What Defines Dsquared2 Slides
Dsquared2 was founded by the Canadian-born twins Dean and Dan Caten and is based in Milan. The label pairs Italian production with a confident, slightly irreverent streetwear spirit, and its slides are one of the easiest ways into that look.
Most designs are built on the classic pool slide: a moulded rubber footbed with a single wide strap across the instep. The strap is where the house identity sits. Look out for:
- Bold logo straps carrying the Dsquared2 name or the Icon branding the house is known for
- The maple leaf, a nod to the founders' Canadian roots that appears across many collections
- Contrast colourways, from all-black and white to brighter seasonal shades
If the recipient already wears the label, these slides sit naturally beside Dsquared2 sneakers as the off-duty option. For the wider story of the house, see our Dsquared2 brand guide.
Choosing Colour and Size for Dsquared2 Slides
Colour. Black with a white logo is the safest gift: it suits shorts, tracksuits and swimwear alike and hides wear well. White footbeds look crisp but show marks sooner. Choose a brighter colourway only if you know the recipient enjoys a statement.
Sizing. Dsquared2 uses European sizing. A few practical points:
- Check the size of a shoe the recipient already wears, ideally another Italian brand, and convert it to EU sizing.
- Slides are often offered in whole sizes. If they sit between sizes, sizing up usually feels more comfortable than a heel hanging over the edge.
- The strap is fixed, so a high instep or wide foot benefits from the larger option.
Budget. Price depends on the material of the strap and footbed, how pronounced the branding is, and whether the colourway is a seasonal or core design. Designer slides cost considerably more than everyday pool slides but sit well below most designer footwear, which makes them an accessible entry point to the label.
Care and Why They Make a Good Gift
Rubber slides need little attention, but a few habits extend their life:
- Rinse off chlorine and sea salt with fresh water after the pool or beach
- Wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap; avoid harsh solvents on printed logos
- Dry in the shade, as prolonged direct sun can fade colour and soften the footbed
As a gift, Dsquared2 slides work because they are useful and recognisable at once. Christmas here falls in summer, so a pair is well timed for holidays at the coast, poolside afternoons and the braai. They suit partners, sons, brothers and friends who like branded streetwear, and are an easy pick from our gifts for him. To compare styles from other houses, browse our full luxury slides guide.
If you have a particular colourway or size in mind, tell us what you are looking for and we will come back with options.