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Now that it has become socially acceptable to wear women’s slippers outside — to the grocery store, to school, out to dinner — the market is flooded with all manner of furry, fuzzy, and cozy options. But it just so happens that furry, fuzzy and cozy are my domain here at the Strategist. I cover our wardrobe basics beat, which means I’ve handled dozens of the fleeciest cashmere sweaters and worn the softest worn-in white tees. To find the best slippers, I tried nine different slides, moccasins, and booties. (I’ll be testing more throughout the winter.) I wore them around the house on a lazy, lie-around Saturday, and I wore them to run a few errands. I spoke to a podiatrist to understand what makes a slipper actually good for your feet, and I interviewed people whose taste I trust to get their own takes on the best ones out there. Plus, I dug through our archives of comfy-shoe content to find our consistently recommended pairs. All that has led to a list that, I hope, gives you the best women’s slippers for nearly any occasion — from cozy open-toe options for hot summer days to insulated fleece-lined slippers for when it’s freezing out.
What we’re looking for
Sizing
Since slippers typically don’t come in standard sh oe sizing, we tried our best to include pairs with a wide range of sizes. We’ve noted all sizing details, below, from whether they come unisex, include half sizes, or come in wide or narrow options.
Outsole material
Podiatrist Dr. Asim Sayed tells us that support and protection are two of the most important qualities to look for when shopping for slippers. He prefers anything with a rubber outsole because it offers more protection, stability, and control than softer materials, which are “pretty much like big socks.” This is especially important if you’re planning to wear slippers outside (even just to grab the mail). And if you have neuropathy or are shopping for someone who has it, a firm, hard sole (like rubber) is a must. “People with neuropathy don’t feel a lot of things that someone who doesn’t have neuropathy feels,” Sayed says. “They could have a Lego in their slipper all day long and they wouldn’t even know, which leads to wounds, and that can lead to amputations or worse.”
Upper and lining material
This mostly comes down to personal preference. When stylist Savannah White shops for slippers, she looks for “breathable materials that will still insulate and keep you warm.” Meanwhile, Sayed says anyone who has a bunion will want slippers made with a forgiving lining material (like a breathable mesh) rather than an irritating fabric (like leather). Other experts we spoke to prioritized the durability and weight of their slippers, choosing uppers in sheepskin, suede, or leather.
Design features
Because slippers is such a broad term, they come in variations from open-toe sandals to high ankle booties. Sayed tells us a lot of this comes down to personal preference, but he notes that if you have any Achilles-tendon pain or a Haglund’s deformity (an enlargement of the bony section of the heel), it’s best to stick with an open-back shoe.
Price
The price of slippers runs the gamut from $20 to a couple hundred dollars, depending on the materials they’re made of. We focused on worth-it slippers and their more affordable options. Every pair is denoted as either $ (under $100), $$ (under $150), or $$$ (over $150).
Best women’s slippers overall
Sizing: 5 to 13 | Outsole material: Rubber | Upper and lining material: Wool | Design: Closed-toe with open back | Price: $$
These wool slippers by the Denmark-based company Glerups, which have been written about by many former Strategist writers, are a perennial favorite here. And now I know why. After testing them for the past month, I found that they hit every requirement I’ve been looking for in a slipper: They are cozy yet streamlined and warm but never, ever sweaty. That’s exactly why they have unseated the UGG Coquettes as the best overall, which I still love but find to be too hot for year-round wear.
A Glerups representative advised wearing the slippers for a couple days without socks to let them mold to my feet. They weren’t by any means uncomfortable out of the box, but after a week, they felt perfectly broken in, as if hugging my feet. I found myself slipping them on instead of my UGGs because the wool lining is warm yet sweat-wicking. On the chilliest days, my feet feel bundled up but not suffocated, with or without socks on. And while I haven’t had these through the summer, I’d argue that my radiator-heated apartment gets plenty hot to make the claim that these will work for warmer months. I also find the design to be less cumbersome because it’s not lined with fluffy shearling and the rubber sole is thin yet substantial. While I mainly wear these indoors, I’ve accidentally worn them out on a couple of mail runs without any issues. If you are worried about wearing them outdoors, National Book Foundation executive director (and comfy-shoe enthusiast) Lisa Lucas has also told us she frequently wears her high-top version of the slippers on bodega trips.
Best less expensive women’s slippers
Sizing: 5.5-6 to 10.5-12 | Outsole material: Rubber | Upper and lining material: Faux fur | Design: Open-toe | Price: $
These faux-fur slippers were gifted to me when I was a bridesmaid last April, and I’ve added them to my rotation of slippers since. The faux-fur lining is comfortable, but my feet don’t get toasty in them during the spring or summer. After months of pretty consistent wear, the inner lining has held up well. The insole is slightly less fluffy than when I first got them, but that’s the only difference I’ve noticed. They’re not as supportive as the Glerups, and they don’t hug my feet as well, but that’s to be expected since these cost a tenth of the price. I wouldn’t wear these outside my apartment either, but they are an excellent pair of house slippers, especially if you want an affordable pair for yourself or houseguests.
Best women’s slippers for wide feet
Sizing: 5 to 15.5 | Outsole material: 20% recycled EVA, 80% EVA | Upper and lining material: 51% cotton, 42% recycled polyester, 7% polyamide upper and 100% recycled polyester lining | Design: Closed-toe with open back | Price: $
Brunch, a New York–based start-up run by two brothers, launched two years ago and sells hotel-inspired shoes. Strategist writers Kitty Guo and Erin Schwartz tested the L’Essential last year to see how they measured up against other new house slippers. Both Schwartz and Guo like that they’re durable, warm but not stuffy, and supportive but not orthopedic. “I’d usually switch from house slippers to my Crocs for quick trips down to my apartment building’s lobby, but these seem sturdy enough for outside wear,” says Schwartz. Guo, who has wide feet, especially likes that they’re “really roomy,” she says. “I was even able to wear thick socks with them.”
Best shearling-lined women’s slippers
Sizing: 5 to 12 | Outsole material: Cork-infused rubber | Upper and lining material: Sheepskin with shearling lining | Design: Closed toe with open back | Price: $$
UGGs are the quintessential cozy shoe with shearling-lined offerings ranging from scuff slippers to boots. The Coquettes in particular are a standout because they’re easy to slide (thanks to its open back), but they don’t flop around (thanks to its extra-fluffy lining). And if you do prefer an indoor-outdoor slipper, these are an excellent option. Because these have a structured, thick rubber sole, I have accidentally worn them out to grab mail or run to the bodega without noticing (until I get home and realize I need to wipe them down). I’ve also spotted them on customers at my neighborhood coffee spot, and they didn’t look like they just rolled out of bed. My pair still looks brand new after plenty of wear through the colder months for the past year. They come in a wide range of sizes and colors (including neutrals and pastels), and make an excellent gift for teens who covet the brand or anyone else who appreciates a supportive, comfortable slipper.
Best less expensive shearling-lined slippers
Sizing 4 to 12.5 | Outsole material: Latex | Outer and lining material: Wool with shearling lining | Design: Closed-toe with open back | Price: $
These Birkenstocks are made with a wool outer layer and lined with shearling, and are about $20 less than the aforementioned UGGs. Because they’ve been recommended by my colleague Emma Wartzman (who liked them so much she gifted a pair to her mom), I decided to test them for myself. They’re much less fluffy than the UGGs with a more streamlined look similar to the Glerups, but they’re still super-warm. They also have decent arch support in line with the rest of Birkenstock’s offerings. Wartzman notes that her feet feel good even after standing in the kitchen cooking for hours. Like the UGGs, these can also double as an outdoor slipper. While I haven’t worn them out for any longer than a quick grocery run, actress Tawny Cypress has told us she frequently wears hers out to lunch.
Best women’s moccasin slippers
Sizing: 5 to 11 with regular and wide options | Outsole material: Thermoplastic rubber | Outer and lining material: Sheepskin, shearling lining | Design: Closed toe | Price: $
If moccasins are more your style, L.L.Bean makes a classic, durable option. I haven’t tested these out myself, but social-content manager Siraad Dirshe says her pair has held up after years of indoor and outdoor wear. Like the other shearling-lined options, these are warm yet sweat-wicking. These are made with a shearling-covered EVA-memory-foam insole for extra comfort. They come in ten different colorways and in either regular or wide sizing options.
Best women’s slipper boots
Sizing: 5 to 11 | Outsole material: Rubber | Upper and lining material: Suede and sheepskin lining | Design: Closed-toe with adjustable high ankle | Price: $
For an even warmer option, Strategist senior writer Liza Corsillo’s cold-weather slippers of choice are these cozy booties from Minnetonka. The ankle-high sheepskin collar can be rolled up or down, so they can double as a slipper, too. Corsillo exclusively wears her pair during the winter months, and after three years, they still look new. While she uses hers indoors, these are designed for both indoor and outdoor use with a durable rubber sole. They come in black, tan, and gray colors in both regular and wide sizes.
Best women’s slipper socks
Sizes: XS to L | Outsole: Acrylic, nylon, and wool | Outer and lining: Viscose, polyester, and elastane | Design: Closed-toe | Price: $
Bombas’s Gripper Slippers were initially recommended for being incredibly warm, packable for travel, and machine washable. I tested a pair in size XS and was pretty surprised by how comfortable they are. They don’t offer support — they are hybrid sock-slippers, after all — but they have an ultra-cushioned footbed and grippy dots that kept me from sliding around. I found the original Gripper Slippers plenty warm, but they also come sherpa-lined or in a bootie option.
Best insulated slippers for women
Sizing: 5 to 11 | Outsole material: Rubber | Outer and lining material: Recycled P.E.T. outer with fleece lining | Design: Closed-toe with elastic collapsible heel | Price: $
My personal cold-weather slippers are these insulated North Face ones with a fleece lining. My sister gifted them to me for Christmas during our first New York winter, after months of watching me fumble around in half-slipped-on tennis shoes to grab the mail or run to the bodega. They’re not my house slippers, but they made quick trips to the store a much more pleasant experience, especially on frigid days. Stylist Lilli Millhiser also owns a pair and wears them mainly indoors (with the occasional bodega trip); she appreciates that they’re cozy and don’t attract her dog’s hair thanks to its outer P.E.T. material.
Best slippers with extra arch support
Sizing: 5 to 11 | Outsole material: Rubber | Upper and lining material: Wool | Design: Closed-toe with open back | Price: $
Giesswein, an Austrian heritage brand that’s been around for over 50 years, is known for offering generous arch support. I haven’t tested a pair, but former Strategist writer Karen Iorio-Adelson confirmed that the best-selling Veitsch slippers are ideal for anyone who likes an exaggerated arch. The rest of the slipper is made of soft virgin wool and a thick rubber sole that’s durable enough for venturing outdoors. It comes in four colorways: black, red, gray, and blue.
Best less expensive slippers with extra arch support
Sizing: 5 to 16 | Outsole material: Proprietary OOfoam | Upper and lining material: Proprietary OOfoam | Design: Open-toe with one strap | Price: $
While these Oofos slides are far from traditional house slippers, they’re so comfortable and supportive that they deserve a spot on this list. I wear mine out casually in the warmer months, usually on trips to the beach, and I feel as if I could walk for days in them. This is probably chalked up to its design and its proprietary “OOfoam”: The slippers are made to reduce stress on joints and absorb more impact. SuChin Pak, who wears hers at home exclusively, adds that the extra-thick sole makes walking a little wobbly at first and forces you to put pressure on different points of your foot, which in turn reduces stress on sore feet, knees, and lower backs. Two other folks who’ve recommended the slippers in the past — photographer Erin Patrice O’Brien and Strategist columnist Chris Black — say these are great for people with plantar fasciitis and high arches. “They mold to the foot, and the arch support is excellent,” says Black. “Your gait will thank you!”
Best breathable women’s slippers overall
Sizing: 5 to 11 | Outsole material: EVA | Upper and lining material: Recycled bamboo | Design: Closed-toe with open back | Price: $$
If you prefer a closed-toe slipper that won’t lead to sweaty feet, turn to Lusso Cloud’s Pelli slippers. Guo, who owns a pair herself, says they’re more breathable than the aforementioned Brunch pair because of their construction and material. The upper is made from waffle-knit recycled bamboo stretched over perforated memory foam, promoting air circulation. And, the “Triple Stack Technology” footbed, which consists of three layers of foam. The Pelli comes in the widest range of options, including pairs made with suede, terrycloth, leather, and polyester upper materials, and others with shearling lining if you do want a cold-weather pair.
Best less-expensive breathable slippers
Sizes: S to L | Outsole: Plastic | Upper and lining: Cotton waffle weave | Design: Closed-toe with open back | Price: $
Hawkins New York — makers of our favorite quilts, cloth napkins, and linen sheets — also makes an excellent under-$50 pair of slippers. When I tested them out myself in a size small, I appreciated how roomy and breathable they are. Throughout the summer, my feet never got too sweaty when I wore them with or without socks. They have nice traction thanks to the grippy outsoles, but I wouldn’t necessarily wear them out of the house. Another plus is that they come in 12 colors, including neutrals and earth tones.
Best waterproof women’s slippers
Sizing: 4 to 12.5 | Outsole material: EVA | Upper and lining material: EVA | Design: Open-toe with two adjustable straps | Price: $
Birkenstock’s waterproof version of its Arizona slipper has been a staple in my summer wardrobe for about three years now. They’re easy to throw on for quick errands and comfortable enough to wear out on longer park days and beach trips without any issues. Multiple stylists and designers recommend the pair for everything from day-to-day walking shoes to post-workout house slippers, proving just how versatile they are. Plus they come in a range of neutral and bright colorways.
Best less expensive waterproof slippers
Sizing: 6 to 12 | Outsole material: Proprietary Croslite | Upper and lining material: Proprietary Croslite | Design: Open-toe with two adjustable straps | Price: $
For a more affordable pair, turn to these Crocs slides. Similar to the above Arizonas, these are easy to clean and waterproof, so they’re perfect as a versatile summer slipper. Instead of having adjustable straps, these slides are more traditional and designed with one strap. They come in 11 colorways, and as with the classic clogs, you can add Jibbitz charms for personalization.
Best babouche-style women’s slippers
Sizing: Custom | Outsole material: Leather | Outer and lining material: Leather | Design: Round or pointed toe with open back | Price: $
If you want slippers that feel a little less athletic and more dressed up, Bathen co-founder Hannah Zisman and Ghia founder Mélanie Masarin both prefer babouche-style slippers. The lightweight leather can be worn during the summer without feet sweat and make any WFH outfit seem somewhat put together. Both Zisman and Masarin recommend shopping on Etsy for a pair because of its wide range of color options and round- or pointed-toe designs available.
Some more women’s slippers we’ve written about
Our experts
• Hannah Black, stylist
• Liza Corsillo, Strategist senior writer
• Naomi Elizée, a market editor at Vogue and podcast host
• Siraad Dirshe, social-content manager
• Kitty Guo, Strategist writer
• Karen Iorio Adelson, former Strategist senior writer
• Mecca James-Williams, stylist
• Maricia Josephs, founding editor of Dream in HD and associate public-relations manager at UGG
• Janessa Leoné, founder of Janessa Leoné
• Lauren Levy, former Strategist writer
• Lisa Lucas, National Book Foundation executive director
• Melanie Masarin, Ghia founder
• Indie McFarlane, Indy Sunglasses designer
• Lilli Millhiser, stylist
• Jenna Milliner-Waddell, Strategist associate editor
• SuChin Pak, news correspondent and podcaster
• Ambar Pardilla, Strategist writer
• Hilary Pearson, senior graphic designer
• Imani Randolph, model and writer
• Dr. Asim Sayed, podiatrist
• Lauren Stephens, founder and CEO of Dudley Stephens
• Bryn Taylor, Ouisa creative director and personal stylist
• Emma Wartzman, kitchen and dining writer
• Savannah White, stylist
• Hannah Zisman, Bathen co-founder
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