The 8 Best Slippers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
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Out of 20 tested, our winner was L.L.Bean's Wicked Good Slipper Squam Lake Booties
People / Emma Tollefson
Your feet literally carry you through life. Isn’t it time you showed some appreciation for them with a new pair of slippers? Whether you like to slip into yours after wearing heels or have given up on shoes entirely while working from home (no judgment here), you’ll want a pair of slippers that provide comfortable support for your tootsies — bonus points if they’re cute, too.
Sleep Week Deals
Dearfoams Men's Brendan Microfiber Suede Clog is 60% off at dearfoams.com.
Vionic Women's Gemma Mule Slipper is 29% off at Amazon.
“Some people just love the feel of walking around barefoot at home, but as a podiatrist, the reality is that this isn’t the best option for foot health,” says Dr. Bradley Schaeffer, a board-certified podiatrist and foot surgeon with SOLE Podiatry in New York City. “A supportive slipper can make a huge difference and have long-lasting effects on pain reduction and therefore, your overall health and happiness — and you won't have to come see me for fat pad injections in your feet."
Our PEOPLE Tested team slipped on 20 different pairs, evaluating each based on their design, quality, comfort, durability, warmth, and overall value. Keep reading to discover the best slippers we recommend.
Best Overall: L.L.Bean Women's Wicked Good Slippers Squam Lake Booties
Pros
It's water- and stain-resistant.
They have great traction.
The bootie style has added warmth.
Cons
They're pricey for a slipper (but we think they're worth it).
During testing, these slippers worked on absolutely every surface around the home: hardwood, carpet, laminate, and cement, and we found them to have the best traction in a slipper. We also love the velvet suede texture that’s perfect for wearing about the house — though they escaped one quick trip outdoors unscathed, too.
True to name, the fit on these L.L.Bean booties is wicked good (as they are fond of saying in New England). The lambswool interior feels like a lovely hug around our feet, and they're comfortable enough to wear either with or without socks. While we do need to pull these on so they don’t slip around the ankle, it’s worth the extra second or two, and despite wearing them barefoot, the lining stayed fresh and fluffy throughout our testing period.
While these might be a bit pricey for slippers, we think they’re worth every penny due to the versatility in use and incredible traction.
Size Range: 6-11 (whole sizes) | Construction: Velvet suede upper, Australian lambswool lining, shearling collar, foam insole, thermoplastic rubber outsole | Colors: Classic Navy/Classic, Navy/Coral Flame, Natural/Natural/Wild Berry
People / Dera Burreson
Runner-Up, Best Overall: Ugg Women's Tasman Slipper
Pros
They have a super plush sheepskin lining.
They have thick soles, so you can wear these outside.
There are lots of color options.
Cons
They might feel snug at first.
Got cold feet? Ugg slippers are famous for their sheepskin lining that somehow manages to warm up your feet without making them feel overheated. We love these slippers because they are soft, cozy, and warm.
If your feet are always freezing, these slippers will definitely keep yours toasty. These shoes are well made with perfect stitching around the soles, so if you’re looking for a slipper that’s in it for the long haul, the Ugg Tasman might be the perfect fit. The sole is very thick and durable (yet lightweight), so they can easily be worn outside.
These cute, comfy slippers come in more than a dozen colors — everything from classic black and brown to brighter, bolder colors like parakeet green and mussel shell (a royal purple). If you’re new to Ugg, you’ll want to slip into these barefoot — though it may be a tight squeeze at first until the lining molds to your feet. If you’ve already been rocking Uggs, then you’ll be pleased to know that these are really just the slipper version of the boots that you know and love.
Size Range: 5-12 (whole sizes) | Construction: 100% suede upper, sheepskin lining, rubber sole | Colors: 15
People / Tammy Gardini
Best Budget: Quince Organic Turkish Waffle Slippers
Pros
Spa-like waffle knit fabric.
Fit well with a lightweight feel.
Good traction on most surfaces thanks to the slip-resistant sole.
Cons
Not plush or super warm.
Don't offer a ton of support.
If you’ve ever gotten a spa treatment, then the mere sight of white waffle knit is likely enough to put you in a zen state of mind. These slippers from Quince will make you feel like you are about to enjoy a massage or facial but at a far more budget-friendly price.
Though these are slip-ons, we were impressed that they stayed put on our feet — you can wear them with bare feet or thin socks. We also found the soles had good traction on most surfaces, though it was better on hard floors than carpet, where they tended to slip a little.
These slippers aren’t plush like some of the others on our list nor are they heavy; if you’re looking for something with more support, try another pair. However, if you’re looking for something light to slip into after the shower or while lounging around, these are top-notch; you can feel the quality of the fabric from the first time you put them on to the 100th — which is impressive considering these slippers are just $30.
Size Range: S-L | Construction: 100% Turkish cotton, slip-resistant sole | Colors: White, Grey
People / Marisa Viglione
Best Investment: Birkenstock Women's Zermatt Shearling Clog Slipper
Pros
They provide lots of support.
You can wear them without socks.
They have a nice range of colors and patterns.
Cons
The footbed is made with latex, for those allergic.
They're not ideal for wide feet, as these have a narrower shape.
For those already Birkenstock fans, we know you'll love these. But if you’re new to the brand that's a major hit with celebrities, then you can’t go wrong with trying out the Zematt slipper.
There’s the cork sole just like you get with Birkenstock clogs, but unlike the clogs, it looks more like a fabric sole dipped in rubber. It’s worth noting that you’ll get a more narrow fit with these, but we like that they provide more support than the average slipper, and the shearling inside is not super fluffy but just the right amount.
These Birkenstocks come in neutral colors as well as some bolder patterns like plaid. It’s possible to wear these slippers outside — we confirmed this during testing — and there's no need for socks unless you are going outside for a longer period of time (thinner socks are recommended). Overall, we liked the cozy warm feel and that they were easy to slip on and off. (Allergy warning: the footbed is made with latex.)
Size Range: Women 's4-12.5; Men's 6-17.5 (whole and half sizes) | Construction: Wool blend upper, shearling lining, cork and latex footbed, rubber sole | Colors: 12
Best for Narrow Feet: Dearfoams Men's Brendan Microfiber Suede Clog with Whipstitch Slipper
Pros
It's a carbon-neutral product.
They're good for both indoors and outdoors.
Cons
They need a short break-in period.
The cushion and support feel more like a shoe than the slippers we have tried. The lining is comfortable and warm but didn't make feet too warm or cause sweating. While these do have a narrow fit, they also come in wide as well, so no one’s left out of the comfort that this pair offers. Aside from the narrowness, we liked the firm grip of the bottom sole that seemed safe enough for any surface (including outside), and the soles were super comfortable and durable enough that we felt like they would hold up well over time.
We reached for these slippers again and again during the testing period and were thrilled to discover that they were holding up well and hadn’t gotten smelly from use. We even tested them outside on a snowy day, and our feet remained warm and comfortable. That doesn’t mean that they’re too warm for indoor use, though — we thought they were the perfect temperature there, too.
Size Range: Men's S-XXL (also available in wide) | Construction: 100% polyester, memory foam insole, thermoplastic rubber outer sole | Colors: Black, Chestnut, Pavement, Black Twill, Coffee Twill, Navy Twill
People / Jodi Espinosa
Best Arch Support: Vionic Gemma Mule Slippers
Pros
They were designed by a podiatrist.
The velcro tab ensures a snug fit.
There are tons of color choices.
Cons
Not everyone needs the firm arch support these offer.
Slippers don’t always offer great arch support. Meet the exception: the Gemma mule from Vionic. These have a very sturdy sole and firm arch support, which we appreciate; they can certainly be worn outdoors if you choose, as well.
Comfort is where these slippers really shine. It’s not that surprising, though, when you consider a podiatrist designed these slippers. A lightweight, flexible EVA midsole acts as a shock absorber, so your feet, ankles, and knees will feel more relaxed. Plus, the footbed has an odor-resistant covering, so feel free to bare those feet while wearing these slippers. We also liked the velcro tab that made for a snugger fit when wearing them barefoot, and we could easily loosen it when wearing socks.
These slippers definitely provide the comfort, arch support, and traction they promise. Considering the reasonable price and more than two dozen color options, it may be worth buying some for the whole family (or at least a few pairs for yourself).
Size Range: Women's 5-12, whole sizes | Construction: Terrycloth upper and footbed, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) sole | Colors: 24
Best for Flat Feet: Glerups Slip-on With Leather Sole
Pros
They have a roomy toebox.
The wool lining keeps feet consistently warm.
They have great traction.
Cons
The minimalist design won’t suit everyone.
Ah, the conundrum of having flat feet: Many shoes will offer a poor fit, but going barefoot only exacerbates the problem. These minimalist Glerups slippers are a happy medium. The fit was at first a bit odd for us, the heel feels like it sits lower than the toe. But we got accustomed to it quickly, as they felt like a soft, cozy cave for our feet.
If you think that shearling is the only lining that will keep your feet warm, think again. These wool-lined slippers kept our feet consistently comfortable, especially with a roomier toe box that gives your toes — quite literally! — some wiggle room.
Traction is also excellent on these slippers, even though the pair makes it feel more like you're wearing a sock than a full slipper. These are great to wear around the house, but if you like the fit, the brand also offers the same style but with a rubber sole that’s more suitable for outdoors.
Size Range: EU 36-47 (unisex) | Construction: Wool upper, double-layer inner sole, vegetable-tanned leather sole | Colors: Grey, Red, Charcoal, Petrol, Blue, Forest, Cranberry, Brown
People / Karen Chen
Related: The 6 Best Women’s Water Shoes of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Best Memory Foam: Bombas Sunday Slippers
Pros
No break-in period for these slippers.
Warm without overheating.
For every pair purchased, Bombas donates a pair.
Cons
Only comes in one color.
Heel did flatten out a bit over time.
Luckily, these slippers are super comfortable right away and require no break-in period. During our testing period, our feet felt warm and supported in these without being sweaty — exactly what you want out of a good slipper.
In terms of size, these slippers fit comfortably, although we felt more secure when also wearing socks. The sturdy sole grips the ground well and we had no concern about slipping on surfaces.
What stands out about Bombas is that they are made from high-quality materials and kept clean throught the testing period, though they would be easy enough to spot clean when needed. We think it would take a while for these slippers to wear down, which helps justify the cost.
Overall, we thought it was a good value for the price. What cements the deal is that Bombas donates a pair for every pair bought, which makes treating yourself to a new pair of slippers feel even better.
Size Range: 7-13 (whole sizes) | Construction: 100% polyester upper and lining, rubber sole | Colors: Olive Green
People / Emma Tollefson
Things to Consider Before Buying Slippers
Arch Support
Dr. Schaeffer says it’s all about arch support when shopping for slippers. “Our feet have a variety of tendons and ligaments that need the appropriate support to help stabilize the bones in the feet,” he tells PEOPLE. “The feet are our body’s shock absorbers and need to be taken care of, especially as we age.”
While arch support is vital in footwear, you can also have too much. “Be especially careful not to buy slippers that provide too much arch support,” says Sohn Thach, a natural nail specialist and reflexologist, as well as co-founder of Hands to Sole. “Your feet should feel relaxed and not under pressure.” We found the Vionic Gemma Mule Slipper best for arch support, and those with flat feet will appreciate the support of the Glerups Wool Slip-On Leather Slippers.
Cushioning
In addition to shopping for slippers with good arch support, Dr. Schaeffer recommends memory foam cushioning — but not too much that it gets in the way of that arch support. A durable rubber sole prevents slipping, and your feet, ankles, and knees will certainly appreciate a shock-absorbing flexible midsole. He also recommends a wider toe box if it’s a shoe-like slipper to give your toes some breathing room. The icing on the cake would be an adjustable strap to offer a more secure fit.
Sole
“When shopping for slippers, look for a flexible midsole to absorb shock while reducing stress on feet, ankles, and knees,” says Dr. Schaeffer. He also recommends a flexible rubber sole — this allows for a safer grip when walking.
Price
Some might say finding a comfortable, supportive pair of slippers is priceless, but we know your wallet might disagree. If you’re not looking to spend your whole budget on slippers that you might not wear outside other than grabbing the mail, then budget-friendly slippers are a good choice. However, if you work from home and find yourself wearing your slippers 24/7, go ahead and treat yourself to the celebrity-loved Birkenstock Zermatt Slippers or Ugg Tasman.
How We Tested
Our PEOPLE Tested team unboxed 20 pairs of slippers, wearing them around the house for at least an hour a day over a two-week period. We noted how well they fit and whether the materials and construction were high quality. We evaluated each pair based on their design, quality, comfort, durability, warmth, and overall value.
Fit: We noted whether the slippers could be worn barefoot or with socks, and whether a break-in period was needed for a comfortable fit.
Materials and Construction: We also tried out the slippers’ traction on both carpets and bare floors; for slippers with an outdoor rating, we wore them outside briefly, like stepping out to get the mail.
Durability: After two weeks, we examined each pair of slippers to see how well they held up, noting any odors or wear and tear. We then washed the slippers per the manufacturer’s guidelines — spot clean, hand wash, or machine wash, depending on the materials — to see how well they stood up to laundering. Finally, we examined and tried on the slippers once again after washing to see how durable they’d be over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best slipper brand?
“Overwhelmingly, recent research shows that the best footwear is whatever the wearer finds most comfortable,” says Dr. Jasmine Marcus, PT, DPT, CSCS. “This could mean a more minimalist shoe for someone who likes to go barefoot or a slipper with an arch support for someone with weak arches. The best thing to do is wear the slipper and make sure it feels good as you wear it.”
Are more expensive slippers worth it?
If you have foot concerns, it’s always worth to pay more for good footwear that will support your feet, not harm them further. That said, our PEOPLE Tested list runs the gamut of budget-friendly pairs to pricier ones.
Should I buy machine-washable slippers?
If you wear your slippers without socks — and some of the shearling-lined ones on our list are designed for just that — it makes sense that you’d want to launder them at some point, if possible. As with all clothing, read the tag and follow the instructions to launder them correctly to avoid shrinkage, color fading, or any other damage. For slippers that aren’t machine washable, spot cleaning is probably best to remove dirt or stains.
Related: The 18 Best Pajama Brands of 2024 to Keep You Warm and Cozy All Winter Long
Why Trust PEOPLE
Barbara Bellesi Zito is a freelancer with more than 18 years of experience as a writer, editor, and
social media consultant for regional and national brands, including Health.com, Forbes Advisor, BELLA Magazine, Apartment Therapy, The Motley Fool, Martha Stewart Living, and Insider. Barbara specializes in real estate, home improvement, and lifestyle topics. For this article, she drew on the
experiences of our team of product testers, countless online user reviews, and interviews with Dr. Bradley Schaeffer, DPM, a board-certified podiatrist and foot surgeon, Sohn Thach, a natural nail specialist and reflexologist, and Dr. Jasmine Marcus, PT, DPT, CSCS.
What Is People Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.
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