Birkenstock, Uggs, and moccasins are just a few of the quintessential designs that rank for best slippers. Our editors have tried them all, and made a list of tried-and-true favorites. From shearling to suede to memory foam, here are the styles that kept us toasty and stylish out of bed, by the fire, and—if we’re being honest—on the way to the mailbox, the grocery store, and even the coffee shop.
In our search for the best slippers, we evaluated feel, durability, insole, arch support, and aesthetics. We looked at cozy slippers, house shoes, mules, and more to make the most informed decision about what keeps feet cozy while retaining a sense of design.
Our Top Picks for the Best Slippers:
Senior digital design editor Zoë Sessums received these L.L. Bean moccasins for her 21st birthday and has been wearing them non-stop ever since: on walks around New York City, on the Amtrak, and to meet her boyfriend’s entire family. These shearling-lined darlings are “the most valuable footwear I own.” Fifteen years later, she continues to wear her beloved pair, which are now indoor slippers only. The shearling is still fluffy, and the soles are sturdy. “I’ve never had to replace any of the laces or mend any of the stitching,” she adds. “I look forward to wearing these wicked good slippers for another several years.”
A best slippers list wouldn’t be complete without a Birkenstock mention. This German-based brand has tapped into functional coziness for a long, long time, and the wool felt design doesn’t disappoint. Slipper-connoisseur and commerce writer Julia Harrison says these are the “warmest slippers I’ve ever had.” The sheepskin lining keeps them always-toasty, and the classic design makes them suitable for a laid-back outfit. And it’s a good-looking clog, to boot. Harrison even purchased a pair for her brother, as they are often ranked as the best men’s slippers, too, and he’s less likely to lose the clog in its vibrant red colorway.
The SUBU did for slippers what Salomon did for sneakers—GORP-cored it. A recent Sandy Liang collaboration put the brand further on the map, and—in New York, anyway—they’re all over the streets. Harrison had to test the hype for herself and quickly became a street slipper convert. The exterior is nylon with water-resistant Teflon coating, making them even errands-in-the-snow safe. The inside is a super soft polyester down fill with raised inner fabric for softness. The rubber sole makes them suitable for outdoor wear and, according to Harrison, “a death sentence for all other shoes.” Keep an eye out for these on Amazon, where they’re often on sale.
Harrison went crazy for these simple and “perfect” slippers. “I like luxury in its highest and most ridiculous form when it comes to sleep stuff—down pillows, silk pajamas—so I knew I was going to love these slippers from my favorite bedding brand,” she says of the dead-ringers for posh hotel slippers that only cost $ 39. The plush terry fabric makes them super absorbent, the soft sole keeps things super comfy, and the rubber outsole makes sure you’re not slipping down the stairs.
Some of us will always prefer socks over a pair of slippers, and there’s nothing wrong with that. The Bombas gripper slipper finds a happy medium between sock and slipper, which commerce producer Lauren Arzbaecher says “emulates cable knit sweaters and gives the feel of a cozy cabin stay during the winter.” For those looking for a breathable slipper option, Arzbaecher confirms these don’t make her feet sweaty. These Bombas aren’t very bulky and fit right in inside the sock drawer.
Both senior commerce editor Nashia Baker and commerce editor Audrey Lee own and love this pair from Cozy Earth, which Lee calls “a hug for your feet.” Made with ultra-soft sheep fur and lined with shearling, these are about as cloud-like as a pair of slippers can get. Lee says a walk in these “makes it feel like you’re walking on the softest sheepskin rug.”
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More Slippers We Love
This shearling slip-on has considerable support, and its memory foam and EVA midsole make it suitable for outside, if only briefly. Harrison called them the “perfect pair of house slippers for anyone with chronically cold feet.” Since they fit on your foot like a proper shoe, they don’t glide like some slippers, and you don’t have to grip your toes to keep them on your feet. Harrison recommends the cherry chocolate shade for its rich color, which happens to pair nicely with her casual bedroom decor. “They look really good askew on my floor,” she adds.
So we bent the rules a little bit! But that’s what happens when you search for the best slippers around. This gorgeous pair of tanned leather mules has a cork insole and a natural rubber sole for a super high-quality step. They’re about as chic as you can get while still wearing a slip-on, and completely elevate a lounge pant. Lee pairs them with thicker socks and some slouchy jeans for a relaxed vibe. While she admits they’re a splurge if you’re just looking for a house shoe, she encourages the purchase if you’re looking for something to alternate between an indoor slipper and outdoor wear.
Aesthetes have found their match with this slipper, made from 100% genuine Italian leather and Nigerian Aso oke cloth. The silk weave and striped pattern are sophisticated in a bohemian kind of way. Baker says the “Italian leather footbed makes the sole feel extra sturdy.” She also notes that this stylish pair of slippers can easily double as a loafer to wear out and about.
