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We've spent years seeking out the best slippers, testing models from Sorel, Olukai, Birkenstock, UGG, Teva, Chaco, and more to find the right pair to keep your feet comfortable and warm, outside or in.
Slippers come in every shape, size, color, and design purpose you can imagine. Allow us to help you hone in on the perfect pair!
Credit: Justin Simoni
By Kate Pitts ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ Updated June 8, 2025
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 me through a whole day. I did the testing legwork for this collection of slippers, wearing them for everything from midnight trips to the bathroom to early morning dog walks.
The best slippers right now are from Olukai. The Moloa is the best slipper for most men, and the Ku'i is the best option for women. Both styles have a high-quality leather upper and shearling lining that emphasizes comfort to ensure a cozy, long-lasting slipper. For tighter budgets, the Zigzagger Moccasin for men and HomeTop Curly Fur Loafer for women offer plenty of comfort with more friendly price tags.
Since 2020, the GearLab team has tested dozens of pairs of slippers to compile a list of standout options. We judge based on comfort, warmth, and versatility. To complement your new pair of slippers on all cozy indoor adventures, be sure to visit the reviews of our favorite pajamas, yoga pants, and top-rated fleece jackets for men and women.
Editor's Note: We updated our slipper article on June 9, 2025, to update our award recommendations and give more details on who each slipper is best for.
Insole provides excellent cushion, heel, and arch support
Quality 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, and they're not the slipper I'd want to wear while lounging on the couch, but they shine in transitional moments when I want comfort, support, and enough polish to wear them if I need to pop around town for a bit.
Why we love it: In a nutshell, they are stylish. Yes, they are comfy, but each step exudes coolness, and I was impressed by the hard-wearing leather upper and the genuine shearling liner. The 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 — provided 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 it. The structured upper, rigid outsole, and substantial weight make them less suitable for lounging, and the solid outsole makes too much noise for stealthy midnight kitchen runs. As tester Justin Simoni notes, “I love them best overall, but they're not 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 — even if it costs more than most slippers we've tested.
Who this is best for: The OluKai Ku'i offers comfort and support for women looking for a house shoe that they also wear outside sometimes. I 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). Tester Kate Pitts shares, “I can wear these slippers almost anywhere: from cuddling with my kitty at the ohana 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, style, and support offered by the OluKai Ku'i. The midsole is springy and supportive, and the styling is easy to wear with just about anything. These slippers scored especially high in our heat retention tests and will definitely keep your toes toasty through the winter. I feel like my feet are wrapped in a cocoon of warmth as soon as I put them on. However, I have yet to overheat while wearing them. 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? Although I love the OluKai Ku'i overall, they come with a few trade-offs that you should consider if you're thinking about buying them. The sturdy, grippy sole is more suited to walking the dog than cuddling up on the couch, and they can be noisy on hardwood floors. As Kate notes, “It's hard to walk around unnoticed in these, so if you have a partner, roommate, or baby that may be sleeping and easily woken, I would pick up something softer for indoors.” Lastly, for those who like to travel with their slippers, the Ku'i feel a bit too bulky to toss in your bag. But hey, who said they couldn't be your go-to airport shoe?
Faux materials aren't as durable as the real thing
Who this is best for: The Zigzagger Moccasin is a classic and budget-friendly house shoe. I found these slippers ideal for lazy Sunday relaxation sessions, the kind where you don't set foot outside the house all day. The faux fur lining is plenty warm, and the soft microsuede upper is comfortable and flexible. A fellow tester also called the Zigzaggers out for their style, saying, “I think they may be one of the best-looking men's slippers I've found, if the moccasin style is your jam, and they come at an incredibly reasonable price.” The one caveat is that I'd recommend these primarily for indoor use. The upper feels luxuriously supple, but also a bit delicate at times.
Why we love it: 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 keeps my feet warmer than most other slippers in the lineup, and I reach for these specifically when the weather turns to its worst outside.
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. That said, I appreciate the wraparound outsole, which protects more exposed base or toe areas and prevents scuffing. I don't recommend doing yard work in these, but this feature at least allows for occasional outdoor use. If you know you're not too hard on your shoes, and warmth and comfort outweigh ventilation for you, the Zigzaggers are a strong contender.
The rugged good looks of the Zigzagger Moccasin are an excellent budget buy.
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 upper cradles your feet like a favorite sweater. They lack the support of some of the other indoor/outdoor crossover models I tested, but for an indoor option, I was 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 fellow 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. I also love how lightweight and un-shoe-like they are. It doesn't make for great dog walking footwear, but it sure is nice to wear them while cuddling on the couch.
Should you buy it? While the HomeTop Curly Loafers offer impressive comfort and warmth, there are a few things to note. The brushed-fleece upper tends to attract hair, crumbs, and the like (luckily, they're machine washable). The fit is a bit sloppier due to the lack of structure in the material, and if you like to walk the dog, take out the trash, or run the occasional errand in your house shoes, a firmer option with outdoor-ready soles might be more appropriate. However, slippers like this usually come at a significantly higher price. If affordability and cozy indoor wear are your priorities, the HomeTop Curly Loafer is hard to beat.
These lightweight loafers are perfect for indoor duties.
Who this is best for: The UGG Ascot slipper transitions easily between lounging on our favorite recliner and running errands downtown. 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, masculine 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.
Why we love it: These finely made slippers feature a durable suede upper and a warm blended lining. The design holds its shape well, offering enough structure to feel supportive without being stiff. Whether out and about or relaxing at home, the UGG Ascot delivers a versatile look that's equally refined and functional, but it's the overall build quality and walkability that make 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. The narrow fit limits indoor comfort for some, especially for those with wider feet, and while it is definitely warm, the liner is not 100% wool. This surprised me; given the price, I would have assumed UGG would use premium materials, including a fully wool lining. If you're seeking a more relaxed fit and premium shearling, there are alternatives to check out that tick these boxes. However, if you're partial to the structured and polished style of the UGG Ascot, these slippers will keep you comfy no matter where you end up wearing them.
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.
Supportive cork platform custom molds to foot shape
Liner and footbed covered in soft, felted wool
Natural wool odor management
Grippy traction
High-quality construction
Breathable upper
REASONS TO AVOID
Limited warmth
Not great for travel
Who this is best for: Happy feet do not all come from the same mold, and the Haflinger GZ is perfect for wearers who need serious support and a custom feel from their house slippers. Whether you deal with plantar fasciitis, high arches, or simply need a high amount of structure for all-day comfort on your feet, this clog-style design molds over time to offer a highly personalized fit. Reviewer Kate Pitts shares, “I have high arches, and out of all the slippers we tested, my feet felt the best after walking distances in the GZ.”
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 comfort. Its breathable design makes the GZ a great option for year-round wear, offering just enough warmth in cooler months without overheating when it's mild. And if you're worried about cold feet, you can size up and add thick socks.
Should you buy it? If your idea of a perfect slipper includes plush fleece and maximum insulation, the Haflinger GZ might not be your match. Its open-back clog design offers easy slip-on and off and greater breathability, but it didn't keep my feet as warm as slippers with full heel coverage. The substantial outsole and heavier weight also don't make it my first choice to pack in a suitcase. While there are cozier alternatives that are built for warmth and softness, as well as lighter, more packable options, I still like the GZ for its true versatility. It is super comfy, very supportive, and feels more shoe-like than a lot of other slippers I've worn. So if this sounds like you're jam, you'll likely be very happy with the GZ.
The Classic Grizzly slippers adapt to your foot shape over time, while the midsole provides excellent arch support, reducing aches and fatigue if you are on your feet.
Strong stitch work and excellent high-quality construction
Insole has good arch and heel support
Comfortable wool-polyester inner liner is very warm
REASONS TO AVOID
Concerns about outsole durability
Not appropriate for outdoor activities
Lacks weather resistance
Who this is best for: The men's Sorel Falcon Ridge II is an indoor-specific slipper that prioritizes comfort without sacrificing design. All-over suede construction, decorative stitchwork, and a cozy wool/polyester liner that spills out from the collar give this slipper an eye-catching look. After padding around in them for a few weeks, I found that they wear as beautifully as they look, surprising me with their all-over coziness.
Why we love it: Comfort is what makes the Falcon Ridge II stand out. It doesn't have a heel collar to truly lock in your foot, but the insole offers impressive heel and arch support, and the slight rise at the back of the slipper holds your heel in place just enough to feel secure. The slip-on design is also convenient for swapping between indoor and outdoor shoes throughout the day. The rubber is quiet and grippy on hardwood floors, while the memory foam cushions each step even more, so I never worry about clack-clacking around the house late at night and waking up family members who are light sleepers.
Should you buy it? If you plan to stay inside, I'd say, why not? The slippers are perfect for cozying up on the couch with a book and tick all of my boxes for comfort and warmth. However, the outsole is relatively thin, and the upper is a bit delicate, so they're not the kind of slipper you take on adventures. However, for an indoor slipper, I still found these incredibly supportive, and they are quite a bit less expensive than some of the crossover options I've worn. So if you're not the type to wear your lounge clothes out of the house (not for everyone, I know), then the Falcon Ridge III is one of my favorite slippers.
Who this is best for: The Glerups Slip-On with Leather Sole has a nimble design that is a great choice for anyone who wants indoor footwear that is more than a sock, but much less than a shoe. The design is great for minimalists and frequent travelers. The feather-light slippers are so easy to pack that I end up tossing them into my bag for everything from hotel stays to weekend visits. They offer a comfortable in-room option when you want a little something between your feet and the floor.
Why we love it: These slippers excel in ventilation and comfort. The low heel collar makes them easy to slip on and off, and the wool upper naturally resists odors and keeps feet from overheating. The thin leather sole mimics the feel of a ballet slipper, and they don't offer much by way of structure, but sometimes that's exactly what I 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? The Glerups are a great choice for indoor use, but they should pretty much never be used outside, even if it is just a quick mail run. The leather is delicate and starts to show signs of wear quickly if you wear them often; I tracked 5 miles of walking in my pair, 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. So, while it may not be for everyone, the minimalist design is very appealing for certain users, and for a barely there feel, the Glerups are a wonderful option.
The natural wood upper and thin leather outsole of the Glerups Slip-On is perfect for those that a looking for a super-flexible slipper that breathes better than most.
Who this is best for: The Teva ReEmber Slip-Ons fit right in during casual outdoor hangs and social gatherings. With a distinctive retro-modern look that echoes vintage trail sneaker vibes, these slippers give a laid-back yet eye-catching vibe. Tester Justin Simoni raves, “Retro-hip is back, and I'm here for it!” The design includes elements that make the slippers more outdoor-friendly than other models, like toebox reinforcements and a lightly treaded sole. They are perfect for car camping or lounging around a fire pit.
Why we love it: The aesthetic of the ReEmber is one of the main draws for me, along with its indoor/outdoor capabilities. I particularly like its collapsible heel design, which you can choose to wear folded down as a true slip-on shoe or flip it up to lock in your heel for a bit more stability (aka "sports mode"). Overall, this combination of features blurs the line between slipper and sneaker, while offering a stylish, outdoorsy look.
Should you buy it? The ReEmber Slip-Ons teeter on the edge of functioning as real shoes, albeit super comfy ones, but they're definitely not your classic house slipper. The sole doesn't have a lot of flexibility, and the textured tread is more at home on gravel than carpet. The quilted upper also looks warmer than it is, so be aware when you choose your socks. If you're focused on indoor coziness, you'll probably want something with more warmth and softness for lounging at home. But if you kick off your slippers to curl up on the couch anyway, these Teva slip-ons could be a great way to combine comfort with funky style and function.
The Teva ReEmber Slip-Ons feature a collapsible heal, allowing them to be worn either as slip-ons or conventionally, as well as tread on the gum rubber outsole for walking around the neighborhood.
Who this is best for: The Chaco Ramble Puff is a slipper that's as functional outdoors as it is indoors, and adds a kick of quirky style to your look. If you've spent time in a chic mountain town, you know puffy jackets are ubiquitous, and Chaco channels the style and warmth of this outerwear into a slipper form. The quilted nylon upper looks like a puffy jacket for your feet and fits right in with the après-ski crowd. The rugged sole and cinch strap around the ankle provide excellent stability for more vigorous walks, making this slipper especially great for active wearers.
Why we love it: Although we wouldn't call it a true walking shoe, these Chacos have a surprising level of walkability for a slipper. Beyond that, the insulation is warm enough to keep feet comfortable in chilly temps, and the puffy, stylish look turns heads in casual winter settings. One tester even said, “I found them so comfortable they became my go-to winter shoe when running around town,” highlighting their versatility beyond the campsite or couch.
Should you buy it? If your primary need is indoor lounging, the Chaco Ramble Puff may fall short. The sole is burly enough that I wouldn't want to get too cozy in them, and they're generally less plush than many options. I think of them more like my “easy” shoes for when I'm feeling too lazy to put on real shoes, but I know I need enough support to spend the whole day out and about. So if you're looking for something that excels outside and only occasionally steps indoors, they're a solid choice.
The Chaco Ramble Puff booties are perfect for keeping your feet toasty while outside -- so much so, you may displace you wanting to wear most anything else, outside or in!
Credit: Amber King
A selection of slippers is put in the freezer to test how warm they all stay after being exposed to controlled cold conditions.
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 am not on my feet, I teach and practice yoga (and test footwear 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. Together, my fellow testers and I have worn these slippers inside and outside, on our downtime, after an adventure, or after particularly difficult work weeks standing on our feet.
I've put them on after waking up, worn them while making breakfast, and 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. I walked miles in each pair, and some lucky pairs even came along as camp shoes on backpacking trips. I 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, I implemented an objective Freezer Test. Utilizing a controlled environment (the freezer) and an infrared thermometer, I 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, I removed them from the freezer and re-measured the interior air temperature again. From there, I slipped them back on while still frigid to observe how fast they warmed up. Daily wear gave me an idea of how breathable they are when used on the move. By combining objective and subjective data, I was able to gauge each slipper's insulating qualities and present my findings in a more applicable way.
Showing off our dance moves while putting on and taking off the slippers while testing is all part of the job.
Credit: Justin Simoni
Slippers were tested across 6 performance metrics:
Comfort
Insulation
Breathability
Construction Quality
Walking Performance
Packability
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 and even glitzy, bedazzled accessories to match your most extravagant loungewear. All these colorful styles are accompanied by an equally broad range of sales prices to match. When choosing a pair of slippers, consider what you'll be doing in them, how warm you would like them to be, if you want to wear them indoors or outdoors — or even both — and how much support you'd like them to have. 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, you will need to 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 stick to more traditional aesthetics. 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.
Style
Savvy shoppers will find themselves sifting through a plethora of slipper models representing every possible style, from traditional, modern, cozy, and trendy designs to downright unexpected, creative, and silly ones. Why such a spectrum? While form and function can vary extensively, we may not all target the same balance. The common goal is to provide relative comfort and convenience, particularly if you are just shuffling about the house. However, with such a tremendous variety on the market, shoppers can select an option that meets their needs, goals, and sense of fashion.
Our sundry collection shows off just some of the different styles of slippers you'll find.
Credit: Justin SImoni
Let's talk about a few of the most common styles. Moccasins are heel-less, soft all-around, and are made of — or made to look like — leather, with a sole that's brought up the sides to meet the upper. They can work well indoors and outdoors. In contrast, 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. 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 when making breakfast or walking the dog. Slip-ons can be considered closed-toe slides and may have a minimal heel to keep the slipper a bit more securely fastened to your foot. They're perfect all-rounders.
Clog-style slippers can be found made of wool, leather, suede and in this case: rubber!
Credit: Justin Simoni
Materials
Generally, you'll find slippers that come in either natural materials like leather, suede, and wool, or they're built of synthetic materials like polyester, nylon, and faux fur. By and large, slippers made of natural materials can last long, are extremely comfortable once broken in, and have amazing breathability. Some natural material slippers utilize shearling liners. Shearling is a dense, trimmed wool still attached to the suede. It's extremely soft and makes for an opulent liner. To ensure natural material slippers have a long life, you must follow the manufacturer's guidelines to care for them correctly. Many slippers made of natural materials won't do well in a sudden downpour and probably can't be thrown in a washing machine if you get them dirty. They're also usually more expensive.
Tightly shorn shearling makes an incredibly soft, dense liner material found in more luxury-minded slippers.
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. Oftentimes, a synthetic slipper can feel very similar to its natural material counterpart, even if it may fall short sometimes when it comes to absolute softness and breathability (although it can be very close!). Synthetic slippers also tend not to break the bank so much, as the raw materials are cheaper to source. Moreover, many of them can be machine-washed, which is perfect if you plan to get dirty in them.
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
Some synthetics may not last as long as others, although you benefit from a lower price tag with each purchase. By and large, I found that cheaper slippers are just not as durable as their naturally constructed counterparts. So, I recommend most of those designs for in-house duties only.
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
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. But, while this feels soft and cozy straight out of the box, such inexpensive slippers may also be prone to losing such responsive cushioning with regular use, packing down, and reducing overall support 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.
Some slippers are so spartan that they come with no insole at all, while others have a high-quality padded insole with arch support and a heel cup that helps to make them more comfortable to walk around in for long periods of time.
Credit: Justin Simoni
Similarly, a more expensive slipper may be structured more like a shoe than a cozy foot wrap, with a sturdy, treaded sole made of a hard EVA foam material. This design can, in turn, make the slipper less packable, yet it may also ensure a long and healthy lifespan and potentially more versatility in use.
Highly packable and breathable, the Glerups Slip-on with Leather Sole are some of the lightest slippers in our entire collection.
Credit: Amber King
Some slippers are soft, flexible, and constructed in a way that makes them easy to pack down. These can make good choices for travel and/or camping. Usually, the sole, upper, or both are made of a lighter, thinner, and/or more compressible material that is often synthetic so that they can take a little more abuse when crammed in a suitcase or shoved in the bowels of a backpack.
These sliders feature a wool/synthetic liner, and a soft and supple suede upper.
Credit: Justin Simoni
Sizing
Generally, size your slippers the same as your shoes. A too-small slipper isn't very comfortable, so if you're between sizes available, size up. Most slippers don't have laces to secure them to your feet but may have a stretchy opening to keep the slipper from flying off. 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 -- 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, which I talked about in more detail in individual reviews. Narrower styles usually include moccasins and loafers, while wider styles usually include clogs and slides.
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
Some slippers are warmer than others. Slippers that cover more of the foot will be warmer, while slippers with open toes will allow more air to make contact with the front of your feet. Slippers with low or no heel coverage also allow the back of your feet to breathe. Some slippers, especially booties, have a generous amount of insulation that can cover all but the bottom of your foot. Liners in the upper and footbeds made of wool, shearling, or fleece can also add a good amount of insulation to help keep you warm on cold winter nights.
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 made to wear indoors may feature an open toe, and some more fun, playful stylings.
Credit: Amber King
Slippers made to be worn outside may have a rubber outsole to help with durability and grip so that simply walking around the neighborhood doesn't put a hole in them. Slippers geared for outdoor-first use will have a stiffer upper and may look and feel almost shoe-like; many feature arch support and a heel cup, with an outsole that may even have a slight tread on them. They'll work great for patio hangs, but you probably don't want to wear them on your freshly washed duvet.
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 around for the perfect pair of slippers, and you may have noticed that the price can vary wildly. Many of the pricier slippers are more fashionable and use natural materials. 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.
More expensive and fashionable slippers like these head-turners are a great pair to wear out of the house.
Credit: Amber King
Worthy, budget-minded slippers do exist, and our testing found many pearls. These slippers tend to use more 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. If you only wear slippers in the comfort of your home, you probably aren't too worried about impressing your social circles with the fanciest indoor slips, so I would suggest going with a high-value slipper that doesn't exhaust your paycheck. These are usually ideal for curling up on the couch to binge-watch your favorite series, especially if you have a dog with a penchant for destroying footwear.
Some of our favorite slippers aren't necessarily the most expensive, especially for indoor shoes we may be getting a little dirty and want to be able to throw into the wash without fear they'll fall apart.
Credit: Justin Simoni
Conclusion
Slippers keep your feet feeling comfortable and warm when your shoes come off, and having a pair to wear is one of the easiest ways to help you relax after a hard day's work at the office or out on the slopes. Our survey of the best slippers out there is now complete, and it's time for you to decide on the pair that's right for you. We've walked miles and miles and watched numerous movies to bring this selection to you so you can enjoy similarly pampering footwear.
