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Oct 28, 2024

The Best Slippers We've Ever Tested

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. These warm yet breathable picks will keep your feet cozy. In This Article Real

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

These warm yet breathable picks will keep your feet cozy.

In This Article

Real Simple / Dera Burreson

After a long day on your feet, the simple act of changing into a pair of slippers can feel luxurious. And having the right pair on hand makes it that much sweeter.

Whether you’re buying a new pair of slippers for support or style (or both!), you want to look for a pair that's comfortable, made of soft yet supportive materials, and keeps your feet toasty as you move about your house.

While testing 32 of the most popular options over the past year, we learned if you're prone to sweaty feet, look for a pair made with natural fibers, like cotton, wool, sheepskin, or shearling. And if you want to wear your slippers outside (to pick up the mail or grab something from the garage), make sure you get a pair with an outsole made of rubber, latex, or EVA so you don't slip or slide.

They are lined with genuine sheepskin, and the hard sole means they can be worn for indoor and outdoor use.

It may take some time to break them in.

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. We appreciated that the slippers kept our feet warm without causing them to sweat. With the addition of socks, though, we did feel a little too toasty.

We were impressed by the high-quality construction of the shoes, particularly the bright suede and decorative stitch design. The solid outsole is another standout, feature, allowing you to wear them outside without ruining the bottom 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.

After three months of wear, the inner fur did begin to flatten, but the soles and suede remained in perfect condition. Some of us even appreciated the matting, as it made the shoes a bit more roomy and breathable.

These slippers have a short break-in period, so they might feel tight initially. They gradually loosened up and became more comfortable over time, earning their spot at the top of our list.

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

Real Simple / Tammy Gardini

The slippers are cozy yet breathable.

They aren't very supportive.

These slippers are such good quality that we couldn’t believe they were less than $30. While testing, we found the slippers to be comfortable, convenient (thanks to their backless design), and lightweight.

The slide design makes them breathable and easy to slide on and off. You get airflow on your heels while the soft shearling interior helps retain heat, making them suitable for year-round use. They're also water resistant, but if you want to prolong their lifespan, we don't recommend frequent outdoor use.

After two weeks of constant wear, the slippers still look fairly new. Although we can see a vague imprint of where our foot had been, the treads, shape of the foam, and fluffiness of the lining remain unaffected. Despite their comfort, it's worth noting that these aren't the most supportive slippers. However, considering their reasonable price, we think these are a steal.

Sizes: 6-12 | Lining: Faux fur | Outsole Material: Natural rubber

The thick, supportive cushioning makes them feel similar to a running shoe.

We wish they were more breathable.

If you're looking to treat yourself or someone special in your life, this luxurious option is worth the investment. Immediately, we were amazed by the high quality and comfort of these Lusso slippers. Considering how lightweight they are, we found these slippers surprisingly warm. While they don't have a plush shearling interior, our feet did overheat after a while of activity.

They felt like a slip-on version of our favorite running shoes—supportive in all the right places. We also felt like the cushioning molded to the shape of our foot, making these so comfy, we almost walked out of the house in them, forgetting they were slippers.

In terms of fit, they felt equally comfortable whether we were barefoot, or wearing thin or thick socks. For more breathability, you might prefer to go barefoot. Available in 21 colors, these are some of the most versatile slippers on our list. We also love that they're machine washable, so you won't have to worry about stains or visible wear and tear with use.

Sizes: 5-11 | Lining: Recycled bamboo | Outsole Material: EVA

These slippers are super warm and durable enough for prolonged outdoor use.

The visible outer seams may not be everyone's style.

Shearling has a deliciously soft texture making it the perfect material for slippers. Crafted with 100% genuine shearling lining, we found the inside of these slippers just as plush as the exterior. They kept our feet super warm and cozy, proving warm enough to wear without socks—some of us even preferred how the lining felt on our bare feet. The outer seams are a bit pronounced, which may not appeal to some, but the look didn’t bother us.

Thanks to their wet-grip rubber sole, these slippers are ideal for indoor and outdoor use. We’ve worn them to the grocery store, for dog walks, and to the gym with no issue—they feel supportive and durable enough to wear for long periods. We were impressed by how well the quality remained throughout weeks of daily outdoor use. Even after being caught in a surprise rainstorm, we noticed no remaining water spots on the leather.

While these slippers are a bit pricey, we don’t have any complaints. And if you’re not convinced to invest, the brand even donates a portion of its proceeds to the Amu OluKai Foundation, which strives to preserve the cultural heritage of Hawaii.

Sizes: 5-11 | Lining: Full-grain leather and shearling | Outsole Material: Wet grip rubber

The wool fabric is warm yet breathable.

The flat insoles offer limited support.

Wool as a fabric works great for slippers because it keeps your feet warm yet remains breathable, preventing perspiration. Due to the temperature-regulating properties of the wool, our feet stayed at a comfortable, consistent temperature while wearing these slippers.

The feel of the wool was nice, too, as it felt incredibly soft, smooth, and not itchy. Slipping the shoes on felt like entering a cozy cave for our feet. Even better, the durable slippers maintained the same coziness after three months of wear.

The outsole of this slipper is different from many others we tested in that it’s made of leather, so these slippers may get ruined quickly if worn outside. They also offer less traction compared to rubber, but we didn't slip or slide around the house. We did have some complaints about the fit, specifically with our heel hitting the backing while walking. We also found the flat insole to offer zero instep or heel support. Once we eventually got used to this sensation, it didn’t bother us, but we know that may not be the case for everybody.

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

Real Simple / Karen Chen

The cushioned sole is comfortable for long durations of standing.

They don’t come in half sizes.

After wearing the slippers for a year, the soles suffered no wear and tear, and the exterior remained in pristine condition. Slipper soles tend to be thin and can become uncomfortable when worn for extended periods. Memory foam soles, on the other hand, offer greater cushioning, which can make a tremendous difference for those who often spend hours on their feet.

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. We found these soles to live up to the brand’s promise, feeling as soft and cushiony as pillows. The thick fleece lining made our feet feel toasty, and we appreciate that the versatile, anti-slip soles make the slippers suitable for multiple surfaces.

While the interior became a bit matted over time, the foam sole stayed cushioned and comfortable. The only thing we wish is that the slippers would come in half sizes. We found that sizing down was a bit tight while sizing up was a bit too loose.

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

The open-toed design promotes ventilation.

The faux fur sheds a bit.

If your feet tend to get hot and sweaty while wearing closed-toed shoes, you’ll love these open-toed slippers. The Halluci Slippers have plenty of ventilation, fleece lined insoles, and are also pretty chic. If you have hard floors at home, the thick memory foam, on these slides makes them feel like clouds on your feet.

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 quick tasks, such as getting the mail. The faux fur did shed a little bit, which made us hesitant to put the sandals in the washing machine (they are machine washable, according to the brand).

After wearing the slippers for three months, the footbed discolored a bit, and some of the inner fluff started to unravel. By the one-year mark, we were impressed that the slippers had maintained their comfortable cushion, though they did become slightly crushed and less supportive.

In terms of sizing, we suggest ordering up. We ordered a size large (recommended for sizes 9/10) but found them to be too small as a 9.

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

Real Simple / Elizabeth Theriot

The durable material can endure frequent use without wearing down.

They take a bit of effort to put on.

The L.L.Bean Squam Lake Booties are more than worth the splurge—even seasoned slipper-wearers can attest. The Wicked Good Slippers rubber outsole features a cross-hatch grooved tread that was so effective that walking on our icy deck didn’t worry us one bit.

The exterior of the shoe is made of water- and stain-resistant suede, which explains why the shoes didn’t show any signs of damage over time. They maintained such good quality that you’d never guess we wore them daily, even after a year of use.

These do take more effort to put on in comparison to other slippers, but if you don’t mind bending over to fasten them, they may end up being the perfect slipper for you.

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

Real Simple / Dera Burreson

They offer impressive arch support and traction.

They aren’t very warm and cozy.

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 and recommended by Dr. Lauren Wurster, podiatrist and spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association. “I typically give my patients recommendations of Birkenstocks or Vionics for starting points for shopping [for slippers],” 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, we found them to be incredibly supportive, especially given the low price tag.

The insole is lined with a terry cloth that made the shoes feel super comfortable in our testing. We also appreciated the sturdy outsoles, which felt durable enough to endure frequent use. While they're not the warmest option on this list, their comfort, arch support, and traction are hard to beat.

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

Real Simple / Christine Colby

The versatile slipper offers enough traction to walk in wet conditions.

They aren’t very plush or cushioned.

Even those of us who aren’t typically slipper people loved wearing the Birkenstock Zermatt Shearling Slippers, likely because they feel more like a shoe than a slipper thanks to the hard outsole. It's made of a thick, water-resistant latex that helps you resist slips. The traction was so impressive, we wore the slippers while taking the trash out, doing quick errands, and walked our dog in wet conditions.

The Zermatt also features the brand’s signature cork midsole, which molds to the grooves of your feet for optimal support and comfort. That said, these slippers aren’t as plush or cushioned as other pics on our list. Still, they maintained their shape well after one year of wear, becoming even more comfortable on our feet than when we had first tried them on.

Meanwhile, the insole is lined with genuine shearling, which provided us with the perfect amount of warmth. We found the shearling lining to be soft and cozy but not thick enough to cause overheating, a problem some of us have had with shoes in general. These slippers come in sizes 4 through 12.5 and have options for narrow and wide feet.

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

They offer the lightweight appeal of socks with added traction.

They aren't supportive or suitable for outdoor use.

If you love the feel of socks but are sick of slipping and sliding that comes with them, Bombas Grippers Slippers are for you. True to their name, the slippers have convenient grippers on the bottom of the soles that prevent slipping without being too sticky. They have a well-made, unstructured design with a plush interior that feels soft on bare skin. Their coziness almost felt like a foot massage on the first wear.

We found the slippers to be comfortably breathable while still keeping our feet warm. They were easy to pull on, and the raised back kept them secure on our foot without slipping off. And, unlike hard-sole slippers, their sock-like design allows you to put your feet up on the couch without feeling guilty about wearing shoes on it.

After two weeks of use, the slippers are still in good shape. Their soft design isn't suitable for outdoor use, and we noticed that they tend to pick up stray hairs, so a lint roller is key.

Nevertheless, if you're seeking a convenient, sock-like option with some traction, these are a great choice. We also appreciate that for every pair of slippers purchased, the brand donates one pair.

Sizes: XS-L (5-14) | Lining: Viscose, polyester, and elastane | Outsole: Acrylic, nylon, and merino wool

The slippers are cozy yet breathable, providing the perfect amount of traction.

They're less ideal for those with mobility issues.

While we often gravitate toward neutral shoes to complement various outfits, slippers offer the opportunity to be more bold. Available in a whopping 24 prints and colors, the Acorn Women's Moccasin Slippers are an especially fun choice.

In our testing, the slippers kept our feet warm and cozy without overheating. We didn't sweat while wearing them, even when we had socks on. The lining proved to be very soft and smooth on our skin, without causing any irritation or itchiness. We're also big fans of the skid-resistant soles, which provided ample traction but weren't so sticky that they caused us to trip or stumble when we walked across carpet.

After two weeks of use, the slippers still look new inside and out. Although we expected the suede edges to attract dirt from when we wore them outside, they remained surprisingly unscathed. Keep in mind that these slippers are fairly easy to put on, but you do need to be able to bend over to reach them. They also don't offer much arch support. That said, they may not be ideal for those with mobility or flexibility issues.

Sizes: 5-12 | Lining: Faux fur, suede | Outsole: Synthetic rubber

The slippers are roomy and breathable, yet secure enough to stay on your foot.

Pet hair clings to the material.

While some slippers require careful adjustment, these open-backed slides from Brunch slip on and off with ease. In terms of fit, they strike the perfect balance—roomy enough not to constrict those with wider feet but secure enough that you don't have to worry about them falling off. We were also impressed by the sole's traction; even when we tried to skid across our wood floors, the effective grip made it difficult.

Despite their open back, these slippers were surprisingly warm. Our feet did overheat a bit when we were running around the house, but they were perfectly breathable while lounging. The slippers felt comfortable regardless of whether we were wearing socks, making them ideal for year-round wear.

After two weeks of wear, we've noticed no changes in quality. The slippers are durable, lightweight, and flexible enough that we could squish them down without compromising their integrity, so they're easy to stow them in a carry-on bag or suitcase.

Our only complaint involves their tendency to attract pet hair. We noticed out dog's fur clinging to the material of the slippers, making it difficult clean with a vacuum or lint roller. If you have a pet at home, we suggest choosing a color option that will better hide the fur.

Sizes: 5-15 | Lining: Cotton and recycled polyester | Outsole: EVA

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. For a less expensive option, the Litfun Women's Fuzzy Memory Foam Slippers are soft, cozy, and ideal for year-round use.

We tested 32 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 evaluated the quality of the materials and whether the fit felt right based on our size.

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

For the slippers that were advertised as being outdoor-friendly, we wore them outside and determined if we felt supported or noticed a difference in traction. After our two-week testing period ended, we noted if there was any wear on the shoes and if the soles flattened over time. We then washed the slippers (if they were machine washable) and evaluated if the washing changed the look of the shoes or if they felt less comfortable.

To see how the slippers help up over time, we evaluated the slippers’ performance after three months and one year of use.

Real Simple / Renee Scott

Slipper lining is almost always very soft and warm, so you don’t need to worry about comfort there. The downside of soft and warm means your feet might sweat, and some fabrics are more prone to that 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, have natural temperature-regulating properties that prevent your feet from sweating.

On the flip side, synthetic materials such as polyester, terry cloth, fleece, and faux fur are more likely to make your feet sweat because they lack breathability and tend to trap heat.

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. Dr. Wurster says that rubber, EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate), polyurethane, and other common synthetic materials are durable 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 water resistance. Dr. Wurster is less concerned with the material and more interested in the traction and grip, as this will provide greater support for your foot.

According to Dr. Wurster, the most important thing to know is that outsoles made of leather, or any other type of fabric, are less slip-resistant and won't hold up outdoors. If you buy slippers with those types of outsoles, wear them inside only.

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 you would when wearing something that covers your entire foot. During our testing, many of us felt that only part of our 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 we found that it doesn't.

Fireside by Dearfoams Sydney Shearling Scuff Slippers: We liked how thick the shearling was and that it kept our feet warm on cold mornings. However, we noticed that one slipper felt bigger than the other, and we had to curl our toes to keep the shoes from sliding off our feet.

Sorel Nakiska Scuff Slipper: Famous for its top-of-the-line snow boots, Sorel also excels at slippers. We found the slippers to be high quality and well-constructed, but we were disappointed that the suede soles weren’t suitable for outdoor use.

It depends on the slippers’ materials. If your slippers have outsoles made of a fabric, such as cotton or leather, they are not made for outdoor use. Materials such as rubber, latex, and EVA, on the other hand, are more durable and usually slip and water-resistant.

However, most slippers aren't designed for prolonged outdoor wear. They don’t have the support that regular shoes do, and over time, wearing slippers outside will negatively impact your feet.

“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,” Dr. Wurster says. Taking out the trash or walking to your deck to sit down and read a book is fine, but avoid wearing them while running errands around town.

Real Simple / Kate Geraghty

You can prevent sweating by buying slippers that are lined with natural materials, including cotton, wool, sheepskin, and shearling. These materials offer greater breathability, temperature regulation, and moisture-wicking properties than synthetic fabrics, such as terry cloth, faux fur, and fleece. You can also wear your slippers with socks to prevent odor.

Dr. Wurster says the biggest mistake she sees people make when buying 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: “When evaluating any shoe, I like to keep it simple for my patients with two questions: 1. Does it bend or twist? If so, put it down—it's too flexible! And 2. Does it have a firm, thick sole (and in terms of slippers, is it skid free/slip resistant)?”

People often think that memory foam can help with foot support (we certainly did), but Dr. Wurster says that’s actually 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.

Real Simple / Katie Bowler

This article was written by Jamie Fischer, a shopping writer for Real Simple. Jamie practically lives in her Tasman slippers—and just recently ordered her second pair after five years of owning her first pair. We 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. We 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.