Slippers have come a long way since the decades-old bunny slippers currently gathering dust under your bed (said with love). In fact, today’s house shoes and slippers feature more support than you might expect from a shoe designed to be worn indoors—and for good reason, according to podiatrist Hannah Park, DPM. “If you stand and walk in slippers without proper support, you can injure yourself and cause overuse injuries of the tendons that pull up your arch, such as posterior tibial tendonitis,” she says.
When shopping for the best slippers for women, there’s more to consider than just the shearling-to-foot ratio (although that’s crucial). They need to be presentable enough for a quick trip down the driveway on trash day. And since you’ll be wearing these shoes every evening (and okay, most days too, especially if you work from home), they also need to have great arch support, says podiatrist Elizabeth Bonrigo, DPM. We spent weeks testing 47 of the most popular slippers around, analyzing each pair for design, comfort, durability, warmth, and value to find the best options for your tired, chilly, and achy feet.
Credit: UGG
Sizes: 5-12 | Materials: Suede, sheepskin | Colors: 16
After years of testing and re-evaluating the best slippers for women, UGG’s Tasman Slipper has remained our best overall pick. We’ve previously tested (and loved) the original version, and the latest iteration features upgrades like the signature UGGbraid trim, a luxe sheepskin interior, and a sugarcane foam outsole for maximum comfort.
This classic sheepskin-suede combo wowed our testers with its durability, easy cleanability, support, and—most importantly—its cozy factor. Although these house shoes have a higher price tag than the others we tried, our testers feel that the high-quality stitching and thick, durable outsoles help these slippers stand the test of time, whether worn indoors or outdoors.
What Testers Say
“I have really cold feet, but I can wear these without socks, and my feet stay warm, without ever getting too hot.” —Tammy G., Shape tester
Credit: Amazon
Sizes: 3-12 | Materials: Foam, rubber | Colors: 12
With tons of color options and a budget-friendly price, our testers were blown away by the ULTRAIDEAS Women’s Fuzzy House Shoes. The key to our collective sigh of comfort when we put on these slippers? The memory foam material, which molds to your feet over time for a custom fit, and the secure, anti-slip sole, which also won points from our testers. Full disclosure, we struggled with the sizing a bit, and we’d ultimately recommend sizing down if you’re an in-betweener.
What Testers Say
“From the beginning, these slippers have been like pillows for my feet. I’m impressed with the solid, anti-slip rubber sole. I’ve worn these slippers almost every day, and so far they’re holding up well.” —Michelle L., Shape tester
Credit: L.L.Bean
Why We Like Them
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Plush, premium construction
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Ankle height provides extra support and warmth
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Grippy rubber sole can handle various surfaces
It’s Worth Noting
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Not slip-on
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Whole sizes only
Sizes: 5-11 | Materials: Suede, Australian lambswool, shearling, rubber | Colors: 3
Our testers fell head-over-heels for these supportive shearling slippers, raving over the plush lambswool lining and the high-quality, premium construction. Turns out, the ankle-height shaft pulls double-duty: It keeps your ankles warm and cozy, and it lends a little extra support when walking on slippery surfaces. Not that you need to be worried—thanks to the grippy (but not sticky) rubber sole, we’re especially impressed with how these slippers perform on a wide range of surfaces, including laminate, carpet, hardwood, cement, and even an icy deck.
Be warned that they’re not hands-free slip-on shoes, and you’ll need to put in a touch of effort to get these babies on. And, they’re only available in whole sizes, which may not work well for some in-betweeners.
What Testers Say
”The lambswool interior is soooo plush, cozy, and warm—truly a lovely hug around my feet. These have held up indoors and outdoors without showing any signs of wear, even though I wear them every second I’m at home. These are ideal for outdoors, given their great traction—taking out the trash or my dog on an icy deck doesn’t worry me one bit.” —Dera B., Shape tester
Credit: Bombas
It’s Worth Noting
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No arch support
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Feet may overheat
Sizes: XS-L (5-14) | Materials: Acrylic, nylon, merino wool, viscose, polyester, elastane | Colors: 5
Ideal for those with chilly feet, the Bombas Gripper Slipper is a super toasty, lightweight, easy-to-pack slipper sock that’s also a breeze to wash. These oversized sock-slippers can easily be stuffed in any bag without losing their shape, making them perfect for curating a home-away-from-home vibe during your travels. The soles feature textured grippers to prevent you from slipping and sliding on extra-smooth surfaces, but take note, there’s no arch support, so we wouldn’t recommend these to anyone with high arches or plantar fasciitis.
What Testers Say
“These slipper socks feel incredibly thick and high quality. I love Bombas socks and feel the same way about those so it doesn’t surprise me. Every aspect of the sock feels thick and plush.” —Julia F., Shape tester
Credit: Amazon
It’s Worth Noting
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No heel counter
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Sizing was a struggle
Sizes: 5-11 | Materials: Suede, Australian shearling | Colors: 24
If you have wide feet, you know the pain of pinched toes and nagging blisters. In our testing, the best slippers for wide feet were Dearfoams’ Fireside Shearling Scuff Slipper. Our testers gushed about the fluffy, luxurious shearling—both how comfy it feels on their feet and how well it regulates temperature. And they loved how well these held up outdoors on various terrains, including grass, gravel, and even wet surfaces.
However, if you prefer the “locked-in” feel of a heel counter, these open-back slippers may not be for you. Our tester also noted that sizing felt inconsistent, with the left slipper seeming slightly larger than the right.
What Testers Say
“These slippers are constructed incredibly well. I’ve found these to be very toasty and can even go outside sockless on chilly mornings. Their moisture-wicking fibers have also repelled water at an amazing rate—I can step in dewy grass when I take my dog out and not worry about them getting water damage.” —Lindsey M., Shape tester
Credit: Amazon
Sizes: 5-11 | Materials: Leather, synthetic fur, rubber | Colors: 16
The moccasin slipper is a classic style, and for good reason: The design has stood the test of time, and the shoe-like construction makes them wearable in and out of the house. Our testers preferred Minnetonka’s Cally Moccasin Slipper in this category, praising its versatility, secure fit, and quiet, well-tractioned sole that doesn’t slip or catch whether on hardwood or carpet flooring.
While we appreciate its snug fit, our tester noted that the faux-fur lining (while warm and cozy) quickly felt crushed. We were also bummed that they aren’t offered in half sizes, which may not be ideal for some.
What Testers Say
“They’re so warm and cozy. They fit snugly, and the faux fur also provides cushioning. We didn’t have heat one day, and they really kept my feet warm!” —Jenica C., Shape tester
Credit: Nike
Sizes: 5-12 | Materials: Foam, fleece | Colors: 2
It’s no surprise that Nike’s Burrow Slippers earned high marks for style among our testers, who called them modern and on-trend. We chose these as our best fleece slippers thanks to the lightweight, warm, and crucially odor-proof fleece lining that rims the sock liner and the fact that they’re durable and grippy enough to wear out of the house comfortably.
Beyond the surface-level details, you’ll find the clever wearer-first functionality that Nike is known for, in the form of an adorable zippered storage pocket perfect for a house key or credit card. We also love that they’re comfy right away, without any break-in period. However, keep in mind that the white colorway may show scuff marks, so opt for the darker color if you prefer a cleaner look.
What Testers Say
“I use these slippers daily, and their breathability and thick soles make them comfortable enough to wear on hard surfaces, even for longer periods of time.” —Jenni M., Shape tester
Credit: Zappos
Sizes: 5-11.5 | Materials: Wool felt, shearling, cork, latex | Colors: 4
Clogs are so back—and if you want the trend to extend to your loungewear, our testers recommend reaching for Birkenstock’s Zermatt Slippers. With the same signature shape as the brand’s Boston clogs, these slippers have a fabric upper and a light shearling lining that gently warms your feet. Plus, we can’t deny how good solid arch support feels in a slipper.
We were a little baffled by the slightly bumpy cork and latex sole, which our testers described as looking like fabric dipped in rubber. However, after three months of testing, we haven’t noticed any ill effects on shoe quality or foot health. Also, note that these run a little narrow, so those with wide feet should look elsewhere.
What Testers Say
“These are like wearing my normal Birkenstock clogs but with the extra layer of warmth. I find myself wearing these more than I have ever worn a slipper in the past because they’re more shoe than slipper, and I prefer this shoe style.” —Jodi E., Shape tester
How We Tested the Slippers for Women
To test the slippers for women, we started with market research, identifying the most popular options on major retail sites and gathering recommendations from our team. This process led us to 47 pairs of top-rated slippers. We also interviewed three podiatrists to learn more about what to look for in a high-quality pair.
From there, our testers put each slipper through its paces, wearing each pair for at least an hour daily for several weeks during the testing period. During this time, we wore them on various surfaces, including hardwood, carpet, grass, concrete, gravel, and more. Testers took detailed notes and photos to capture every aspect of the slippers and rated each contender on the following key categories: design, quality, comfort, durability, warmth, and value.
Within each category, we asked specific questions about the slippers, using expert insight to determine what’s most important when shopping for high-quality slippers and which options would work best for each kind of wearer. Considering all of this, we ended up with eight of the most highly rated slippers, which work for a wide variety of wearers.
What to Know About Slippers for Women
- Material: You’ll frequently find memory foam, cork, shearling, suede, and wool as core materials in women’s slippers and house shoes. Each has its distinct advantages, says podiatrist Justin Singh, DPM. “Memory foam provides good comfort, but it lacks support,” he notes. Instead, he recommends cork, which offers both support and structure. “Cork is unique because it molds over time to a patient’s individual foot structure.”
- Soles: Rubber-coated soles give your slippers and house shoes both versatility and durability. “Rubber soles can provide stability and traction and prevent slippage,” says Singh. They’re also shock-absorbing to minimize impact, and rubber is water-resistant—a crucial element if you ever plan to wear your slippers outside briefly or on slick surfaces.
- Style: From moccasins to clogs to fluffy slides, there’s no shortage of options when you’re shopping for slippers. Most of it comes down to your personal preference and how you plan to wear the slippers, but you should consider the heel. “Closed-back slippers are generally better because they provide better support and are more stable, so they’re less likely to slip off when walking,” says Singh. So if you have an unsteady gait or you’re buying for someone with a history of falls, stick to closed-back slippers. Open-back slippers, meanwhile, are easier to put on and can be more comfortable if you have a bony prominence on the heel bone, but your feet may get fatigued more quickly from your toes gripping the slipper soles.
- Arch Support: Arch support may seem more like a must-have in your running shoes than your slippers, but podiatrists say it’s an essential feature in any shoes you’re wearing for long periods of time. “A simple way to reverse [inflammation or foot pain] is to always wear a slipper or footwear with arch support,” says Bonarigo. “Wearing a supportive house shoe or slipper (and work shoe too) can help aid your tendons and ligaments against the battle of gravity.” If arch support is important to you or you’re already experiencing some foot pain, look for slippers with a small lift in the footbed; they shouldn’t bend or twist easily like a rag. Similarly, stay away from sock-like slippers or house shoes that are totally flat.
- Cushioning: Unlike stability, which refers to the support in your slippers, cushioning refers to how much foam or padding you’ll find underneath the midsole. “Since most of our homes have hard wooden floors or concrete floors, I really recommend having at least one inch of cushioning,” says Park. “I noticed a lot of pathologies during COVID-19 that were related to patients walking around barefoot in their homes; we were not meant to stand and walk around on hard floors due to the lack of shock absorption.” In short: Your slippers should be comfy and cloud-like.
- Toe Box: The toe box—aka the part of the slipper that contains your toes—needs to be wide enough for your toes to spread out naturally, without any pinching or squeezing. Shoppers with bunions may need to pay special attention to the toe box, says Singh. “Patients with bunions would benefit from slippers that have a wide toe box without seams in the area of the bunion, as this may cause irritation,” he says. Alternatively, slippers with a knit or wool upper (the fabric on top of the slipper) may also reduce bunion-related symptoms. “I always recommend wool material for the top cover of the shoe for patients with bunions and hammer toes, as it can stretch out and conform to foot deformities,” says Park.
Why Trust Shape
Kristen Geil, NASM-CPT, is a five-time marathoner and frequent tennis player who averages 14,000 steps a day—so when she’s done moving for the day, her feet need all the recovery they can get. She’s also a former senior fitness editor at Shape who helped create many of the team’s shoe-specific testing methodologies. During her time at Shape, Kristen led the brand’s accolades programs, including the Sneaker Awards and the Fitness Awards—so she’s a pro at Shape’s rigorous testing and review process. For this article, she interviewed:
- Hannah Park, DPM, board-certified podiatrist from Chicago
- Elizabeth Bonarigo, DPM, podiatrist who specializes in biomechanics at Lower Limb Institute in Hackensack, New Jersey
- Justin Singh, DPM, podiatrist with experience in sports medicine
Kristen also conducted additional product research to ensure that the best slippers were tested and considered for this round-up; she personally tested the Bombas Gripper Slippers.
