Are Slippers the New Shoes?

Slippers aren’t just for weekends anymore. If there’s one thing we’ve all learned over the last few years, it is how to embrace comfort. With the rise of remote and hybrid working, many of us can enjoy days where we work without the usual office attire, including shoes. Even if we are on video meetings all day, we don’t have to wear our usual office shoes. Instead we can opt for comfortable slippers.

If you’re going to be spending a lot of time at home in your slippers, you might need to raise your game and invest in slippers that will stay comfortable. After all, you don’t want to be replacing them every other month or find that your feet are developing problems from the lack of proper support. The best slippers offer both supreme cosy comfort and sturdy support.

How to Pick the Best Slippers

If you’re shopping in shoe stores or online in Ireland for a new pair of slippers, here’s what to look for to get a pair that will go the distance.

The soles: If you only wear your slippers while curled up on the couch, you probably don’t worry much about the soles. But if you’re going to be wearing them through out the day, standing and walking around the house, you want a decent sole. Look for rubber of a good thickness so it doesn’t wear out quickly. Rubber soles on slippers allow you to step outside to go the bin or hang up laundry without ruining them. You aren’t going hiking in them, but a little traction can prevent slips and falls in the house. Memory foam soles are a real bonus.

The uppers: We live in a cool climate, and most of us are trying to save on the heating bills. So some nice warm slippers are very appealing. Look for substantial uppers that are well-made. It’s a matter of personal preference if you want a mule slipper or one that comes up over your ankle in the back. It’s nice if they are secure on your feet and you don’t literally slip out of them. Some slippers have a strap across the top.

Ease: A big part of the appeal of slippers is that you can just slip them on. So you want a pair that does what it says on the tin – slips on easily. If they are too tall or too snug, you’ll have to pull them on. Mules are great for just stepping into, but they aren’t secure enough for everyone. If you’re prone to tripping, a pair that comes up over the ankle is a better choice.

A good pair of durable, comfortable slippers is one of those small things that subtly make life better. Going barefoot is great on a sunny beach, but not around the house where the floor might be littered with children’s toys. Slippers can give that bit of support that your feet need while also keeping them nice and warm.