Looking for slip on shoes with a low vamp(?)

March 29, 2024 12:18 PM

Superga used to make these shoes, the 2210, which were perfect little unadorned slip on shoes where the top of the shoe stopped a little past the wearer's toes, leaving the top of the foot uncovered. They don't make them anymore, can you help me find something close?

I apologize, I don't really know shoe or foot terms, so searching for these - or describing them for this question - has been something of a puzzle. I think the term is a low vamp, but it's not like that's included on the description anyway.

What I am looking for specifically:
- a slip on shoe
- as unadorned and logoless as possible
- with a low/short top of the shoe, so the top of the foot is exposed.
- links to specific products

What I am not looking for:
- these, which come too close to the ankle/leg for my liking. I would also like to avoid platforms.
- shoes with laces
- ballet flats
- platforms
- links to used 2210s (I like thrifting but shoes are difficult)

Thanks!

posted by everybody had matching towels to Shopping (13 answers total)

I don't really know shoe or foot terms

I don't know if this is industry official, but I have seen low vamp sneakers called things like "hybrid flats" and "sneaker flats" before. It may open up your search.
posted by phunniemee at 12:28 PM on March 29

Maybe the Roxy Minnow?
posted by vunder at 12:36 PM on March 29

Toms seems to have a number of slip-ons, like this one, that meet your criteria.
posted by alb at 12:38 PM on March 29

Here are a pair of low Keds from Zappos. Scroll down to see them modeled on a foot. (There are laces but clearly they're decorative only.)

If they feel like they might work, know that Zappos' return policy is extremely simple, so you could easily try them and return them if they're wrong.

I also feel like these shoes used to be called "skimmers" at some point?
posted by BlahLaLa at 12:39 PM on March 29 [2 favorites]

I've loved two pairs of Superga's, they're nice, and I'm sad for you that your favorite model is gone.

I'm assuming based on your profile that you're in the US and looking for more of a femme aesthetic. Not quite sneakers, but comfy and meets the stated brief: Rothy's Loafers?
Penny loafers?
posted by enfa at 12:44 PM on March 29

Also, it's true that they used to have tons of these (and they were often called skimmers) and now have very few. Some of the ones listed as ballet flats might still meet your needs (check out the Ked's Bryn). And you might look at the Jazzlyn by Comfortview.
posted by vunder at 1:03 PM on March 29

Keds Mini-canvas slip-ons? Or is that too high up on your foot?
posted by gingerbeer at 3:12 PM on March 29

Skechers sells a shoe they identify as a skimmer. It looks sort of like a regular flat at first glance, but you can tell from the sole that it’s more casual/made for walking. Looks like this has the low vamp you’re looking for.

Good luck, this is a surprisingly tough thing to find!
posted by little mouth at 5:25 AM on March 30

I got these from LLBean, have not worn them yet, still wearing boots in Maine. Returns are easy, customer pays $7 for return shipping, though I just go to the store.
posted by theora55 at 10:30 AM on March 30

I wonder if these Cole Haan slip-ons might be close? The vamps look a bit lower than most slip-on sneakers or moccasins with a similar silhouette.

Edit: looks like they also come in canvas versions on Zappos.
posted by paper scissors sock at 10:35 AM on April 2

Another possibility from Frye
posted by paper scissors sock at 5:45 PM on April 2

I just randomly saw a shoe in a thread about travel shoes and remembered your question. These Pumas look like they have a pretty low vamp. They come in lots of colors, too.
posted by little mouth at 5:47 PM on April 3

One more possibility: this might be a little too adorned/fancy-sneaker style than what you're looking for, but the vamp is low!
posted by paper scissors sock at 12:31 PM on April 4