We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. learn more>
Zoe Vanderweide is a fashion and accessories writer who has personally tested nearly 500 bags, jeans,, shoes, and more.
Nothing beats cold feet better than a pair of comfortable slippers. The best slippers not only provide comfortable support and long-lasting warmth, they also keep your body warm from the soles of your feet up. We spent 120 hours researching slippers and tested 39 styles for men and women.
After years of constant wear and feedback, we still love our long-standing favorites: a pair of warm shearling moccasins that are durable enough to wear outside, beautiful and durable felt slippers that won’t overheat your feet, and vegan, fleece-lined slippers that are a steal at around $50.
The shoes we chose were made from warm, breathable materials like wool and fleece to keep your feet comfortable and cool.
Good quality slippers should last between 5 and 8 years. We took a selection of slippers to the Textile Testing Lab at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City to evaluate their strength and durability.
We focused on models priced between $50 and $150; when it comes to slippers, we found that you really do get what you pay for.
Soft, warm, and durable, these loafers are fluffier and more breathable than other sheepskin slippers we’ve tried. But if your feet tend to sweat, they may be too warm for you.
Soft, warm, and durable, these loafers are fluffier and more breathable than other sheepskin slippers we’ve tried. But if your feet tend to sweat, they may be too warm for you.
LLBean’s Wicked Good Moccasins (available in women’s and men’s sizes) are like a cozy retreat for your feet in a winter cabin. They’re the fluffiest, most breathable sheepskin we’ve tried, and they have a supportive rubber sole for outdoor use. Combining warmth, comfort, and durability, it’s no wonder these slippers became a favorite back in 2016.
They come in a variety of colors (seven for women, six for men) and two widths. The women’s version has a thick wool collar, the men’s version does not, making it more discreet.
They’re fluffy and soft. The Wicked Good Moccasins are some of the most comfortable slippers we’ve ever worn. One tester described the soft, plush fleece lining as a “warm hug.” Unlike similar shearling moccasins we’ve tried, these fit perfectly and stayed fluffy and soft both during and after our testing weeks—a year later, the wool on my pair is still fluffy and soft, just a little matted on the soles of my feet. By comparison, the Minnetonka Pile Lined Hardsole Moccasins lost their fluff in less than two weeks, and the wool in the Ugg Dakota Moccasins was so thick that we could barely squeeze our feet into them.
They’re warm without being too hot. These loafers were the least sweaty of all the sheepskin styles we tried—one employee told us she wears them “every day of the year, even in the summer when it’s a million degrees outside.” (If your feet tend to sweat, you might be better off with our pick, the Glerups Slip-Ons, which are made from felted wool for added breathability.)
The design of the Wicked Good Moccasins means that a little bit of leather is visible on the instep, which may or may not be to your liking. If you’re looking for a style with full foot protection, check out LLBean’s Wicked Good Boot Moc (women’s and men’s) — it’s essentially the same slipper, except it’s ankle-height. If you’re looking for a different type of foot protection — or just a different aesthetic — Wicked Good moccasins come in a number of other styles, including clogs, slippers, and booties.
Features a supportive rubber sole. Of all our styles, the Wicked Good moccasin offers the most comfortable support thanks to its memory foam footbed. And its grippy, waterproof rubber sole provides traction and stability, so you can wear these slippers whether you’re heading to the mailbox or strolling around the block.
Like most rubber-soled slippers, these moccasins can be a little noisy on wooden floors. If you’re looking for a quieter (but less durable) pair of slippers, the Wicked Good Slippers are available as suede-soled booties (for men and women), and the Glerups Slippers are available with a soft leather sole.
They’re built to last. Wicked Good’s slippers feature sturdy stitching, a durable suede fleece upper, and a thick rubber sole. At around $90, they’re not cheap, but we know from experience that they can withstand heavy use—one Wirecutter staffer said their slippers were still going strong after five years of wear. My own pair of slippers survived the ultimate durability test—from a dog—without falling apart (though, sadly, the laces are a thing of the past).
LLBean offers a one-year warranty on their slippers. If your loafers get dirty or stained, you can clean them with a damp cloth and mild detergent.
If your feet get too hot when wearing slippers, these simple felt wool slip-ons are the perfect option: they’re warm but breathable, so you don’t sweat. They’re pricey, but they’re stylish, durable, comfortable, and worth the money.
If your feet get too hot when wearing slippers, these simple felt boots are the perfect option: they’re warm but breathable, so you don’t sweat. They’re pricey, but they’re stylish, durable, comfortable, and worth the money.
The Glerups leather-soled sliders are the most durable, breathable, supportive, and beautifully proportioned of all the wool slippers we tested. Their distinctive, charming (dare we say, almost human) personalities inspire a level of loyalty and devotion that’s unusual for such a humble accessory; the Glerups have won over many Wirecutter staffers, including senior fashion editor Jennifer Hunter, who raved about them. We recommend the slip-on style for year-round wear; in winter, we prefer the bootie version.
Glerups slippers come in about a dozen colors and have soft leather or rubber soles (about $35 more) (loafers, boots).
They come in a variety of unisex styles. Which Glerups style best suits your lifestyle? The booties were the warmest; they had wide, flexible side seams that made them easy to get on and off, and they were a favorite among our testers. The more streamlined, open-toe slippers also got rave reviews — they’re easier to get on and off, and we prefer them for warmer climates. Glerups also makes what it calls a bootie style, which is actually more of an ankle boot. Some of our testers found them a little tricky to put on, but they still have plenty of fans: One Wirecutter associate editor said, “I’ve had these for two years now and I love them. I need a heel or I feel naked and empty.”
All three versions come with a soft leather sole, or you can spend an extra $35 for a natural rubber sole, which adds traction and stability. If you plan to wear the slides outside, these are a solid option.
They’re warm and breathable. If other slippers make you sweat, our selection from Glerups might be your best bet. Their 100% felt wool material is naturally moisture-wicking, temperature-regulating, and odor-resistant, so they’ll keep your feet warm without overheating or getting smelly. They’re so breathable, we wear them almost all year round.
They have a charm all their own. Originally designed by Danish designer Nancy Glerup in 1970, these minimalist Scandinavian slippers embrace the Danish idea of ​​hygge—the cozy feeling of contentment that comes from wrapping your feet in a warm wool cocoon. If you have a no-shoes rule at home, Glerups are an understated and, dare we say it, chic option?—and can be worn all day, every day, without anyone thinking they’re just “house slippers.” (Editor-in-chief Ingela Ratledge Amundson wears the slippers to dinner parties without embarrassment, and usually at least one guest has bought a pair before the evening is over.)
They just keep getting better with time. The Glerups slippers have a break-in period. It wasn’t painful or even unpleasant, but some testers noted that the slippers felt a little stiff out of the box and could be a little itchy. (If you have sensitive skin, you might want to wear socks first.) In our experience, the felt upper softened after a few weeks, and the soft footbed molded to our feet nicely, providing a comfortable, supportive fit.
Once you put these slippers on, you won’t want to take them off. “Two years later, I still wear my Glerups every day, travel with them, and even take them with me when I visit people,” one Wirecutter staffer raved.
They’re very durable. The wool fabric in the Glerups slippers is incredibly durable: We took a sample to the textile lab at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, and it withstood up to 300 pounds of force in a tensile testing machine — even with the machine temporarily stopped — without breaking.
NOTE: During the first few weeks of wearing these slippers, you may notice some shedding and fuzzy hair on these slippers – small clumps of hair may collect, like balls, especially on the heels. This is normal and will not last long; simply pluck out any loose hairs.
Glerups are made from a single piece of felt with a stitched-on sole and wool felt lining, so they have fewer potential wear points than other slippers we reviewed and will stay in great condition for a long time. That said, many Wirecutter staffers (who are big fans of Glerups) said that after years of daily wear, they finally got tired of the slippers. (Think: holes in the pinky toes; cracks running down the top of the heel.) Still, no one doubted or blamed their slippers for being thrown away after so much wear.
Wool is naturally resistant to dust, but regular vacuuming will keep your Glerup looking its best. If your slippers become stained, you can clean them with a damp cloth and wool soap.
Glerups slippers come with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty (PDF) against defects. If you purchase through LLBean, they are also covered by the LLBean Satisfaction Guarantee.
These slippers are comfortable, soft, and provide better support than similarly priced slippers. They are not made with animal products, but synthetic fleece is not as breathable as wool, so your feet may sweat.
These slippers are comfortable, soft, and provide better support than similarly priced slippers. They are not made with animal products, but synthetic fleece is not as breathable as wool, so your feet may sweat.
Believe it or not, a pair of slippers can keep your feet warm without the help of sheep. If you’re looking to avoid animal products (or the high prices that often come with them), we recommend the LLBean Wool Slipper Scuffs (women’s and men’s). These lightweight, simple slippers are made from soft, cozy wool and feature a rubber sole that’s suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. They’re not as supportive or breathable as our other picks, but they’re the most comfortable and durable slippers we’ve found for around $50.
They’re super warm. The Sweater Fleece Slipper Scuffs have a knit polyester upper and a brushed fleece lining, making them a great choice for vegetarians. This synthetic material feels incredibly soft and warm, but it also retains heat better than our other picks (the Sheepskin Shearling LLBean Wicked Good Moccasins and the Felted Wool Glerups), so if you have hot feet, you may find that the Sweater Wool Slipper Scuffs make you sweat.
They offer decent support. The Sweater Fleece Slipper Scuffs have an EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate, a lightweight cushioning foam) insole and midsole, and a thin rubber outsole, making them ideal for outdoor exploration. They’re not as firm as our other picks, but our testers found the foam cushioning to be comfortable enough, and they’re surprisingly firm and supportive, especially considering their price.
They’re great value for money. It took us a long time to find a pair of inexpensive slippers worth recommending; most slippers in the $50 and under price range tend to be poorly made, flimsy, or just plain ugly. Not the Sweater Fleece Slipper Scuffs. Despite their reasonable price, they’re comfortable and attractive—they have a clean, streamlined shape—and are well made. Like all LLBean gear, they’re backed by the company’s excellent one-year warranty.
A Wirecutter contributor told us she’s been wearing her glasses morning and night for two years now, and they’re still in great condition.
We’ve been researching and testing slippers since 2014, consulting with experts along the way, including Wendy Thayer, brand marketing manager at Garnet Hill; Sean Cormier, professor and chair of textile development and marketing at the Fashion Institute of Technology; and Rick Hege, an expert on hand-woven sheepskin. This guide draws on the work of several authors, including Alex Arpaia, Justin Krajeski, Amy Palandjian, Jamie Wiebe, and Michael Zhao.
Ten Wirecutter staffers helped us test 39 pairs of slippers in a variety of sizes. We asked our testers questions about fit, comfort, and style, and collected feedback on how the slippers performed on surfaces like hardwood, carpet, and stairs. During our testing, we looked specifically at the following qualities:
Warm and breathable: Slippers should keep your feet comfortable without making them too hot. Wool slippers are breathable, warm, and temperature-regulating. Sheepskin is also a good choice in cold climates: it provides warmth but breathes better than synthetics. For those who prefer winter slippers that don’t contain animal products, we’ve also looked at synthetic wool options.
Support: We looked for slippers that provided good arch support, just like a comfortable shoe. We especially like slippers with rubber or cork soles—this allows them to be worn outdoors and makes the slippers more durable and supportive.
Durability: Quality slippers will last between 5 and 8 years. All of the products we selected underwent years of real-world testing to assess their durability. We also took the four wool slippers that made our shortlist to FIT’s Textile Testing Lab in New York City. There, we separated the slipper upper from the sole and tested the material’s tensile strength, recording how many pounds of force it took to rip the fabric.
Price: When it comes to slippers, you get what you pay for. With that in mind, we focused primarily on slippers priced between $50 and $100; we also looked at a few models in the $100 to $200 range.
We’ve previously recommended the Acorn Dara Clog Women’s Slipper and the Acorn Digby Gore Italian Wool Men’s Clog, but after extensive testing, we found a number of durability issues, with the back wearing out quickly and the front of the boot separating from the sole.
We like the Allbirds Wool Loungers (women’s and men’s), but they feel more like an outdoor shoe than a comfortable house slipper. Plus, they run small.
We had high hopes for the Baabuk Mel Unisex Felt Slippers. Unfortunately, they are stiff and rough, with no arch support.
The Birkenstock Zermatt Shearling Felt Moccasins (available in women’s and men’s sizes) have the same comfortable cork and latex footbeds as regular Birks, but their wool uppers are stiff and scratchy, and the white wool lining stains easily.