Best Slippers: House Slippers, Slipper Boots and Memory Foam

The best slippers match the floor and the person. For hard floors and older relatives, start with a nonskid sole and a back that holds the heel. For cold feet, a lined slipper boot keeps ankles warm. Memory foam adds cushioning, and washable fleece is easiest to keep fresh. Sizing varies by style, so check the size notes before gifting.

Quick picker: which slipper for which moment?

House slippers, moccasins and slipper boots: what is the difference?

Scuffs and slides are open at the back. They slip on fastest and suit warm-footed people, but they hold the foot least securely, which matters on stairs.

Closed-back house slippers and moccasins wrap the heel, so they tend to stay on better when you walk. Moccasin styles often have a softer upper and a lined footbed. Our moccasin slippers guide explains soles and fit, and our leather slippers guide compares suede and smooth leather.

Slipper boots rise above the ankle. They cover the most of the foot and ankle, which suits cold basements and drafty old houses.

Our women’s slippers guide goes through each style by need, and our men’s slippers guide covers clogs, wider fits and outdoor soles.

Which slippers are best for hard floors?

Hard floors call for looking at the sole before the lining. Mayo Clinic says “floppy slippers and shoes with slick soles can make you slip, stumble and fall,” and advises sturdy, flat shoes with nonskid soles. The NHS says shoes or slippers should “fit well, do not slip off and have a good grip.” The National Institute on Aging also lists backless shoes as a fall risk.

That advice is written with falls in older adults in mind. Our own reading is that it makes sense on any polished floor: a rubber tread and a heel that stays put should hold better than a felt sole on tile or hardwood.

Are memory foam slippers worth it?

Memory foam started out in aircraft seats. NASA Spinoff traces it to 1966, when it was developed to absorb shock in NASA airplane seats. Its early name was “slow spring back foam”: it flowed to match the body pressing on it and returned to its original shape afterward.

In a slipper, that means a footbed that molds to your foot, for anyone who wants something softer underfoot at home. It adds cushioning, not grip, so still check the sole. Arch support is a separate claim that varies by maker; our guide to slippers with arch support explains what makers mean by it.

Warmest slippers for someone who is always cold

A warm slipper starts with coverage. A slipper boot keeps the ankle covered, and a lined collar helps keep drafts out.

Then pick the lining:

• Sheepskin. The wool stays on the hide, so the lining is the fleece itself. It is the classic warm choice. UGG’s care guidance for its sheepskin says hand wash only and never dry it in direct heat or sunlight.
• Sherpa and fleece. Synthetic piles that look like sheepskin. They are lighter, often cheaper and sometimes washable. Our sherpa vs fleece vs faux fur comparison explains how the fabrics differ, and our faux fur slippers guide covers fuzzy pairs.
• Knit and felted wool. Less plush, if your feet overheat in thick linings.

For the always-cold, slippers work well with a heated throw or electric blanket on the sofa, a covered hot water bottle at the foot of the bed, or a plug-in foot warmer under the desk.

UGG slippers

UGG’s sheepskin slippers, such as the Tasman, Scuffette and Coquette, differ on sizing by style, and counterfeits exist. Our UGG slippers guide compares the styles, their sizing notes and how to check a pair is genuine before you buy.

Which slippers can you machine wash?

Machine washing depends on the label, since the rules vary by material. Dearfoams gives a clear rule set for its own range:

1. Most of its styles without suede or elaborate detailing can go on a gentle cycle, then air dry.
2. Suede stays out of the washer.
3. Fur stays out too.
4. It does not recommend the dryer for any slippers, which can leave them misshapen.

Slippers for older relatives and people with diabetes

For parents and grandparents, grip comes first: a nonskid sole, a flat or low heel and a fit that does not slip off, per Mayo Clinic, AAOS and the NHS.

For people with diabetes, the NIDDK says to “wear shoes and socks at all times” and not to walk barefoot or in just socks, even indoors. It also warns against putting a hot water bottle or heating pad on the feet and suggests socks in bed instead. That page does not mention slippers, so ask a doctor or podiatrist whether a given pair is suitable.

Slippers as gifts

Slippers make a good present for the always-cold and for older relatives, but they are sized, and sizing varies by style even within one brand. Zappos lists UGG’s Scuffette II as true to size but advises one size down for the Coquette.

A few ways to get it right:

• Borrow the size from a pair they already wear, or ask a partner.
• Choose a style with clear size notes, or a knit style with some give.
• Include a gift receipt, or buy from a seller with free returns.

Licensed character slippers suit kids and fans. Our guide to cozy gifts for fans explains how to spot a licensed product.

Slipper guides by wearer and need

Women's slippersFuzzy, moccasin, boot, foam or scuff, matched to what you need.

Men's slippersMoccasins, clogs and boots, plus wider fits and outdoor soles.

Slipper socksGrippers or a real sole, and when socks are not enough.

Slippers with arch supportWhat makers mean by the phrase, and what a seal does and does not say.

More slipper guides by fit and material:

• Wide slippers: what W and EE mean, and which styles give more room.
• Slippers for big feet: large sizes and how letter charts run.
• Moccasin slippers: how they are made, how they fit and which sole to pick.
• Leather slippers: suede versus smooth leather, linings and care.
• Faux fur slippers: warmth, matting and washing fuzzy pairs.

Pair slippers with a soft set from our cozy loungewear guide, or see more ideas in our cozy gifts guide. Socks and robes are in our loungewear section.