastically different settings a guy finds himself in. Shoes for the gym, dates, to walk-around, to lounge, to dress up, etc.
Soludos styles fit into a sort of double-category. That is, walk-around shoes that also allow you to step into a diner and convey a bit of class.
I love a double-play, so I was eager to give Soludos a full-fledged romp around.
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What is Soludos?
Soludos is an NYC-based espadrille and sandal brand that’s expanded into casual sneakers.
The company was founded in 2010 by Nick Brown. Nick grew up in London but spent the summers of his youth on the Spanish coast wearing the iconic rope-soled espadrille sandals that have been around for centuries.
On their website, the company states simply: “The best days are the ones without an agenda.”
This mantra is apparent in each of their styles—shoes meant for an afternoon ambling along the boardwalk and exploring without hurry.
Soludos prices are premium, but not luxury. Most of their styles hover between $80-$120, as opposed to luxury brands which can often be double in price.
Things to Consider Before Buying Footwear From Soludos
Most guys are open to trying new styles, but don’t have a clue where or how to bolster their wardrobe. For others, the thought of donning anything other than stiff leather work shoes and squeaky weekend sneakers sends them spiraling into sheer pandemonium.
Soludos offers an approachable solution. Their shoes land smack in the middle between fully casual and partially dressy. These are for laid back guys with a little irreverence—guys in leisure mode.
If you saw the title “smoking slipper” and thought, “don’t I have to be a Bond villain on a glossy yacht to wear those,” I’m here to tell you that you don’t.
Soludos makes stylish, breezy footwear geared toward summer. Their shoes are sturdy and elegantly designed, though some guys might find the styles too bold for their tastes.
Soludos Smoking Slipper Review
With thousands of options littering online catalogues, what we lace up or slip on each day matters. And for guys like us, who care as much about style as we do comfort and utility, it matters even more.
In the upper echelons of men’s footwear, there are hybrid-sneakers that bounce with cushion but complement a suit. There are sandals that don’t make your feet look hideous and awkward. And there are slip-ons that handle sand, pavement, and important lunches. These are those slip-ons.
Let me preface this by saying, I don’t smoke. But wearing these slippers kind of made me wish I did.
The Smoking Slipper is made of suede on top, and jute and rubber on bottom. Jute is a long bast fiber that’s both durable and soft.
The design of the slipper mimics a classic rope-sole espadrille. I opted for suede in a neutral navy so I could wear them with shorts or a pair of cuffed chinos.
But if you’re willing to dabble, Soludos makes an array of slippers with eclectic designs, colors, and embroidered patterns. The most creative options I found were: french bulldogs in sunglasses, a bright orange aperitif with a glass, and a martini and olive combo, one on each slipper.
Admittedly, it threw me off that these were called slippers. After all, they are nothing like the fuzzy, couch-lounging American definition of the word.
They feel sturdier than most flimsy slip-ons. This is due to the rope-sole and rubber bottom which give the shoe real substance.
Other than for smoking—as the name suggests—these are perfect to wear around the house when hosting guests, on an evening walk, and as replacements for flip-flops if you’re stopping by the beach or boardwalk.
In the upper echelons of men’s footwear, there are hybrid-sneakers that bounce with cushion but complement a suit. There are sandals that don’t make your feet look hideous and awkward. And there are slip-ons that handle sand, pavement, and important lunches. These are those slip-ons.
Soludos Ashore Sneaker Review
The Ashore feels a lot like if a Cole Haan sneaker studied abroad in Spain and came back with all the culture and none of the snooty pretentiousness. I can get onboard with that.
The Ashore Sneaker comes in white, grey, and navy. I got the grey, though it’s more of a subdued beige than a traditional grey. So take note of that before ordering.
The firm rubber sole is a tad heavy but is worth the extra weight since it holds up well. For hotter weather, this shoe beats every sneaker in my closet because of how stretchy and breathable the upper is.
The knit upper is made from four post-consumer recycled plastic bottles. Props to the Soludos team for pushing sustainability and figuring out how to weave these into a soft mesh pattern.
Paired with fabric shorts, dressier jeans, or chinos, this shoe shines. The Ashore isn’t a sporty sneaker, though. And it would look misfitting with gym shorts or sweats, even more luxury style joggers.
The Ashore can be worn in settings where you want the comfort of sneakers but more elevated style. If you got invited to an outdoor potluck but knew you would end up tossing the football around, this shoe would perform great.
The Ashore encompasses something both sophisticated and playful, which offers a lot of value to guys looking for a do-it-all shoe in this price range.
The Ashore feels a lot like if a Cole Haan sneaker studied abroad in Spain and came back with all the culture and none of the snooty pretentiousness. While the firm rubber sole is a tad heavy, this shoe beats every sneaker in my closet for hotter weather because of how stretchy and breathable the upper is.
What do Other Reviewers Say About Soludos?
Most of the reviews for these two shoes were positive. However, there were a few reviews for the classic espadrilles citing that they didn’t hold up well. So make sure you do a little research before ordering any style.
Some reviewers said their shoes were too small and recommended ordering a size up. I typically wear a 12 in most brands. I ordered true-to-size for the Ashore and one size down on the Suede Smoking Slipper, to accommodate for going sockless. I was pleased with the fit on both.
While I think the smoking slippers should be worn with no socks (or at least no-show socks), the Ashore can be worn either way depending on preference.
Soludos makes stylish, breezy footwear geared toward summer. Their shoes are sturdy and elegantly designed, though some guys might find the styles too bold for their tastes.
My Thoughts Overall on Soludos
What I Like
Stylish designs
Ashore sneaker is machine-washable
Soludos offers payment plan installments through their website
Exclusive rewards program called “The Sunshine Club” for 15% discounts and early access to new styles.
Firm, durable soles
What I Don’t Like
Fairly high price range
Suede slippers don’t breathe well
Rope-sole texture takes getting used to
Not many half-sizes available
Who is Soludos for?
Soludos is for the city skipper and beach goer who puts a bit of thought into his style. It’s for guys who don’t take themselves too seriously, but give a rat’s ass about what goes on their feet.
The Verdict
Soludos’ styles are minimal, versatile, and reflect an easygoing lifestyle.
While you can find other sneakers and espadrilles for cheaper, the brand uses only high quality materials in their shoes, which is reflected in a higher price. Soludos add a touch of class to any leisurely activity or gathering and will complement almost all your outfits.
These are built for the boardwalk but acceptable in the boardroom—on a casual Friday, that is.
Soludos makes stylish, breezy footwear geared toward summer. Their shoes are sturdy and elegantly designed, though some guys might find the styles too bold for their tastes.
FAQs
Are Soludos true to size?
For the most part, Soludos run true to size. For purely sockless (or no-show sock) styles like the smoking slippers and classic Espadrilles, consider going one size down for a more snug fit.
Are Soludos sustainable?
Soludos has begun to make sustainability a priority with their Ashore sneaker: made from recycled plastic bottles.
Who owns Soludos?
Soludos is owned by founder Nick Brown, who began the company in 2010.
Are Espadrilles good for walking?
Espadrilles are decent for walking, but not for long distances. Casual strolls of less than 1-mile are ideal.
