Best House Shoes Reviewed for Comfort
David McWhite
Tenby Lloyd
We’ve all experienced it: we come home after a long day, and all we want to do is get out of our shoes. Most of us are content to walk around barefoot or in socks, but shouldn’t our feet receive a bit of special treatment?
Along with comfy clothes and a soft recliner, having a good pair of house slippers can go a long way in helping you get some much-needed relaxation. They protect your floors by keeping out unwanted dirt and debris and, unlike going barefoot or wearing only socks, they provide extra comfort and support to help soothe your feet.
The list below features ten of the best shoes to wear around the house currently available, with a variety of styles and features to suit anyone.
In a Hurry? The test winner after 11 hrs of research
Hook and Loop Closure
Antimicrobial Treatment
Generous Arch Support
Shock Absorbing Heel
Fabric Covered TPR Outsole
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Vionic Relax -
UGG Ansley
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SOREL Falcon Ridge
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TOMS House Slippers
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RockDove Memory Foam
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Tamarac by Slippers International Sheepskin
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Minnetonka Cally
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Acorn Faux Chinchilla
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ChicNChic Cotton
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Isotoner Satin Ballerina
- Criteria Used for Evaluation
- Other Factors to Consider
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Sources
Top 10 House Shoes
1. Vionic Relax
Hook and Loop Closure
Antimicrobial Treatment
Generous Arch Support
Shock Absorbing Heel
Fabric Covered TPR Outsole
Indoor Use Only
Takes Getting Used To
If you’ve ever wondered what Oprah wears around the house, you can now rest easy, as we’ve got the answer. The Relax by Vionic is a slipper that combines plush comfort and coziness with the supportive and cushioning features that we’ve all come to expect from this health-oriented brand. Not only does it look cute, but it actually uses the latest technology in terms of shock absorption and support, making this a great option for those who suffer from foot health problems and need a serious product.
Read moreAdjustable Upper
The upper of the Relax is made with soft terry cloth that will feel soft in contact with your skin (yes, you can wear these barefoot), and that’s awesome for all foot types seeing that it features a hook and loop closure that allows you to fully customize the fit. It’s been treated with an antibacterial coating, preventing the development of odors.
Orthaheel Technology
Tried and tested, the Orthaheel technology is some of the best shock absorbing tech out there, absorbing force generated on impact and preventing it from harming your feet, joints and muscles. Coupled with a supportive EVA midsole, you’ll enjoy wearing these around the house, and may even be tempted to keep a pair at work.
Cost and Value
Although more expensive than what you’d pay for a pair of slippers at Walmart, the Vionic Relax comes at a reasonable cost and offers excellent quality and comfort to almost anyone. It’s a great choice for those with flat or high arches in need of additional support, as well as those who appreciate an adjustable upper that won’t cause pain in contact with sensitive joints.
2. UGG Ansley
Water Resistant
Suede Upper
Wool Lining
Wool Insole
Rubber Outsole
No Half Sizes
May Get Too Hot
Made for both indoor and outdoor use, the Ansley ensures you get access to a type of comfort you can only get from UGG products. Made with incredibly soft materials, both in the upper and lining, it’s sure to keep you cozy on cold winter days when you need something to keep you warm and cushioned, but still protecting your feet from slips and injury. Made to be fun and colorful, this is a model that’ll definitely bring joy to your life.
Read morePremium Suede
Not only is the Ansley made with a suede upper that looks and feels great, but it’s also water resistant, meaning you won’t have to worry about spills or walking out in a drizzle - your feet will stay warm nonetheless.
Wool Insulation
Lined with wool, and featuring a wool insole, this shoe is perfect for those who want to remain warm, but hate moisture-trapping synthetic shoes that cause stinky and itchy feet. This slipper won’t prevent airflow, but will, instead, keep your feet at a comfortable temperature, regardless of the weather conditions.
Cost and Value
With an average cost, this is a great investment, especially considering the quality of materials used in its construction. Its value is made even greater thanks to the rubber outsole that will allow you to wear it both indoor and outdoors, and that will add a layer of shock absorption, ensuring a great feeling, no matter how long you’re on your feet.
3. SOREL Falcon Ridge
Cowhide Upper
Wool and Acrylic Lining
Removable Footbed
Natural Rubber Outsole
Colors May Vary From Images
Runs Small
A leather slipper made for ultimate at-home comfort, the Falcon Ridge is the perfect shoe to have, either when you’re lounging in your pajamas on the weekend, or when you’re traveling, but prefer your own comfy slippers. Made with genuine cowhide suede, with durable stitching and a quality sole, it’s perfect for indoor use, and will even serve you while you go out to get your morning paper.
Read moreNatural Rubber
The outsole on the Falcon Ridge is made with natural rubber that’s not only better for the environment, but actually provides a high level of sticky grip, preventing any slips, especially on hardwood floors.
Removable Footbed
The footbed in this slipper is made with molded EVA foam that’s both cushioning and supportive, and is covered with a combination of wool and acrylic to provide you with warmth in the winter months. But, if you need custom orthotics, or prefer less insulation, you can easily replace it with your own insole.
Cost and Value
Slightly more expensive than the rest of the items on this list, this is still a great winter choice for those who need a durable slipper that will last at least a couple of years. The removable insole is definitely our favorite feature, both for comfort and hygiene reasons, so if that’s something that is important to you, definitely go with the Falcon Ridge.
4. TOMS House Slippers
Consistent Sizing
Thick, Rubber Sole
Raised Pattern For Grip
Fleece Lining
Narrow Design
The TOMS house slipper has the classic TOMS look but the added comfort and warmth you look for in a good house shoe. Its solid construction helps it stand up to both indoor and outdoor use, and the textured sole will keep you safe on slick surfaces.
Read moreDurability
These slippers are made to last. While they're intended to be used primarily as indoor shoes, the thick, rubber outsole makes them suitable to be worn outside as well.
Comfort
The main thing we want in a house shoe is comfort, and the soft fleece lining and thick sole on this slipper will keep your feet both warm and cushioned.
Cost and Value
The TOMS house slippers are the most expensive shoes on our list, but with the TOMS brand comes the guarantee of a quality construction that will help your house shoes last a long time.
5. RockDove Memory Foam
Knitted Upper
Memory Foam Footbed
Arch Support
Nonslip Sole
Not Extended Outdoor Use
Knit Durability
The RockDove memory foam slippers are built with comfort in mind and have a stylish, knitted design that gives you a classic house slipper look and feel. The sweater-like and fleece materials used to make this slipper will keep your feet warm, and the comfort insole will give you support and cushion that you won't find in your average house shoe.
Read moreMemory Foam
When you're looking for a shoe with a comfortable fit, memory foam is king. The high-density foam footbed included in these slippers provides a superior level of comfort and shock-reducing cushion.
Arch Support
Because house shoes tend to be less expensive than other shoes, we often don't expect features like arch support, but RockDove designed the footbed in these shoes to provide that support and help alleviate minor foot pain.
Cost and Value
These slippers come with luxury features but don't have a luxury price tag. They fall right in the middle of our price range, making them the perfect, low-budget house shoes.
6. Tamarac by Slippers International Sheepskin
Lambs Wool Lined
Elastic Side Gores
Memory Foam Footbed
Split Toe Seams
Indoor and Outdoor Compatible
Lining Can Shed
Stitching Durability
A well-known brand, synonymous with cozy, soft slippers and kicking back after a long day, the Tamarac by Slippers International Sheepskin slipper is just what your feet need. Soft suede uppers are lined with lamb wool, while pillow soft memory foam footbed gives each step you take a luxe cushion. A rubber sole allows for outside wear if you need to grab the Sunday paper, or your files from the car after a day at the office.
Read moreSoft Foot Feel
Imagine settling down after a long day at the office, and taking a minute to wrap your feet up in soft warmth and comfort. The Tamarac by Slippers International Sheepskin has a soft suede upper, lined with plush lambs wool for a great foot feel and insulation. Wrapping your foot in softness, it also has a memory foam footbed, great for cushioning your steps around the house. Elastic side gores help give it an adjustable, yet firm fit.
Durable
The rubber sole on the Sheepskin lets this pair be worn inside, or outside should you need to run to the car, or pick up the paper. Thick, with patterned sole for traction, it makes them durable for every day wear and tear. Split toe seams won’t irritate the foot and have been stitched to perfection. Suede uppers give it durability during wear, and will hold up to the test of time.
Cost and Value
Slightly more expensive than some, the Tamarac by Slippers International Sheepskin is worth the investment for its plush lamb’s wool lining, soft suede uppers, and durable construction for longevity. Great for kicking back inside, you can also wear this pair outdoors for short periods of time with rubber sole to protect you. A great pair if you’re in search of soft cozy warmth in a versatile house shoe!
7. Minnetonka Cally
Soft Suede Upper
Pile Lining
Adjustable Lace Closure
Lightweight
Rubber Outsole
Outsole Durability
Will Stretch
If you’re a fan of moccasins and the sock-like comfort they provide, then the Minnetonka Cally may be the perfect choice for you. Great for those after a lightweight but warm option that will work on multiple surfaces (and won’t deteriorate on concrete and overall outdoor use either), this model is an update of a style that’s been a favorite for years. With 9 color options, you can choose between classic tans and browns, or go with something more colorful that’ll allow you to show off your personal style.
Read moreLace Closure
Uncommon on most house slippers, the Cally features a lace closure that goes around the entire foot and ensures a comfortable and secure fit. This is particularly important for those with narrow feet who find a number of shoes too wide, as well as for those who walk a lot and want to spend less time adjusting their footwear.
Cozy
The soft suede upper of the Cally is just the right combination of flexibility and protection, while a pile lining keeps you warm. The thin rubber outsole is lightweight, but still more durable than what you’d get from traditional moccasins.
Cost and Value
This is a model that’s averagely priced, but can often be found on sale, which is when it’s the best bargain you can get. With a price that’s affordable to anyone, and a practicality that you rarely get out of this type of slipper, you’ll definitely fall in love with the Cally, making you want to own it in every possible color.
8. Acorn Faux Chinchilla
Faux Chinchilla Fur Lined
Good For Travelling
Cloud Contour Technology
Memory Foam Footbed
Lack Support
Sizing Varies
Are you a fan of plush linings in your slipper, but perhaps want an alternative to wool? The Acorn Faux Chinchilla is a moccasin slipper design lined with faux chinchilla fur for a rich softness to soothe tired feet. Full of comfort technology for further cushioning and support, a rubber sole makes these versatile for travel or light outdoor use as well. Soft fleece-like uppers will wrap your feet in cozy warmth as you curl up with your favorite novel at the end of a long day.
Read moreSoft Warmth
Perhaps you love the warmth of wool, but hate the feel of it against your skin. The Acorn Faux Chinchilla moccasin is constructed from soft, fleece-like uppers that wrap your feet in warmth, while the collar is a faux chinchilla lining that gives a plush rich feel. Great as a warm winter slipper, they also make for great travel shoes for longer flights as well. There’s nothing better than treating your feet to something cozy after a long day!
Support and Cushion
Inside the Acorn Faux Chinchilla, a Cloud Contour technology provides not just comfort but support as well. Memory foam will pad your footfalls throughout wear, while heel and arch support help prevent foot fatigue when walking about. Easy slip on design makes this moccasin simple for wear, and full coverage of the foot helps add to the cozy experience of pampering yourself.
Cost and Value
Quite averagely priced, it falls in the midpoint of the price range on our list, and is a great alternative for those who love a plush lining or collar, but don’t prefer wool. Faux chinchilla fur creates a luxurious look and soft warmth while memory foam cushions your steps around the house. Great for travel with its rubber sole, it’s versatile for both indoor and outdoor uses.
9. ChicNChic Cotton
Machine Washable
Waterproof Soles
Flexible Construction
Breathable Design
Non-toxic Materials
Durability Issues
This entry from ChicNChic is a great slip-on house shoe that looks nice and is made from high-quality, high-comfort materials. It's been designed to give your foot plenty of cushion when you walk, and, unlike other shoes on our list, it has a cover-heel design instead of an open back, so you won't have to worry about it slipping off your foot.
Read moreComfortable Design
ChicNChic designed these house shoes to be the last word in comfort. The organic velvet lining and cover-heel design ensure these slippers will provide you with a plush, comfortable fit.
Anti-Skid, Anti-Scuff Soles
The soles on the cotton house shoes have been engineered to give you grip even on slick surfaces, and you won't have to worry about marking up the floor thanks to the anti-scuff rubber.
Cost and Value
These house shoes land in the low-mid price range and are a great bargain considering their impressive features. Available in pink or grey, these are a great house shoe for any budget.
10. Isotoner Satin Ballerina
Pigsplit Leather Outsole
Smooth Satin Fabric
Terry Cotton Blend Liner
Isotoner Comfort Insole
Width Varies
Not For Outdoor Use
Sometimes a good house shoe is just a solid pair of simple, more comfortable shoes instead of slippers. The Isotoner Satin Ballerina combines a ballet flat style of footwear with soft satin comfort and softer leather sole. Giving a great cozy relaxed foot feel, they are perfect for doing chores about the house or just watching your favorite movie to unwind. Soft material satin will slide across the foot for the ultimate luxe feel.
Read moreLuxe Satin
What better material than satin can give that slippery feel on the skin that makes us think of luxury and royalty? The Isotoner Satin Ballerina is made with shiny satin fabric, and slides onto your foot giving immediate sensations of comfort and pampering. Available in several colors and patterns, you can find one perfect for your style!
Classic Isotoner
Classic in its design, the Isotoner Satin Ballerina uses a terry cotton-blend for an amazing base to walk upon. Pigsplit leather outsole provide durability to the base of the Ballerina. Isotoner Comfort insoles help to pad your steps with a modest cushioning, but keeps the flat flexible and lightweight. Great for hanging around the house doing chores or your favorite hobby.
Cost and Value
One of the more budget friendly options on our list, the Isotoner Satin Ballerina is a great option to classic slippers if you’re in search of a house shoe with a bit of luxury and simplicity. Soft satin uppers make you feel pampered, while classic Isotoner Comfort insoles help to cushion your footfalls. Perfect for those who just need a little more luxury from their house shoes, but at a bargain price.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Comfort
At the top of our criteria list is comfort. Most importantly, your house shoes should be something comfortable you look forward to putting on your feet. The purpose of having a pair of house shoes is to allow your feet to relax, feel relief, especially when they’re fatigued, so the last thing you want to do to them at the end of a long day is put them in a pair of rigid or uncomfortable shoes.
Thankfully, most house shoes are designed to be comfortable, but that doesn’t mean they always provide the comfort they promise. Look for shoes that are made from soft materials like fleece or cotton and that have ample cushion in the insole.
Memory foam is your best bet for a comfortable fit, but other high-density materials like a sponge will also provide cushion.
Many manufacturers list the thickness of the insole, and a thicker insole generally means more cushion (although you don’t want to have an insole so thick it compromises your stability).
Make sure your house shoe has a sufficient outsole as well. Don’t settle for a sole like the one you’ll find on a pair of throwaway slippers from the spa; you’ll want to look for a shoe with a sturdy rubber sole.
There are times when we may need to sacrifice comfort for function, but buying a pair of house shoes isn’t one of them. Find a pair that will reward your feet and your feet will thank you.
Support
Second, you’ll want to look for a pair of shoes that will provide good support. We may not always think of support-level when buying house shoes, but just like with any other shoe, if you’re going to be spending an extended amount of time in them, you’ll want to find a pair that will support your feet.
Again, memory foam is the way to go here. Several of the shoes on our list sport high-density memory foam insoles that cushion your feet and mold to the shape of your feet for the best and most comfortable fit. Having an insole that’s molded to your foot shape will give you greater support, and will help you prevent aches or pains in your back, hips, or feet.
You may only wear your house shoes an hour or two a day, but you still want to take care of your feet as best you can and take every precaution against wearing your feet out further than they already are. Because of the nature and uses of house shoes, the majority will not be constructed with the same level of support you would expect from, say, a running shoe or a weightlifting shoe, but you definitely shouldn’t settle for a shoe with no support. Find a pair (like the ones in our list) that will help soothe your feet and give them the support and comfort they need to be rested for the next day.
Outsole
You’ll also want to look for a house shoe with a sole that will provide you with good traction. With tile or wood floors inside, if your house shoe doesn’t provide sufficient grip, it's possible you could slip and fall, the exact opposite of what you want during your downtime. Look for shoes with a sufficient rubber sole, preferably one that has some sort of raised pattern or tread on it.
Most house shoes won’t have huge treads because they’re not designed to perform like shoes meant for hiking or walking on ice, but you should avoid shoes with slick or completely flat bottoms.
You may also want to decide between an open back and a back that covers your heel. The open back will increase the breathability of the shoe and will also make them easier to put on, but your foot is more likely to slip out of them as well, which could increase your likelihood of tripping or falling.
Obviously, we aren’t going to be doing a lot of physically-demanding activity in house shoes; we usually wear them when we’re resting, and we know they’re not made for that purpose. But you may want to consider a house shoe that completely encloses your foot over an open-back shoe if you’re concerned about them coming off.
Durability
Finally, you’ll want to invest in a house shoe that will last. Admittedly, the majority of the shoes on our list aren’t very expensive and wouldn’t be hard to replace if we had to, but thankfully they’ve been designed to hold up to extended wear.
Look for shoes that are made from durable materials like nylon, microfiber, elastic, and rubber. Several of the shoes we listed have side-seam sewing to connect the sole to the rest of the shoe, a process that is meant to extend the life of the shoe and keep it from coming apart at the seams.
You’ll want to look for shoes that have rubber soles that won’t wear out. You don’t need a thick hiking boot sole, but you also don’t want a sole that is so thin you wear through it walking on carpet.
The indoor/outdoor shoes in our list are designed to handle moderate outdoor wear, and the rest are perfectly suitable for walking down the driveway to get the mail in the morning. Your next pair of house shoes probably won’t last forever, but you should look for a pair that is durable and that won’t fall apart from regular indoor use.
Value
Nobody wants to spend a fortune on a pair of shoes they will only wear around the house. Yet, for some, this is the most important pair of footwear they own. A large number of people spend a great amount of time at home - whether because of work, health issues or other personal circumstances, and need quality footwear that was designed with the purpose of at-home use.
If you’re after something of high quality, that you will also want to wear often, you’ve come to the right place. No matter which of the models listed above you go with, you will benefit from the features, not just by having a cushioned, flexible and stable pair of footwear, but also one that will protect you from slips, spills and the cold.
But, to ensure that a pair really is worth the investment for you personally (and this will be different for each individual reading this article), make sure you consider the following aspects of each shoe:
Expert Interviews & Opinions
Comfort Support Outsole Durability Value 
Depending on how you'll use your new slippers, you may want to consider something with a sole that's more sturdy, versus one that has a soft sole. Harder soled slippers allow you to step outside or into the garage, without worrying about tearing or scuffing the sole.
Slippers are wonderful to come home to after a long day! Placing your feet inside a toasty warm pair immediately relaxes you. If you're in cooler climates, select something with more insulation or has a fur lining to keep your feet warmer.
Other Factors to Consider
Bottom Line
There you have it, the most important things to consider before making your next purchase. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or a loved one, you should try to choose a product that fits your needs the best. This is different for everyone, and may even depend on certain podiatric issues (such as flat feet, bunions, tendency to sweat, etc.), so choose carefully to ensure a purchase you’ll be happy with for a considerable period of time.
A good place to start before shopping is to determine what it is exactly that you need, and then consider the following issues:
Frequently Asked Questions
q: Why do I need house shoes? What’s wrong with just wearing socks around the house?
You can just wear socks around the house; you can go barefoot if you want. But a good pair of house shoes will offer benefits to your feet that you won’t get if you walk around without them. We’ve outlined some of these advantages above, but the main perks of good house shoes are that they will protect your feet, support your feet, and keep your feet warm. They’re also a great alternative to wearing your shoes from outside. You can leave all the dirt and germs at the door and put on your clean house shoes when you get home, and your house will be better for it. Like we said above, house shoes are not an essential part of your wardrobe, but they do offer various benefits to your feet and your home, and considering how inexpensive they generally are, we suggest investing in a pair and seeing if they live up to the hype.
q: Some workplaces allow house shoes and slippers at work and some schools now allow them. What are the benefits?
Studies have shown that children who wear slippers to school read more and study more effectively, so they end up learning more. At work, studies have shown that wearing slippers can reduce stress and increase productivity.
q: Should I wear the hotel slippers?
I bring my own slippers when traveling but yes, if you don't have anything else, you should wear house shoes or slippers in a hotel room. The floors are only occasionally thoroughly steam cleaned. Also, just like your home, the outdoor shoes that are often worn on carpet can bring in nasty bacteria and researchers say changing out of your outdoor shoes is a good hygiene practice.
q: How important is fit when buying a pair of house shoes?
We didn’t discuss fit much in our criteria section, but, as with any other shoe, you will want a house shoe that is snug on your foot. Having too much play in your shoe will make it more likely to come off, and your shoe coming off increases the likelihood that you’ll get tripped up. We might think looser shoes would be the more comfortable way to go, but there’s no sense in purchasing a shoe that doesn’t properly fit your foot. You’ll want to keep in mind that many house shoes, such as clog style slippers, are meant to come off and be put on easily. If you’re looking for a really secure fit, then a closed-back shoe may be the way to go. But regardless of the style of shoe, it should fit comfortably on your fit and feel secure when you walk around in it. Several shoes on our list include form-fitting materials like memory foam that will help provide a more secure fit. Thicker linings, such as a foam or fleece lining, will hug your foot and make your shoe feel more secure. You don’t want your shoe to be too tight—remember, we are aiming for comfort here—but a loose shoe is not ideal either, so make sure you find one that fits right. And if you’re buying online, remember to check the sizing chart or guidelines provided by the manufacturer in order to avoid having to exchange your shoes for a different size.
q: How do I clean my house shoes and how often should I do it?
Always follow the instructions on the label for cleaning your house shoes. That’s the best starting point. But if you lack those instructions for some reason, the good news is that the majority of the house shoes on our list are machine washable. Wash on a gentle cycle with warm water so they keep their shape. If you want to dry them in the dryer, make sure you use a low setting. Or, to be safe, you can let them air dry. If you’re afraid of what the washing machine might do to your house shoes, you can always hand wash them. Just fill your sink with warm, soapy water (you can use laundry detergent in place of soap if you prefer—read the detergent label for the correct amount to use) and use your fingers or a cloth to gently agitate and scrub your slippers. Then let them soak for 10 minutes or so. After they’ve soaked, drain the sink and rinse the slippers off with warm water, squeezing as much water out as you can when you’re done. If you want, you can refill your sink with clean water and let them soak again. After you’ve squeezed out all the excess water, either by hand or with a towel, you can let them air dry or dry them in the dryer on a low setting.
NOTE: Only use one of these cleaning methods if your shoes are made from a washable material like cotton or nylon! Other materials, like suede or leather, will need to be wiped off, not washed off, so make sure you’re only using the above methods if your shoes can be submerged in water.
Sources
- , 3 Ways to Wash Slippers,
- , Why you should join the slipperati and take your shoes off at work,
- , Gross reason you should always put on the free slippers in your hotel,
- , Scientists Discover Why You Should Take Off Your Shoes Before Entering Your Home,
- , The 10 Best Slippers to Buy in 2018,
- , Top 20 Best Slippers With Arch Support For Plantar Fasciitis,
