According to Podiatrists, These House Shoes Have Amazing Arch Support — And They Start at Just $18 (2024)

According to Podiatrists, These House Shoes Have Amazing Arch Support — And They Start at Just $18 (1)

If you're someone who’s on their feet all day, it’s worth investing in some of the best slippers you can find to help your body recover once you head home. And if you're working from home, you might be looking for the best house shoes to help absorb shock from walking on hard floors. "You want to always wear slippers in the house," says Hillary Brenner, D.P.M., a podiatrist in New York City. A supportive pair can help to reduce strain on your joints, she explains. If you deal with foot issues like bunions or plantar fasciitis, wearing a supportive pair of house shoes can alleviate pain and, in some cases, help support recovery.

To find the best slippers and the best house shoes, we did the research: We spoke to Dr. Brenner about what qualities are essential (think: arch support, soft materials, solid construction). After additional testing, these are the best slippers and house shoes for comfy, cozy feet.

The TL;DR on the Best Slippers for Cozy, Warm Feet

  • We tested 23 of the best slippers at a variety of price points, wearing them at least one hour a day for two weeks to get a serious feel for the slippers’ comfort, design, quality, durability, and value.
  • Our best slippers overall are the UGG Tasman Slippers, which we loved for the luxurious-feeling sheepskin lining.
  • For more ankle coverage, try the L.L. Bean Wicked Good Squam Lake Booties, which are warm enough to wear outdoors if needed.
  • We loved the ingenious zipper storage pocket and the durable outsole in the Nike Burrow Slippers — we'd wear these on short dog walks.

Our Top Picks

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Best Slippers for Plantar Fasciitis:

Vionic Gemma Mule Slippers at Amazon ($70)

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Best Slippers Overall

Ugg Tasman Slipper

According to Podiatrists, These House Shoes Have Amazing Arch Support — And They Start at Just $18 (2)

What We Like: Decadent sheepskin makes these the best house shoes in cooler weather.

It’s Worth Noting: They have a pretty snug fit, but they'll loosen up a bit over time. If you plan to wear them with socks or have wide feet, size up.

Sizes: 5–12

Uggs have long been known as makers of the best slippers for women, and these shoes prove why. They are made of soft suede, lined with decadent sheepskin and upcycled wool, and have a lightweight platform (so won't feel clunky). What's more, they feature the brand's trademarked cushioning and traction for a lightweight yet durable sole. Bonus: The Tasman slippers have the same outsole as the brand's Classic Boot, so you can wear them indoors and outside. If you get them dirty and are wondering how to clean Ugg slippers, the brand suggests two methods: you can either pop them in the washing machine on the delicate, cold water cycle, or hand wash them with a damp cloth and some Ugg Cleaner and Conditioner, while blotting gently (just don’t rub).

Most Versatile House Shoes

L.L.Bean Wicked Good Slippers, Squam Lake Booties

According to Podiatrists, These House Shoes Have Amazing Arch Support — And They Start at Just $18 (3)

What We Like: The wraparound shearling lining keeps ankles warm.

It’s Worth Noting: The brand advises you to order up if you happen to be a half size.

Sizes: 5-11

These L.L. Bean slippers stood up to every surface we tested them on, including hardwood, carpet, laminate, and cement, and the ankle height means they stay on firmly for any activity. One editor dubbed the velvet suede exterior “unbeatable,” and we noticed the lining stayed fresh and fluffy throughout the testing period, unlike the Minnetonka Moccasins, which started to get smushed. Since these are a little more of a splurge than other slippers we tested, make sure you size according to L.L. Bean’s recommendations (that is, half sizes should order up). But as some of the best house shoes you can find, they’re worth spending a little extra money on.

What We Like: The small zipper pocket on the top can hold the essentials.

It’s Worth Noting: They can be difficult to slide your feet into.

Sizes: 5-12

These sporty slippers from Nike are lined with cozy fleece and have a soft foam midsole that feels like stepping into a marshmallow. Plus, the zipper pocket on the top lets you stash small items like keys or cash if you're heading out to walk and don't want to carry a purse. We never felt any slipping or sliding when walking around in these, thanks to the anti-slip outsole and traction pattern. But they do take some maneuvering to get into; depending on the surface you’re standing on, you can’t always slip them on hands-free.

Best Slippers to Splurge On

Birkenstock Zermatt Shearling Clog Slipper

According to Podiatrists, These House Shoes Have Amazing Arch Support — And They Start at Just $18 (5)

What We Like: The shearling lining is just fluffy enough without being suffocating.

It's Worth Noting: The soles of the shoes have an odd design that left us wondering about durability.

Sizes: 4-12.5

If you’re a Birkenstock stan, you’ll love the Zermatt Slipper, which is a cozified version of their uber-popular Boston Clogs. With the classic cork-latex footbed and deep heel cup, we found these slippers to be similar to wearing the clogs, but with a little extra warmth. The upper is made out of wool felt, a sustainable material that helps keep warmth in, and the outsole kept our feet dry even on wet ground. These run slightly narrow, and we were a little confused about the sole of the shoe, which almost looks like dipped rubber rather than the usual cork material you’d see with Birks. However, at the three-month testing mark, the shoes had held up to our standards, making us confident they’re one of the best house shoes.

Best Slippers for Plantar Fasciitis

Vionic Gemma Mule Slippers

According to Podiatrists, These House Shoes Have Amazing Arch Support — And They Start at Just $18 (6)

What We Like: The sturdy sole provides firm arch support.

It’s Worth Noting: They’re not washable, which may cause odor buildup over time.

Sizes: 5-12

If you're familiar with Vionic, you've probably caught wind that the brand is one of Oprah's favorites for comfy footwear — which makes sense, as its shoes are designed with the help of podiatrists. This house shoe has an orthotic footbed with a deep heel cup to provide extra arch support (and prevent pronation), which can make it one of the best slippers for people with foot and joint issues like plantar fasciitis. We’re a little wary of the tag saying it isn’t washable (not even by hand), even though the brand notes that the footbed has an anti-bacterial, odor-resistant treatment. So far, we haven’t noticed any lingering smells.

Best Shearling Slippers

OLUKAI Slipper Sandals

According to Podiatrists, These House Shoes Have Amazing Arch Support — And They Start at Just $18 (7)

What We Like: The soft, fluffy texture is perfection.

It’s Worth Noting: The flip flop style leaves your feet open to the elements, so these might not be the best slippers for snowy winters, but owners in warm climates love them for added airflow.

Sizes: 5-11

Who would have thought you could score super cozy slippers from a shoe brand that hails from Hawaii? This OluKai sandal has genuine shearling-wrapped straps for a soft fit, plus an anatomical platform and a cushioned footbed with foam underlay to give it a supportive barefoot feel. It also boasts a non-marking, grippy rubber outsole for added traction. (Not to mention, the outsole features a tropical design of island flora for a delightful mood boost.) Despite being fully covered in shearling, these sandals don't make feet sweat — pretty impressive.

Best Budget Slippers

Ultraideas Memory Foam House Shoes

According to Podiatrists, These House Shoes Have Amazing Arch Support — And They Start at Just $18 (8)

What We Like: The plush memory foam helps your feet relax.

It’s Worth Noting: The sizing is a little vague.

Sizes: 5-12

At around just $20, the Ultraideas Memory Foam Slippers mold to your feet and keep you comfy and supported — even if the only walking you're doing is from the bed to your couch. This house shoe is constructed with a warm fleece lining and a high-density memory foam insole. We found the rubber outsole is perfect for slippery floors and allows you to use them moderately outside if you need to pick up the mail or water your outdoor plants. We especially appreciate that you can machine wash these for easy care, making them one of the best slippers you can get on a budget.

What We Like: They’re podiatrist-approved for healthy feet.

It’s Worth Noting: These slippers tend to run small, but with free returns they’re easy to exchange for the correct size.

Sizes: 5-12

Amazon’s “Overall Pick” for women’s slide sandal, this comfortable cloud-like house shoe is also Dr. Brenner’s top choice for the best slipper. She says it gets her seal of approval because it checks so many of her boxes: It has a 1.75-inch platform base, deep heel cup, molded cushion footbed, firm midsole, and rubber, non-slip outsole for added grip and stability. It comes in 27 colorways, and the sandal style makes them easy to wear outside for short walks, too. Plus, the bottom is really quiet so you’re less likely to disturb neighbors if you live in an apartment or condo building.

Best Wool Slippers

Merrell Juno Wool Clog

According to Podiatrists, These House Shoes Have Amazing Arch Support — And They Start at Just $18 (10)

What We Like: The wool material is warm, yet breathable.

It’s Worth Noting: We recommend sizing up.

Sizes: 5-11

This slip-on features a cozy wool upper and fleece lining and also has the brand's signature active footbed that provides all-day comfort. A supportive heel cup keeps your feet in place despite how easy these are to slip on and off. This clog is way more fashion-forward than other slippers out there, which means they can take you from bumming around the house to grabbing coffee with friends. We especially appreciate the grippy soles on these shoes, and the fact that they’re wearable right out of the box — no break-in time required.

Best Moccasin Slippers

Minnetonka Cally Faux Fur Slipper

According to Podiatrists, These House Shoes Have Amazing Arch Support — And They Start at Just $18 (11)

What We Like: Warm and cozy, they’re perfect for chilling at home.

It’s Worth Noting: There’s no arch support, so we wouldn’t recommend walking extensively in them.

Sizes: 5-11

These fuzzy moccasin slippers have a suede exterior with stylish stitching on the top, faux fur lining, thick, flexible soles, and a rubber outsole with grippy traction to support you on wet or slippery surfaces. Warm and cozy, we found them to be some of the best slippers for lounging around the house. They’re pretty flat, so while you can technically wear them outside, we’d recommend keeping the mileage minimal. We also noticed that as the testing period went on, the fur lining lost its fluffiness, and the fit felt noticeably stretched out (so, more prone to falling off our heels).

Best Slippers with an Open-Toe

SOLLBEAM House Slippers

According to Podiatrists, These House Shoes Have Amazing Arch Support — And They Start at Just $18 (12)

What We Like: The design of these house shoes supports the foot health of people with bunions, arthritis, or plantar fasciitis.

It’s Worth Noting: The footbed can be slippery given the fuzzy texture.

Sizes: 6-11

This platform sandal-slipper delivers style and comfort, thanks to arch support, a deep heel cup (which helps cradle your foot if you’re walking long distances or standing all day), an adjustable strap, and a furry material that's soft against your skin. Indoor- and outdoor-friendly, these slippers are machine-washable, making cleaning them a breeze. Most importantly: Just because they're cheap doesn't mean they're not healthy for your feet. People with foot issues (such as arthritis, bunions, and plantar fasciitis) will find the orthopedic-focused design makes them some of the best slippers around. In particular, they offer the kind of arch support that Dr. Brenner says is critical for people with plantar fasciitis, while the adjustable strap is especially helpful for those with bunions.

Best Slippers for Wide Feet

Dearfoams Shearling Scuff Slipper

According to Podiatrists, These House Shoes Have Amazing Arch Support — And They Start at Just $18 (13)

What We Like: The 100% genuine sheepskin lining keeps feet warm and toasty without sweating.

It’s Worth Noting: Although we liked that these come in wide, we felt the sizing was a little inconsistent.

Sizes: 5-14

Available in wide widths, these shearling slippers are the epitome of coziness, and we were instantly impressed with the 100% genuine sheepskin lining. We found that it provided the perfect amount of temperature control, keeping feet warm without overheating. We were particularly blown away by the synthetic moisture-wicking materials, which let us walk in dewy grass without damaging the shoes (they dried really quickly, in fact). The shearling lining stayed fluffed up throughout testing. We did feel like one slipper was noticeably wider than the other, but we realize this could be a case of the tester having slightly different-sized feet.

Best Slipper Design

Birkenstock Boston Shearling Clogs

According to Podiatrists, These House Shoes Have Amazing Arch Support — And They Start at Just $18 (14)

What We Like: These house slippers are podiatrist-approved.

It’s Worth Noting: The model runs small, so go up a size.

Sizes: 5-13

These clogs feature the brand's signature cork-latex footbed, soft suede upper, and a shearling footbed and lined strap to keep your feet toasty. Just like other Birkenstock classics, the great thing about these house shoes is that they help you stay comfortable for hours on end thanks to a deep heel cup, arch support, and toe grip (raised indentations at the front of the footbed near the toes) so toes can spread out in their natural position. They’re stylish enough and durable enough to wear out of the house — and TBH, you’ll probably find yourself reaching for them on the daily.

Best Slipper Boots

Sorel Women's Nakiska Bootie Slipper

According to Podiatrists, These House Shoes Have Amazing Arch Support — And They Start at Just $18 (15)

What We Like: They’ll keep your tootsies toasty in cold weather.

It’s Worth Noting: They only come in two colors, black and camel brown, so while they will go with everything in your wardrobe, they are fairly understated — perfect for minimalists.

Sizes: 5-11

While it might closely resemble the winter footwear in your closet, Sorel's bootie acts as both a boot and a slipper, which makes it worth the price tag. You'll stay toasty, comfortable, and supported all day thanks to the leather exterior, plush faux fur lining, incredibly soft footbed, and anti-slip rubber platform outsole, which makes these the best slippers for transitioning from the couch to the sidewalk — particularly when it’s extra chilly outside.

Best Slippers with Insulation

The North Face ThermoBall Traction Mules V

According to Podiatrists, These House Shoes Have Amazing Arch Support — And They Start at Just $18 (16)

What We Like: Synthetic down material offers ultimate warmth.

It’s Worth Noting: The elastic around the heel can be a little tight for those with high arches.

Sizes: 5-11

Combining The North Face's Thermoball Eco insulation (a synthetic alternative to down) with a durable rubber sole with reliable traction, this sleeping-bag-looking slipper is ideal for everything from après ski to your morning coffee run — even when temperatures plummet below freezing. It features a fleece collar lining that won't irritate your skin, a collapsible heel with elastic to keep it securely in place, and a water-repellent ripstop upper to protect your feet from the elements.

Best Slippers for Outdoors

Teva Slip-ons

According to Podiatrists, These House Shoes Have Amazing Arch Support — And They Start at Just $18 (17)

What We Like: Their materials are designed to stand up to tough outdoor conditions.

It’s Worth Noting: The top collar of the slipper fits loosely, which could cause your foot to slip a bit when walking.

Sizes: 5-11

Wear these incredibly comfortable slippers around the house, campsite, or while bopping around town during your next ski trip. They have a cushioned footbed and lightweight midsole, plus a grippy rubber outsole that provides traction even on snowy or icy terrain. A ripstop upper keeps you protected while adventuring, and a special coating repels water if you get caught in an unexpected light rain. The slippers have an antimicrobial treatment to help reduce foot odor, so you don't have to worry about side-eye from fellow campers around the fire after a long day of hiking. Just know that the collar of these house shoes is slightly loose, so you might want to wear athletic socks so your feet don’t slip.

Best Slippers for Recovery

OOFOS OOahh Slide

According to Podiatrists, These House Shoes Have Amazing Arch Support — And They Start at Just $18 (18)

What We Like: The impact-absorbing design will help your feet bounce back after long runs.

It’s Worth Noting: These are meant to be worn on hard surfaces and for light errands; their thick sole can trip you up on longer walks.

Sizes: 5-16

This slipper sandal is designed specifically for workout recovery, making it ideal to slip on after a long run or intense sweat session. It has a special foam technology that absorbs 37 percent more impact than traditional footwear and an insanely comfortable footbed that supports your arches while reducing stress on your joints, making it one of the best house shoes for those on their feet all day long. We love the way the orthopedic footbed cradles and supports our arches so much that we’ve named these slides our favorite recovery shoes in the Shape Fitness Awards two years in a row. Bonus: They’re machine-washable.

Best Slipper Socks

Bombas Jacquard Knit Grip Slipper

According to Podiatrists, These House Shoes Have Amazing Arch Support — And They Start at Just $18 (19)

What We Like:These sock-slipper hybrids have a subtle but strong grip on the sole.

It’s Worth Noting: The bottom grips wear out sooner than expected.


Sizes:
XS-L

If you're a fan of wearing cozy wool socks at home, but hate the slip factor, then you'll adore this sock-slipper hybrid. Made of a breathable blend of cotton and wool, these slipper socks have a brushed lining on the inside for warmth and special grippy dots on the bottom to keep you from sliding. Unlike other options on this list, this pair is both machine washable and folds flat for easy packing, so it’s one of the best slippers for travel in particular. Just keep in mind the soles are thinner than regular slippers, so they don’t offer serious foot support. And if you wear them often, the grippers will wear down so you might have to replace them frequently

What to Know About House Shoes and Slippers

  • Material: There are so many textures and materials to choose from — cozy fleece and shearling, soft memory foam, odor-resistant wool, and more. With that in mind, Dr. Brenner suggests soft, breathable fabrics, such as cotton and linen, make for the best slippers.
  • Soles: The best slippers and house shoes have foam soles and/or thermoplastic rubber outsoles, Dr. Brenner says. Rubber outsoles are durable, shock-absorbing, and waterproof or water-resistant for better traction on hard surfaces. Plus, you can wear the slippers outdoors in a pinch if you need to grab the mail, walk your dog, or run a quick errand.
  • Style: With so many options on the market, Dr. Brenner says the best slipper style for you is mostly about personal preference. For people with Haglund's deformity (a bump at the back of the heel), Dr. Brenner recommends wearing an open-back slipper to decrease the risk of rubbing and irritation. If you live in a warmer climate or tend to overheat, choose open-toe for more breathability. But if you’re getting a slipper solely for the cozy factor, you might like a moccasin or bootie rather than a sandal version.

Why Trust Shape

Susan Brickell is the associate editorial director of commerce for travel on Travel + Leisure. Prior to this, she was a senior editor at Shape and Health, heading commerce coverage for both brands for nearly two years. With an M.F.A. degree in nonfiction writing from Sarah Lawrence College and a B.A. degree in creative writing from Florida State University, she has more than 10 years of experience in the editorial world as a market editor and writer. When she's not putting a pair of comfy shoes, workout leggings, or new eye cream to the test, you can find her hiking U.S. national parks, planning her next surf trip, or spending time with her dog, Ollie.

Kristen Geil is a senior commerce editor at Shape. She recently led Shape’s Sneaker Awards and Best in Fitness Awards, and she’s constantly testing new shoes. She’s been wearing the same pair of Birkenstocks since high school.

Jennifer Heimlich is a health and fitness writer and the former senior fitness editor of Well+Good. She regularly interviews podiatrists and tests out new shoes, and still swears by her years-old L.L. Bean slippers to keep her feet cozy in her chilly New England house.

According to Podiatrists, These House Shoes Have Amazing Arch Support — And They Start at Just $18 (2024)
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