We get asked this a lot lately: "Athena or Athena Luxe - what's actually different?" Now that both are on the site, it's a fair question, and it's worth answering properly rather than leaving you to guess between two very similar-looking pairs.
This guide walks through what stays the same between the two styles, what genuinely sets them apart, and - most usefully - how to work out which one suits your feet, your lifestyle, and (if you're shopping for a growing pair of feet too) your family.
What doesn't change
Both styles start from the same place. Every pair is handcrafted by skilled artisans on the island of Crete, Greece, using techniques passed down through generations - no shortcuts, no mass production. Both share the same three-strap silhouette with the signature toe loop Athena is known for, an all-leather construction, and an easy slip-on fit that doesn't need breaking in. If you're comparing them side by side in a photo, the family resemblance is deliberate. The difference is entirely in what's underfoot.
Athena Slide
The original. Athena Slide has a flat, leather-lined innersole, which keeps it light, close to the ground, and genuinely one of the most packable pairs in the collection - it's the one that tends to end up in a suitcase rather than left at home. The flatter, more open fit also tends to suit a slightly wider foot comfortably.
Best for: travel, packing light, and feet that sit slightly wider.
Shop the Athena Slides collection, available in Champagne, Bronze, Rose Gold, Caramel and Charcoal.
Athena Luxe
The newer sister. Athena Luxe keeps the same design but swaps in a leather-lined memory foam innersole - the same cushioning that made the Hania Luxe a long-running bestseller. It sits a little closer and snugger to the foot, which means it tends to suit a slimmer foot particularly well, and the cushioning means you can be on your feet for hours without noticing.
Best for: all-day wear, standing or walking for long stretches, and feet on the narrower side.
Shop the Athena Luxe collection, currently available in Champagne, Bronze and Charcoal.
(Bronze and Charcoal Luxe product links to be confirmed against live slugs before publishing - see note below.)
At a glance
|
Athena Slide |
Athena Luxe |
|
|
Innersole |
Flat, leather-lined |
Leather-lined memory foam |
|
Feel |
Light, close to the ground |
Cushioned, cloud-like |
|
Best suited to |
Slightly wider feet |
Slimmer feet |
|
Best for |
Travel, everyday packing |
All-day wear, standing/walking |
|
Price |
AED 295 |
AED 330 |
How to choose
If your feet sit slightly wider, the Athena Slide's flatter, more open fit will feel more comfortable straight away - you won't feel the strap pulling in at the sides.
If your feet are on the narrower side, the Athena Luxe's closer, cushioned fit will sit more securely, without needing to size down.
If you're travelling, the Athena Slide is the lighter, more packable option - it folds flat and takes up almost no space in a bag.
If you're on your feet for most of the day, the memory foam in the Athena Luxe will make a noticeable difference by the afternoon - that's the whole point of the upgrade.
If you genuinely can't choose, that's fair - a lot of our customers end up owning both and reaching for whichever suits the day.
An upgrade for tweens and teens too
Both styles start from size 35, which makes them a genuinely useful step up from Crocs for tweens and teens who've outgrown the kids' range but aren't quite ready for adult styling. One of our own team took both pairs away on this year's summer holiday and wore them on rotation the whole trip - Bronze came out the clear favourite, a warm neutral that goes with everything from beachwear to evening outfits.
For more on dressing growing feet through the school holidays, see our half-term shoe guide.
Shop by colour
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Champagne - Athena Slide · Athena Luxe
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Bronze - Athena Slide · Athena Luxe
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Charcoal - Athena Slide · Athena Luxe
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Rose Gold - available in Athena Slide only
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Caramel - available in Athena Slide only
Frequently asked questions
Are Athena Slides and Athena Luxe true to size?
Yes, both styles run true to size, starting from size 35. If you're between sizes, our Shoeq Concierge service lets you order extra sizes to try at home before deciding, in Dubai.
Which is better for travel?
The Athena Slide, thanks to its flat, lightweight build - it packs flatter than most sandals and takes up very little suitcase space.
Can teens wear these too?
Yes - both styles start from size 35, making them a comfortable step up from children's sandals for tweens and teens.
Ready to choose?
Whichever one you land on, both are available with same-day delivery across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, next-day delivery UAE-wide, and free shipping across the UAE - we also ship globally. If you'd rather try both on before deciding, our Shoeq Concierge service brings a fitting to your door, or you can visit our team in-store at Mercato Mall or The Courtyard.
Still undecided between styles? Our guide to Greek-inspired slides has more on why this shape has become a UAE wardrobe staple.
