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The 19 Best Slippers of 2024, According to Podiatrists and Testing

Oct 15, 2024Oct 15, 2024

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No need to kick your feet up to feel good in these slippers.

In This Article

Shape / Kevin Liang

If you're on your feet standing all day, it’s worth investing in a solid pair of slippers to help your body recover once you head home. And if you're working from home, you might be looking for the best house shoes to help absorb shock from walking on hard floors. "You always want to wear slippers in the house," says Hillary Brenner, D.P.M., a podiatrist in New York City. A supportive pair can help to reduce strain on your joints. If you deal with foot issues like bunions or plantar fasciitis, wearing a supportive pair of house shoes can alleviate pain and, in some cases, help support recovery.

To find the best slippers and house shoes, the Shape team spoke to Dr. Brenner about what qualities are essential (think arch support, soft materials, solid construction). Our editors also tested over 20 pairs of slippers, house shoes, and slides at various price points, wearing them at least one hour a day for two weeks to get a serious feel for their comfort, design, quality, durability, and value. Ahead, the best slippers and house shoes according to podiatrists and Shape's testing.

Good for cooler weather

Lightweight and soft

Can be worn indoors and outside

Machine washable

Snug fit at first

Size up for wide feet

Sizes: 5–12 | Materials: Suede, sheepskin | Colors: 5

If you're looking for a luxe experience your feet will love, look no further. These soft suede Uggs are lined with decadent sheepskin and upcycled wool, and have a lightweight platform (so they don't feel clunky). What's more, they feature the brand's trademarked cushioning and traction, with a lightweight yet durable sole. Bonus: The Tasman slippers have the same outsole as the brand's Classic Boot, so you can wear them indoors and outside.

Good for those on a budget

Warm fleece lining

Good for slippery floors

Machine washable

Sizing is vague

Sizes: 5-12 | Materials: Foam, rubber | Colors: 15

At around $20, the Ultraideas Memory Foam Slippers mold to your feet and keep you comfy and supported — even if the only walking you're doing is from the bed to your couch. This house shoe has a warm fleece lining and a high-density memory foam insole. Shape editors found the rubber outsole is perfect for slippery floors and allow you to use them outside if you need to pick up the mail or water your outdoor plants. It's beneficial that you can machine-wash these for easy care, making them one of the best slippers you can get on a budget.

Impact-absorbing design

Designed for workout recovery

Good for tired feet

Machine washable

Only for hard surfaces and light errands

Sizes: 5-16 | Materials: OOfoam™ | Colors: 7

This slipper sandal is designed for workout recovery, so it's ideal to slip on after a long run or intense sweat session. Its unique foam technology absorbs 37 percent more impact than traditional footwear, and the insanely comfortable footbed supports your arches while reducing stress on your joints, making it one of the best house shoes for those on their feet all day long. Shape editors love how the orthopedic footbed cradles and supports our arches so much that they've deemed these slides the best recovery shoes in the Shape Fitness Awards two years in a row. Bonus: They’re machine-washable.

See our full review here: Athletes, Nurses, My Mom, and I All Agree: This Is the Most Comfortable Recovery Shoe

Shearling feels breathable and luxe

Easy slip on design

Soft, cozy feel

Suede is tricky to clean

Sizes: 6-10 | Materials: Suede leather upper with 100% Australian shearling lining and insole | Colors: 3

When Shape writer Maddie Barber first tried on these slippers, she knew it would be impossible to take them off before getting into bed. The shearling insides make it feel like you're walking on clouds, and best of all, they don't make your feet sweat. This factor is a bonus for Barber, who perspires easily and finds that shearling slippers or house shoes often worsen that problem. The open-ankle, slip-on design not only makes slipping these on more convenient when getting out of bed or the shower but also improves airflow to prevent sweaty feet. Plus, the suede upper design looks and feels luxe.

Shape / Maddie Barber

Thick rubber platform sole

Faux fur exterior and interior gives these a cozy look and feel

Lightweight

Takes a minute to get these on your feet

Sizes: 5-13 | Materials: Faux fur lining and upper, rubber sole | Colors: 2

Anyone looking to add some extra inches to their stature will love these Bearpaw slippers. They have a 1.25-inch platform heel and a rubber sole that makes them suitable for outside (and prevents you from slipping while wearing them on hardwood floors). Barber is "obsessed with the retro-looking webbing tape accent" on the ankle and the faux-shearling design that "feels perfect for the cold months ahead."

Shape / Maddie Barber

Small zipper pocket

Lined with cozy fleece

Anti-slip outsole

Difficult to slide on

Sizes: 5-12 | Materials: Foam midsole/outsole, fleece | Colors: 3

These sporty slippers from Nike are lined with cozy fleece and have a soft foam midsole that feels like stepping into a marshmallow. Plus, the top zipper pocket can stash small items like keys or cash if you're heading out to walk and don't want to carry a bag. Thanks to the anti-slip outsole and traction pattern, we never felt any slipping or sliding when walking around in these. But they do take some maneuvering to get into; depending on the surface you’re standing on, you can’t always slip them on hands-free.

Keep feet warm in cold weather

Leather exterior

Anti-slip rubber platform outsole

Can wear indoors or outside

Only available in two colors

Sizes: 5-11 | Materials: Suede upper, faux fur lining, rubber outsole | Colors: 2

While it might closely resemble the winter footwear in your closet, Sorel's booties act as both a boot and a slipper, which makes it worth the price tag. Thanks to the leather exterior, plush faux fur lining, incredibly soft footbed, and anti-slip rubber platform outsole, you'll stay toasty, comfortable, and supported all day. These slippers are also the best for transitioning from the couch to the sidewalk — particularly when it’s extra chilly outside.

Sturdy sole

Firm arch support

Has APMA Seal of Acceptance

Not washable

Sizes: 5-13 | Materials: Polyester | Colors: 5

If you're familiar with Vionic, you've probably caught wind of the fact that the brand is one of Oprah's favorites for comfy footwear, which makes sense, as its shoes are designed with the help of podiatrists. This house shoe has an orthotic footbed with a deep heel cup to provide extra arch support (and prevent pronation), making it one of the best slippers for people with foot and joint issues like plantar fasciitis. We’re a little wary of the tag saying it isn’t washable (not even by hand), even though the brand notes that the footbed has an anti-bacterial, odor-resistant treatment. So far, we haven’t noticed any lingering smells.

Keeps ankles warm

Good for all surfaces

Not available in half sizes

Sizes: 6-11 | Materials: Suede, Australian lambswool, shearling, rubber (outsole) | Colors: 1

These L.L. Bean slippers stood up to every surface Shape's editors tested them on, including hardwood, carpet, laminate, and cement, and the ankle height secured them during any activity. One editor dubbed the velvet suede exterior “unbeatable” and noticed the lining stayed fresh and fluffy throughout the testing period, unlike the Minnetonka Moccasins, which started to get smushed. Since these are a little pricier than other slippers we tested, make sure you size according to L.L. Bean’s recommendations (that is, half sizes should be ordered up). But as some of the best house shoes you can find, they’re worth spending a little extra money on.

Podiatrist-approved

Available in 27 colors

Free returns

Run small

Sizes: 5-12 | Materials: Foam | Colors: 27

Amazon’s “Overall Pick” for women’s slide sandals, this comfortable cloud-like house shoe is also Dr. Brenner’s top choice for the best slipper. She says it gets her stamp of approval because it checks so many of her boxes: It has a 1.75-inch platform base, deep heel cup, molded cushion footbed, firm midsole, and rubber, non-slip outsole for added grip and stability. It comes in 27 colorways, and the sandal style makes it easy to wear outside for short walks. Plus, the bottom is quiet, so you’re less likely to disturb neighbors if you live in an apartment or condo building.

Warm and cozy faux fur lining

Great for wearing at home

Not slippery on wet surfaces

Flexible sole

No arch support

Fur may lose its fluffiness

Noticeably stretched out during testing

Sizes: 5-11 | Materials: Leather upper/synthetic faux-fur lining/rubber sole | Colors: 7

These fuzzy moccasin slippers have a suede exterior with stylish stitching on the top, faux fur lining, thick, flexible soles, and a rubber outsole with grippy traction to support you on wet or slippery surfaces. Warm and cozy, Shape editors found them some of the best slippers for lounging around the house. They’re pretty flat, so while you can technically wear them outside, they’d recommend keeping the mileage minimal. Further, they noticed that the fur lining lost its fluffiness as the testing period went on, and the fit felt noticeably stretched out (so, more prone to falling off their heels).

Strong grip on the sole

Sock-slipper hybrid

Machine washable

Good for travel

Bottom grip wears out quickly

Don't offer good foot support

Sizes: XS-L | Materials: 50% acrylic, 30% nylon, 20% merino wool (shell); 71% viscose, 25% polyester, 4% elastane (lining) | Colors: 3

If cozy wool socks are your footwear of choice at home but you hate the slip factor, you'll adore this sock-slipper hybrid. Made of a breathable blend of cotton and wool, these slipper socks have a brushed lining on the inside for warmth and special grippy traction on the bottom to keep you from sliding. This pair is machine-washable and folds flat for easy packing, so it’s one of the best slippers for travel in particular. Just note the soles are thinner than regular slippers, so they don’t offer serious foot support. If you wear them often, the grippers will wear down, so you might have to replace them frequently.

Good for bunions, arthritis, and plantar fasciitis

For indoor and outdoor wear

Machine washable

Footbed can be slippery

Sizes: 6-11 | Materials: Faux fur | Colors: 10

This platform sandal-slipper delivers style and comfort thanks to arch support, a deep heel cup (which helps cradle your foot if you’re walking long distances), an adjustable strap, and a furry material that's soft against your skin.

Indoor- and outdoor-friendly, these slippers are machine-washable. People with foot issues (such as arthritis, bunions, and plantar fasciitis) will find that the orthopedic-focused design makes them some of the best slippers for relief. In particular, they offer the kind of arch support Dr. Brenner says is critical for people with plantar fasciitis, while the adjustable strap is beneficial for those with bunions.

Keep feet warm without sweating

Available in wide widths

Dry quickly

Sizing is inconsistent

Sizes: 6-11 | Materials: Suede, sheep fur | Colors: 27

Available in wide widths, these shearling slippers are the epitome of coziness, and Shape's editors were instantly impressed with the 100% genuine sheepskin lining. They found it provided the perfect temperature control, keeping feet warm without overheating. The synthetic moisture-wicking materials were particularly noteworthy, as they let editors walk in dewy grass without damaging the shoes (they dried quickly). The shearling lining stayed fluffed up throughout testing. We did feel like one slipper was noticeably wider than the other, but we realize this could be a case of the tester having slightly different-sized feet.

Fluffy but not suffocating

Feel similar to wearing clogs

Feet stay dry on wet ground

Slightly narrow

Sizes: 4-12.5 | Materials: Wool felt, shearling, latex (sole) | Colors: 6

If you’re a Birkenstock stan, you’ll love the cozier version of the uber-popular Boston Clogs: the Zermatt Slipper. With the classic cork-latex footbed and deep heel cup, editors found these slippers similar to wearing the clogs but with a little extra warmth. The upper is made out of wool felt, a sustainable material that helps keep warmth in, and the outsoles keep feet dry even on wet ground. These run slightly narrow, and we were a little confused about the sole of the shoe, which almost looks like dipped rubber rather than the usual cork material you’d see with Birks. However, the shoes held up to editors' standards at the three-month testing mark, making them confident they were among the best house shoes.

Very warm

Can wear indoors or outside

Fleece collar lining won't irritate skin

Water-repellent ripstop

Elastic may be tight for high arches

Sizes: 5-11 | Materials: 100% Recycled P.E.T. Ripstop, Thermoball™ 100% Recycled Polyester Insulation | Colors: 7

Combining The North Face's Thermoball Eco insulation (a synthetic alternative to down) with a durable rubber sole with reliable traction, this sleeping-bag-looking slipper is ideal for everything from après ski to your morning coffee run — even when temperatures plummet below freezing. It features a fleece collar lining that won't irritate your skin, a collapsible heel with elastic to keep it securely in place, and a water-repellent ripstop upper to protect your feet from the elements.

Can stand up to outdoor conditions

Good traction in snow and ice

Water-repellent coating

Antimicrobial to reduce foot odor

Top collar fits loosely

Feet slip when walking without socks

Sizes: 6-15 | Materials: Recycled polyester | Colors: 9

Wear these incredibly comfortable slippers around the house or campsite or while bopping around town during your next ski trip. They have a cushioned footbed, lightweight midsole, and grippy rubber outsole that provides traction even on snowy or icy terrain. A ripstop upper keeps you protected while adventuring, and a special coating repels water if you get caught in an unexpected light rain. The slippers have an antimicrobial treatment to help reduce foot odor, so you don't have to worry about side-eye from fellow campers around the fire after a long day in hiking boots. Just know that the collar of these house shoes is slightly loose, so you might want to wear athletic socks so your feet don’t slip.

Feel like a soft towel

Light and breathable

Don't slide on slick floors

Good choice for warm weather

Sizing is unisex

Sizes: XS-XL | Materials: 100% Turkish cotton | Colors: 4

Designed with a 100% cotton terry fabric that matches Parachute's famous cozy Classic Bathrobe, these slip-ons are perfect for lounging. They have ribbed rubber soles so you don't slide on slick floors and are light and breathable, making them a good choice for warm weather. Wearing these slippers around the house will make you feel like you're at a fancy spa, even if you're just trotting around your studio apartment. Just note that these may not be the best for anyone needing extra arch support while lounging around the house.

Soft, furry interior

Firm, waterproof exterior

Can be worn indoors or outside

Made with anti-slip material

A bit stiff

Sizes: 5-13.5 | Materials: EVA, fur | Colors: 8

The grippy sole and waterproof exterior make these a great choice if you like an indoor/outdoor option that you can wear in the yard yet easily wipe clean for indoor wear. The furry interior feels plush, and the thick exterior is made with anti-slip EVA material, offering stability when walking outside. Not only are these clog-style shoes more durable than other pairs made from suede or other hard-to-clean materials, but the available colorways are some of the most fun Shape editors have seen.

Susan Brickell is a former senior editor at Shape (now an associate editorial director of commerce for travel on Travel + Leisure). With an M.F.A. degree in nonfiction writing from Sarah Lawrence College and a B.A. in creative writing from Florida State University, she has over a decade of experience as a market editor and writer. When she's not putting a pair of comfy shoes, workout leggings, or new eye cream to the test, you can find her hiking U.S. national parks, planning her next surf trip, or spending time with her dog, Ollie.

Kristen Geil is a former senior commerce editor at Shape. She led previous years' Shape’s Sneaker Awards and Best in Fitness Awards, and she’s constantly testing new shoes. She’s been wearing the same pair of Birkenstocks since high school.

Jennifer Heimlich is a health and fitness writer and the former senior fitness editor of Well+Good. She regularly interviews podiatrists and tests out new shoes, but she still swears by her years-old L.L. Bean slippers to keep her feet cozy in her chilly New England house.

Shape commerce writer Maddie Barber updated this article in 2024 with more editor-tested and approved picks, testing the included Quince and Bearpaw options herself.

The Shape team used the following expert for insight:

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