Buying guide for Best men’s slippers
At the end of a long day, most of us can’t wait to get home and kick off our shoes. But even around your own home, having the right footwear to protect your feet is important, which is why finding the right men’s slippers can make such a difference.
Men’s slippers come in a variety of styles and constructions, though, and choosing the right pair from all the options can be tough. In addition to selecting the right size, you need to decide on the type, materials, cushioning, and other features that will keep your feet warm and comfortable once you settle in for the night.
If the shopping process is a little too stressful for you, BestReviews can help. Because we don’t accept free products, you never have to worry about our recommendations being biased. We draw upon expert insight to determine the key features of the products we’re considering, and then we field test some of the top contenders to get an even better idea of their performance. That means we can pass along all the facts you need to make the best possible shopping decisions.
Slippers are thought to have originated in Vietnam during the twelfth century.
Types of men’s slippers
Open back
This type of slipper features an upper portion that covers the toes and the top of the foot but leaves the heel exposed. The slipper style is typically considered the easiest to put on.
Closed back
This type of slipper covers the toes, the top of the foot, and the heel to fully enclose the foot. These slippers are similar in design to men’s slip-on shoes, such as moccasins.
"If you have trouble walking or maintaining your balance, closed-back slippers are the best option because you’re less likely to stumble in them."
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Bootie
This type of slipper is fully enclosed, toe to heel, but it also covers the ankle, resembling a boot. These slippers typically have a fleece, shearling, or faux fur lining for added warmth.
Sandal
This type of slipper is designed to resemble a sandal, with an open toe and heel. Some styles have a slide design, with a piece of material across the top of the foot. Others are a thong style, with a piece of material between the big toe and the next toe to hold the slippers in place.
For your safety
Avoid sandal-style slippers if you wear custom orthotics to treat a foot issue. This style won’t effectively hold the device in place.
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Benefits of men’s slippers
There are several reasons you might want to invest in a good pair of men’s slippers.
Increased comfort
Walking barefoot on hard, flat surfaces is not only uncomfortable but can also be bad for your feet. Slippers provide just enough cushioning to keep your feet comfortable and in good shape.
Safety
Many men’s slippers have rubber soles that offer greater traction, so you’re less likely to slip and fall on slick flooring, such as tile, linoleum, laminate, and hardwood.
Reduced chance of infection
Walking barefoot around your home exposes your feet to bacteria and fungi that may cause infections like athlete’s foot. Wearing slippers protects your feet from these infections and helps to keep them healthy.
Cold and flu prevention
You may have thought it was only a myth, but keeping your feet warm really does make it easier for your body to ward off illnesses like the common cold and flu. Slippers prevent your feet from getting cold, so you’re less likely to get sick.
Cleaner floors
If you wear shoes around the house for added support, you can track dirt, bacteria, grease, and other grime from outside into your home. Slippers that you only wear around the house can offer support without dirtying your floors.
Did you know?
Men with foot issues, such as plantar fasciitis, bursitis, Achilles heel, or arch pain, especially benefit from a good pair of slippers.
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Men’s slipper features to consider
Size
You might assume that you should just buy the same size slipper that you wear in shoes, but it’s important to make sure that the slippers aren’t too tight and don’t push your feet into an uncomfortable position. If you’re unsure how a certain pair of slippers will fit, it’s best to go up a size to make sure that they’re as comfortable as possible. Because you will usually only wear your slippers in the house, you don’t have to worry if the fit is a little loose.
Material
You’ll find men’s slippers made from a variety of materials, including cotton, suede, microfiber, polyester, and leather. Some styles are lined with another material like fleece or sheepskin for added insulation.
Cotton and microfiber are often the best choice for slippers because they’re breathable, so your feet won’t get sweaty. If you’re looking for slippers specifically to keep your feet warm, choose a style with a fleece, shearling, or plush lining.
"Slippers featuring flexible construction are the best choice if you have a larger instep. They aren’t as likely to pinch your feet."
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Type
For most men, choosing a type of slipper is a matter of personal preference. However, some individuals may have physical issues that make certain styles better than others.
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Back pain: Elderly men and those with back issues usually prefer slippers that don’t require bending to put on and take off. Open-back and closed-back slippers are usually their best bet. While slipper sandals don’t require bending to put on, they usually don’t offer enough structure to make walking easier for senior citizens and men with injuries.
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Wide feet: If you have wide feet, sandal slippers can be a good option because they give you more room in the footbed to avoid pinching.
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Cold feet: For those who are primarily concerned about warmth, bootie slippers are the way to go because they provide the most coverage. Booties are often lined to keep your feet even warmer.
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Diabetes: Men who have diabetes should chose a structured closed-toe slipper to protect their feet from injuries that may worsen diabetic nerve pain.
"Men who normally wear wide shoes should look for slippers that are wider as well."
STAFF
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Cushioning
For men’s slippers to be as comfortable as possible, they should have proper cushioning. It provides support for the sole of your foot and helps keep your feet warm, too.
Some slipper footbeds are lined with memory foam to provide effective cushioning. Other styles feature footbeds made of wool to offer comfort and protection for the foot.
Sole
The sole of your slippers plays an important role in preventing slips and falls around the house. Look for a style with a non-skid sole. You should avoid slippers with a completely smooth rubber sole because theywon’t provide enough traction when you’re walking on slick flooring like hardwood or tile.
If you want to wear your slippers outside to take out the garbage or perform other quick chores, look for a sole that’s specifically designed for indoor/outdoor use. In most cases, they’ll have a thicker, textured sole that allows for more protection and traction when you’re walking outdoors.
Men’s slipper prices
Men’s slippers prices vary based on the material and whether they’re designed for indoor or indoor/outdoor use. In most cases, you can expect to pay between $8 and $200.
Budget-friendly
Basic men’s slippers made of cotton or sandal-style slippers made of plastic that are intended only for indoor use generally cost between $8 and $20.
Mid-range
Men’s slippers made of cotton, microfiber, or polyester with rubber soles for indoor/outdoor use, sometimes lined for added warmth, generally cost between $20 and $50.
Expensive
Men’s slippers made of suede with rubber soles for indoor/outdoor use, sometimes lined for added warmth, generally cost between $45 and $75. Men’s slippers made of leather with rubber soles for indoor/outdoor use, sometimes lined for added warmth, generally cost between $75 and $200.
Did you know?
If you’re tired of getting holes in your socks, wearing slippers around the house can keep your favorite socks intact.
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Tips
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Men’s cotton slippers are often machine washable. Check the label to be sure. It’s usually best to wash them on the warm cycle and allow them to air dry.
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If your slippers start to smell, sprinkle some baking soda across the footbed to absorb any odors.
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If you’re taking a long flight, throw your slippers into your carry-on bag so you can wear them on the plane for added comfort.
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To keep your slippers in good condition, don’t wear them outdoors for prolonged periods of time. Even indoor/outdoor styles can be damaged if you regularly do more than get the mail or take out the trash in them.
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Even if your slippers are designed for outdoor wear, it’s a good idea to treat them with a waterproofing spray to help them last as long as possible.
Walking barefoot on hard flooring is especially tough on the feet first thing in the morning. Keep your slippers right beside the bed so you can put them on as soon as you wake up.
FAQ
Q. If I need added support, what features should I look for in men’s slippers?
A. When it comes to styles, a closed-back slipper typically offers the most support. Choose a pair with a firm sole, as well as strong arch support, to keep your feet balanced and stable.
Q. If my main concern is warmth, what type of men’s slipper works best?
A. If your primary concern is keeping your feet warm, choose slippers that feature some type of lining. Fleece or sheepskin is often your best bet. In terms of style, slipper booties are usually the best option for warmth because they enclose the entire foot and ankle.
Q. If my home has hard flooring, what should I look for in men’s slippers?
A. In a carpeted house, slippers usually don’t need to provide much cushioning. However, if your house has hard flooring, look for a pair with a thicker sole to protect your feet. It also helps to choose a style that offers extra cushioning, such as a memory foam lining, for added comfort.
