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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!
A cozy, soft pair of slippers can make getting out of bed on a cold day a little bit more bearable, be it a midnight trip to the bathroom or an early morning dog walk. And sometimes, a comfy set will even carry us across a whole day. Is it worth spending more to pick up the very best? We did the legwork so you don't have to.
Since 2020, we've tested dozens of pairs of men's slippers and slippers for women to compile a list of stand-out options that we think are worthy of gracing your feet, judging them based on comfort, warmth, and the relief they bring, as well as versatility. Not all slippers are made the same, and our combination of real-world and in-depth lab testing ensures we've got you covered with expert recommendations so you can get down to the serious business of relaxing.
Our team agrees Olukai makes some of the best slippers right now, be it the Moloa, which was our favorite slipper for men, or the Ku'i, our top choice slipper for women. These slip-on styles emphasize comfort paired with high-quality construction 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.
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
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Sole Thickness
14 mm
Measured Weight (size 12)
13.3 oz
Interior Material
Shearling
Upper Material
Nubuck leather
Outsole Material
Gum rubber
"Stylish" is the perfect way to sum up the Olukai Moloa Hawaiian-influenced loafer. Each step you take in them exudes coolness — so much that it has become one of our favorites slippers in the men's category, especially for casual outdoor use. Our test team was surprised by the quality of the leather used in the upper and the genuine shearling liner found inside. The stitchwork is exquisitely executed, and this truly seems like a slipper that's built to last if they're well taken care of (Olukai provides detailed care instructions on their website). Our lead 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 but do not overheat when enjoying brisk nights.
The Olukai Moloas are more like actual shoes than indoor slippers. Therefore, they aren't our go-to cozy slippers for dedicated inside use. Tester Justin Simoni says, “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.” In those scenarios, we'd point you to a comfy, affordable option like the Amazon Essentials Moccasin or even a lower-cost yet reliable indoor/outdoor pair like the Teva ReEmber Slip-Ons. The Olukai Moloas simply have too much structure in the upper and too much support built into the insole to make them our preferred choice for dedicated lounging. The outsole is too rigid to curl up on the couch, and they feel too heavy and make too much noise to wander downstairs for a midnight snack when you're trying not to wake the kids or any other light sleepers in the house. These men's slippers also demand that you treat them well. It's best not to get caught in them during a rainstorm as water could damage the fine, supple leather upper. But conditioning products are available to keep the upper of these slippers looking gorgeous for years to come. This is great because you'll want to extend the investment as long as possible, given they cost a good deal more than most slippers we've tested.
Walk with confidence and style in the exceptionally comfortable Olukai Moloa.
No other slipper rivals the premium comfort, style, and support offered by the OluKai Ku'i. Our lead tester, Kate Pitts, reports, “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.” On chilly days, the silky-soft shearling fur and down-to-earth design make these an easy choice to wear into town for lunch or errands or as welcomed post-hike relief for your toes when coming out of the backcountry. The premium leather upper, super soft fleecy wool, springy footbed, and wet-grip traction make these not only cozy slippers for indoor use but also durable multipurpose casual shoes for when you step outside. They strike an incredible balance between cushy warmth — they were one of our top scorers for heat retention — and breathability, generating excellent test results across the board. This design combination makes them suitable for most climates and all but the warmest weather.
Although we love the OluKai Ku'i for their versatility, the soles are fairly stiff, which means they are far less suitable for snuggling up under the covers or sitting cross-legged on the couch. The grippy, stable design also proves somewhat loud on wood floors. Our lead tester pointed out, “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.” But the sturdy, grippy base will serve you very well whenever you need to head outside to grab the mail, water the garden, or put out the trash. If you want a soft-bottom slipper that will allow for quiet, in-house use, you might consider an option with a less firm sole like the Parlovable Cross Band, the HomeTop Curly Fur Loafer, or Minnetonka Women's Cally Moccasin. One of the reasons we love the OluKai Ku'i is the premium shearling lining, which wraps warmth around the full upper part of the slipper, while the bottom of the footbed is instead a short, felted wool that breathes well under the foot. The UGG Tasman is a great choice if you want a clog that can double as casual wear but comes with a fully fleeced interior so that you can curl your toes into squishy warmth.
Each step feels plush and springy in the stylish, silky-soft OluKai Ku'i.
Faux materials aren't as durable as the real thing
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Sole Thickness
21 mm
Measured Weight (size 12)
10.3 oz
Interior Material
Faux fur
Upper Material
Microsuede
Outsole Material
Rubber
The Zigzagger Moccasin certainly surprised us with their comfort and warmth, considering their low price tag. Our test team found these slippers perfect for all-day relaxation sessions lounging around the house, particularly when the weather turned to its worst outside. The faux fur lining kept us warmer than most other slipper tested in our lineup, and the creamy soft microsuede upper is super supple, allowing us to move our toes freely. The wraparound outsole also means you can take these outside for light use and not worry that the somewhat delicate upper will get roughed up in exposed areas, like around the base or across the toe. Our lead tester called the Zigzaggers out, saying, “I think they may be one of the best-looking men's slippers we've found, if the moccasin style is your jam, and they come at an incredibly reasonable price.” They are a natural choice to add to our list of recommendations.
Although warm, they don't prove as breathable as what we saw in some of the more expensive men's slippers we tested, either made of natural materials (like the Ugg Scuff) or those made of synthetics that employ less fluffy lining materials (like the affordable RockDove Two-Tone). If you run warm, the Zigzaggers won't be your best option. But they may be the perfect choice if you're like some of us who seek a slipper to combat chilly winter temps. Durability could be a bit of a concern, especially in the upper, if you plan to spend a lot of time indoors and out. But for exclusively inside use, they should have no problem getting you through many game nights and long winter weekends.
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
SPECIFICATIONS
Interior Material
Polyester
Type
Loafer
Upper Material
Polyester
Outsole Material
Rubber
Midsole Material
Memory foam
The HomeTop Curly Fur Loafer could be one of the best indoor slippers we've ever had the pleasure of testing. Weighing in at just 4.4 oz, they're perfect to wear inside all day straight out of bed. The fury brushed fleece upper acts like your favorite sweater, cradling your feet and trapping heat while still being durable and breathable for daily use. Our lead tester points out, “The memory foam insole was a godsend after a long day working on my feet.” We also found the outsole feels plenty sturdy in hand, leading us to believe we won't be left looking for a replacement just as quickly as we settle into our new favorite slippers. For the price, we're extremely impressed with the whole package.
Although we appreciate the cozy warmth the HomeTop Curly Loafer's materials deliver, the brushed-fleece upper does seem to attract crumbs and dog hair. Thankfully, these women's slippers can be machine-washed to combat the problem. But you may just be washing them more often than you'd think. The upper is somewhat lacking rigidity, so expect a looser fit that may not be exactly the support you'd want when outside walking the dog (we recommend a clog like the Birkenstock Zermatt for that.) For slippers that are uber-warm with an upper that resists picking up dirt and an outdoor-ready base, the Chaco Ramble Puff would be a better choice. Or if it's more rigidity you seek, check out the UGG Tasman. Just know none of these are budget models, and they'll cost you a pretty penny more than the comfy and highly affordable HomeTop Curly Loafer.
These lightweight loafers are perfect for indoor duties.
We must admit that we felt a certain panache when wearing the UGG Ascot, as if we should also be sporting a dinner coat and smoking a pipe. Something tells us this is intentional by the designers. These finely made masculine loafers have a gorgeous suede upper that looks just as in place while running errands downtown at our favorite haunts as on our favorite recliner back home. The blended lining, a mix of warm natural fur and synthetic materials, did an excellent job of pampering our feet and particularly favors those who want a bit of structure around the foot. These slippers hold their somewhat narrow form well and have enough support to make them excellent shoes for walks outside.
That same narrow fit won't work for everyone or for all occasions. If you run wide or just aren't looking for a loafer-style slipper, the Ascots won't be for you. We were also surprised that the liner is made of a synthetic blend rather than 100% wool. Lead tester Justin Simoni notes, “For the price, I would have assumed premium materials, including a fully wool lining.” If you're going to spend the money and prefer a men's slipper with a more relaxed fit and a superb genuine shearling liner, the Olukai Moloa should not be ignored.
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
SPECIFICATIONS
Interior Material
Wool felt
Type
Slip-on clog/mule
Upper Material
Wool felt
Outsole Material
Rubber
Midsole Material
Cork, latex, and felt
Happy feet do not all come from the same mold, with different wearers requiring different support systems for just the right fit. The Haflinger GZ offers the most customizable and supportive fit in our women's lineup. The footbed is sculpted to cup the heel, with built-in arch support through the midsole, and its thick cork platforms mold to your individual feet over time like an expensive custom insole. Our lead tester, Kate Pitts, was so impressed that she couldn't stop praising them: “I have high arches, and out of all the slippers we tested, my feet felt the best after walking distances in the GZ.” Their custom fit feels so good that choosing any other pair for long days in slippered feet becomes hard. You will appreciate this smart footbed design if you suffer pain or discomfort while walking or standing, be it plantar fasciitis, high arches, or even overheated feet. They are also made of a soft, felted wool that feels gentle against the skin and offers warmth when the autumn wind brings a chill. When warmer weather hits, that same wool is also naturally odor-resistant and will wick away sweat to help keep your feet comfortable. This combination of felted organic wool and an open clog design makes the GZ one of the most breathable options in our lineup and a top pick for four-season, all-climate use.
While the Haflinger GZ is among our most comfortable options, it does not provide the “fleecy wraparound hug” typical of many preferred styles among house slippers. It may also not be the warmest choice when it's cold outside. Yet the open design pairs well with best hiking socks for days when you want to add a bit of extra insulation. If you prefer a slipper with more fleece and fluff, you might enjoy the cozy feel of slippers like the Ugg Tasman or L.L. Bean Wicked Good, which maximize warmth. Or, for those who value support in all footwear, you are likely to benefit from the cork footbed of the Birkenstock Zermatt Shearling, which will not only mold to your foot but also offer a plush fleece lining you can really sink your toes into.
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
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Sole Thickness
12 mm
Measured Weight (size 12)
10.1 oz
Interior Material
Wool/polyester
Upper Material
Suede
Outsole Material
Crepe rubber
An extremely attractive slipper built of all-over suede, with beautiful decorative stitchwork, a gum rubber outsole, and plush wool/polyester liner spilling out from the collar, it's hard not to crush on the men's Sorel Falcon Ridge II slip-on. Our lead tester reports, “These wear as beautifully as they look, surprising me with their all-over coziness.” The insole's heel cup and arch support assist in cradling the foot. The outsole is quiet indoors, with a wonderfully grippy base on hardwood floors that delivers a ton of confidence for walking late at night when lights are low, and you want to avoid waking the rest of the house up. The outsole is pliable and thin, perfect for an indoor slipper, while the memory foam insole cushions each sneaking step.
The Sorel Falcon Ridge II is best to wear indoors, as the pliable, natural gum rubber outsole has a reputation for degrading faster than the harder synthetic rubbers you'll find on other slippers. The suede upper won't win out any fights against harsh conditions and would likely be damaged in a downpour. Like all slippers made of natural materials, you will want to invest their proper care to prolong their life and make good on the steep upfront investment. If these princely slippers are too luxe, the Zigzagger Moccasin makes a perfect budget stand-in, balancing solid good looks with a quality performance, including keeping your feet toasty warm.
We enjoy lounging around the house in the pliable upper and extremely warm liner of the Sorel Falcon Ridge II.
The Glerups Slip-On with Leather Sole fills the niche for those looking for an indoor footwear solution that is more than a sock yet far from the size and weight of a whole shoe. If you desire a slipper that is hardly even there, this is the one. The amazingly thin sole resembles the bottom of a ballet slipper, while the top is slightly more substantial than a thick sock. They are the perfect pair to wear indoors. Our tester 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.” The thin wool upper offers natural odor resistance and nice ventilation, making these a favorite choice for those who run hot or travel often. They are perfect whenever you embark on overnight visits with family and friends or settle into a hotel room for an extended stay.
Their utility out of doors may be limited, as the thin leather outsole provides little protection from uneven terrain or rocks in your way. Small debris can even embed itself into the leather, and wearing them too often — we tested them over 5 miles of walking — may result in holes developing in the thin design. Plus, the natural materials make care and cleaning a bit of a pain since you cannot just pop them into the laundry when needed (prepare to do some hand washing). If that's too much hassle or these slippers seem just a bit too simple in structure, consider the highly packable and easy-to-launder HomeTop Curly Fur Loafer, or take a look at the women's Birkenstock Zermatt Shearling, which have excellent support but are not exceedingly heavy.
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.
For casual outdoor wear to hang with friends, it's hard to beat out the Teva ReEmber Slip-Ons, the stylings of which are reminiscent of the sneakers we see in photos featuring Appalachian Trail hikers back in the day. Tester Justin Simoni happily called them out, saying, “Retro-hip is back, and I'm here for it!” Several excellent color options perfectly complement the quilted triangle stitching across the upper, which delivers just enough insulation to add a layer of warmth around your foot. Reinforcements have also been added to protect the toebox and ensure general durability when faced with outdoor hazards, just as the outsole provides minimal tread to ensure you can safely move between indoor and outdoor lounge locations as needed. But the ReEmber is, at its heart, still a men's slipper. So we particularly appreciated the collapsible heel that flips down for easy slip-on access and eliminates the need to tie them on with laces.
For indoor use, the ReEmber Slip-Ons may prove just a little too much for some loungers. The tread will pick up dirt just like any shoe you take outdoors, which you certainly don't want to track on hardwood floors or rugs. Even though the quilting pattern looks cool and seems similar to some of our favorite jackets, it didn't test out to be quite so warm. We think a better option for cold-weather dog walking will still be just your regular boots. But these excel as a pair of car camping, campfire hang-out shoes in the summer. If your primary needs are indoor, most any of the other men's slippers we've tested will probably be a better fit, including the cozy, soft Sorel Falcon Ridge II or the Zigzagger Moccasin.
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.
If you've spent time in a chic mountain town, you know puffy jackets are a fashion statement, not just a mountaineering staple. The Chaco Ramble Puff now channels this same styling and performance into the form of a slipper, with a quilted nylon upper perfectly at home running errands around town, enjoying a little après-ski, or kicking back by the lodge fire. In keeping with the brand's reputation for exceptional walkability, Teva has paired the puffy slipper exterior with a sturdy sole with the same footbed, fit, and performance as its well-known sandals. And a wraparound strap keeps your feet securely in place for more vigorous walks.
Like many slippers, outdoor utility comes at the cost of indoor comforts. The Chaco Ramble Puffs booties are less plush than most indoor-focused slippers we tested and are prone to carrying dirt and debris as we move between the two worlds. We think they'll serve you best if they come inside sparingly. But they make a great choice if you need reliable slippers to carry along on adventures. Tester Amber King reports, “I found them so comfortable they became my go-to winter shoe when running around town.” Our test team used them so often instead of other shoes that the midsole cushioning eventually became packed down, cutting into their useful lifespan. But if you intend to pick up a pair of comfy, camp- or home-use slippers (not to log 50+ miles out of the gate), you ought to have plenty of time to maximize their value before replacement is required. For a slipper with better indoor performance, take a look into the women's Glerups Slip-On with the leather sole or the super cozy HomeTop Curly Fur Loafer.
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
How We Tested
For over four years, Gearlab teams have tested over 60 different pairs of slippers in search of the best ones for you to try on your feet. Our current selection of two dozen slippers across the men's and women's categories represents some of the top products we've found. We've worn all these slippers inside and outside, on our downtime, after an adventure, or after particularly difficult work weeks standing on our feet.
We've put them on after waking up, 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. We walked miles in each pair, and some lucky pairs went with us as camp shoes on backpacking trips. We researched fabrics and outsole materials to understand better their limitations and the ongoing care that might be required to make the most out of each pair purchased. As always, we also took our lab testing very seriously to ensure we understood everything there was to know about slippers. To better understand the insulating warmth offered by each pair, we implemented an objective Freezer Test. Utilizing a controlled environment (the freezer) and an infrared thermometer, we measured the starting air temp in each pair before sealing 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 back up and how breathable they stayed once we were on the move. By testing each slipper's insulative qualities in this combined manner, we enhance the useful yet subjective data provided by tester experiences with real-time data, allowing us to understand better exactly how well-insulated each slipper is based on the material construction and design.
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
By using a infrared thermometer, we're able to take warmth retention measurements.
These slippers retained less heat than many other slippers we tested.
These slippers retained a fair bit of heat and landed somewhere in the middle of our pack.
We employed an infrared thermometer to measure heat retained after leaving the slippers inside the freezer for a set amount of time.
Why You Should Trust Us
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 leads up our men's slipper review. He is an avid trail runner, backpacker, and climber who dependably abuses his poor feet in many rugged outdoor environments. Once back home, he spoils them with a good pair of slippers in preparation for the next adventure. Over the last few years, he's been leading gear-testing duties for many of our outdoor and ultralight categories. He also brings a keen eye for the subtle design features that can differentiate a great product from one you'll forget at the back of your closet.
The lead tester for our women's slipper review, Kate Pitts, is an expert at managing long days on her feet. After a decade as a National Park Interpreter and Backcountry Ranger, she is now a wilderness hiking and backpacking guide in the Rocky Mountains and desert southwest. She is also a yoga teacher and fully understands the importance of balancing active pursuits with time to rejuvenate. She now channels her layered knowledge and physically demanding workload into gear-testing slippers to uncover the best options to help you relax at the end of each day. Tester Amber King collaborates on our women's slipper review, bringing over a decade of experience as a gear tester across numerous outdoor gear categories, including specialization in several footwear-related categories. Amber examines each new pair of slippers with a critical eye, only accepting the best for her own feet while working at home or co-working spaces.
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.
These synthetic slippers won't be damaged when getting a little snow on them.
Slippers that easily can be taken on and off are one of the features we loved to see.
These inexpensive slippers have a comfortable collar and are all around adorable.
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 sheerling 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, our testers found that cheaper slippers are just not as durable as their naturally constructed counterparts. So, we would 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 we note in our individual reviews. Narrower styles usually include moccasins and loafers. Wider slippers 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. Shut inside our homes, we may not worry too much about impressing our social circles with the fanciest indoor slips, so one suggestion is to go with a high-value slipper that doesn't exhaust your paycheck 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.
