Just the word “slippers” evokes relaxing images: work finished, shoes off, feet up (and preferably encased in something cozy). Slippers come with open or closed backs and toes, and are typically made from fleece, memory foam, cotton, or polyester. They may be breathable and moisture-wicking, or all about keeping you snug and warm. With as many variations of slippers as there are feet, which style is best for you?
To help you choose, we put several best-selling slippers to the test. Here are our picks.
Best For Indoor/Outdoor Wear
Ultraideas Women’s Memory Foam Slippers
These slip-on, open-back slippers are made of ivory-colored fleece lining with a memory foam footbed. Though the materials are man-made, the outside of the slipper looks and feels like boiled wool. They are machine washable.
Pros:
- These slippers have an attractive design that looks like natural wool, fleece, and rubber. The exterior material felt like cozy boiled wool to the touch
- When I took these slippers for a spin across a concrete floor, the anti-slip sole felt sturdy without being rigid. It also made for quiet walking, which for me is a must-have
- The plush memory-foam footbed felt supportive and cushioned my feet while walking. I’d recommend these slippers for patio wear, a quick walk around the block, and to keep your feet extra warm indoors during cooler months
Cons:
- While the width of these slippers was fine, the size 7-8 was a tad too short for my size 7.5 feet. A whole size up might work, but could be too large
- Inside each slipper is a scratchy tag that is difficult to remove, and may be irritating to some wearers
Ultraideas Women's Memory Foam Slippers
The Ultraideas memory foam slippers are an attractive option for those that need the comfort and durability to transition from home to outdoor strolls.
Sleepopolis Score
4.60 / 5
Best Ballet-Style
Isotoner Women’s Satin Ballerina Slipper
These ballet-style slippers are made from nylon and spandex, and have a stretchy satin look and feel. The soles are suede, and the interior lining is a simple foam pad covered in a slightly nubby fabric.
Pros:
- The Isotoner Ballerina Slipper felt soft and flexible on my feet when walking, with no stiff construction
- The stretch design is comfortable and resilient. The size 6.5-7.5 fit well on my 7.5 feet
- For those who like simplicity and a slim profile, these Isotoner slippers boast a classic ballet slipper design
Cons:
- The satin material feels thin, and was not as warm as other slippers we tested
- The suede sole may not be ideal for wet bathroom or kitchen floors
- I could feel the concrete floor through these slippers, which have little support. They may be better-suited to carpeted environments
Isotoner Women's Satin Ballerina Slipper
The Isotoners are soft and flexible ballet style slippers that are great for those looking for simple, comfortable footwear.
Sleepopolis Score
1.00 / 5
Best Fuzzy Pink Slipper
CLPP’LI Womens Slip On
These fuzzy pink slippers have a plastic lug sole and luxurious faux fur lining and trim. With an open back and closed toe, these sheepskin-style slippers are easy to slide on and off.
Pros:
- These CLPP’LI mules have an ultra-soft faux fur footbed that encased my feet in plush comfort
- They come in several vivid colors. The pink is bright, fun, and eye-catching — a classic fuzzy pink slipper
- The sole is solid enough for short jaunts outdoors
Cons:
- The stiff plastic sole feels lower-end, and could be slippery on a wet surface
- The pink faux-suede exterior already looks a bit dingy after a brief wear. May not hold up to heavy use, or use outdoors
- Available in whole sizes only
CLPP'LI Womens Slip on
Who doesn't love a fuzzy slipper? The CLPP'LI mules come in vivid colors and have a solid sole for those morning runs for the paper.
Sleepopolis Score
4.50 / 5
Best Simple Foam Slide
shevalues Women’s Soft Indoor Slippers
These striped slide-on slippers have a flexible white plastic sole, a memory foam footbed, and are available in ten colors. The material is a smooth-to-the-touch cotton blend.
Pros:
- If you like a classic, open-back and open-toe design, the shevalues Indoor Slippers might be a good choice for you. I found the easy slip on and off design comfortable and cool
- The memory foam footbed felt comfortably supportive under my heels and the balls of my feet
- The top of the slipper is well-padded and wasn’t tight, even around my wide feet
Cons:
- Shevalues Indoor Slippers must be washed by hand
- They felt a little flimsy, and may not last more than a few months under normal wear
shevalues Women's Soft Indoor Slippers
Classic indoor slippers with a memory foam footbed to comfortably contour to your foot.
Sleepopolis Score
4.30 / 5
Editor’s Pick
RockDove Birdseye Knit Memory Foam Slipper
The RockDove Memory Foam Slipper is my pick for the most comfortable and versatile slipper. They’re made from natural cotton and spandex with a rubber sole that successfully toes the line between firm and flexible.
Pros:
- The RockDove slipper upper is made from 95% cotton and 5% spandex, and felt appealingly smooth and natural on the skin
- The memory foam footbed feels cushiony, and offers solid support under a plush fleece liner
- The RockDove slipper can be used indoors and outdoors. While the natural rubber sole felt soft and flexible, it’s suited to an hour in the garden as well as a long afternoon propped on the ottoman
Cons:
- These slippers run a bit large. The size 7-8 fit my 7.5 foot, but with plenty of room to spare in the toe box. Consider sizing down, particularly if you have a narrow foot
- Available in whole sizes only
RockDove Birdseye Knit Memory Foam Slipper
A firm and flexible slipper, the RockDove Memory Foam Slipper is a versatile choice for those looking for form and function.
How We Picked
Simple as slippers may seem, there’s a method behind our choices and the way we test each product. What you need in a slipper depends on how you’ll use them, what feels comfortable to you, and your own personal style, but there are a few essentials to keep in mind when you’re on the hunt for the perfect slipper:
Materials
Slippers are available in a large variety of materials and fabrics. Some of the most commonly-used materials include:
- Memory foam – Memory foam slippers are designed to mold to your feet during wear. Memory foam has become popular for its ability to soothe and protect sore feet. Memory foam slippers can be helpful for people with arch problems, bunions, or plantar fasciitis
- Polyurethane foam – Simple polyurethane foam may be used as an exterior material and to line footbeds. Polyurethane foam is lighter, cooler, and less expensive than memory foam, but does not conform as well to the foot
- Boiled wool – Boiling wool “knits” wool fibers together, making them dense and warm. This material is used frequently as an exterior material, particularly in more structured slippers with a firm footbed and solid sole
- Cotton – Cotton is used most often for the exterior of a slipper, and may be blended with other materials such as Spandex or polyester
- Spandex – Spandex is blended with nylon, cotton, wool, or other materials to allow them to stretch and conform to the foot
- Shearling or faux shearling – Shearling and faux shearling are frequently used to line or trim slippers, and tend to be popular in slippers designed for wear in cooler weather
- Suede and leather – Genuine and faux versions of suede and leather are commonly used as an exterior material in slippers, particularly in more expensive brands designed to last months or years
Styles
Slippers come in almost as many varieties as shoes. Common types we chose from include:
- Open-toe/open-heel – Open toe slippers allow for more room at the front of the slipper, and may be cooler for use in the summer. Many slippers have an open heel, making them easy to slide on and off
- Closed toe and heel – Closed toe and heel slippers may be a flexible ballet-style, more firmly constructed with a rigid sole, or somewhat flexible with a more durable footbed and/or sole
- Boot-style – Boot-style slippers slide over the foot and ankle and have a closed toe and heel. They tend to be popular in the winter and, depending on construction, may be suitable for limited use outdoors
- Flip-flops – Flip-flop style slippers are open-toed and open-heeled, with minimal foot coverage. Flip-flop slippers employ a Y-shaped thong piece between the toes, which is typically made of rubber or plastic
- Moccasin-style slippers – Moccasin-style slippers are similar to boot-style slippers, but may be lower, rising to the ankle or just below
- Slipper socks – Slipper socks have a sock-like shape and are usually made from a thick, stretchy fabric such as wool, nylon, or fleece. They are constructed with a flexible sole, making them more durable and less slippery than socks
Comfort and Support
One of the primary functions of slippers is comfort. One slipper wearer may find a flat-soled foam slipper to be ideal, while another might need arch support and heel cushioning. Some slippers have an orthotic-like footbed that may work well for those with foot pain or sensitive feet. People suffering from foot trouble or recovering from an injury may want to consult with a podiatrist or doctor when choosing slippers to avoid aggravating a pre-existing condition.
Size and Fit
Slippers are usually sized like shoes, but may run small or large depending on style and brand. Many people prefer slippers that fit slightly larger than the typical shoe. Many slippers do not come in half sizes, making an exact fit a bit more challenging. Precise sizing may not be quite as important with open-heeled and toed slippers.
Slipper width is also important, particularly if you have wide feet or bunions that may be worsened by tight straps or a narrow toe box. Like shoes, slippers may have a break-in period, and generally become more comfortable with wear.
Aesthetics
Though comfort is often paramount when choosing slippers, how they look matters, too. While I tend to prefer closed-toe, wooly slippers, I also have a soft spot for simple rubber flip-flops. Some people prefer colorful slippers, fuzzy slippers that look invitingly plush, or classic slip-ons like our grandmothers wore. The wide variety of slippers, materials, and styles means we don’t have to sacrifice aesthetics for comfort.
Price
The price of slippers may range from a few dollars to well over a hundred or more. Cost is determined by brand, materials, style, and durability. Some less expensive slippers are not designed to withstand long-term use, but may be useful for those who replace slippers frequently. More expensive slippers made of rubber, shearling, fleece or wool can last for years, particularly when washed according to directions and used as directed.
Sleepopolis Tips
- If you’re still not sure which slippers are best for you, consider the following:
Decide where you’ll wear your slippers most. Indoors only, or around the backyard? Do you need sturdy slippers for cooking or working in the garage? Will you wear them mostly in your home office or while running after a toddler? - Think about how often you’ll wear them. Select a washable style if you wear slippers frequently, especially without socks
- If you have foot trouble, choose slippers with a sturdy, high-quality footbed that offers arch or heel support. Memory foam lining may provide more protection against hard floors and impact than ordinary foam
- Remember, slippers are important. They keep your feet and floors clean, shield you from splinters, hard floors, and sharp objects, and keep your feet warm or cool depending on the season. You may spend hours every night in your slippers, and some of us wear them all day. Slippers are not a frivolous purchase!