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Aug 01, 2023

The 12 Best Slippers of 2023, Tested & Reviewed

Our favorite are the Ugg Tasman Slippers for their comfort and ability to be

Our favorite are the Ugg Tasman Slippers for their comfort and ability to be worn indoors and out.

Rachel covers all aspects of the home space and tests products to find the best for consumers. When she's not writing, you can find her streaming, hiking, and decorating.

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Real Simple / Dera Burreson

The satisfaction of changing into a pair of slippers after a long day on your feet cannot be overstated. But how do you know which pair is best for you? According to Dr. Lauren Wurster, podiatrist and spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association, it's all about getting the right support for your foot.

"When evaluating any shoe, I like to keep it simple for my patients with two questions: One, does it bend or twist? If so, put it down—it's too flexible! And two, does it have a firm, thick sole (and in terms of slippers, skid-free/slip-resistant)?" she says.

Whether you’re buying a new pair of slippers for support or style, the best slippers feel comfortable underfoot and are made of materials that are soothingly soft and able to keep your feet nice and toasty as you move about your house.

To find the very best slippers, we tested 23 of the most popular options, evaluating them on design, quality, comfort, durability, warmth, and value.

UGG

Who it's for: People who want slippers that are lined with genuine sheepskin.

Who it isn't for: People who want slippers without a hard sole.

The Ugg Tasman Slippers have all the makings of comfy, long-lasting slippers. The inside of the shoe is lined with a cozy combination of sheepskin and wool, which will keep your feet extra toasty while wearing. Our tester, who told us that their feet usually run cold, confirmed this and liked that they didn't sweat in these either. In fact, they said that they sweated more wearing socks with slippers than they did barefoot with these shoes.

Another great attribute of the Tasman Slippers is that they have a solid outsole that allows the wearer to take them outside without ruining the bottoms of the shoe. The outsole is actually the same as the classic Ugg boot, so there's nothing stopping you from running errands in these slippers. Our tester also complimented the slippers for their "bright and beautiful" suede and loved how impeccable the stitch design was. They did discover, though, that there is a short breaking-in period with these shoes: When they first tried them on, the slippers "were super hard and tight, "but over time, they loosened up and became more comfortable to wear." To outfit yourself in complete coziness, pair with the Ugg Marlow robe, voted one of the best robes on the market.

Price at time of publish: $100

Sizes: 5-12 | Lining: Sheepskin and wool | Outsole Material: EVA

Tammy Gardini

Amazon

Who it's for: People who want slippers that are machine-washable.

Who it isn't for: People looking for more stylish slippers.

These affordable slippers offer an incredible value for the price, so much so that our tester was "shocked" at how low the price was. "I have paid much more for a flimsy slipper without a bottom that can be worn outside and with nowhere near the support these offer." They told us that the bottom was so durable that they could walk around outside in the snow, and their feet stayed nice and warm. What's also great is that the lining of the shoes, despite being made from synthetic materials, never caused their feet to sweat.

In addition to the cozy feel, these shoes also feature memory foam soles for added comfort. Our tester said this feature made their feet feel supported, which didn't falter after wearing. Overall, they said they could see themselves wearing these for a long period of time. However, they did note that these are "pretty narrow slippers"—luckily, Dearfoams also offers wide sizes, so be sure to order those if you have wider feet.

Price at time of publish: $30

Sizes: S-XXL | Lining: Terry footbed with berber (fleece) lining | Outsole Material: Thermoplastic rubber

Jodi Espinosa

Amazon

Who it's for: People who plan to get a lot of use out of their slippers and need a cushioned sole.

Who it isn't for: People who wear half-sizes.

Slipper soles tend to be thin and, therefore, can cause discomfort when standing in them for long periods of time. To combat this, get slippers with memory foam. Memory foam offers greater cushioning, which helps tremendously with comfort.

These Ultraideas House Shoes contain a high-density memory foam that, according to the brand, molds better to your feet and has a better rebound when walking. Our tester found these soles to live up to the brand's promise, calling the soles "soft and cushioned" and saying that the slippers were "like pillows for my feet."

They also told us that the thick fleece lining made their feet feel toasty and appreciated the functionality since the anti-slip sole allows you to wear these slippers on multiple surfaces. Overall, they were pretty impressed with the value you get for such a low price tag. However, they were not pleased with the sizing. Our tester, who is a half-size, found the 5/6 to be too small and the 7/8 to be too big.

Price at time of publish: $33

Sizes: 5/6-11/12 | Lining: Fleece | Outsole Material: Rubber

Amazon

Who it's for: People who need a supportive slipper.

Who it isn't for: People who want a cozier slipper.

Finding slippers with proper arch support is no easy feat. That's why we love the Vionic Gemma Mule Slippers, which were designed by a podiatrist. Not only that but they are approved by Wurster as well. "I typically give my patients recommendations of Birkenstocks or Vionics," she says.

The Vionic Gemma Mule Slippers come with arch support, a generous heel cup, and a flexible midsole that is designed to absorb shock well. After wearing these shoes all day during our testing period, our tester told us that the arch support is indeed "incredible" and that "if you’re in the market for supportive slippers, I think these are a good value."

The insole is lined with a terry cloth that also made these shoes feel super comfortable on our tester. They also liked the outsole, which they told us was "so sturdy and strong that I don't think it will ever weaken or wear out." Due to the style of the shoe, their feet didn't feel the warmest while wearing them. Regardless of this drawback, our tester kept their marks high for this slipper and ultimately would recommend them to others. "These slippers definitely provide the comfort, arch support, and traction they promise," they said.

Price at time of publish: $70

Sizes: 5-12 | Lining: Terry cloth polyester | Outsole Material: EVA

Christine Colby

Amazon

Who it's for: People who want fuzzy slippers with some ventilation.

Who it isn't for: People who want slippers made of genuine sheepskin.

If your feet tend to get hot and sweaty while wearing closed-toed slippers or booties, you’ll benefit from these open-toed slippers. What's great about the Halluci Slippers is that they offer plenty of ventilation without skimping on the fluff. Not only that, but they’re also pretty chic. The insoles are lined with fleece, while the cross band is made of faux fur that our tester told us felt super soft against their feet. They also really liked the memory foam, which they described as "thick and effective," and recommended these specifically for people who have harder floors in their homes.

The bottom of the shoes are made of an EVA that is waterproof and slip-resistant, so you could probably get away with wearing these outside of the house for a short period of time, such as getting the mail. Our tester did warn us that the faux fur shed a little bit, which made them hesitant about putting the sandals in the washing machine (they are machine-washable, according to the brand). They also had issues with sizing. They ordered a size large (recommended for sizes 9/10) but found them to be too small as a 9. So if you decide to buy these, consider ordering a size up.

Price at time of publish: $24

Sizes: S-XL | Lining material: Fleece and faux fur | Outsole material: EVA

Elizabeth Theriot

Allbirds

Who it's for: People who want super cozy slippers.

Who it isn't for: People looking for fluffy slides.

The brand that has become famous for making the most comfortable sneaker has also managed to pull off making a super comfortable slipper. Our tester couldn't stop raving about the Wool Dwellers: "They are soft to the touch, extremely cushioned on the inside, and look gorgeous on the outside after wearing them for a few weeks," they said. The bulk of the shoe is made of upcycled merino wool, which is considered the softest type of wool on the market.

The midsole was supportive enough that our tester felt comfortable standing in them all day while working around their house. "The cushioned inside molds easily to my feet, and they feel more and more comfortable and suited for me every time I wear them," they said.

The outsoles are made of rubber certified by the FSC, making this a great option for people who go out of their way to shop sustainably. One thing our tester was keen to point out is that because they are slides, they "aren't the warmest slippers in the world." They were able to keep the tops of their feet toasty, but if you want to keep your whole foot warm, you’ll be better off buying slippers with backs.

Price at time of publish: $75

Sizes: S-XXL | Lining: Merino wool | Outsole Material: Rubber

Julia Fields

L.L. Bean

Who it's for: People who want slippers that have coverage up to their ankles.

Who it isn't for: People who want slippers without a rubber sole.

Although quite pricey for slippers, our tester told us that the L.L.Bean Squam Lake Booties are more than worth the splurge. "As someone who has worn slippers religiously my whole life, I have purchased slippers in every price range," they said. "These are worth every penny—they’re the kind of slippers I don't think you should hesitate to buy. I can't imagine myself ever going back to another slipper again."

The Wicked Good Slippers are made of Australian lambswool, while the outsoles are made of rubber. The outsole also features a cross-hatch grooved tread that was so effective that our tester told us walking in these on their icy deck didn't worry them one bit. The exterior of the shoe is made of suede which is water- and stain-resistant, which explains why the shoes didn't show any signs of wear after our testing was complete. These do take more effort to put on compared to other slippers, but if you don't mind bending over to fasten them on, they may end up being the perfect slipper for you.

Price at time of publish: $109

Sizes: 6-11 | Lining: Lambswool | Outsole Material: Rubber

Dera Burreson

Amazon

Who it's for: People who want slippers made of a warm fabric that is also breathable.

Who it isn't for: People who want insoles that offer more foot support.

Wool as a fabric works great for slippers because it keeps your feet warm yet remains breathable, so it should prevent perspiration. Our tester told us that because of the temperature-regulating properties of wool, their feet stayed "a comfortable temperature consistently" while wearing the slippers. The feel of the wool was nice, too, with our tester telling us it felt "incredibly soft, smooth, and not itchy in the slightest" and that slipping them on was like entering "a cozy cave for my foot."

The outsole of this slipper is different from many others we tested in that it's made of leather. Because of this, these can't be worn outside, otherwise, they will get ruined quickly. They also offer less traction compared to rubber, though our tester had no problems with slipping or sliding while moving around their house. They did have some complaints about the fit, specifically with their heel hitting the backing while walking. They also noted that the insole is completely flat and offers "zero instep or heel support." They eventually got used to this sensation, and it didn't bother them, but we know that may not be the case for everybody.

Price at time of publish: $100

Sizes: 5-13 | Lining: Wool | Outsole: Leather

Karen Chen

Parachute

Who it's for: People who want fuzzy slippers.

Who it isn't for: People who want slippers that won't slip off while wearing.

Shearling boasts a deliciously soft texture that makes them the perfect material for slippers. These Parachute clogs are made of a lush wool shearling that our tester described as "plush, warm, and SO comfortable." They liked how uniform the shearling was, and after testing was pleased to discover that the fabric showed no signs of wear. The clogs are roomy enough to wear socks with and feature a cushioned insole that our tester said was comfortable enough to stand on for long periods of time.

The Parachute Shearling Wool Clogs come with a hardened outsole that enables you to wear them outside if you wish. One complaint that our tester had is that these slippers are on the heavier side, to the point where they slipped off while walking. Plus, since they have an exposed backing, they aren't going to be as warm as closed shoes. Still, our tester said they’d recommend these as a "great luxury buy," especially for people who "take their cozy wear seriously."

Price at time of publish: $99

Sizes: XS-XL | Lining: Wool shearling | Outsole: Foam

Nicole Lund

Amazon

Who it's for: People who want slippers that are stylish enough to look like shoes.

Who it isn't for: People who want slippers that won't make their feet sweaty.

Moccasin-style slippers are great for people who want slippers that also look like shoes, so you can wear them outside of the home without looking like you’re wearing slippers. The classic Minnetonka Cally Slippers are made of soft suede and lined with plush faux fur. Our tester told us the faux fur was so warm and cozy that it managed to successfully protect their feet from the cold while their heating was off for a day.

They also liked the style of the shoe but had some complaints about the quality. After wearing these for more than 50 hours, the faux fur lining started to feel less fluffy, and the suede on the sides of the shoes showed signs of wear. The lining also made their feet feel sweaty, which isn't surprising as synthetic materials tend to do that. And if you’re looking for arch support, they advised staying away from these shoes. Despite these grievances, our tester still saw value in these shoes and would advise people to get them based on their style and overall coziness.

Price at time of publish: $50

Sizes: 5-11 | Lining: Faux fur | Outsole: Rubber

Quince

Who it's for: People who want cotton slippers.

Who it isn't for: People who want to be able to wear their slippers outside.

If you love recreating the feeling of being at a spa at home, get the Quince Turkish Waffle Slippers. They resemble the complementary slippers you’d get at a spa or hotel but are so much better. These Quince slippers are made of organic Turkish cotton, which our tester confirmed felt "incredibly soft" and absorbent. They said their feet stayed dry after taking a shower and even when they helped someone put furniture together. And despite having no backing, they managed to stay on our tester's feet continuously.

These waffle slippers are machine-washable and are advertised as having a slip-resistant outsole. Our tester said they are very effective on hardwood floors and tiles, to the point where it felt like they almost stuck to the floor. However, on carpeting, that was not the case. Our tester advised people to not wear these outside, and for those who crave arch support, to skip these shoes entirely. For all these slippers have to offer, our tester thought these were a steal for the price and was actually surprised they weren't priced higher.

Price at time of publish: $30

Sizes: S-L | Lining: Organic Turkish cotton | Outsole: Not listed

Paige VandeWiele

Amazon

Who it's for: People who want a durable and versatile slipper.

Who it isn't for: People who want slippers with backs.

Our tester, who admitted to us that they aren't much of a slipper person, loved wearing the Birkenstock Zermatt Shearling Slippers. "I find myself wearing these more than I have ever worn a slipper in the past because they are more shoe than a slipper," they said. What makes these slippers feel like regular shoes are the hard outsoles, which are made of thick latex that is water-resistant and will likely not cause any kind of slipping while you wear them. Our tester told us that they wore these while walking their dog in wet conditions, taking the trash out, and even making quick store runs.

The Zermatt also features the brand's signature cork midsole, which is molded to the grooves of your feet for optimal support and comfort. Meanwhile, the insole is lined with genuine shearling, which our tester described as "giving the perfect amount of warmth." They told us the shearling lining was soft and cozy but not thick enough to cause overheating, a problem they said they have with shoes in general. These slippers come in sizes 4-12.5 and have options for both narrow and wide feet.

Price at time of publish: $100

Sizes: 4-12.5 | Lining: Genuine shearling | Outsole: Latex

Overall, we recommend the Ugg Tasman Slippers for their warmth and comfort. These slippers are lined with genuine sheepskin and have an outsole with traction, so you can wear them safely outside. Plus, our tester found these to be much more breathable than other slippers without sacrificing coziness and comfort.

We tested 23 different slippers and assessed them on design, quality, comfort, durability, warmth, and value. Our first test involved rating the comfort of the slippers after first trying them on. We asked each tester to evaluate the quality of the materials and whether the fit felt right in accordance with their size.

After that, testers wore the slippers for at least one hour a day or more for two weeks, and rated the slippers based on several factors, including warmth, breathability, ease of walking, and odor retention. We also asked testers to note if they slipped while walking on hard floors and carpeting, if they felt comfortable wearing them for several hours at a time, and if they felt more comfortable than walking around barefoot.

For the slippers that were advertised as being outdoor-friendly, we had our testers wear them outside and asked them if they felt supported or noticed a difference in traction. After our two-week testing period ended, we asked them to note if there was any wear on the shoes and if the soles flattened over time. We then had our testers wash the slippers (if they were machine-washable) and evaluate if the washing changed the look of the shoes or if they felt less comfortable. We used all this information to come up with the best slippers.

Fireside by Dearfoams Sydney Shearling Scuff Slippers: Our tester liked how thick the shearling was and that it kept them warm on cold mornings. However, they said one felt bigger than the other, and they had to curl their toes to keep them from sliding off their feet.

Sorel Nakiska Scuff Slipper: Famous for their top-of-the-line snow boots, Sorel also excels at slippers. Our tester called the slippers "nicely crafted" and "quality" but was disappointed that the suede sole means they can't be worn outside.

Slipper lining is almost always very soft and warm, so you don't need to worry about lining in terms of textural comfort. What you do need to worry about is sweat, as some fabrics will cause you to sweat more than others. If your feet tend to get sweaty, or you don't want to run the risk of sweating at all in your slippers, Dr. Wurster recommends choosing a fabric that is light and breathable, such as cotton.

Wool, sheepskin, and shearling, while not particularly light, do have natural temperature-regulating properties, so your feet shouldn't get sweaty in them. On the flip side, synthetic materials such as polyester, terry cloth, fleece, and faux fur are more likely to make your feet sweat because of their lack of breathability and ability to trap heat, in comparison to natural fibers.

Most slipper outsoles (the bottoms of the shoe) are made of solid materials that can handle the terrain of the outdoors, including some wet conditions. Wurster told us that rubber, EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate), polyurethane, and other common synthetic materials offer durability and should stand up to day-to-day wear and tear.

There are also outsoles made of foam, which, depending on the type, vary in terms of being able to resist water. For Wurster, she said she's less concerned with the material and more interested in the traction and grip, as this will provide greater support for your foot.

The most important thing to know is that outsoles made of leather, as well as any other type of fabric, will not hold up outdoors and, according to Wurster, are less slip-resistant. If you buy slippers with those types of outsoles, wear them inside only. Usually, brands specify whether you can wear the slippers outside, so make sure to verify that before you buy.

This may surprise some people, but not all slippers provide warmth for your feet. If the slipper has any opening, whether it's at the toes or the back of the heel, you won't be as warm as wearing something that covers your entire foot. During our testing, multiple testers told us that only parts of their feet were warm when wearing slides or something with a band. You might think the warm fabrics on slippers will make up the difference, but they won't.

It depends on the slippers' materials. If your slippers have outsoles that are made of a fabric, such as cotton or leather, they are not made for outside use. Material such as rubber, latex, and EVA are more durable and are usually slip- and water-resistant. As such, they can handle outdoor terrain. Brands usually specify if the slippers can be worn outdoors, so make sure to check that before you buy.

However, you shouldn't wear your slippers outdoors for a long time because they aren't designed for prolonged outdoor wear. Slippers don't have the support that regular shoes do, and over time, wearing slippers for a prolonged period will have an effect on your foot.

"Like with any unsupportive shoewear type, if you are doing a great deal of activity in them or wearing them frequently, that is going to catch up to you and cause foot and ankle pain," Wurster told us. Because of this, it's best to wear your slippers for very short periods of time outside, such as taking out the trash or walking to your deck or balcony to sit down and read a book (i.e., NOT while running errands).

You can do this by buying slippers that have a lining made of natural materials. These include cotton, wool, sheepskin, and shearling. These materials offer greater either breathability, temperature regulation, and moisture-wicking properties, or all three, than synthetic fabrics, such as terry cloth, faux fur, and fleece. You can also wear your slippers with socks to prevent odor.

Wurster told us that the biggest mistake she sees people make with slippers is basing their decision solely on style, particularly the "fuzziness" of a slipper instead of the support it offers. "Often, the fuzziest slippers have, what is essentially a cardboard sole, and that is not a recipe for healthy feet!" When assessing a slipper for support, she recommends examining the outsole to see if it's thick and has a good tread to it and looking at the insole to see if it provides arch support. She also adds that it's important to pay attention to the overall stability of the shoe when you wear it.

People often think that memory foam can help with foot support (we certainly did), but Wurster told us that, in fact, that's not always the case. "Some of the memory foam shoes/slippers have memory foam that gets matted/packed down in one to two weeks of wear, and therefore are not shock-absorbing as they were intended," she says. If you’re choosing slippers based on style rather than support, make sure to wear them lightly around the house (think: while working from home or lounging on your couch watching TV) to prevent foot problems from occurring down the line.

This article was written by Rachel Center, a lifelong lover of all things fashion and beauty and a product review home writer for Real Simple. She spent hours researching all the components that make the best slippers, ultimately choosing the products in this list based on design, quality, comfort, durability, warmth, and value. She also sought the advice of Dr. Lauren Wurster, a podiatrist and spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association.

Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn't an option. All products go through the same rigorous process, whether they are purchased or sent by the company.

Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums.