These warm yet breathable picks will keep your feet cozy all season.
Rachel covers all aspects of the home space and tests products to find the best for consumers. When she's not writing, you can find her streaming, hiking, and decorating. Brown Moccasin Shoes
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The satisfaction of changing into a pair of slippers after a long day on your feet cannot be overstated—but how do you know which pair is best for you? According to Dr. Lauren Wurster, podiatrist and spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association, it’s all about getting the right support for your foot.
“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)?” she asks.
Whether you’re buying a new pair of slippers for support or style, the best slippers feel comfortable underfoot and are made of materials that are soothingly soft and able to keep your feet nice and toasty as you move about your house. To find the very best slippers, we tested 23 of the most popular options, evaluating them on design, quality, comfort, durability, warmth, and value.
They are lined with genuine sheepskin, and the hard sole makes them suitable 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. Surprisingly, we sweated more while wearing socks and slippers than we did while barefoot in these shoes.
Another great attribute of the Tasman Slippers is that they have a solid outsole, allowing you to wear them outside without ruining the bottoms 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.
We were impressed by the shoes’ high-quality construction, particularly the bright suede and decorative stitch design. 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. Keep in mind that the slippers do have a short break-in period, so they may not feel cozy right away. When we first tried them on, they were super hard and tight, but they gradually loosened up and became more comfortable over time.
Commerce writer Jamie Fischer practically lives in her Tasman slippers, just recently ordering her second pair after five years with her first. “They’re my go-to for anything and everything, from grocery runs to walks around the house,” she says. “The sole feels as sturdy as any other shoe, and the closed back never slips off. I honestly wear them more often than socks at this point.”
Sizes: 5-12 | Lining: Sheepskin and wool | Outsole Material: EVA
They’re comfortable and supportive despite the low price tag.
They may develop an odor over time.
These affordable slippers are such good quality that we couldn’t believe how low the price was. We were amazed by their good value, as we have paid much more for flimsy, unsupportive house slippers. The soles were durable enough to wear outdoors, and the lining, made from synthetic materials, kept our feet nice and warm even while walking around in the snow.
In addition to the cozy feel, these shoes also feature memory foam soles for added comfort. This made our feet feel supported the entire time we wore the slippers. They have held up well throughout a year of use, with the thick memory foam continuing to maintain its shape. However, we did notice an odor over time as our feet began to sweat in the lining. While we found the slippers to run narrow, Dearfoams also offers wide sizes, so be sure to order those if you have wider feet.
Sizes: S-XXL | Lining: Terry footbed with Berber (fleece) lining | Outsole Material: Thermoplastic rubber
These playful slippers are soft yet breathable.
It’s easier to roll your ankle in these due to the platform design and loose back strap.
When you think of Uggs, the classic sheepskin and suede combo likely comes to mind. That’s why we love the Fluff Yeah slippers, which offer the brand’s signature high quality with a playful twist. These platform slippers are super fuzzy and soft, with an outsole that proved sturdy and prevented any slipping and sliding. We’re also big fans of the stylish heel strap, which provides an extra-secure fit or could be tucked under the heel when you prefer a slide-on. We’ll admit that the platform has led to a few ankle twists, so we wouldn’t recommend these for the clumsy. Once you grow accustomed to the lift, though, it’ll be smooth sailing.
Senior shopping editor Taylor Rock has owned these slippers for a few years now and highly recommends them to anyone looking for warmth and breathability. Because they have an open toe and heel, they’re great for anyone who tends to run hot. “These are super cozy for hanging around the house, and I love the fun purple colorway I have,” she says. “I do have to warn that I sometimes roll my ankle in these if I’m walking around a lot, but I love them nonetheless.”
They also come in a varied selection of fun colors and patterns, adding a playful touch. Though these may not be practical enough to run errands in, we consider this pair a fun, stylish, and comfy option.
Sizes: 5-11 | Lining: 100% leather and sheepskin | Outsole: Rubber
These slippers are super warm and durable enough for prolonged outdoor use.
They are on the expensive side.
Shearling boasts a deliciously soft texture that makes 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, though the look didn’t bother us.
Thanks to their wet-grip rubber sole, these slippers are ideal for both 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 commerce writer Jamie Fischer is a new Olu Kai wearer, she’s quickly become an avid fan of the brand. “I can’t get over how soft these slippers are,” she says. “The shearling has a plushness similar to Uggs, and the lining is buttery smooth without being too thick or suffocating.” She particularly loves the soft closed back, which is slightly raised to provide warmth without rubbing against her heel.
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 cushioned sole is comfortable for long durations of standing.
They don’t come in half sizes.
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.
After wearing the slippers for a year, the soles suffered no wear and tear, and the exterior remained in pristine condition. While the interior became a bit matted over time, the foam sole stayed cushioned and comfortable. We were overall impressed with the great value you get for such a low price tag, though we were a bit disappointed by the sizing. The slippers don’t come in half sizes, and 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
They are stylish enough to wear outside the house.
They may make your feet sweat.
Moccasin-style slippers are great for people who want slippers that also look like regular shoes, as you can achieve a cozy, casual look outside of the house without looking like you’re wearing pajamas. The classic Minnetonka Cally Slippers are made of a soft suede and lined with a plush faux fur that was so cozy, that it managed to keep our feet warm even when our heating was off for the day.
We loved the style of the shoe but had some issues with the quality. After wearing these for more than 50 hours, the faux-fur lining started to make our feet sweat, which is typical of synthetic materials, and the suede on the sides of the shoes showed signs of wear. By the three-month mark, we found that the fur’s matting made the slippers feel much looser on our feet, so we’d recommend sizing down if you’re between sizes. They lack arch support, as well. Despite these grievances, we still appreciate the slippers’ overall style, coziness, and comfortable cushioning. If you’re looking for an outdoor slipper with a more polished look, these moccasins are a great choice.
Sizes: 5-11 | Lining: Faux fur | Outsole: 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. What’s great about the Halluci Slippers is that they offer plenty of ventilation without skimping on the fluff. Not only that, but they’re also pretty chic. The insoles are lined with fleece, and the cross band is made of faux fur that felt especially soft against our feet. We were also big fans of the thick memory foam, which we would recommend to those who have hard floors in their homes. They 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. We noticed that 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 also got a bit discolored 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. So if you decide to buy these and are torn between two sizes, consider going for the bigger one.
Sizes: S-XL | Lining material: Fleece and faux fur | Outsole material: EVA
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. Wurster. “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. Due to the open-back style of the shoes, our feet didn’t feel the warmest while wearing them, but we would still recommend them due to their impressive comfort, arch support, and traction.
Sizes: 5-12 | Lining: Terry cloth polyester | Outsole Material: EVA
The durable material can endure frequent use without wearing down.
They take a bit of effort to put on.
Although quite pricey for slippers, we think the L.L.Bean Squam Lake Booties are more than worth the splurge. Even those of us who are seasoned slipper-wearers can attest these are worth every penny.
The Wicked Good Slippers are made of Australian lambswool while the outsoles are made of rubber. The outsole also features a cross-hatch grooved tread that was so effective, walking on our icy deck didn’t worry us one bit. The exterior of the shoe is made of a suede that is water- and stain-resistant, 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
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 at all. 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, though we had no problems with slipping or sliding while moving 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
The Merino wool is super soft and sustainable.
Since they are slides, they don’t keep your feet as warm as closed-back slippers do.
It’s no surprise that the brand that has become famous for making the most comfortable sneaker has also managed to pull off making a super comfortable slipper. We couldn’t get over how soft the Wool Dwellers were, thanks to the upcycled merino-wool material, which is considered the softest type of wool on the market. In addition to the extremely cushioned insides, the gorgeous exterior similarly exceeded our expectations. Even after weeks of wear, the outside looked as good as it had when we first tried them on.
The midsole was supportive enough that we felt comfortable standing in the slippers all day while working around the house. The cushioned inside molded easily to our feet, becoming more and more comfortable with every wear. However, after just a few months of use, we noticed that these slippers lost much of their support. The interior cushion flattened with every wear, and the exterior dirtied quickly. While we still love the sleek design and varied selection of colors, the slippers’ durability left much to be desired.
The outsoles are made of rubber certified by the FSC, making this a great option for people who go out of their way to shop sustainably. We do want to point out that because they are slides, they aren’t as warm as more traditional alternatives. They were able to keep the tops of our feet toasty, but if you want to keep your whole foot warm, you’re better off buying slippers with backs.
Sizes: S-XXL | Lining: Merino wool | Outsole Material: Rubber
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. What makes these slippers feel like regular shoes is the hard outsole, which is made of a thick, water-resistant latex that will likely not cause any kind of slipping while you wear them. The traction was so impressive, we were able to wear the slippers while taking the trash out, doing quick errands, and even walking 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 both narrow and wide feet.
Sizes: 4-12.5 | Lining: Genuine shearling | Outsole: Latex
The lightweight, spa-like design is ideal for warmer climates.
The slippers are less suitable for outdoor use.
If you love recreating the feeling of being at a spa at home, get the Quince Turkish Waffle Slippers. They resemble the complementary slippers you’d get at a spa or hotel, but are so much better. These Quince slippers are made of organic Turkish cotton, which feels incredibly soft to the touch. Our feet stayed dry after taking a shower, a testament to the slippers’ absorbency. Despite having no backing, they stayed secure on our feet. Though we found them to be a bit too lightweight and airy for colder situations, we appreciated the slippers in hotter scenarios, such as exiting the shower or walking around in the summertime.
After one year of use, we noticed no significant changes in fit, coziness, or appearance. These waffle slippers are machine-washable and are advertised as having a slip-resistant outsole. We found them to be very effective on hardwood floors and tiles, to the point where it felt like our feet almost stuck to the floor. However, on carpeting, that was not the case. We don’t recommend wearing these outside, and those who crave arch support may want to skip these shoes entirely. Regardless, if you’re seeking a lightweight slipper with good traction, we think the Quince Turkish Waffle Slippers are a steal for the price.
Sizes: S-L | Lining: Organic Turkish cotton | Outsole: Not listed
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, we were amazed by how well the Dearfoams Brendan Microfiber Suede Clogs kept our feet cozy, even on walks through the snow.
We tested 23 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, whether we felt comfortable wearing them for several hours at a time, and if we felt more comfortable while wearing them than 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.
For long-term testing, we evaluated the slippers’ performance after three months and one year of use. We used all this information to come up with the best slippers.
Slipper lining is almost always very soft and warm, so you don’t need to worry about lining in terms of textural comfort. What you do need to worry about is sweat, as some fabrics will cause you to sweat more 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, do 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 of their lack of breathability and ability to trap heat, in comparison to natural fibers.
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. Wurster told us that rubber, EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate), polyurethane, and other common synthetic materials offer durability 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. Wurster is less concerned with the material and more interested in the traction and grip, as this will provide greater support for your foot.
The most important thing to know is that outsoles made of leather, as well as any other type of fabric, will not hold up outdoors and, according to Wurster, are less slip-resistant. If you buy slippers with those types of outsoles, wear them inside only. Usually, brands specify whether you can wear the slippers outside, so make sure to verify that before you buy.
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. As such, they can handle outdoor terrain. Brands usually specify if the slippers can be worn outdoors, so just make sure to check that before you buy.
However, you shouldn’t wear your slippers outdoors for a very long time at all because they aren’t designed for prolonged outdoor wear. Slippers don’t have the support that regular shoes do, and over time, wearing slippers for a prolonged period will negatively impact your foot.
“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,” Wurster says. Because of this, it’s best to wear your slippers for very short durations outside, such as taking out the trash or walking to your deck to sit down and read a book (i.e. NOT while running errands).
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.
Wurster say 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.
People often think that memory foam can help with foot support (we certainly did), but 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. If you’re choosing slippers based on style rather than support, make sure to wear them lightly around the house (think: while working from home or lounging on your couch watching TV) to prevent foot problems from occurring down the line.
This article was written by Rachel Center, a lifelong lover of all things fashion and beauty and a product reviews home writer for Real Simple, and updated by Jamie Fischer, a commerce writer for Real Simple. 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.
Big Fuzzy Slippers Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums.