Categories: Outdoor

The 11 Best Slippers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Published by
James marcus

The Spruce / Hilary Allison

How We Tested the Slippers

Our editors researched slippers from reputable brands while still looking for slippers that accommodated all budgets and needs. We then ordered 46 pairs of slippers and distributed them to testers with varied sizes and style preferences. We wore the slippers for at least four weeks during our daily routines indoors and out and then had to rank the slippers, evaluating factors like the quality of the slippers, comfort, durability, and design. Some we logged over three months of wear, and noted how they held up over time with repeated daily use.

After over 1,000 hours of testing, we rounded up the scores from our panel to find our top 11 picks and assigned “Best” category titles to the appropriate slippers, based on our editor’s research, insight, and ratings.

What to Look for in a Pair of Slippers

Design

There are a few main styles of slippers that you can consider when shopping. This will be the first step in determining the right slipper for you, especially if you’re interested in how fashionable your slippers look.

  • Moccasins: Moccasins are often made of soft, bendable leather with visible stitching and a furry lining, like the Lands’ End Men’s Suede Leather Moccasin Slipper (our best for men pick).
  • Slides: Slides are a great option for quickly putting on and taking off your slippers, and they mimic a classic athletic slide, like the Bronax Pillow Slides (our best open-toed pick). These do not tend to be warm, but you can often add a pair of socks for added warmth.
  • Mules: Mule slippers have no back, but a closed toe (unlike slides) which adds breathability to slippers that could otherwise become too warm. Many, including the RockDove Women’s Original Two-Tone Memory Foam Slipper (our best for sweaty feet pick), feature a small lip at the back of the shoe to reduce the chance of slipping as you walk.
  • Clogs: Similar to mules, clogs, like the Croc slippers (our best clogs), offer a completely closed-toe design with an open back, but clogs are often heavier. We love the Crocs because they have an optional strap to keep your slippers in place as you walk.

Material

When choosing slippers, one of the most important factors to consider is their material. Generally, you should opt for natural materials over synthetics. While wool and polyester materials, like those seen in our best wool pick, the Glerups Wool Slip-On Leather, can keep you warm in cold weather, they aren’t as breathable and can cause your feet to sweat. On the other hand, sheepskin or shearling materials—such as those used in the Parachute Shearling Wool Clogs (our best warm pick)—are great for providing warmth while preventing your feet from overheating. For a vegan-friendly option that still provides warmth, opt for faux fur like in our best budget option, the NineCiFun Slip on Slippers, which have the same softness but often aren’t as thick or plush.

Soles

“Generally, a rubber or synthetic sole is best for most surfaces as it provides the best shock absorption,” says Dr. Bruce Pinker, a board-certified podiatrist and foot surgeon at Progressive Foot Care. Rubber is durable, waterproof, and provides good traction. Dr. Hillary Brenner, a board-certified podiatric surgeon agrees, saying, “I suggest finding slippers that contain EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate), which is a type of foam that is helpful with shock absorption,” which you can find in brands like Crocs and Bronax.

Many options on this list, including our best for men favorite (Lands’ End Suede Moccasin Slipper), feature a rubber sole that varies in thickness and offers plenty of traction on all surfaces. Rubber soles often allow you to wear slippers outdoors as well. If you want a pair that functions in the outdoor elements, opt for the L.L. Bean Squam Lake Booties (our best indoor/outdoor pick). They feature a cross-hatch grooved tread on the sole for walking through rain or snow. Just remember to treat your slippers with a protective spray to help them last longer if you plan to wear them outdoors.

Care Instructions

When wearing a pair of slippers day after day, you’ll want to make sure you keep them clean. Fuzzy slippers may be warm and comfortable, but they can often be difficult to clean, which can lead to an unpleasant odor over time. Most slippers on this list can only be spot-cleaned with a damp cloth. For exceptionally easy cleaning, opt for our best slipper sock pick, the Bombas Gripper Slippers, which easily come clean in the washing machine.

Diana Rogers, DPM of Northern Illinois Foot and Ankle Specialists, suggests using an antibacterial spray once a week to prevent bacteria buildup, which can lead to odor.

Why Trust The Spruce?

This roundup was written by Julia Fields, an associate editor for The Spruce, covering all things surrounding toys, gifts, and the holidays. She’s also covered similar topics in other roles, including toy reviews, product roundups, crafts, and more. For this story, she tested 13 pairs of slippers for up to 3 months, evaluating each one on comfort, durability, quality, warmth, and overall value. She also used other testing insights and her research to choose 11 favorites for every type of person. She also enjoyed testing the Croc slippers, which she owned and wore to the ground in middle school.

Our experts:

  • Dr. Bruce Pinker, a board-certified podiatrist and foot surgeon at Progressive Foot Care
  • Diana Rogers, DPM of Northern Illinois Foot and Ankle Specialists
  • Dr. Hillary Brenner, a board-certified podiatric surgeon based in NJ and NYC
  • Joe Morales, senior editor at The Spruce

James marcus

Garden Courte is a blog written by [James Marcus], a passionate gardener and writer. She has been gardening for over 20 years and has a deep understanding of plants and how to care for them. In her blog, she shares her knowledge and experience with others, providing tips and advice on gardening, plant care, and more.

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