How to buy the best slippers for women
With so many options to choose from, it's a good idea to take the following factors into consideration when choosing a new pair of slippers:
Style of slipper - Do you prefer the convenience of a slip-on mule design or a more traditional closed-back slipper? Alternatively, if you’re working from home and are prone to feeling the chill around your ankles, a booty design or slipper that sits higher at the back can offer additional coverage and warmth.
Suitable for outdoor use or indoor wear only? - What type of sole do the slippers have? Soft suede or sheepskin soles are best for indoor use only, but are more lightweight and flexible. Harder soles are more durable for occasional outdoor wear.
Grip - If you have hardwood floors or slippy surfaces in your house, look for slippers with great traction on the sole.
Extra support - If you struggle with plantar fasciitis or have any orthopaedic support in your shoes, some flat-soled slippers may leave you with sore feet. To find slippers with a more natural foot position, look for designs with built-in arch support, removable footbeds or extra cushioning. Memory foam designs are also worth considering, moulding to your feet over time to achieve the perfect fit.
Fabric - Some slippers are made from synthetic materials, whilst others are more sustainably made using natural or recycled materials. Fabrics such as sheepskin offer the most warmth, but do tend to be more expensive as a result. They also tend to be more breathable than some other slipper interiors, meaning your feet will stay warm and cosy without getting sweaty (or smelly!)
Cost - High-quality slippers are often an investment, but when you consider the cost-per-wear, they tend to offer relatively good value for money. Often the more costly designs are thicker, more robust and have more durable soles, meaning they tend to last longer than their cheaper high street counterparts.
What are the most comfortable slippers for women?
It feels like we’d be doing Mumsnet forum users a disservice if we didn't mention Moshulu slippers as the most comfortable women's slippers to buy. This brand is super popular and it's easy to see why – the slippers are affordable and cosy and they have a hard sole with great traction that is a practical choice for wearing around the home.
About the author
Lucy Cotterill is a mum of two and a Content Writer at Mumsnet, specialising in baby/child and lifestyle product reviews and round-ups. Having written product reviews on her own blog Real Mum Reviews since 2012, Lucy loves to research and explore the pros and cons of products, scrutinising reviews and consumer feedback to help people make confident purchases.
Conscious of energy bills, Lucy has spent significant time insulating her home and garden office for winter, seeking ways to keep warm when temperatures drop. As well as investing in a blanket hoodie, Lucy spent most of last winter wearing the best thermals for women alongside her favourite slippers, so she knows a thing or two about staying cosy and comfortable when working from home.
How we chose the best slippers for women
We spent extensive time sifting through Mumsnet's forums for recommendations from our users on the slippers they rated most highly. We were also on the lookout for poor reviews of products to avoid.
We then consulted recommendations from experts, consumer websites and print media and made sure we included brands that regularly appeared in top 10 lists.
We also looked at authentic reviews for each of our longlisted slippers to check that previous customers were satisfied with their purchases.
By doing this, we whittled our longlist down and chose a top list that we think offers something for everybody.
Why you should trust us
We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one.