A GUIDE TO EVERY TYPE OF SLIPPER
Do you walk around your home barefoot? It's time to ditch the habit, and here's why. No matter how well or often you clean your home, there's a good chance your bare feet are picking up food crumbs, debris from outside and pet dander, all of which get transferred to your precious sleep haven: your bed (eek!). Additionally, going shoeless can weaken your muscles and arches over time. Enter slippers—AKA inside shoes. House slippers are worthwhile investments that not only keep your soles clean but take the pressure off your feet. Let's talk about the different types of slippers, common slipper materials and how to pick the perfect pair.
Closed-Toe Slippers
Moccasins
Moccasin slippers typically feature decorative stitching on the upper and a fluffy lining for warmth and comfort. They're often made with a rubber or leather sole, making them suitable for wear on all flooring types. This style is ideal for the cooler months and the occasional chilly day in the spring and summer.
Clogs
Clogs bring outdoor style inside with a casual upper and stylish details. Their cork or rubber outsole provides traction on laminated and marble floors. Plus, the open back makes them easy to slip on first thing in the morning.
Booties
A cozy bootie in a shearling or knitted material is oh-so inviting when the temperatures are low. This style covers the entire foot and ankle to keep you warm. Tip: look for booties that have a fully insulated interior and reinforced outsole.
Loafers
A loafer slipper (also called an evening slipper) is a more polished option that's presentable when entertaining guests. This style is easy to put on and take off and offers sufficient arch support and stability. If you have wide feet, choose a round toe; if you have narrow feet, look for a pointed shape.
Open-Toe Slippers
Slides
A cute pair of slide slippers is best when the weather begins to heat up. If you tend to sweat, look for styles made from moisture-wicking materials (think cotton, linen and terrycloth). This breezy construction allows air to circulate around your feet and ensures they stay dry in the summer.
Slip-Ons
Slip-on house slippers are versatile enough to wear in any season. And when it comes to aesthetics, they run the gamut from plush and bold to practical and simple. Tip: pick out a pair with adjustable straps if you often spend the day chasing after your kids.
Common Slipper Materials
Faux Fur
Slippers made from faux fur are ideal for the fall and winter months, as well as for those who live in cooler climates.
Leather
Genuine leather slippers are naturally long-lasting and provide instant stability. And the more you wear them, the more supple they become! Remember to spray your leather house slippers with a protectant and use a leather care kit to refresh them as needed.
Fleece
Fleece slippers are another popular choice for fall and winter, thanks to their snuggly texture. Look for synthetic fleece material if you don't want to break the bank. For slippers that'll last for years, opt for a pair made from natural fleece, like many of UGG's ultrapopular styles. Tip: learn how to clean UGGs and other natural fleece slippers to keep them looking good as new.
Suede
Suede house slippers last for a long time, but it's worth noting that they require maintenance. Take care not to spill water on them, though it's not the end of the world if you do—water stains are treatable with a suede solution.
Synthetic
Unlike those made of natural materials, slippers made from synthetic materials (e.g., polyester, rayon and nylon) are pretty low maintenance. Consider buying synthetic slippers if your household is prone to spills and messes, as many can be machine washed. If you'd prefer to go the sustainable route, look for recycled synthetic materials.
Other Fabric
Slippers in classic fabrics are ultrawearable—you can work from home and still feel put-together. They're great as houseguest slippers too. Make them an extension of your interior style by matching them to your home's vibe (i.e., canvas for a coastal aesthetic or velvet for a glam space).
Rubber
Rubber house slippers are a must for cleaning days. Just be sure to get an ergonomic design with a thick, cushioned sole—rubber can be rather unforgiving, but these features can relieve sore feet.
How to Choose Slippers
Your slipper size is the same as your normal shoe size. Feel free to take the next size up if you're in between sizes, though. Here are five other things you may want to consider:
- Look for a pair with arch support if you have an active lifestyle or experience knee, back, hip or foot pain.
- A pair with ankle support is ideal for those living with arthritis or other chronic conditions.
- The best slippers are the ones you'll love wearing, so choose a pair that complements your typical lounge or pajama style.
- Plan to wear thick socks with your slippers? Go up in size for a looser fit to accommodate them.
- The harder the floors in your house, the thicker your slipper soles should be to adequately support your bones and muscles.
Treat your house slippers like any other pair of shoes in your closet—with care. Only wear them inside your home, launder them appropriately to extend their longevity and always allow them to air-dry to maintain their structural integrity. Now that you're ready to bring home your perfect pair, start by checking out our selection of slippers and shoe-cleaning essentials.