Reviews You Can Rely On

10 Best Slippers of 2026

We've spent years seeking out the best slippers, testing models from Sorel, L.L.Bean, Olukai, Glerups, UGG, and more to find the perfect pampering pairs
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Best Slippers Review
Credit: Justin Simoni
Kate Pitts
By Kate Pitts ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Updated October 30, 2026
Contributions From: Justin Simoni & Amber King

A cozy, soft pair of slippers can make getting out of bed on a cold day a little bit more bearable, and sometimes, a comfy set will even carry us through a whole day. We tested these slippers on midnight trips to the bathroom, early morning dog walks, and cozying up on the couch.

Both our male and female test teams loved Olukai's comfy slippers. We crowned the Olukai Moloa for men and the Olukai Ku'i for women as our favorites for indoor and some light outdoor use. Both styles have a high-quality leather upper and cozy, warm shearling lining.

If you don't have a pile of money to spend on your cozy footwear, you still have options. We love the men's Zigzagger Moccasin and the women's HomeTop Curly Fur Loafer, which still offer plenty of comfort yet have friendlier price points.

Editor's Note: This review was updated on October 30, 2026, to include new slippers from L.L.Bean and Sorel.

Related: Best Slippers for Men
Related: Best Slippers for Women

Best Slippers


Best Men's Slippers


Olukai Moloa


REASONS TO BUY
Liner is genuine short shearling
Insole provides excellent cushion, heel, and arch support
Quality decorative stitch work
Hard-wearing yet supple leather upper
REASONS TO AVOID
Need to follow care instructions carefully
Weighs more than other slippers
Not the best choice for indoor use

Who this is best for: The Olukai Moloa is a Hawaiian-influenced loafer that is ideal for those who want a stylish, well-constructed slipper that can cross over into casual outdoor settings. The sturdy sole makes these feel more like actual shoes than traditional house slippers. They're not the slipper we reach for when loafing on the couch, but they're great for padding around the house and in transitional moments when we want comfort, support, and enough polish to wear them bopping around town for a bit.

Why we love it: In a nutshell, the Moloa is a stylish slipper. Yes, they are comfy, but each step exudes coolness, and we were impressed by the hard-wearing leather upper and the genuine shearling liner. The felted wool insole delivers excellent cushioning and support, while the stitchwork feels durable and long-lasting. One tester reports, “I found these awesome on casual days out, whether I was wandering a new-to-us seaside town, heading to a backyard barbecue, or dropping into an evening concert in the park.” They keep you warm on cooler evenings but don't overheat, and should last quite a while if you follow Olukai's care instructions.

Should you buy it? If you're looking for a dedicated indoor slipper, the Olukai Moloa might not be the one. The structured upper, rigid outsole, and substantial weight make them less suitable for lounging, and the solid outsole might make too much noise for stealthy midnight kitchen runs. As our tester notes, “I love them best overall, but they're not necessarily the slipper I choose if I'm settling into the couch for a night by the fire.” But if you're willing to care for them properly and want a stylish, durable slipper-shoe hybrid that excels in outdoor or transitional use, the Olukai Moloa is worth the investment.

Read more: Olukai Moloa review

Walk with confidence and style in the exceptionally comfortable Olukai Moloa.   Credit: Justin Simoni

Best Women's Slippers


OluKai Ku'i - Women's


REASONS TO BUY
Plush shearling liner
Wear well both indoors and out
Quality, durable construction
Chic, easy-to-style for casual wear
Midsole foam is springy and supportive
Excellent balance of insulation and breathability
REASONS TO AVOID
Sole makes noise on hardwood floors
Bulky for travel
Handwash only

Who this is best for: The OluKai Ku'i offers comfort and support for women who want a house shoe they can also wear outside sometimes. We love their ability to crossover into casual outdoor wear, and anyone looking for this kind of versatility will be satisfied with the Ku'i. On chilly days, the silky-soft shearling fur and down-to-earth design make them an easy choice for lunch outings, errands, or even as post-hike recovery footwear (sweet relief). Our tester said, “I can wear these slippers almost anywhere: from cuddling with my kitty at home to pairing them with a cute romper to see live music.”

Why we love it: No other slipper tested by our women's team rivals the comfort and style offered by the OluKai Ku'i. The midsole is springy and supportive, and the styling is easy to wear. “I feel like my feet are wrapped in a cocoon of warmth as soon as I put them on,” said our tester. They offer toasty toes without overheating. The upper is fully lined with shearling, but the footbed uses a short, felted wool that allows for greater breathability. You don't get to squish your toes into the plush, squishy warmth of a full shearling liner, but it prevents sweaty feet.

Should you buy it? We love the Ku'i for their sturdy, grippy soles, but they're more suited to walking the dog than cuddling up on the couch. They can be noisy on hardwood, so if you have a partner, roommate, or baby that may be sleeping and easily woken, you might want a softer sole. The Ku'i also might be a bit heavy and bulky to toss in your travel bag. But hey, who said they couldn't be your go-to airport shoe?


Best Value for Men


Zigzagger Moccasin


Best Buy Award
zigzagger moccasin
Best Buy Award
List Price: $37
REASONS TO BUY
Warm and cozy
Beefy, durable outsole
Soft microsuede upper
REASONS TO AVOID
Breathability suffers
Faux materials aren't as durable as the real thing
Sizing choices limited

Who this is best for: The Zigzagger Moccasin is a classic looking and budget-friendly slipper. They're great for lazy Sunday relaxation sessions, the kind where you don't set foot outside the house all day. One tester noted, “I think these may be one of the best-looking men's slippers I've found, if the moccasin style is your jam.” They're some of the toastiest in our tests, and they come at an incredibly reasonable price. We recommend these primarily for indoor use, even though their style may mimic the look of crossover slippers. The upper feels luxuriously soft, but is a bit more delicate than actual suede.

Why we love it: We adore the look of the Zigzaggers, and discovered the faux fur lining is as warm as it tries to look. These slippers have a soft microsuede upper that's both flexible and comfortable. Breathability isn't a strong point (they don't ventilate as well as options made from natural materials or synthetics with less fluffy linings), but these slippers definitely provide cozy warmth when temps drop, so if you run cold, these are a good option. The synthetic fur lining kept our feet warmer than most other synthetic slippers tested, and testers often reached for these on those really cold winter days. One huge plus is that they're machine washable, a feature most natural-material slippers can't even begin to pull off.

Should you buy it? Durability could be a concern with the Zigzagger — the faux materials aren't as long-lasting as the real thing, especially if you like to wear your slippers outside for errands or chores. “After having these in my rotation for a few seasons, they're definitely showing some wear,” admits our tester. For their price and material makeup, this is to be expected. That said, we appreciate the wraparound outsole, which protects more exposed base or toe areas and prevents scuffing, making occasional outdoor use possible. If you know you're not too hard on your shoes, and warmth and comfort outweigh ventilation for you, the Zigzaggers will give you a lot of bang for your buck.

Read more: Zigzagger Moccasin review

The Zigzagger is a warm and cozy budget option.

Best Value for Women


HomeTop Curly Fur Loafer


Best Buy Award
slippers womens
Best Buy Award
List Price: $22
REASONS TO BUY
Durable for the price
Good value
Memory foam insole
REASONS TO AVOID
Fleece can act as a magnet to hair and other debris
Sloppier fit

Who this is best for: The HomeTop Curly Fur Loafers provide all-day indoor comfort and are an excellent choice for anyone who wants warm, featherweight slippers that don't cost as much as a real pair of shoes. “The brushed fleece cradles my feet like a favorite sweater,” said our tester. They lack the support of some of the other indoor/outdoor crossover models, but for an indoor option, we were surprised by the relatively sturdy outsole, especially for the price.

Why we love it: Putting on the HomeTop Curly Fur Loafer almost feels like stepping into a cloud. A tester notes, “The memory foam insole is a godsend after a long day working on my feet.” The upper effectively traps heat to keep your feet toasty throughout the day, and though it is quite cushy, it remains durable enough for regular indoor use. One staff member shared, “Sometimes I step on the heel and wear these like slides, even though they're not technically designed for that. I've had my pair for about two years and they've packed down a bit with wear, but all things considered, the memory foam is still going pretty strong.” These can also run through the washing machine, which is nice once they start to feel a little grimy from wearing without socks.

Should you buy it? The HomeTop Curly Loafers offer impressive comfort and warmth, especially for their low price. We'll note that these are a true house slipper — they're not great for dog walking, but the light rubber sole means you can run out to grab the mail in them if the ground isn't too wet. The fit is a bit sloppier due to the lack of structure in the material, but if affordability and cozy indoor wear are your priorities, the HomeTop Curly Loafer is hard to beat.

After comparing various brands, the Curly Fur Loafers provide excellent value. With a cozy blend of softness, comfort, traction, and affordability, they have become one of our favorite house slippers.   Credit: Kate Pitts

Most Comfortable Men's Loafer


UGG Ascot


Editors' Choice Award
ugg ascot
Editors' Choice Award
List Price: $120
REASONS TO BUY
Brushed suede upper is gorgeous and durable
Extremely warm wool liner
Supportive upper suede panels enhance walkability
REASONS TO AVOID
Not as breathable as others
Liner is not 100% wool

Who this is best for: The UGG Ascot certainly makes us feel extra fancy while lounging during our well-earned downtime. With structured suede panels and a narrow form that enhances walkability, this loafer-style design works particularly well for those who like a more tailored aesthetic. We must admit that we felt a certain panache when wearing the Ascot, as if we should also be sporting a dinner coat and smoking a pipe (although most of the time we're just in our favorite oversized, well-loved hoody).

Why we love it: These well-made slippers feature a durable brushed suede upper and a warm blended lining. The design holds its shape well, offering enough structure to feel supportive without being stiff, and the shearling blend interior keeps feet warm. The UGG Ascot delivers a versatile look that's equally refined and functional, but it's the overall build quality and comfort that makes it stand out in our lineup.

Should you buy it? The Ascot will appeal to a certain wearer, but may not be right for everyone. We found the fit narrower than most slippers, but UGG now offers the Ascot in a wide version for those with wider feet. While it is definitely warm, the liner is not 100% wool. This surprised us; given the price, we would have expected premium natural materials all the way through, including a fully wool lining. If you're partial to the structured and polished style, these slippers will keep you comfy and should last many years if you care for them well.

Read more: UGG Ascot review

We can't deny we feel a little fancy in the UGG Ascot, even if we're just starting the second season of our favorite show while eating takeout past our bedtime.   Credit: Justin Simoni


Most Supportive Women's Slipper


Haflinger GZ - Women's


Top Pick Award
slippers
Top Pick Award
List Price: $155
REASONS TO BUY
Durable and stylish stitching
Supportive cork platform custom molds to foot shape
Liner and footbed covered in soft, felted wool
Natural wool odor management
Grippy traction
Quality construction
Breathable upper
REASONS TO AVOID
Limited warmth
Not great for travel
Not super cushioned

Who this is best for: Happy feet do not all come from the same mold, and the Haflinger GZ is perfect for gals who need serious support and a custom feel from their house slippers. Whether you deal with plantar fasciitis, high arches, or simply need more structure for all-day comfort on your feet, this clog molds over time to offer a highly personalized fit. Our tester shared, “I have high arches, and out of all the slippers we tested, my feet felt the best after extended wear in these.”

Why we love it: This slipper's cork platform and sculpted footbed are designed to cup the heel and support the arch, making it the most customizable fit in our women's lineup. The upper and liner are made of soft, felted wool that feels gentle on bare skin and offers natural odor resistance and sweat-wicking properties. These are breathable enough for all-season wear, offering just enough warmth in cooler months (we toss on a sock for added warmth) without overheating in milder temps.

Should you buy it? The GZ is super comfy, very supportive, and feels more shoe-like than a lot of other slippers we've worn. If this sounds like your jam, you'll likely be very happy with them. If your idea of a perfect slipper includes plush fleece and maximum insulation, these might not be your match. Its open-back clog design offers easy slip-on and off and greater breathability, but it didn't keep our feet as warm as slippers with full heel coverage. The thick outsole makes the slipper a bit heavy and bulky for packing in a suitcase. However, we still love the GZ for its true versatility.

slippers - our testers found the tiny details that result in a real treat for...
Our testers found the tiny details that result in a real treat for your feet.   Credit: Kate Pitts

Most Supportive Men's Slipper


Sorel Falcon Ridge III


REASONS TO BUY
Grippy crepe rubber outsole
Super warm shearling lining
Removable midsole offers great arch support
REASONS TO AVOID
Not as supply and cozy for lounging
Hard to clean natural materials

Who this is best for: The Sorel Falcon Ridge III is the slipper you want if normal slippers just don't feel supportive enough. There is a removable insole that offers real arch support, and this slipper can also go where few slippers dare to go: outside! The substantial outsole is built up enough with plenty of traction for outdoor use, then transitions effortlessly back home to cruise around cold tile floors in comfort (so long as you don't mind wearing your outdoor shoes inside). The gorgeous suede upper is tougher than some other softer options. “I love wearing these around the house as an all-day indoor shoe. They keep my feet toasty warm on even the coldest of days, and they offer more support than your standard cheapie slipper,” our tester said.

Why we love it: The timeless look of a thick suede upper, overflowing with (synthetic) wool is really hard to beat. The insulation this provides is exactly what we're looking for once the mercury starts to drop, although they don't breathe as well as some (if you're looking for a rubber-soled slipper with good breathability, check out the Glerups Slip-On with Natural Rubber Sole, though it doesn't offer the type of support you get from the Falcon Ridge). The materials are durable, and we'd expect this structured slipper to last for years to come.

Should you buy it? The support and outside abilities of the Falcon Ridge are its best attributes. They're comfortable, but not in a “wrapped in a cloud” way. If you're looking for the ultimate, curl up on the couch, passing out to a movie slipper, check out a slipper like the L.L.Bean Wicked Good Moccasins or the UGG Ascot. The Sorel's sole is rigid like a walking shoe and may not feel the best propped up on an ottoman or the couch. Natural materials also mean that you need to invest a little time in their care and maintenance, while also making sure you don't get them wet.

Read more: Sorel Falcon Ridge III review

Excellent grip was observed on hardwood floors with the Sorel Falcon Ridge III, no matter how hard we did the twist.   Credit: Justin Simoni



Best Moccasin


L.L.Bean Wicked Good Moccasins


Top Pick Award
l.l.bean wicked good moccasins
Top Pick Award
List Price: $100
REASONS TO BUY
Minimal outsole with decent grip
Super supple and flexible
Wide sizes available
REASONS TO AVOID
Proper cleaning is a chore
Can get too warm

Who this is best for: There are many great moccasin-style slippers, but we've given the crown to the L.L.Bean Wicked Good Moccasins. “These are some of the warmest and most comfortable slippers I tested. I keep them right by my bedside and love sliding into them first thing in the morning,” said our tester. For an exceptionally warm indoor slipper, these moccasins could be your path to Nirvana. We love them for lazy winter days indoors, and they're especially wonderful for anyone with cold feet and colder floors.

Why we love it: The incredibly soft and supple suede upper of the L.L.Bean Wicked Good Moccasins twists and turns with our feet as we find the most comfortable position on the couch, and the inner lining (including the footbed) is practically overflowing with the softest long shearling. “The word that comes to mind is 'exquisite'. These may be the plushest-wearing slippers I've ever put my feet in!” our tester gushed. Rounding everything out is a minimal rubber outsole to keep you from slipping on kitchen tile or the dining room's hardwood floor. Quick trips outside to pick up an order or greet the neighbor's dog are also no problem (though we don't recommend them for extended outdoor use).

Should you buy it? Chronic cold-feet sufferers should absolutely put the Wicked Good Moccasins on their short list. They're some of the most insulated slippers we tested, and for winter, these are the first pair of slippers we grab. But for warmer temps or people with sweaty feet, they may be too warm for comfort. And the gorgeous natural materials do need a little more TLC. Like any leather slipper, these are not made to go in the washing machine.

Read more: L.L.Bean Wicked Good Moccasins review

Women's L.L. Bean Wicked Good Moccasins

To capstone the L.L. Bean Wicked Good Moccasins supreme comfort and insulation, they also come with a super sticky outsole to prevent slipping on a wide spectrum of surfaces.   Credit: Justin Simoni

Best Temperature Regulation


Glerups Slip-On with Leather Sole


Top Pick Award
slippers womens
Top Pick Award
List Price: $105
REASONS TO BUY
Feather light
Superior construction
Compact and easy-to-pack
Good ventilation and thermoregulation
REASONS TO AVOID
Not water resistant
Little built-in support
Not for outdoor wear

Who this is best for: The unisex Glerups Slip-On with Leather Sole is constructed from wool and leather, with a lightweight design great for minimalists and frequent travelers. It's more substantial than a sock, but much less than a shoe. The feather-light slippers are so easy to pack that we end up tossing them into our bags for weekend getaways. They offer a comfortable in-room option when you want a little something between your feet and the floor.

Why we love it: Thanks to their wool upper, these slippers excel in ventilation and comfort. They'll keep your feet warm without overheating, and the low heel collar makes them easy to slip on and off. The wool upper also naturally resists odors, which is a perk for those with sweaty feet. The thin leather sole mimics the feel of a ballet slipper, and they don't offer much structure, but sometimes that's exactly what you want. One reviewer notes, “If you fall asleep in bed while watching a movie with these on, I think you probably won't even notice they're still there.”

Should you buy it? If you're into the perks of felted wool (thermoregulation, sweat wicking, odor resistance, warmth, should we keep going?), these are a great indoor slipper. We don't recommend wearing the leather-soled Glerups outside, even if it is just a quick mail run. (However, Glerups makes an option with a rubber sole, if you want an indoor/outdoor slipper.) The leather is delicate and starts to show signs of wear quickly if you wear them often; our tester tracked 5 miles of walking in these, and already noticed small debris embedded in the soft sole. If used on abrasive surfaces like concrete or gravel, you would likely see holes develop. If you like the minimalist, barely there feel, the Glerups are a wonderful option.

slippers - the glerups (worn here on our tester) are breathable thanks to their...
The Glerups (worn here on our tester) are breathable thanks to their natural materials and thin design.   Credit: Amber King

Why Trust GearLab


GearLab testers go hard on their adventures and return home ready to jump into solid recovery time. A great pair of slippers is one of our secret weapons for exceptional R&R.

Justin Simoni: “As an avid trail runner, backpacker, and climber, I dependably abuse my poor feet in the most incredible and most rugged outdoor environments I can find. As a review editor for GearLab, I've tested and written about all sorts of footwear, along with other outdoor and ultralight apparel. Testing men's slippers was a much more mellow endeavor, but not one that I took less seriously. When I get back home, I like to chill… My feet usually need a lot of TLC, and I make a beeline from the front door to a comfy pair of slippers.”

Kate Pitts: “I am on my feet a lot. In a previous life, I was a National Park Interpreter and Backcountry Ranger. Today, I guide wilderness hiking and backpacking trips through the Rockies and deserts of the Southwest. And when I'm not on my feet, I teach and practice yoga (and test for GearLab, of course). This balance of high and low intensity activities gives me an appreciation for having the proper footwear for every moment, even moments of relaxation.”

How We Tested


Gearlab teams have been testing slippers since 2020, the year when slippers became truly important. We've worn over 60 pairs in search of the best ones, and took notes to share so you can find the right ones for your feet. Our current selection includes two dozen slippers across the men's and women's categories and represents some of the top products we've found. We've worn these slippers inside and outside, on our downtime, after an adventure, or after particularly difficult work weeks standing on our feet.

Showing off our dance moves while putting on and taking off the slippers while testing is all part of the job.   Credit: Justin Simoni

We've put them on straight out of bed, worn them while making breakfast, and when running outside to catch the bus to deliver a forgotten lunch. Dogs were walked, and neighbors were visited to deliver mail received in the wrong mailbox. We walked miles in each pair, and some lucky pairs even came along as camp shoes on backpacking trips. We analysed fabrics and outsole materials to note limitations and care requirements. As always, we perform lab testing in addition to using the products in real life. To measure the warmth offered by the insulation in each pair, we implemented an objective Freezer Test. Utilizing a controlled environment (the freezer) and an infrared thermometer, we measured the starting air temperature in each pair and then sealed the foot opening to mimic the presence of a foot. After chilling the slippers for 5 minutes, we removed them from the freezer and re-measured the interior air temperature again. From there, we slipped them back on while still frigid to observe how fast they warmed up. Daily wear gave testers an idea of how breathable they are when used on the move. By combining objective and subjective data, we gauged each slipper's insulating qualities and presented our findings.

We employed an infrared thermometer to measure heat retained after leaving the slippers inside the freezer for a set amount of time.


How to Choose Slippers


Slippers come in a surprisingly wonderful variety of styles and materials, from heavyweight super warm shearling loafers to sock-like, pocket-packable memory foam slides. When choosing a pair of slippers, consider what you'll be doing in them, the warmth level you're looking for, whether you plan to wear them indoors or outdoors (or both), and how much support you need. You will also want to consider materials: what would you like them made of, and how much energy would you invest in their care? Finally, assess the budget you are working with. Each point will help direct your search.

Our tireless testers wore each pair of slippers morning, noon, and night — sometimes going the extra mile wearing them to bed!

Slippers come in men's and women's styles, with women's styles sometimes being more fashionably bold while men's styles often stick to more traditional aesthetics and neutral colors. Some slippers are also sold as unisex, the fluid chameleons of the footwear world. There are no limits to the whimsy, utility, or extravagance used when designers introduce new styles. Feel free to have fun when you shop! But be sure whatever you select fits well. And be prepared for others to covet your choices. Our testers found the slippers that proved most welcoming and cozy overall were quickly snatched up by their partners (or if not, a second look-alike pair had to be ordered).

Men's Slippers


The GearLab experts on the men's side weren't just lounging around on the job. They threw a barrage of tests at our quiver of options, deep-diving into data, performance assessments, and scoring to determine the best slippers for men from among the bunch. The chart below summarizes their overall findings. Hover over each bar for more details on each slipper, including pricing.


Women's Slippers


Not to be outdone, our women's GearLab experts took the job of wearing their collection of comfy slippers very seriously, running the full lineup of top-selling women's models through the same rigorous testing and thorough review process as the men's. The following chart captured the comparative performances among them, producing our final recommendations for the top women's slippers.


Slipper Styles


Slipper form and function can vary extensively, so it helps to know what you're looking for. Do you want a slipper you can slide right in, without using your hands? Do you want a bootie that comes up a little higher to warm your ankles? Are you into the classic styling of a moccasin?

slippers - our spread of slippers shows some of the styles available. from left...
Our spread of slippers shows some of the styles available. From left to right, we have a natural material scuff/slide, a quilted insulated slip-on/low-top bootie, a felted wool slip-on, a natural material slip-on, a natural material loafer with short shearling, and a natural material moccasin with long shearling.   Credit: Justin Simoni

Let's talk about a few of the most common styles:

  • Moccasins are usually made from leather or suede. Modern styles may have a rubber bottom, and these generally require some help from your hands to pull over your heel.
  • Loafers have a traditional lounge-around-the-house style that works well propped up on an ottoman or while playing chess at a coffee shop.
  • Slides are open-backed and open-toed, making them probably the easiest slippers to get in and out of for most. They work great on warmer days since they don't completely enclose the foot.
  • Clogs are slip-ons that usually feature a thick, firm sole made of rubber or cork that works well on hardwood floors, for short trips outside on sidewalks to the mailbox, or for pulling in the trash.
  • Booties wrap your feet in warm insulation and can come up quite high around your feet. They're great as camp shoes on backpacking trips, post-ski foot relief, or between burns on the bouldering wall.

slippers - these unique loafers have a purposely collapsible heel counter to...
These unique loafers have a purposely collapsible heel counter to turn them into slip-ons if you desire.   Credit: Justin Simoni

Materials


Generally, you'll find slippers made from natural materials like leather, suede, and wool, or synthetic materials like polyester, nylon, and faux fur. Slippers made from natural materials are often more durable, extremely comfortable once broken in, and have great breathability. Shearling, one of our favorite liners, is a dense, trimmed wool still attached to the suede. It's extremely soft and makes for an opulent liner. Felted wool is another natural material we love, since it's odor-resistant and breathes well.

Leather slippers can't be thrown in a washing machine if you get them dirty. They'll need to be spot cleaned, so make sure you follow the manufacturer's care instructions to protect your investment.

slippers - these slippers feature extra warm, long shearling that overflows out...
These slippers feature extra warm, long shearling that overflows out of the inner and onto the collar.   Credit: Justin Simoni

Slippers made of synthetic materials often look just as good as their non-synthetic counterparts when new and can feel just as warm and cozy. Vegans can rejoice, as even the glue of slippers is usually synthetic. Synthetic slippers also tend not to break the bank so much, as the materials are cheaper to source, but the downside is that they're typically not as durable and well-made. Synthetics can also get grody when you sweat in them, but they can often be thrown in the washing machine, which is a major perk.

slippers - slippers made of synthetic materials can be vegan friendly...
Slippers made of synthetic materials can be vegan friendly, washable, and competitively just as warm and cozy as their natural-fiber cousins, while usually costing a lot less. Quality and durability sometimes suffer.   Credit: Justin Simoni

Support


Some slippers have more cushion underfoot than others. For example, memory foam is often used in soles to add more comfort with every step, reforming itself easily to match the shape of your foot. While this feels soft and cozy straight out of the box, such inexpensive slippers may also pack down with regular use, reducing overall support (and comfort) fairly quickly. Soft outsoles are often paired with memory foam core, a combination we've seen perform poorly over time. So, although they often come in fun shapes with inexpensive price tags, memory foam-exclusive designs are not likely to prove long-term success stories.

slippers - the memory foam in the sole of these slippers can help them mold to...
The memory foam in the sole of these slippers can help them mold to your feet, but the foam may in time crush out.   Credit: Amber King

slippers - these slippers feature a pretty stout insole (and no real midsole)...
These slippers feature a pretty stout insole (and no real midsole) that provides both cushion and just a little bit of arch and heel cup support.   Credit: Justin Simoni

Some slippers are structured more like a shoe than a cozy foot wrap, with a sturdy, treaded sole made of a hard EVA foam material. Some models we tested have rigid outsoles and even removable insoles with some level of arch support. These designs are often more shoe-like, which makes them not as cozy for curling up on the couch, but if you need the support, you may not mind.

slippers - the midsole of the sorel falcon ridge iii is built up much like a...
The midsole of the Sorel Falcon Ridge III is built up much like a walking shoe, with a removable insole offering arch support (but covered in faux fur for comfort!)   Credit: Justin Simoni

Some slippers are soft, flexible, and constructed in a way that makes them easy to lounge in. These are the ones we like for kicking up on the couch and even for travel, since they can cram into the corner of your suitcase without taking up much space. Usually, the sole, upper, or both are made of a lighter, thinner, and/or more compressible material, and they don't tend to offer structured support.

slippers - these slippers are lightweight and fully synthetic, compressing down...
These slippers are lightweight and fully synthetic, compressing down to a very small volume.   Credit: Justin Simoni

Sizing


Generally, size your slippers the same as your shoes. Those designed to have a more lax fit may come in size ranges (for example, women's 5-6, 7-8, or 9-10). A too-small slipper isn't very comfortable, so if you're between sizes available, size up. This also lets you wear thick, cozy socks underneath, if you choose. Most slippers we've tested are easy to get on and off. This is one of the hallmarks of what makes a slipper a slipper!

slippers - slippers -- especially for indoor use -- can be sized a little...
Slippers -- especially for indoor use -- can be sized a little looser than dress or active shoes. Too-tight of a slipper won't be as comfy, and may be harder to slip on and off.   Credit: Amber King

Slippers made of natural materials with unlined uppers may stretch slightly, so don't worry if they come out of the box feeling a little tight: they'll soon conform to your feet. Some slippers are narrower than others. Narrower styles usually include moccasins and loafers, while wider styles usually include clogs and slides.

slippers - some slippers have a looser fit which may be attractive for purely...
Some slippers have a looser fit which may be attractive for purely indoor use to allow your toes to spread out.   Credit: Nolan Anderson

Warmth


Slippers vary in their warmth, too. Slippers that cover more of the foot will be warmer, while slippers with open toes or open backs will be more breathable. The amount and thickness of the insulation will ultimately determine warmth. Liners in the upper and footbeds made of wool, shearling, or fleece can also add extra insulation to help keep you warm on cold winter nights. Choose based on your own biology: if you run hot or have sweaty feet, you may want to select a pair that doesn't go overboard with the shearling. If you're constantly cold, select a pair with more coverage and more insulation.

slippers - liners make all the difference when it comes to how warm a slipper...
Liners make all the difference when it comes to how warm a slipper can feel against your feet. Some come with an overwhelming amount of lining material that literally overflows from the collar of the slipper!   Credit: Amber King

Indoor or Outdoor?


Some slippers are best worn indoors, while others are almost shoe-like, with burlier rubber soles that hold up to the outdoors. Indoor slippers are usually much softer, with less form and support in the insole. They're perfect to curl up on your couch or even your bed, as there aren't too many acute angles to get in the way of your comfort.

slippers - slippers made to wear indoors may feature an open toe, and some more...
Slippers made to wear indoors may feature an open toe, and some more fun, playful stylings.   Credit: Amber King

Slippers geared towards outdoor use often feature a rubber outsole for durability and grip. They often have a stiffer, more structured upper that feels more like a shoe than a house slipper. Many feature arch support and a heel cup, and their outsole may even have some decent tread. They'll work great for patio hangs, but you might don't want to wear them on your freshly washed duvet or kicked up on the couch.

slippers - rubber outsoles with substantial tread are a good indication that a...
Rubber outsoles with substantial tread are a good indication that a slipper makes a good outdoor slipper.   Credit: Amber King

Cost


You may have a budget in mind when shopping for the perfect pair of slippers, and you've likely noticed that prices can vary wildly. Many of the pricier slippers are more fashionable and use natural materials like wool or leather. They're also often more durable and long-lasting. If you're wearing your slippers out and about, a more expensive, outdoor-oriented pair may be where you should put your hard-earned money.

Slippers with quality construction and great style can cost as much as a regular shoe.   Credit: Amber King

Worthy, budget-minded slippers do exist, and our testing found many pearls. The affordable options tend to use synthetic materials to keep costs low. Most of these slippers still retain a ton of warmth, even if they may not have the extra softness that natural wool will provide.

Inexpensive pairs often function well enough to kick back and relax (and we don't worry as much if they get temporarily stolen by the dog).

Conclusion


Slippers are the perfect accessory to keep your poor, tired feet both warm and comfortable once you've gotten back home from a long day of work – or a long day working hard on those backside turns – and it's finally time to relax and decompress. We hope you find the perfect pair to make your feet happy and comfy. You deserve it!

—Kate Pitts, Justin Simoni, and Amber King