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Slippers so cool, you’ll want to wear them outside
We've trialled the best brands to wear inside and out (which means no soggy surprises)
Now that the weather’s beginning to turn colder and the evenings are drawing in, it’s time to invest in a new pair of slippers to go with our loungewear sets and luxury dressing gowns. And we've found styles that will go with our dresses, tailoring and coats, too!
The hybrid ‘slipper-shoe’ is the unexpected trend fashion editors are loving right now. Mums doing the school run are rejoicing at this indoor-outdoor hybrid shoe. It’s the epitome of that ‘rushed-out-the door‘, artfully dishevelled luxury that’s become uber-fashionable.
It’s clear the once-humble footwear is having a moment, and our fashion director Amanda Marcantonio is fully on board. “Like a proper grown-up, in lockdown I splurged on my very first pair of slippers: the Birkenstock Arizona Shearling sandal. I've worn them so much that I recently upgraded to the Arizona Big Buckle Shearling design. With its fuzzy lining, sturdy sole and blingy gold buckle, I’ve worn them on WFH days and on a quick trip to the supermarket, as well as on fashion shoots. Comfy, cosy and cool. Does a shoe get any better than that?”
During the pandemic, not only were slippers trending, but so were “slipper-like” shoes – such as Crocs, Birkenstocks and Uggs – as people sought comfort and style for their daily walks around the block. The Birkenstock Boston clog was a real game-changer for the slipper trend, and its popularity has just continued to grow and grow. Karl Lagerfeld, who thought that sweatpants were a sign of giving up on life, must be turning in his grave!
How we trialled the slippers
From running errands to weekend brunch (not to mention WFH days), our fashion editors have handpicked their favourite slipper shoes to buy right now (or to add to your Christmas wish list). And – as we like to do at Good Housekeeping – we’ve put this year's crop of cosy slippers through their paces, to see which are worth spending on and will keep their structural integrity when you wear them out of the house.
We’ve asked all the important questions, like “Can I wear them without socks and not get sweaty?” or “Do they fall off when I run to meet the Deliveroo man at the front door?” And “Will my heels be somewhere in the Baltic Sea while my toes feel like it’s summer in Australia?”
If you want to know which of the slippers below have been trialled by our team, look out for the 'Editor's Choice' badge, along with our feedback on how toasty they kept our toes, and whether we could wear them while running errands. All the other styles have been hand-picked by our fashion team for their style credentials – we just haven't had a chance to try them yet.
These slippers are so good, you'll want to wear them out.
Beloved by our fashion director, Amanda, these are her trusty shoot-day slippers that provide warmth and extra cool points. Just add socks.
If you’re looking to level up the cosy and lean into ski season style, then we’ve found the design for you.
“It’s an understatement to say I’m enamoured with these UGGs,” says our senior beauty writer, Florence Reeves-White. “I love a slipper that hugs my whole foot, not just the front, and these are so supportive I can even run upstairs in them without falling over.
"My work from home days are transformed, as I don’t need to spend energy swapping shoes when I make my third trip of the day to Tesco, or if I need to collect my parcels from a neighbour (who, me?). The base is wipeable, so a few scrapes along the doormat and I feel confident enough to totter around on our cream carpets in them.” Our household advice editor might have something to say about that, but we won’t tell her if you don’t.
You’ll want to live in these cute mule slippers all season long, thanks to the soft faux-fur lining and the sturdy sole. They’d also make a great gift.
These slippers from Hawaiian brand OluKai have perhaps the most ingenious design of those we trialled. They’re a joy to slot your feet into but the fit comes up slightly small, so if you want to wear socks with them, size up.
“What’s inspired about these is that they have a collapsible (patented) drop-in heel,” explains senior writer, Florence. “Essentially, there’s a soft shearling and leather flap at the back that allows you to fold it down if you’re after some slide-on slippers, but you can pull it up for added structure if you want your heels to be toasty, too.”
The base is made of gum rubber with a buffed finish, which the brand claims will prevent unwanted marks on laminate floors, and, crucially, ensure an enhanced grip.
These are designed with nine pressure points in the sole to replicate the feel of walking in nature (without the painful experience of stepping on a sharp rock, of course). According to Simba, the nine zones encourage blood circulation and provide pain relief if needed, too.
“I can’t say I’ve noticed the nature thing myself,” GHI homes writer, Megan Geall says. “But they are incredibly comfortable, and I’ve loved having them for working from home. The cord-effect finish and rubber outsole make them great for indoor and outdoor use, so I don’t have to and switch shoes if I need to hang the washing out, which I’m still bravely doing outside while I wait for my heated clothes airer to arrive.
“They’re not the warmest slippers (even when wearing socks with them), so I’d probably switch to slipper boots in the depths of winter, but I do love how practical and comfortable they are.”
Want more warmth than a slip-on slipper will provide but don’t want a full boot? Well, stop scrolling. These suede clog slippers are the answer.
Slider-style shoes are so on trend — and the style has spread to slippers, too. This chic faux-fur pair are perfect for slipping on and off in and out of the house.
We’re all about a bit of fluff on the inside of a slipper, and these are certainly serving cosy.
“The hard sole is ideal for nipping outside to water my plants and provides a good level of support,” says Hannah Mendelsohn, the GHI’s homes editor. “In fact, they’re pretty comfy (you can adjust the buckles to find a good fit), and the fabric is silky soft when I’m barefoot. I always go for a similar style of slipper – sliders with as much faux fur as possible – but this does mean I need socks for added insulation when it’s cold.”
In other words, if you’re someone that always runs cold, they may not be quite right. Generally, though, they’re a chic and comfortable choice – just make sure to keep the floors clean if you’re opting for the white colour way.
Mule slippers are a classic choice – and with good reason. This viral pair from Ugg has been a sell-out for the past few years. Get yours before they’re gone!
What do you get if you cross the popular Birkenstock Bostons with a teddy bear? The fluffiest slippers that you won’t ever want to take off!
“These fluffy slippers are both comfortable and cute,” says Maddie Evans, our lifestyle writer. “The hard base is convenient for when you fancy an alfresco breakfast and I’m sure they’d go unnoticed if you popped to the shop in them, too. Well, they may raise eyebrows in Waitrose...
“I’ve always worn open-backed slippers, so I did think this style might prove slightly uncomfortable. But, I was pleasantly surprised to find that my size eight stompers were snug without being squished. I’m a firm believer in socks with slippers too, but the enclosed furry lining means you could get away with not wearing any, if you wanted to.”
Looking for a more sturdy fur-lined slipper? Well, Dr Martens has combined its signature chunky sole with some faux-fur-lined mules for the perfect inside/outside hybrid. Pair with chunky socks for ultimate warmth.
These are not for those who run hot. Super sturdy and robust, they are very cosy thanks to the boot style. We’re also fans of the classic Barbour check, and while you can tell they’re good quality, they’re still comparably affordable.
“They’re just as warm and snug as the Tasman Uggs, but the base is a little less solid,” says senior writer, Florence. “If you’re after a boot style but aren’t so bothered about wearing them out of the house, I’d opt for these. They’re still sturdy enough for odd jobs in the garden, but you can curl up on the sofa in them and it doesn’t feel like you’re still wearing shoes – none of that hard sole cutting into your calf while you’re watching reruns of Gilmore Girls.”
Penelope Chilvers Inuit Embroidered Felt Wool-Lined Slipper
Nothing says winter like a fur-lined slipper boot. These ones are shearling lined, too, making them cool yet cosy.
“I have a habit of buying totally ridiculous slippers – typically, big fluffy things, preferably in leopard print – so these ones are quite different to my usual style,” says Alison Lynch, the GHI's head of content.
“The first thing I noticed is they feel a lot sturdier, with a proper sole, which means I can take out the recycling or go out with the dog without ruining them. I did both – in the middle of a storm – and they were still in pristine condition.
“They have a furry lining, which I appreciated on cold days – you could wear them without anything else on your feet when it’s warmer but they’re backless, so I put my socks on for double the warmth during winter. Style-wise, they feel quite sensible for me, but they’re a great, practical option.” No points for sexiness, then, but full marks for functionality.
"These slippers are so comfortable and are the first thing I put on just before having my morning coffee,” explains Rebecca Johnson, our SEO manager. “They have a warm fleecy inside, with soft suede trim and a solid sole.
“I always look for slippers that cover the whole foot and have an eye-catching design to brighten up dreary mornings, and these really have it all. Also, I can now colour-coordinate with my cat, which is an obvious win." If you’re after a jazzy pair that are sure to garner compliments from the post person, put these on your wish list.
Another pair of slippers that have a stylish slider design, these will match with everything from pyjamas to loungewear while you’re at home or even out and about in jeans.
If you’re partial to a little platform and something sturdy, this is the perfect style for you. More of a slider for slipping on to potter around the garden or grab the kids from school, they’d just about pass as out-of-house shoes if you pair them with jeans.
The partner of our senior writer, Florence, has a pair (they’re unisex) and he told us: “They’re more of an inside-outside hybrid than something I only wear indoors – I wouldn’t put my feet on the bed in them, but they’re the comfiest thing I own to take the bins out in. Good job, really, as Florence never does it.” Harsh.
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