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Oct 19, 2024

14 Best Women’s Slippers 2024 | The Strategist

The Strategist’s carefully chosen and rigorously vetted flagship shopping guides. Learn about our methodology here, and find all our Best in Class guides here. The Strategist’s carefully chosen and

The Strategist’s carefully chosen and rigorously vetted flagship shopping guides. Learn about our methodology here, and find all our Best in Class guides here.

The Strategist’s carefully chosen and rigorously vetted flagship shopping guides. Learn about our methodology here, and find all our Best in Class guides here.

Now that it has become socially acceptable to wear slippers outdoors — to the grocery store, to school, out to dinner — the market is flooded with all manner of furry, fuzzy, and cozy options. And it just so happens that furry, fuzzy, and cozy are my domain here at the Strategist. I cover our wardrobe-basics beat, which means I’ve handled dozens of the fleeciest cashmere sweaters and worn the softest worn-in white tees. To find the best slippers, I teamed with my colleague Arielle Avila to try several different pairs of slides, moccasins, and booties. (I’ll be testing more this winter.) We wore them around our homes on lazy, lie-around Saturdays and slid them on to run a few errands. We spoke to a podiatrist to understand what makes a slipper good for your feet and interviewed people whose taste we trust to get their own takes on the best ones out there. Plus, I dug through our archives of comfy-shoe content to find our consistently recommended pairs. All of that added up to our list of the best women’s slippers for nearly any occasion — from cozy open-toe options for hot summer days to insulated fleece-lined slippers for when it’s freezing.

Since slippers typically don’t come in standard sh oe sizing, we tried our best to include pairs with a wide range of sizes. We’ve noted all sizing details, below, from whether they come unisex, include half sizes, or come in wide or narrow options.

Podiatrist Dr. Asim Sayed tells us that support and protection are two of the most important qualities to look for when shopping for slippers. He prefers anything with a rubber outsole because it offers more protection, stability, and control than softer materials, which are “pretty much like big socks.” This is especially important if you’re planning to wear slippers outside (even just to grab the mail). And if you have neuropathy or are shopping for someone who has it, a firm, hard sole (like rubber) is a must. “People with neuropathy don’t feel a lot of things that someone who doesn’t have neuropathy feels,” Sayed says. “They could have a Lego in their slipper all day long and they wouldn’t even know, which leads to wounds, and that can lead to amputations or worse.”

This mostly comes down to personal preference. When stylist Savannah White shops for slippers, she looks for “breathable materials that will still insulate and keep you warm.” Meanwhile, Sayed says anyone who has a bunion will want slippers made with a forgiving lining material (like a breathable mesh) rather than an irritating fabric (like leather). Other experts we spoke to prioritized the durability and weight of their slippers, choosing uppers in sheepskin, suede, or leather.

Slippers are a broad category and come in variations from open-toe sandals to ankle-high booties. Sayed tells us a lot of this comes down to personal preference, but he notes that if you have any Achilles-tendon pain or a Haglund’s deformity (an enlargement of the bony section of the heel), it’s best to stick with an open-back shoe.

The price of slippers runs the gamut from $20 to a couple hundred dollars, depending on the materials they’re made of. We focused on worth-it slippers and their more affordable options. Every pair is denoted as either $ (under $100), $$ (under $150), or $$$ (over $150).

Sizing: 5 to 13 | Outsole material: Rubber | Upper and lining material: Wool | Design: Closed toe with open back | Price: $$

These wool slippers by the Denmark-based company Glerups, which have been praised by many Strategist writers over the years, are a perennial favorite here. Now I know why. After testing Glerups for several weeks, I found they satisfy everything I’ve been looking for in a slipper: They’re cozy and warm but never, ever sweaty. That’s exactly why they’ve unseated the UGG Coquettes as our best slippers overall. (Yes, I still love the Coquettes, but they’re simply too hot for year-round wear.)

When I first got the Glerups, a brand representative advised me to wear them for a couple of days without socks to let them mold to my feet — so I did just that. They weren’t by any means uncomfortable out of the box, but after a week they felt perfectly broken in, as if they were hugging my feet. I’m based in Minnesota, and on the chilliest days, my feet still felt bundled up but not suffocated, with or without socks on. And even though I’d been an UGGs loyalist for years, I found myself slipping the Glerups on instead, largely because of the wool lining, which is warm but sweat wicking.

While I haven’t yet worn these through the entire summer, I can tell they’re breathable enough for extra-warm days. I also find them less cumbersome than my UGGs because they’re not lined with fluffy shearling and the rubber sole is thin but still substantial. While I mainly wear these indoors, I have worn them to run quick errands around my neighborhood without any issues. (If you’re hesitant about wearing them outside, take note from publishing executive Lisa Lucas, who told us she frequently wears her high-top version of the slippers on bodega trips.)

Sizing: 5.5–6 to 10.5–12 | Outsole material: Rubber | Upper and lining material: Faux fur | Design: Open toe | Price: $

These faux-fur slippers were gifted to Avila when she was a bridesmaid last year, and they’ve been a mainstay in her rotation ever since. She says the faux-fur lining is comfortable but her feet don’t get toasty in them during spring or summer. After months of pretty consistent wear, the lining has held up well; the insole is slightly less fluffy than when she first received them, but that’s the only difference Avila has noticed. They’re not as supportive as the Glerups and they don’t hug the feet as well, but that’s to be expected since they cost a tenth of the price. “I wouldn’t wear these outside my apartment either, but they are an excellent pair of house slippers, especially if you want an affordable pair for yourself or guests,” she says.

Sizing: 5 to 15.5 | Outsole material: 20% recycled EVA, 80% EVA | Upper and lining material: 51% cotton, 42% recycled polyester, 7% polyamide upper and 100% recycled polyester lining | Design: Closed toe with open back | Price: $

Brunch, a New York–based start-up run by two brothers, launched in 2020 and sells hotel-inspired shoes. Strategist writers Kitty Guo and Erin Schwartz tested the L’Essential to see how they measure up against other new house slippers. Both Schwartz and Guo like that they’re durable, warm but not stuffy, and supportive but not orthopedic. “I’d usually switch from house slippers to my Crocs for quick trips down to my apartment building’s lobby, but these seem sturdy enough for outside wear,” says Schwartz. Guo, who has wide feet, especially likes that they’re “really roomy,” she says. “I was even able to wear thick socks with them.”

Sizing: 5 to 12 | Outsole material: Cork-infused rubber | Upper and lining material: Sheepskin with shearling lining | Design: Closed toe with open back | Price: $$

The Glerups may have unseated these UGGs as our top choice, but let’s face it: A pair of UGGs is the quintessential cozy shoe, and with the brand’s shearling-lined offerings ranging from scuff slippers to boots, there’s something for everyone. The Coquettes stand out because they’re easy to slide on but don’t flop around (thanks to the extra-fluffy lining). If you prefer an indoor-outdoor slipper, these are an excellent option. Because they have a thick, structured rubber sole, Avila says she has accidentally worn them out to grab mail or run to the bodega without realizing (until getting home and noticing that she needs to wipe them down). I’ve spotted them on customers at my neighborhood coffee spot, and they didn’t look as though they’d just rolled out of bed. Avila’s pair still looks brand new after plenty of wear through the colder months. They come in a wide range of sizes and colors (including neutrals and pastels) and make an excellent gift for teens who covet the brand or for anyone else who appreciates a supportive, comfortable slipper.

Sizing 4 to 12.5 | Outsole material: Latex | Outer and lining material: Wool with shearling lining | Design: Closed toe with open back | Price: $

These Birkenstocks are made with a wool outer layer and lined with shearling, and are about $20 less than the aforementioned UGGs. Because they’ve been recommended by my colleague Emma Wartzman (who liked them so much she gifted a pair to her mom), Avila decided to test them for herself. They’re much less fluffy than the UGGs, with a more streamlined look similar to the Glerups, but they’re still super-warm. They also have decent arch support in line with the rest of Birkenstock’s offerings. Wartzman notes that her feet feel good even after standing in the kitchen cooking for hours. Like the UGGs, these can double as an outdoor slipper. While Avila hasn’t worn them out for any longer than a quick grocery run, actress Tawny Cypress has told us she frequently wears hers out to lunch.

Sizing: 5 to 11 with regular and wide options | Outsole material: Thermoplastic rubber | Outer and lining material: Sheepskin, shearling lining | Design: Closed toe | Price: $

If moccasins are more your style, L.L.Bean makes a classic, durable option. I haven’t tested these out myself, but social-content manager Siraad Dirshe says her pair has held up after years of indoor and outdoor wear. Like the other shearling-lined options, these are warm yet sweat-wicking. These are made with a shearling-covered EVA-memory-foam insole for extra comfort. They come in ten different colorways and in either regular or wide sizing options.

Sizing: 5 to 11 | Outsole material: Rubber | Upper and lining material: Suede and sheepskin lining | Design: Closed toe with adjustable high ankle | Price: $

For an even warmer option, Strategist senior writer Liza Corsillo’s cold-weather slippers of choice are these cozy booties from Minnetonka. The ankle-high sheepskin collar can be rolled up or down, so they can double as a slipper, too. Corsillo exclusively wears her pair during the winter months, and after three years, they still look new. While she uses hers indoors, these are designed for both indoor and outdoor use with a durable rubber sole. They come in black, tan, and gray colors in both regular and wide sizes.

Sizing: 5 to 11 | Outsole material: Rubber | Outer and lining material: Recycled P.E.T. outer with fleece lining | Design: Closed toe with elastic collapsible heel | Price: $

Avila’s cold-weather slippers are this insulated North Face pair with a fleece lining. “My sister gave them to me for Christmas during our first New York winter, after months of watching me fumble around in half-slipped-on tennis shoes to grab the mail or run to the bodega,” she says. While they’re not Avila’s house slippers, they do make quick trips to the store a much more pleasant experience, especially on frigid days. Stylist Lilli Millhiser also owns a pair and wears them mainly indoors (with the occasional bodega trip); she appreciates that they’re cozy and don’t attract her dog’s hair thanks to their outer P.E.T. material.

Sizing: 5 to 11 | Outsole material: Rubber | Upper and lining material: Wool | Design: Closed toe with open back | Price: $

Giesswein, an Austrian heritage brand that’s been around for over 50 years, is known for offering generous arch support. I haven’t tested a pair, but former Strategist writer Karen Iorio-Adelson confirmed that the best-selling Veitsch slippers are ideal for anyone who likes an exaggerated arch. The rest of the slipper is made of soft virgin wool and a thick rubber sole that’s durable enough for venturing outdoors. It comes in four colorways: black, red, gray, and blue.

Sizing: 5 to 16 | Outsole material: Proprietary OOfoam | Upper and lining material: Proprietary OOfoam | Design: Open toe with one strap | Price: $

While these Oofos slides are far from traditional house slippers, they’re so comfortable and supportive they deserve a spot on this list. Avila wears hers casually in the warmer months, usually on trips to the beach, and says, “I feel as if I could walk for days in them.” This is probably chalked up to its design and its proprietary “OOfoam“: The slippers are made to reduce stress on joints and absorb more impact. SuChin Pak, who wears hers at home exclusively, adds that the extra-thick sole makes walking a little wobbly at first and forces you to put pressure on different points of your foot, which in turn reduces stress on sore feet, knees, and lower backs. Two other folks who’ve recommended the slippers in the past — photographer Erin Patrice O’Brien and Strategist columnist Chris Black — say these are great for people with plantar fasciitis and high arches. “They mold to the foot, and the arch support is excellent,” says Black. “Your gait will thank you!”

Sizing: 5 to 11 | Outsole material: EVA | Upper and lining material: Recycled bamboo | Design: Closed toe with open back | Price: $$

If you prefer a closed-toe slipper that won’t lead to sweaty feet, turn to Lusso Cloud’s Pelli slippers. Guo, who owns a pair herself, says they’re more breathable than the aforementioned Brunch pair because of their construction and material. The upper is made from waffle-knit recycled bamboo stretched over perforated memory foam, promoting air circulation. And, the “Triple Stack Technology” footbed, which consists of three layers of foam. The Pelli comes in the widest range of options, including pairs made with suede, terrycloth, leather, and polyester upper materials, and others with shearling lining if you do want a cold-weather pair.

Sizing: S to L | Outsole: Plastic | Upper and lining: Cotton waffle weave | Design: Closed toe with open back | Price: $

Hawkins New York — makers of our favorite quilts, cloth napkins, and linen sheets — also makes an excellent under-$50 pair of slippers. When Avila tested them in a size small, she appreciated how roomy and breathable they felt. Throughout the summer, her feet never got too sweaty when she wore them with or without socks. They have nice traction thanks to their grippy outsoles too. Another plus is that they come in 12 colors, including neutrals and earth tones.

Sizing: 5 to 13 | Outsole: Rubber | Upper and lining: RWS-certified Merino wool | Design: Closed-toe with open back | Price: $$

I kept spotting these knit clogs on fashion influencers, and when the brand finally restocked my size, I ordered them immediately. The major appeal of all Rothy’s shoes, including this style, is that they’re machine washable, which was a huge draw for me (especially considering how many times I’ve accidentally dripped coffee on my UGGs). Though they’re named the Casual Clogs, I view them as slippers because they’re backless and have a flat sole. I wear mine without socks when I’m working from home, often at my standing desk, and am always impressed with the cushy yet supportive footbed that never makes my arches feel tired in the way other slippers have. My Casual Clogs required zero break-in period, and I found the merino wool plenty breathable for year-round wear, even when paired with thick, slouchy socks. Just note: These run large, so if you’re between sizes like I am, you should definitely size down.

Sizing: Custom | Outsole material: Leather | Outer and lining material: Leather | Design: Round or pointed toe with open back | Price: $

If you want slippers that feel a little less athletic and more dressed up, Bathen co-founder Hannah Zisman and Ghia founder Mélanie Masarin both prefer babouche-style slippers. The lightweight leather can be worn during the summer without feet sweat and make any WFH outfit seem somewhat put together. Both Zisman and Masarin recommend shopping on Etsy for a pair because of its wide range of color options and round- or pointed-toe designs available.

• Liza Corsillo, Strategist senior writer• Siraad Dirshe, social-content manager• Kitty Guo, Strategist writer• Karen Iorio Adelson, former Strategist senior writer• Maricia Josephs, founding editor of Dream in HD and associate public-relations manager at UGG• Lisa Lucas, National Book Foundation executive director• Melanie Masarin, Ghia founder• Lilli Millhiser, stylist• SuChin Pak, news correspondent and podcaster• Ambar Pardilla, Strategist writer• Imani Randolph, model and writer• Dr. Asim Sayed, podiatrist• Bryn Taylor, Ouisa creative director and personal stylist• Emma Wartzman, Strategist kitchen and dining writer• Savannah White, stylist• Hannah Zisman, Bathen co-founder

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