Contents
- 1 In This Article
- 2 Best Overall
- 3 OluKai Ku’i Slip-on Slippers
- 4 Best Budget
- 5 TOMS Oslo Covertible Slipper
- 6 Best Mule
- 7 UGG Scuffette II Slippers
- 8 Best Slide
- 9 OluKai Hila Heu Slippers
- 10 Best Platform
- 11 UGG Tazz Slipper
- 12 Best for Narrow Feet
- 13 Birkenstock Zermatt Premium Suede Leather Slippers
- 14 Best on Amazon
- 15 Dearfoams Fireside Shearling Scuff Slipper
- 16 Best Moccasin
- 17 L.L.Bean Wicked Good Moccasins
- 18 Best Wool
- 19 Glerups Slip-on With Leather Sole
- 20 Podiatrist-Approved
- 21 Vionic Relax II Slippers
- 22 Get Even Cozier
- 23 Our Testing Process
- 24 What to Keep in Mind
- 25 Your Questions, Answered
- 26 Why Shop With Us
Take your comfy home ‘fits to the next level.
In This Article
In This Article
You have ankle boots, knee-high boots, and sneakers aplenty, so we don’t blame you for being proud of your shoe game. But with temperatures rapidly dropping, you’re likely spending more time at home and, consequently, on cold, hardwood floors. Suddenly, you need the best slippers to wear through the winter. As podiatrist Emily Splichal, DPM, says, “Slippers are a great way to keep feet warm in colder weather while bringing you foot support at home. It’s also a way to prevent slipping around the home if you wear socks to stay warm.”
Beyond comfort, slippers provide relief after a long day of wearing too-tight shoes on uneven surfaces. That’s why a dedicated team of InStyle testers wore 20 pairs to suss out the absolute best. It’s time to give your feet the same love and comfort you give the rest of your body, starting with these editor-tested slippers.
Our Top Picks Best Overall : OluKai Ku’i Slip-on Slippers at Amazon $140 Jump to Review Best Budget: TOMS Oslo Covertible Slipper at Toms.com Jump to Review Best Mule: UGG Scuffette II Slippers at Amazon $95 Jump to Review Best Slide: OluKai Hila Heu Slippers at Amazon $120 Jump to Review Best Platform: UGG Tazz Slipper at Nordstrom $130 Jump to Review Best for Narrow Feet: Birkenstock Zermatt Premium Suede Leather Slippers at Birkenstock.com $180 Jump to Review Best on Amazon: SALE Dearfoams Fireside Shearling Scuff Slipper at Amazon $89 $50 Jump to Review Best Moccasin: L.L.Bean Wicked Good Moccasins at Nordstrom $54 Jump to Review Best Wool: Glerups Slip-on With Leather Sole at Amazon $100 Jump to Review Podiatrist-Approved: Vionic Relax II Slippers at Vionicshoes.com Jump to Review
Best Overall
OluKai Ku’i Slip-on Slippers
$140 at Amazon View on Olukai.com
Why We Love It: Designed for indoor and outdoor wear, these slippers’ thick, ridged rubber soles have an incredible grip. When our tester wore them, she never slid across her slick wood floors. There’s shearling around the ankles, but the footbed is made of a pressed-down felt, which kept her feet warm but not overheated. On top of being practical, these features look beautiful. Our tester specifically loved the cream and tan colors. As someone with flat feet, she would’ve appreciated a little more arch support, but the fact that she could easily slip into them “definitely improved” her overall home experience. They stayed on her feet while she walked and remained in top-notch condition through the four-week testing period. You can feel good about this purchase, too. Inspired by the Hawaiian islands, the brand gives back a portion of its sales to the Ama OluKai Foundation, which works to preserve Hawaiian communities and traditions.
Who It’s For: Although these slippers are a bit of a splurge, our tester praised their quality and durability. Anyone who wears slippers frequently, whether in the garden or around the house, will appreciate this pair’s sturdiness, warmth, and support.
Material: Leather, shearling, rubber | Size: 5–11
Talya, InStyle tester with shoe size 8: “I like how luxurious they are while still being well-constructed and practical. They’re super easy to slip on when I’m getting ready in the morning, doing chores, or sitting at my desk.”
Best Budget
TOMS Oslo Covertible Slipper
View on Toms.com View on Dsw.com
Why We Love It: Affordable and high-quality, the Toms Oslo Slippers had our tester wishing she never had to take them off. Some key features that stood out to her were the overall appearance (she received the cute pink version) and the secure backing that kept her feet perfectly in place. The soles were sturdy enough for indoor and outdoor use, which she discovered when she wore the slippers to take out the trash. The faux fur interior and memory foam footbed made them “so comfortable” that they leveled up her stay-at-home game and reduced overall foot fatigue.
Who It’s For: Our tester said these slippers are certainly warm enough for cooler seasons but may be too warm in the summer due to their faux fur lining. Nothing beats the price for the quality, though, so they’re great for anyone looking for an affordable slipper.
Material: Faux fur, memory foam | Size: 5–12
Allison Lax, InStyle writer with shoe size 8.5: “They perfectly mold to my feet, which is a nice touch. I would never take them off if it were socially acceptable.”
Best Mule
UGG Scuffette II Slippers
$95 at Amazon $95 at Nordstrom View on Publiclands.com
Why We Love It: Once you slip your feet into the iconic, extremely comfortable Ugg Scuffette II House Slippers, you’ll understand why they receive so much love. The slippers have a very soft sheepskin interior and a generously fluffy collar, which our tester said “adds so much to the look and the comfort, warmth, and feel.” These slippers hug the feet, so you won’t accidentally slip out of them. The sturdy rubber sole also kept our tester from sliding whether she walked over marble or hardwood floors.
Who It’s For: Even if you have sweaty feet (like our tester), these slippers won’t cause you to get overly clammy. Our tester has already bought a pair for her elderly aunt, who has mobility issues and will benefit from the nonslip rubber soles. And since they’re slip-ons, they’re great for anyone who doesn’t want to bend over to put on their slippers.
Material: Suede leather, sheepskin, rubber | Size: 5–12
Elena, InStyle tester with shoe size 8: “I've worn them every day since they came. I wear them while sitting, walking, and dancing around the house. They're so comfortable and still look brand new.”
Fashion stylist Jamie Grimstad recommends slip-on styles like these so you can put them on and kick them off with ease to take a shower or curl up on the couch.
Best Slide
OluKai Hila Heu Slippers
$120 at Amazon View on Olukai.com
Why We Love It: These may be called slides, but their rubbery sole makes you do anything but slide around. Our tester loved their overall design and appearance, describing them as extra cozy with a shearling upper and footbed. The fur never shed or stained either, which was a huge win and a testament to the slippers’ quality. The crisscross straps even remained voluminous throughout the testing period. Our tester has wide, flat feet and typically experiences swelling around the ankles when she wears flat shoes, but these slippers’ arch support kept the swelling at bay and made her feet feel extremely comfortable.
Who It’s For: Our tester recommended these for anyone with wide, flat feet, as she loved how supportive they felt on her own. If you’re a foot sweater, they may be a bit too toasty in warm weather.
Material: Shearling | Size: 5–11
Essence Wiley, InStyle writer with shoe size 9: “These are definitely higher quality than the typical house shoes and slippers I usually reach for. They don’t shed, they’re cozy, and they’re supportive.”
“If you have flat feet, also known as overpronation, then your foot may tire more easily and cause stress to the muscles and fascia in the bottom of the foot. Using arch support slippers can help keep the foot in a more stable position, thereby reducing overload to the foot,” Dr. Splichal says.
Best Platform
UGG Tazz Slipper
$130 at Nordstrom $130 at Nordstrom $130 at Ugg.com
Why We Love It: This slipper is truly an indoor and outdoor hybrid because of its 1.75-inch platform, ridged outsole, and adorable design. Just look at celebrities like the Hadid sisters and Blake Likely, who are often seen wearing them out and about. Our tester donned the Tazz Slippers around New York City and loved how much traction and comfort they provided. The platform height and lack of ankle support did make her trip once or twice, which caused a little wear and tear on the shoe’s tip. However, the rest of the slipper remained in pristine condition.
Who It’s For: If you’re looking for a shoe to wear indoors and outdoors, then these trendy slippers are it. They’re a great way to add a little height without opting for heels. Although the slipper fits fairly true to size, she recommended sizing up if you’re in between sizes so your heel doesn’t hang out the back.
Material: Suede, recycled polyester, rayon, upcycled wool, Tencel lyocell | Size: 5–12
Claudia Willen, Associate Editor at InStyle with shoe size 8: “These are my favorite pair of slippers I’ve ever worn. They maintain their quality relatively well with a ton of wear, while many other pairs I’ve tried have grown ratty or discolored over time. They’re also a lot cuter and more stylish than other slippers. Not to mention, the materials Ugg uses feel high-end and luxe on my feet.”
Best for Narrow Feet
Birkenstock Zermatt Premium Suede Leather Slippers
$180 at Birkenstock.com
Why We Love It: It’s rare to find slippers in half sizes, let alone in various widths, but Birkenstock offers just that. Our tester has small feet (she ordered the 4-4.5, narrow size), and they fit her feet perfectly. Other slides have slipped off and caused cramping in her toes, but these stayed put. She wore them in her turf backyard, and the grip was strong and showed zero wear and tear despite consistent use. Even the fur remained fluffy and fresh rather than pressed and worn down. After a long day at the office, she really looked forward to putting these on and said they enhanced her self-care routine and made her more relaxed.
Who It’s For: If you’ve had a hard time with slipper sizing, you’ll likely find your perfect fit here. Our tester also recommended them as airplane shoes because they’re durable enough to wear through the airport but cozy and relaxing enough to wear on a plane.
Material: Shearling, cork, rubber | Size: 4–12.5; Regular/wide, medium/narrow
Amanda, InStyle tester with shoe size 4.5: “They are so comfortable and cozy—it's like sliding my foot into a cloud. I haven't noticed any discomfort from a lack of cushioning. I have, however, noticed that my feet get a little too warm and sweaty from extended wear, but as the months get colder, I’ll likely appreciate that.”
Best on Amazon
Dearfoams Fireside Shearling Scuff Slipper
$89 $50 at Amazon $60 at Nordstrom $89 at Jcpenney.com
Why We Love It: If shearling slippers seem out of budget, this alternative from Dearfoams is a great choice. It has an extremely cozy and fluffy interior, a slip-resistant sole, and a sheepskin suede exterior. Our tester, who has this pair and a similarly designed Ugg slipper, loved that the Dearfoams come in half sizes (her Ugg shoes do not). That said, these stained a little easier and started to bend and crack around the edges after multiple uses. The Dearfoams did fit perfectly and kept her foot tucked into the shoe at all times. Considering the price, these slippers are a solid option.
Who It’s For: These are perfect for someone looking for a cute, comfortable slipper that isn’t too expensive. The shoe’s shape offered our tester some relief from foot discomfort, so if you frequently experience foot strain while walking around in regular shoes or barefoot, these may be helpful.
Material: Sheep fur, suede | Size: 5–11; Regular, wide
Mia, InStyle tester with shoe size 8: “These shoes are extremely comfortable. The fur is super soft and not at all itchy. They definitely have helped at home as I've put them on when my feet feel like they need support without wearing real shoes inside.”
Best Moccasin
L.L.Bean Wicked Good Moccasins
$54 at Nordstrom $89 at L.L.Bean $89 at Zappos
Why We Love It: Our tester said these slippers are “the smoothest and comfiest slippers” she’s ever put on her feet, likening them to pillows for her toes. Despite having shearling lining, they didn’t make her feet sweat. But it’s more than the plush interior that won her over—the sturdy sole safely carried her over slippery surfaces while she went outside to throw out the garbage. They did squeak initially until she wore them down. The suede upper can stain easily, too, and would benefit from a waterproof coating before the first wear.
Who It’s For: Quality, warmth, and comfort are all guaranteed with this slipper, meaning it’s a solid choice for someone seeking a moccasin design. The enclosed back is also a nice bonus. Our tester recommended sizing down, as these slippers are quite roomy.
Material: Suede, lamb shearling | Size: 5–11; Medium, wide
Jaclyn, InStyle tester with shoe size 7: “The quality and softness really won me over. The suede outside, fur inside, and nonslip bottom were other big selling points. That being said, the bows do not stay tied and constantly come undone.”
Best Wool
Glerups Slip-on With Leather Sole
$100 at Amazon View on Glerups.com
Why We Love It: Wool just makes sense for slippers. It’s breathable and durable. Plus, it doesn’t hold on to moisture (and therefore odor) and insulates well. Add a little leather to the sole and you’ve got a slip-resistant, warm slipper on your hands—nay, toes. According to our tester, this pair’s soles provided enough cushion and stability to make walking comfortable, but not so much that it felt like an outdoor shoe. These slippers don’t have a fluffy interior like most of the slippers we tested, which is perfect for our Los Angeles-based tester, and the wool wasn’t itchy. She said this slipper looks and feels like it was made by your grandmother (in a good way) but has a level of quality that Glerups has perfected throughout decades of manufacturing.
Who It’s For: This slipper is ideal for warmer climates, like Los Angeles, since it doesn’t have a fur-lined interior. Its leather sole makes it less than optimal for outdoor wear, but it is ideal for cozying up at home.
Material: Wool, leather | Size: 5–13
Bronwyn Barnes, Vice President of Beauty at InStyle with shoe size 10: “They’re comfortable, well-constructed, and made of a material that’s wearable year-round. I’ve been wearing them constantly since I got them, and they still smell lovely. Plus, they just look cool! Since I don’t wear these outside, I actually am disappointed that more people don’t get to see them.”
Podiatrist-Approved
Vionic Relax II Slippers
View on Vionicshoes.com
Why We Love It: Vionic comes highly recommended by Miguel Cunha, DPM, a board-certified foot surgeon and founder of Gotham Footcare in Manhattan. He says the “plush uppers and arch-hugging binding comfortably support and cushion your foot like a cozy sweater.” This slipper has a cushioned EVA footbed, a shock-absorbent heel, and an adjustable top strap (which comes in handy since these slippers don’t come in half sizes). Thanks to these features, our tester experienced all-day comfort in the slippers, mentioning that they seemed to mold around her feet. With a strong grip at the sole, she never ran into any issues with tricky surfaces like laminate floors. The heel is slightly chunky but lightweight, which kept her from rolling her ankles, and the Velcro strap allowed her to customize her desired level of snugness. Despite wearing these slippers week after week, she said the sole and the fuzzy top remained in excellent condition.
Who It’s For: If you often feel strain in your feet or experience swollen ankles while wearing slippers, this podiatrist-approved option will grant you true comfort while relaxing at home. It’s perfect for transitional seasons, as its fuzz is warm enough for cooler days, but the open-to design may be too breezy for peak winter.
Material: Faux fur, EVA | Size: 5–13
Kelsey, InStyle tester with shoe size 9: “These shoes are very comfortable, even after wearing them for long periods. They provided just enough support and cushion for all-day wear, so I found myself keeping them on throughout the day.”
Get Even Cozier
- Antsang Fuzz Socks: The only thing that can make a good slipper even better? Pairing it with fuzzy socks. Plus, you should avoid going barefoot in slippers if you wish to keep them clean and odor-free.
- Brooklinen Super Plush Robe: Nothing screams “cozy” like lounging around in a robe and slippers. This extra-thick option offers that spa-like feel right at home.
- Aritzia Cozy Fleece Mega Sweatpant: As soft as the slippers on your feet, these sweatpants will provide peak comfort.
Our Testing Process
To find the best slippers, InStyle’s team of testers tried 20 popular slippers styles. In the span of four weeks, each editor wore their slippers at least three times a week for two hours at a time (although many were so comfortable in the footwear that they wore their pairs for much longer). Some took them outdoors as well to see how they held up. They then rated the shoes’ comfort, fit, and warmth before deciding whether or not they would keep, recommend, or donate the slippers. Only the highest-scoring products made it onto this list.
What to Keep in Mind
- Material: Since you’re craving comfort, choosing the right slipper material for you is key. For example, Grimstad recommends wool, shearling, and suede for their warmth and elevated appeal. Below, Cunha breaks down the best materials for slippers:
- Suede: Suede is soft and comfortable, but it’s not the best material to wick away moisture.
- Cotton: Cotton is highly breathable and comfortable for slipper linings.
- Wool: Wool is ideal for cold climates, providing superior insulation and warmth. It’s effective at wicking away moisture, too.
- Polyester: Polyester is known for its durability. It doesn’t stretch, shrink, or wrinkle easily and is often blended with other materials to provide strength and longevity.
- Memory Foam: Memory foam molds to the foot and is typically in insoles for customized support and cushioning. It helps relieve pressure and distribute weight evenly across the foot.
- Rubber: Brands typically use rubber in their slippers’ outsoles to provide protection and absorb shock. It also adds grip and traction to the sole.
- Ethylene Vinyl Acetate: You’ll find EVA in slippers’ midsoles since it’s lightweight, absorbs chock, and provides cushion and comfort.
- Style: Like traditional shoes, whether it’s your thigh-high boots or white sneakers, slippers come in a variety of styles. If you plan on wearing your slippers outside, get a pair with a good grip at the bottom, whether it’s a ridged sole or a rubbery material. If your feet tend to overheat, skip the fuzzy interior or opt for an open-toe design.
Your Questions, Answered
What kind of slippers do podiatrists recommend?
Are you looking for slippers with arch support that can help your plantar fasciitis? Podiatrists recommend certain pairs, particularly those with an orthotic insole, to correct (and prevent) foot problems and relieve pain. The arch support ensures you’re not straining your foot either, giving you a supportive, stylish shoe.
How do you wash slippers?
Before we get into how to wash slippers, allow us to provide a few recommendations on how to keep them looking brand new for as long as possible. It’s good to wear socks with slippers to avoid any direct foot-to-shoe contact and minimize odor. You should also store them in an open space to let them breathe for further assurance, especially pairs you can’t throw in the washing machine (most on this list). How to wash a specific pair depends on its material, so you’ll want to read each individual item’s care guide.
Why Shop With Us
Bianca Kratky is a writer with four years of experience covering fashion and beauty. Ever since trying her first pair of Ugg slippers, she’s been a slipper devotee. She dove into the insights provided by the testers and compiled their experiences into this article. She also spoke with the following stylists and podiatrists to get a better understanding of what to look for when shopping for slippers:
- Dr. Miguel Cunha is a board-certified foot surgeon & founder of Gotham Footcare in Manhattan.
- Dr Emily Splichal, DPM, is a podiatrist in New York City.
- Jamie Grimstad is a fashion stylist in New York City.