Best Women's Slippers

Buying guide for Best women’s slippers

Written by Erica van Blommestein

Updated March 2023

It’s hard to beat the relaxing feeling of getting home and sliding into a pair of cozy slippers. Whether you are kicking off ski boots or stilettos, there’s a certain luxury in sliding into warmth and comfort. Not to mention that they will stop you from sliding across any bare floors in your home, as well as keeping them scuff-free.

There are a plethora of styles out there with something for everyone, whether you need toasty warmth, cushioned support, or a multitasking pair that will take you from the living room to the sidewalk and back. Look for arch support if you have plantar fasciitis, and materials like memory foam if you have pain from edema or diabetic feet. There’s a variety of materials to choose from too, from leather to vegan-friendly knits.

Our selection can tick all the boxes you need, in a variety of prices to fit all budgets, that are sure to give you happy feet.

A well-fitting slipper should be slightly looser than your shoes and give your toes room to move while still supporting your foot.

Types of women’s slippers

Too often, the fundamental first step of identifying the most suitable style gets lost in the shuffle. Women’s slippers come in all shapes and sizes, and finding the right style lays the foundation for the rest. Take a look at some of the most common slipper styles below to decide which works best for you.

Slipper boots

With extended ankle coverage, ankle boots are the way to go if you need all the warmth you can get. On the downside, their excellent insulating abilities have the potential to make your feet perspire even in freezing temperatures.

Pros

• Warmest in extremely cold weather

• Extended foot protection

• Wearable outdoors (except softer bootie styles)

Cons

• May cause feet to sweat

• Unsuited to warmer weather

• Most effort to get on and off

Sandal slippers

These slippers have open toes and heels for maximum breathability. Sandal slippers can work to keep your feet off the floors during summer months, but they don't typically offer much in the way of support or comfort.

Pros

• Lightweight

• Good air circulation

• Protects bare feet, as well as floors and carpets

Cons

• Lack cushioning

• Most lack support

• Design is more practical than comfortable

Open-heel slippers

The quintessential slipper design, this style has a closed toe and open heel, allowing you to easily slip your feet in or out while still keeping your little piggies warm. However, if you do a lot of walking or need extra warmth, having your heels exposed may not be ideal.

Pros

• Versatile design

• Good for cooler temperatures

• Decent breathability

• Cushioned for comfort

• Many have rubber soles for light outdoor wear

• Easy to slip on and off

Cons

• Not warm enough in extreme cold

• May slip off while you’re walking

Closed-back slipper

Enveloping the entire foot, this style usually offers a good combination of warmth, support, comfort, and protection. The insulating materials that line many closed-back slippers make them even cozier.

Naturally, these aren't the best option for moderate to warmer weather conditions.

Pros

• Cozy and comfortable

• Suitable for colder weather

• Many are well-padded with good support

• Many have rubber soles for outdoor wear

Cons

• More effort to get on

• Not the most breathable choice

Women's slipper features to consider

The holy grail of leisure footwear – finding the ultimate pair of slippers – remains an elusive goal for many. Is the secret in the sole, or should you look to the cushioning, lining, and style? The truth is, they're all important, but to what degree is up to you. We've broken down the key elements to help you find your winning combination.

Comfort

Above all, a slipper must be comfortable. Good cushioning, plush materials, and a correct fit are basic factors that play a big role in the overall comfort level. However, comfort means different things to different people.

For those exposed to frigid temperatures, warmth and insulation will be a top priority. Any sort of foot pain demands ease of wear, additional cushioning throughout the slipper, and possibly arch support. For others, comfort may entail a well-padded option that offers warmth but still allows air to circulate.

Pinpointing one or two must-have comfort features is a good place to start.

Sole

Even if you’ll never wear your slippers outdoors, choosing a pair with decent soles is a good idea. Apart from skidding on hard floors, inferior soles can leave your feet vulnerable to small, sharp objects like pins, thumbtacks, and the dreaded stray Lego block that turns up where you least expect it. Furthermore, thin soles can cause sore feet and may allow cold to seep in from the flooring beneath them. Naturally, if you plan to occasionally venture outdoors in your slippers, you’ll need soles that are up to the job.

• Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) soles are lightweight, water-resistant, and provide good shock absorption.

• Rubber soles are also water-resistant, flexible (if they aren’t too thick), and tend to offer the best traction in wet conditions.

Design and style

This all boils down to personal taste. With a variety of attractive designs from which to choose, there's no need to sacrifice style for comfort. If you're looking for a pair of slippers that you can wear outside of the house, moccasins are a great option. Indoor slippers don't have to be boring either.

Choosing your favorite color or a standout pattern can brighten things up and give your slippers a little personality.

Materials

Women’s slippers are crafted from a vast array of materials. They are often lined with fleece, wool, or faux fur for added warmth and insulation. Some of the most common slipper materials include the following:

• Memory foam: This material is popular for its cushioning comfort and ability to mold to your foot’s shape. Memory foam slippers are a good option if you have tired, achy feet that need a little extra TLC. They also do a great job of keeping feet warm, but they aren’t the most breathable choice.

• Sheepskin and suede: Usually found in high-end slippers, sheepskin and suede offer superior insulation for colder climates and good breathability. These slippers are comfortable and durable but often require breaking in and special care.

• Felt: Thanks to the wool fibers that breathe easily and provide all-weather insulation, these slippers can be worn year-round. Felt is lightweight and comfortable, but it can be stiff at first. These slippers also tend to be expensive, and the material isn’t everyone's cup of tea.

• Synthetic and natural blends: Blended fabrics such as polyester, cotton, and spandex tend to be practical, comfortable, and affordable. Depending on the fabric ratios, the insulation and breathability can vary, but most are reasonably durable and easy to care for.

Women's slipper prices

Regardless of the style, a comfy pair of slippers needn't break the bank. However, it might be worth paying more for luxury materials, extended durability, and indulgent comfort if you want the best.

$5 to $15

Slippers priced in this range typically offer some warmth and a little protection from bare floors, but not much else. These are only really worth considering for temporary or warm-weather use.

$15 to $30

At this price point, you should be able to find a good balance of comfort, warmth, and practical functionality, with durability increasing along with the cost.

$30 to $80

Luxury and specialized orthopedic slippers can be found in this price bracket. These work best for those who require higher levels of comfort and support.

$80+

Whether you're looking for the very best or you only wear designer brands, slippers in this price margin generally boast the finest materials, highest levels of comfort, and superior durability.

Avoid slippers with thin, hard soles because these are unlikely to provide adequate comfort or support.

FAQ

Q. How do I clean sheepskin slippers?

A. A single stain or blotch can mar the beauty of your sheepskin slippers. Prevention is always better than cure, and we recommend treating your sheepskin slippers with a water-based weather guard to protect them and keep stains from setting into the material.

First, try spot-cleaning stains with diluted suede cleaner or conditioner and cold water. Use a soft sponge to gently scrub the area with the diluted solution before rinsing with cold water. Blot excess moisture away with a towel. Allow your slippers to air dry away from direct sunlight. Once dry, lightly brush in one direction with a soft suede brush.

If your slippers are heavily soiled, you may need to hand-wash them in cold water. Follow the method described above, and stuff the slippers with paper to help them retain their shape while drying. Sheepskin slippers should never be machine washed or tumble dried. Always check manufacturer instructions because some slippers may require specialized care.

Q. My slipper size sometimes fluctuates because my feet swell. What's the best option?

A. Finding a pair of slippers that fits comfortably can be tough if you experience swollen feet due to prolonged standing or circulatory problems. It may be necessary to purchase two pairs in different sizes. To accommodate swelling, we recommend choosing a pair of well-padded and supportive, open-heeled memory foam slippers one or two sizes larger than your regular fit. These needn't be the most expensive, but the slippers should offer good comfort and support.

For everyday use when your feet aren't swollen (and to help prevent swelling), consider investing in a good pair of orthopedic slippers. If you frequently experience swollen feet, compression socks or stockings may help. If you have an underlying condition, be sure to seek medical advice first.

Q. Should I wear my slippers with or without socks?

A. This is entirely up to you. However, wearing socks will extend the life of your slippers by protecting the lining from moisture and odor-causing bacteria. If you find that your feet become overly warm and sweaty when wearing socks with your slippers, try lightweight athletic socks, which tend to be more breathable and have superior moisture-wicking ability.