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The 7 Best Slippers of 2024, Tested by PEOPLE

Our winner was L.L.Bean's Wicked Good Slipper Squam Lake Booties

slippers tout
Photo: Better Homes & Gardens/Dera Burreson

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, pair them with your favorite pajamas and a cozy robe, 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.

The More You Know

While some prefer to walk barefoot at home, board-certified podiatrist and foot surgeon Dr. Bradley Schaeffer advises against it. "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," he says.

Our PEOPLE Tested team slipped on 20 different pairs, evaluating each based on their design, quality, comfort, durability, warmth, and overall value. Ahead, the best slippers we recommend.

L.L.Bean Women's Wicked Good Slippers Squam Lake Booties
PHOTO: L.L.Bean
Our Ratings
  • Design
    5/5
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
Star Qualities
  • Water- and stain-resistant

  • Great traction

  • Bootie style has added warmth

Red Flags
  • 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 we’ve seen 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 their name, the fit on these L.L.Bean booties is wicked good. The lambswool interior feels like a lovely hug around our feet, and they're comfortable enough to wear 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, we think they’re worth every penny due to the slippers' versatility and incredible traction.

Size Range: 6-11 (whole sizes) | Construction: Velvet suede upper, Australian lambswool lining, shearling collar, foam insole, thermoplastic rubber outsole | Colors: 1

L.L. Bean Womens Wicked Good Slippers Squam Lake Booties sitting on sofa

People / Dera Burreson

Runner-Up, Best Overall Slippers

UGG Tasman Slipper

UGG Women's Tasman Slipper
PHOTO: UGG
Our Ratings
  • Design
    4/5
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Comfort
    4.5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    4/5
Star Qualities
  • Plush sheepskin lining

  • Thick soles, so you can wear these outside

  • Lots of color options

Red Flags
  • Might feel snug at first

Ugg slippers are famous for their sheepskin lining that somehow manages to warm up your feet without making them feel overheated. If your feet are always freezing, these soft and cozy slippers will keep them toasty. These shoes are well made with perfect stitching around the thick and durable (yet lightweight) soles, so they are made to last and can easily be worn outside.

These cute, comfy slippers come in more than a dozen colors — everything from classic black to brighter, bolder colors like parakeet green. 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 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

Birkenstock Women's Zermatt Shearling Clog Slipper
PHOTO: Amazon
Our Ratings
  • Design
    4.8/5
  • Quality
    4.8/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Durability
    4.5/5
  • Value
    4/5
Star Qualities
  • Supportive

  • Can wear without socks

  • Easy to slip on and off

Red Flags
  • Not ideal for wide feet

We know Birkenstock fans will love these. But if you’re new to the brand that's a celebrity favorite, you can’t go wrong with the Zermatt slipper. There’s the cork sole just like you get with Birkenstock clogs, but it looks more like a fabric sole dipped in rubber. It’s worth noting that these have a more narrow fit, but we like that they provide more support than the average slipper. The shearling inside is just the right amount, cushy but not super fluffy.

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 outdoors for a longer period (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 's 4-12.5; men's 6-17.5 (whole and half sizes) | Construction: Wool blend upper, shearling lining, cork and latex footbed, rubber sole | Colors: 6

Best Slippers for Narrow Feet

Dearfoams Brendan Microfiber Suede Clog

Dearfoams Men's Brendan Microfiber Suede Clog with Whipstitch Slipper
PHOTO: Amazon
Our Ratings
  • Design
    4.5/5
  • Quality
    4.5/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Durability
    4.5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
Star Qualities
  • Carbon-neutral product

  • Good for both indoors and outdoors

  • Supportive

Red Flags
  • Require a short break-in period

The cushion and support of these Dearfoams slippers feel more like a shoe than the slippers we’ve tried. The lining was warm and comfortable but didn't make our feet too warm or cause sweating. While these have a narrow fit, they come in wide sizes as well. 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 — 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: 12

side view of feet wearing Dearfoams Mens Microfiber Suede Clog with Whipstitch Slipper

People / Jodi Espinosa

Best Arch Support Slippers

Vionic Gemma Mule Slippers

Vionic Gemma Mule Slippers
PHOTO: Amazon
Our Ratings
  • Design
    5/5
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Durability
    4/5
  • Value
    4.7/5
Star Qualities
  • Designed by a podiatrist

  • Velcro tab ensures a snug fit

  • Shock-absorbing midsole

Red Flags
  • Not everyone needs the firm arch support

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 surprising, though, when you consider that a podiatrist designed them. 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 in 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. Considering the reasonable price, it may be worth buying some as a gift for grandma or anyone else in the family (or a few pairs for yourself).

Size Range: Women's 5-12 (whole sizes) | Construction: Terrycloth upper and footbed, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) sole | Colors: 2

Feet wearing Vionic Gemma Mule Slippers on a couch

People / Christine Colby

Best Slippers for Flat Feet

Glerups Slip-on With Leather Sole

Glerups Slip-On With Leather Sole
PHOTO: Glerups
Our Ratings
  • Design
    5/5
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Durability
    4.8/5
  • Value
    4.8/5
Star Qualities
  • Roomy toe box

  • Wool lining keeps feet consistently warm

  • Great traction

Red Flags
  • 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.

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 they 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: 12

Glerups Wool Slip-On Leather Slippers sit on blanket

People / Karen Chen

Best Memory Foam Slippers

Bombas Sunday Slippers

Bombas Sunday Slippers
PHOTO: Bombas
Our Ratings
  • Design
    4.5/5
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Durability
    4.3/5
  • Value
    5/5
Star Qualities
  • No break-in period needed

  • Warm without overheating

  • For every pair purchased, Bombas donates a pair

Red Flags
  • Heel flattened a bit over time

These slippers are super comfortable right away and require no break-in period. During testing, our feet felt warm and supported 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 they remained clean throughout 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. 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: 4

Bombas Men's Sunday Slipper sit on wood floor

People / Emma Tollefson

Add to Cart

While you’re shopping for slippers, consider adding the following PEOPLE-Tested favorites to your cart. We’ve dubbed them winners for their respective categories, so we feel confident you’ll love them, too.

What to Know About 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 and 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. The slippers that made our list range from just under $50 to over $100. 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

Behind the Scenes

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 physical therapist 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 paying more for good footwear that will support your feet, not harm them further. That said, our PEOPLE Tested list runs the gamut from 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.

Why Trust PEOPLE?

Barbara Bellesi Zito has 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, Barbara drew on the experiences of our team of product testers, countless online user reviews, and interviews with Bradley Schaeffer, DPM, a board-certified podiatrist and foot surgeon; Sohn Thach, a natural nail specialist and reflexologist; and Jasmine Marcus, PT, DPT, CSCS, a physical therapist.

Our Expert Panel

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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