Kim Kardashian, as you may have heard, is in the midst of bringing yet another beauty brand to market. On Tuesday, following weeks of buzzy pre-launch press — including an appearance on “The Today Show” and a controversial interview with The New York Times in which she revealed she would consider eating poop every day if it would make her look younger — SKKN by Kim officially hit the DTC shelves.
Created alongside industry giant Coty Inc., SKKN By Kim’s initial offering includes nine products, ranging from $43 for a single (non-refill) cleanser to $673 for the complete collection. In a press release, the 41-year-old entrepreneur and reality TV star said her psoriasis diagnosis “became the catalyst” for her learning more about skin care. “Working with some of the top dermatologists and estheticians over the years has given me the incredible opportunity to learn from their expertise — and I knew I had to share my learnings,” she said.
The brand, however, has dealt with a series of naming headaches leading up to its launch, including accusations of trademark infringement. Kardashian submitted several trademark applications for the name between March and July 2021. But according to reports in The Fashion Law and Bloomberg Law, Beauty Concepts LLC is trying to block Kardashian’s trademarks from moving forward because of similarities to its own brand, SKKN+. Cyndie Lunsford, owner of the Brooklyn-based Beauty Concepts, claims her company has been using the SKKN+ name since August 2018, and that she filed for a trademark on March 28, 2021, just days before Kardashian.
In July 2021, a year before SKKN By Kim’s launch, Lunsford’s legal team sent a cease-and-desist letter to Kardashian. Two months later, Lori Harvey filed paperwork for her own celebrity beauty brand called SKN by LH, which launched in October 2021 with five debut products, including a cleanser, toner, serum, eye cream and moisturizer. Twitter users have been quick to point out the similarity between the two brand names.
“Assuming the existence of the similar marks was not known to the Kardashian team, running checks on the names one wants to register, and variations, could have provided important clues and allowed more lead time to address problems,” says David Jacoby, an intellectual property lawyer and partner in the New York office of Culhane Meadows.
Jacoby has been involved in previous brand disputes but does not represent Kardashian or SKKN By Kim. He says that when looking to trademark a brand, typically a trademark application is filed, and the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) could point out problems with it, leading to amendments or disclaimers on part of the claims.
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“The USPTO will publish the applied-for trademark for opposition,” Jacoby explains. “It may negotiate with the applicant for limitations on what the mark to be issued will protect. For example, a disclaimer of a word or words within the proposed trademark could be required.”
SKN by LH has yet to formalize any opposition to Kardashian’s trademark attempts. To date, the matter between SKKN By Kim and SKKN+ is still under review by the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
For many, the controversy surrounding Kardashian’s latest business venture feels familiar. The reality star — along with other members of her entrepreneurial family — has been involved in trademark drama before. Khroma Beauty, the ill-fated makeup line from Kardashian and sisters Kourtney and Khloé, launched in 2012 but had a short shelf life. After a year in stores, the brand faced multiple lawsuits for copyright infringement. The Los Angeles-based beauty company Chroma Beauty threatened a lawsuit; meanwhile, a Florida-headquartered company called Kroma Beauty presented their own suit for copyright infringement, seeking $10 million in damages. (Ultimately, Khroma Beauty was forced to rename as Kardashian Beauty, which was also short-lived.)
Then there was the original name for Skims. Before Kardashian launched her successful shapewear line, word got out that she was planning to call it “Kimono.” A social media backlash brewed, with many making accusations of cultural insensitivity and appropriation. The mayor of Kyoto, Daisaku Kadokawa, wrote an open letter to Kardashian urging her to think twice about using the term for a brand name.
“Kimono is a traditional ethnic dress fostered in our rich nature and history with our predecessors’ tireless endeavors and studies, and it is a culture that has been cherished and passed down with care in our living,” he wrote. “Also, it is a fruit of craftsmanship and truly symbolizes sense of beauty, spirits and value of Japanese.”
Kardashian went back to the drawing board.
“I am always listening, learning and growing — I so appreciate the passion and varied perspectives that people bring to me,” she tweeted at the time. “When I announced the name of my shapewear line, I did so with the best intentions in mind. My brands and products are built with inclusivity and diversity at their core and after careful thought and consideration, I will be launching my Solutionwear brand under a new name.”
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In June of 2020, Forbes reported that Seed Beauty, which manufactured products for Kylie Cosmetics and the now-shuttered KKW Beauty, had filed a lawsuit in California against Coty Inc., claiming that Kylie Cosmetics knowingly shared trade secrets with Coty, which owns several other beauty brands. That ordeal could partly explain why Kardashian was ready to shed the KKW Beauty name (in addition to her pending divorce from Kanye West, as some fans have speculated).
Andrea Sager, a small business attorney in Houston who does not represent Kardashian or SKKN By Kim, says the media mogul is “very strategic” about brand awareness. And highly visible legal scuffles are one way to get people talking about your brand.
“They say no press is bad press,” Sager says. “I think that is her exact take on this as she has been in constant trademark battles.”
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Sager predicts Kardashian will face an uphill battle in successfully trademarking SKKN By Kim. “They will pay to fight it out and whoever has more money will be the end winner,” she says. “And if she ends up keeping the brand, she will most likely be paying them for a license to use the name itself.”
How might a business owner avoid running into a fate like Kardashian? Get to digging. Like, really digging, advises Sager.
“For entrepreneurs and founders coming up with new names for brands, they need to be performing thorough trade research, typically handled with a trademark attorney,” she says.
Doing your own research online with Google or social media is often insufficient. It might not surface all the possible areas of overlap. If you are infringing on someone’s trademark, you may be liable to change your name and even hand over past profits.
So, how does Kardashian keep rising above her brand naming challenges? Money, a large legal team, and press blitzes certainly help. Keisha Wagner-Gaymon, founder of PeachFuzz Laser Studio in Brooklyn, would like to see some accountability if it turns out that the SKKN+ trademark is being infringed upon.
“Kim knows she is a giant with unlimited resources and money,” says Wagner-Gaymon. “The rules should apply to all, not some, regardless of bank account. If it’s an infringement, that’s what it is.”
Kardashian isn’t the only celebrity with a skincare line dealing with a name scandal. Clothing company Rhode is suing Hailey Bieber over her new skin-care brand, Rhode, which just launched earlier this month. (Rhode is also Bieber’s middle name.) On Instagram, the owners expressed hesitation about filing the lawsuit but “had to in order to protect our business.”
With the number of celebrity beauty brands flooding the market, a truly original idea — let alone an original name — seems more elusive than ever. And savvy shoppers can usually tell the difference between a product that offers real value, versus something that’s merely an extension of the celebrity’s own personal brand.
“Today’s consumers are smart,” says Wagner-Gaymon. “Beauty and skincare is the new wave and everyone wants to be a part of it. Many of these celebrity brands fail. Marketing is not enough. Don’t just throw products out there and expect it to do well because it has your name on it.”
Representatives from SKKN and Coty did not respond to Fashionista’s multiple requests for comment.
On June 27, Khloé Kardashian had her 38th birthday, but she celebrated on Sunday, July 3, in a belated party with a sweet pink theme. She posted a carousel of photos from the event of herself in a bright Barbie pink latex dress and matching heels. The short dress with a low neckline clung to every curve, and she had her platinum blonde hair styled in a bouncing bob.
In the caption, she wrote, “Thank you all so incredibly much for all of the birthday love. I have been overwhelmed with love and blessings and I am so beyond thankful. We took about 400 photos to try and get a few with the girls. Lol this is the best we have but I love them.”
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Behind her on the wall was a collection of balloons in shades of light pink, spelling out, “Happy Birthday Khloe, Love You.”
In some of the photos, she posed with her four-year-old daughter, who was all in pink like mom, wearing a sparkling sequined dress and white sneakers. In another picture, True’s cousin Chicago West popped in wearing a silver sparkling dress of her own with matching strappy sandals.
In an Instagram Story posted by Khloé, her mother Kris Jenner offered her an adorably tipsy toast for the big day.
“I know I’m a little wasted,” Jenner began. “But what I wanted to say is that I am so f-cking in love with you…Listen, I just want to say how much I love you—and I’ve had way too much to drink.”
But Jenner eventually rallied, and offered this lovely tribute.
“You’re so amazingly beautiful,” she said. “You are a rock star in my eyes. You are the queen of our family. You’re the person always looking to the left…we’re here because we love you.”
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Lots of men go all-out on their clothes in the eternal pursuit of dashing good looks but forget all about footwear. The last thing you want is a wardrobe full of nice outfits with no proper shoes to back them up. Welcome to the best slip-on shoes for men. Voila.
Sleek, airy, and surprisingly versatile, the best slip-on shoes for men never fail to look young and hip. Even though their popularity tends to fluctuate from year to year, their comfort and in-your-face design make them a must-have for a modern shoe collection.
Simplicity is the keyword when it comes to the best slip-on shoes for men, but that doesn’t mean you should go out and buy any old pair. We’ve handpicked some of our favorite options for you, and we’re confident you’ll fall in love with any of these loafers instantly.@ggdecoman / Instagram
If you don’t want to look super casual in a pair of the best slip-on shoes for men, these Wolf and Shepherd wonders are fit for any occasion. The stylish leather/suede is ideal for Instagram-worthy brunches, but the soles can withstand even the longest day of pub crawls. While the fit is a bit on the snug side, the memory foam footbed is as comfortable as they come.
Between the half-dozen colors to choose from, we’d be amazed if you couldn’t find something in your wardrobe that goes well with these puppies. One thing’s for sure, you’ll definitely want to pair them with a dark pair of chinos and a thin summer jacket over a plain shirt.
Many of the best slip-on shoes for men look a little rough around the edges, and we can’t imagine the rugged aesthetic will fall out of fashion any time soon. The calfskin leather lining on the Black Ghosts molds to your feet like a glove. And that gorgeous black design goes perfectly with your favorite jeans and a shirt that brings out your eyes.
This is the kind of shoe that gets better the more you wear it, and you can expect to achieve peak comfort within about two weeks of owning these bad boys. Best of all, you can wear these out on the town or to the grocery store and never look out of place.
Although they’re a bit out there design-wise, these are some of the best slip-on shoes for men if you’re after durability. While you might be tempted to treat these like a pair of slippers (which you definitely could), the EVA outsole makes them the perfect pick for campers and outdoorsmen.
Despite the low cut of these shoes, you’ll be amazed at how warm your feet will feel thanks to the nylon upper. These are also some of the most affordable outdoor shoes on the market, so your wallet won’t scream when you inevitably buy multiple pairs. If you opt for camo, team them with neutral-colored pants and a matching camo tee, and you’ll be good to go.
It’s not easy to find slip-on shoes for men that won’t get you in trouble with your boss, but these Everlane beauties might just be your best option. Just be sure you get them with laces and try to pair them with a single-colored t-shirt and pants to maintain an air of professionalism.
Nothing feels better on your feet than a fully-cotton upper, so chances are you’ll have a hard time taking these things off, even out of season. If you do wear them out and need to get yourself another pair, you can rest easy knowing you’re giving back to the environment by helping out an eco-friendly manufacturer.
If you’re ready to take your shoe game to the next level, the Sagan Stride Plain Shoes are among the best slip-on shoes for men you can get your hands (or feet) on. Defined by an iconic suede design and a contrasting light brown sole, these shoes are very easy to combine with even the most outlandish of clothes. Still, you can go the tried-and-true route and pair them with dark-colored chinos and some swanky male jewelry.
The softness and comfort of the aniline calves are out of this world. And don’t let the luxury factor fool you – these gems are sturdy enough to handle a long day of standing and getting stepped on in a crowded club.
Loafers might not be your go-to when you think of sports footwear, but APL’s runners are some of the best slip-on shoes for men who like to work up a sweat. The stretchy TechLoom upper practically feels like you’re wearing socks, and the soles can withstand almost anything you throw at them.
Weighing in at under 7 ounces, you can stuff these inside any gym bag after hopping off the treadmill. The solid traction pattern is super-helpful on dicey surfaces, and the padded insole will keep your feet comfy through a tough workout. Also, if you want to look your best in a gym full of hunks, be sure to pick a color that matches your favorite tracksuit.
The best slip-on shoes for men have that magical touch of ‘just the right amount of casual’ that Ralph Lauren has perfected. The Polo logo in the back gives the perfect amount of detail to these low-key slip-ons without looking too extra. They’re a perfect match for a floral shirt and denim shorts.
You can also stick these things in a washing machine to keep them looking fresh without worrying about the colors fading. One thing to keep in mind is you definitely need socks to combat unwanted chafing on the heel. But overall, the insoles offer spectacular comfort even on the hottest of days.
Tropicfeel’s products are made with movement in mind. They’re also extremely breathable, easy to clean, and practically impervious to unpleasant smells. You can even wear them without socks. This means the Sunset Shoes are an ideal pick for dudes who spend most of their time outdoors, and they look amazing when combined with high-cut denim.
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On top of being extremely cushy, these shoes are made of recycled materials, a dream come true for environmentally conscious guys. And you get the added benefit of non-slippery soles, so you don’t have to worry about terrain and weather conditions with these things on.
Material: Polyester Upper, EVA Outsole | Sizes available: 6-12.5 | Fit: Regular | Colors: White, Gray, Green, Light/Dark Blue
If you want a pair of low-cut shoes for your next office meeting, these are among the best slip-on shoes for men you can hope to find. Nothing can compete with the classic, all-leather look and comfortable insoles. For extra swagger points, you’ll want to wear these with mid-rise socks and darker-colored pants.
It can be a bit tricky to find slip-ons that fit your foot just right, so you can decide if you want the regular or wide fit. Whatever you choose, your feet will get plenty of breathing space thanks to the ortholite footbed. And you can say goodbye to those annoying “tap dancing” noises as you’re walking – we’re fans of the rubber sole.
If you’re by the lake more than inside your house, it’s time to invest in waterproof slip-on shoes for men, and you can’t do much better than Nunn Bush. Keeping things comfortable and snug, the big selling point here is the incredible mesh lining that gives your feet plenty of room to breathe.
The leather upper is as resistant to water as you can reasonably expect for the price range, and the Smartscent footbed does wonders for keeping any unwanted smells at bay. Staying consistent with the nature vibes, the earth tones make these easy to pair with your favorite outdoor gear. There’s no reason not to look your best in the great outdoors.
The beautiful thing about the modern clothes market is that manufacturers today put the environment first, and no one can accuse Cariuma of not being eco-friendly. They plant 10 trees for each pair of these puppies sold, so you get to feel amazing about your purchase in more ways than one.
Besides the canvas/cotton construction, there’s also the BLOOM rubber outsole. That combo makes them crazy lightweight, not to mention easy to pair with all of your favorite casual attire. Plus, you can get the best slip-on shoes for men at a price that’s beyond reasonable, so there’s no reason not to double down and get both a green and a sand-colored pair.
Entering the world of loafers can be a bit intimidating for more conservative guys, but the best slip-on shoes for men make it easy to forget about that footwear fear. There are quite a few little touches that make these babies pop, mostly the retro-style “license plate” in the back to shake things up.
The classic Converse color palette gives you endless styling options. These bad boys look great with almost any color or pattern, but high-cut jeans and printed t-shirts would have to be our favorite combo. Because of the built-in sock liner, you also don’t have to worry about your socks escaping and chafing your feet.
Material: 100% PET Canvas Upper | Sizes available: 4.5-14 | Fit: Wide | Colors: White, Black
These Adidas classics are among the best slip-on shoes for men looking for dependable running footwear. The mesh keeps sweat at bay like nobody’s business, and the elastic strap makes getting them on and off a cinch. No more tripping over your shoelaces while running.
The formula is largely made up of recycled materials, making this a very environmentally friendly pick for forward-thinking dudes with style. Whichever color combination you opt for, you’ll mostly be working with blacks and whites, so you should have no trouble pairing these shoes with any casual outfit in your closet.
You don’t have to go all-out in the color department to look extravagant. These are some of the best slip-on shoes for men if you’re looking to attract attention without looking standoffish. The kudu leather gives off a rugged yet professional look, and the front “apron” is the detail that ties everything together.
While the lack of lining might be a turn-off for some, it’s great if you want a shoe that adapts to your foot shape over time. Not to mention they’re shockingly durable. They go great with khakis and denim alike, so you don’t have to try particularly hard to look fabulous with these on.
Material: Kudu Leather or Suede Upper, Leather Sole | Sizes available: 4-14 | Fit: Regular | Colors: Black, Brown, Caramel, Snuff
Sketchers loafers are the epitome of casual footwear – they’ll put a spring in your step for any kind of weekend outing. An extremely versatile pair of the best slip-on shoes for men, these things look and feel great thanks to the dual-goring insets and in-your-face outsole design.
There’s an advantage to cheap yet well-constructed shoes that come in several colors. You can buy one of each to pair with whatever outfits you’re sporting these days. If you ask us, though, denim looks especially flattering with these, as do wool plaid shirts. But what really sells these Sketchers is the unparalleled lightness. You’ll practically forget you’re wearing shoes.
Material: 100% Fabric or Textile Upper, Rubber Sole | Sizes available: 6.5-16 | Fit: Wide, Regular | Colors: Light/Dark Brown, Charcoal, Black, Navy
What to look for When Looking for The Best Slip-on Shoes for Men
Fit
The best slip-on shoes for men don’t typically have special sizes. Just make sure they wrap comfortably around your ankles without feeling constrictive. And since you’ll probably be rocking them barefoot, take note of any uncomfortable friction around your heel.
Going commando under the ankles might take some getting used to, but breathing room is a big deal with loafers. You want a pair that (quite literally) gives a decent amount of wiggle room for your toes.
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Material
The best slip-on shoes for men offer decent-to-excellent protection from the elements without being restrictive in the slightest, although the exact material you opt for can make a huge difference. For instance, leather loafers have supreme durability and class, but cleaning them can be a bit of a chore. Plus, you can’t really afford to go sockless.
Polyester and cotton are much breezier and lend themselves nicely to the barefoot aesthetic. The former has the advantage of quicker drying (great if you get caught in the rain unexpectedly). The latter is particularly light and generally quite environmentally friendly.
Design
When it comes to the best slip-on shoes for men, a monochrome loafer is almost always a safe bet for keeping things somewhat formal. If you don’t have any dress codes to worry about, you can kick things up a notch and get a pair with some quirky patterns and color combinations. Two different shades of the same color can really make a shoe pop.
Since the best slip-on shoes for men take up a lot less space on your feet than most other shoes, the tiniest of details can make all the difference. Something as simple as a single leather element can turn heads for all the right reasons.@checkerboardhunterz / Instagram
Occasion
Many of the best slip-on shoes for men are quite casual. It’s hard to imagine someone wearing a pair and not matching them up with chinos and a thin summer shirt.
But if the weather is scorching or you really dig the feel of low-cut shoes, there are options you can get away within the workplace too. Leather slip-ons, especially when matched with a good pair of pants and mid-rise socks, can be more or less indistinguishable from regular shoes. Your feet will be cozy, and your coworkers will be none the wiser.
FAQ
Sagan Stride is a champion of cozy slip-on shoes for men if you can get your hands on a pair, and APL shoes come in at a close second if you’re the athletic type. There are also brands like Cariuma that keep things eco-friendly while still being top-tier in terms of comfort.
Like we mentioned earlier, slip ons are basically best friends with a pair of chinos and your favorite summer shirt. But you can also find options for everything from business casual to running around the block. The socks are more of an accessory to prevent your feet from getting blisters, so you can usually get away with slapping on a shorter pair just to be safe.
The latest campaign for Skims is promoting a swimwear line that is all about that shiny gold, silver and bronze lamé fabric that screams 80s glam. Fittingly so, Kim Kardashian shared photos to her instagram revealing pieces from the collection and the retro vibes surrounding them! She posed poolside in a gold bikini, but we had to stop and take a moment to appreciate the Katie Biltoft ‘Lucre’ sandals in color ‘Aurum’ that she wore to go with the swimsuit.
Photo: Nadia Lee Cohen
The ‘Lucre’ design is a dangerously minimal mule crafted in metalised gold python, set on a 120mm heel and finished with gold-plated hardware.
