The perfect pair of slippers is easy to slide on — meaning, no bending down to adjust the fit — and works with or without socks. We also want a pair that clearly says “house shoe,” so we’re not tempted to wear them out and get them dirty.
Some of us sweat more than others, so we’ve included open-toed options for people who run hot. Others have poor circulation and prefer a slipper lined with wool or shearling, even in summer.
According to Dr. Jackie Sutera, wearing slippers is a kind of “active recovery” for your feet. This means your slippers should engage the areas of your feet that work the hardest.
Contoured footbed. For the most comfortable fit, Sutera recommends a contoured footbed with raised arch support, a slight heel, and deep heel cups. She advises against thin and flat styles that offer little to no support, saying “These types are not foot-friendly and can cause foot pain with prolonged use.”
Cushioning. Your slippers should have a layer of foam to absorb the shock from stepping on hard floors. But just because they’re plush, doesn’t mean they should be easy to bend. Especially if you have plantar fasciitis pain, the footbed should be sturdy while still cupping your heels.
Lightweight. You can exhaust your feet without even realizing it when you wearing slippers that weigh over 12 ounces. Styles with more cushioning will be heavier, but try to look for footbeds made with recycled EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate), which is a lightweight material used often in running shoes.