Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. Why trust us?

10 best men’s slippers that are comfortable and stylish

From fleece-lined slip-ons to moccasins and mules, these are our lazy-day favourites

Richard Jones
Monday 18 March 2024 17:41 GMT
<p>We assessed the slippers’ quality, comfort, and versatility – could they take us from indoors to outdoors? </p>

We assessed the slippers’ quality, comfort, and versatility – could they take us from indoors to outdoors?

Our Top Picks

With some fashion magazines calling this the “post-sneaker era”, other casual shoe options – slippers especially – are enjoying a renaissance. While no one is swapping their collection of Jordans for Grandpa’s slip-ons anytime soon, there’s no denying the slipper’s growing influence in fashion, adorning front covers and being worn by A-listers on their midday coffee run.

But what exactly counts as a slipper these days? Well, it depends on what you’re after. A slipper is still primarily something comfortable to slip your feet into when you get home after a busy day.

But as more of us have started working from home, the slipper is having to evolve into a hybrid shoe – something you can also walk the dog in or scramble into as you pick the kids up from school.

A slipper can have an open toe or a closed front – although, for us, open-toe slippers slip too far into slider territory and don’t bring the protection and warmth you’d want from a cosy slipper. A decent pair should come without laces (too complicated) and be, above all, the easiest and comfiest shoe in your rotation.

How we tested the best men’s slippers

A few of the men’s slippers we tested

In this guide, we wanted to cover the full spectrum of slippers and house shoes, and assess them all on their quality, comfort, and versatility. This meant road-testing them in several scenarios – indoors and outdoors – from slipping them on after a shower, to taking out the bins.

Price was also a consideration. If this was a shoe that could easily be worn out to see friends, that added value – although, we kept in mind that the primary role of a slipper is to keep your feet warm and protected around the house.

The best men’s slippers for 2024 are:

  • Best men’s slippers overall – Toms Ezra slipper: £55.20, Toms.com
  • Best budget men’s slippers – John Lewis cord mule slippers: £20, Johnlewis.com
  • Best classic men’s slippers – M&S fleece-lined slippers: £20, Marksandspencer.com
  • Best slip-ons – Clarks Litton mule: £80, Clarks.com

Toms Ezra slipper

Toms Ezra slipper
  • Best: Men’s slippers overall
  • Sizes: UK 6-13
  • Colourways: Black, black felt, black quilted cotton, bronze green, forged iron multi, moonlight blue, red buffalo plaid, shadow, smoke grey
  • Material: Felt
  • Why we love it
    • Clean design
    • Drop-down heel comes in handy

Toms built its reputation on making some of the finest espadrilles around, so, it’s no surprise the footwear brand is also a dab hand at effortlessly easy, well-designed slippers.

For us, the Ezra slipper ticks all the boxes – great value, comfortable, well-made, clean aesthetic, versatile – and it’s a design that really excels. The standout feature is a surprisingly useful drop-down heel, which means you can just slip them on when you’re in a rush, or pull up the heel for a more secure fit.

They also bridge the gap between outdoors and indoors seamlessly – while you probably wouldn’t wear them to the pub, you could certainly get away with sporting a pair during the school run.

  1. £55 from Toms.com
Prices may vary
Back to top

John Lewis Anyday cord mule slippers

John Lewis Anyday cord mule slippers
  • Best: Budget men’s slippers
  • Sizes: S-L
  • Colourways: Navy, green
  • Material: Polyester
  • Why we love it
    • Unique look
  • Take note
    • Lacking in premium touches

British high-street mainstay John Lewis launched its budget-friendly Anyday range in 2021, and it quickly became a favourite with students, renters, and savvy spenders.

The Anyday menswear range primarily focuses on affordable basics, although, the styling of these slippers is anything but ordinary. Laden in plush corduroy, the look is oversized and modern. A toggle at the front of the slipper helps to get a slightly more secure fit, although, it’s seemingly used more as a striking aesthetic choice.

The fleecy lining is warm and comfy, while a hardy rubber sole is certainly capable of surviving a trip to take out the bins. The polyester material might not make these slippers as luxurious or durable as others in this list but, at £20, it’s well worth getting a pair to add to your slipper rotation.

Back to top

Ugg Tasman reimagined

Ugg Tasman reimagined
  • Best: Men’s slippers for quality
  • Sizes: UK 7-13
  • Colourways: Green multi, blue multi
  • Material: Suede, lyocell, polyester
  • Why we love it
    • Durable outsole
  • Take note
    • Runs a little small

Ugg has come a long way since its boots became synonymous with a very particular, but not particularly stylish, late 2000s look (although it was actually Aussie surfers in the 1970s that first made them popular).

While the brand’s classic boots are still around, its expansion into other footwear styles has seen it re-emerge as one of the dominant forces in casual shoes. These slippers are a great case in point. The quality is beyond anything else on this list, with a handsome patchwork patterned suede upper made out of surplus materials, and a solid, cushioned sugarcane EVA outsole that’s more than ready to tackle any terrain (let alone your carpet). Inside, you’ll find a plush wool lining that’s as cosy as they come, while these slippers wouldn’t look out of place worn with jeans at work or while going to see friends.

We’d recommend sizing up if you’re between sizes, or intend to wear these with socks, but, apart from that, it’s just the higher price point that saw these narrowly miss out on our top spot.

  1. £100 from Ugg.com
Prices may vary
Back to top

Clarks Litton mule

Clarks Litton mule
  • Best: Slip-ons
  • Sizes: UK 6-12
  • Colourways: Cola suede, oakwood suede
  • Material: Suede, rubber
  • Why we love it
    • Good quality for the price
  • Take note
    • Won’t keep feet as warm during winter

The mule is finally having its moment. A backless loafer that has a closed front and can be worn outdoors (as well as indoors, of course), its success has largely been driven by Birkenstock’s Boston design, and the countless style influencers who’ve made it their casual shoe of choice.

But when it comes to price, quality and looks, we find this summer mule from British brand Clarks a far more attractive proposition without all the hype. Right out of the box, the suede is buttery soft, while the ridged footbed keeps your feet more secure than you’d expect from a slip-on (although, you will still slide around more than a slipper with a backheel).

While they don’t have the woolly lining or cosy feel of other slippers on this list, that only means you’ll be able to keep them cleaner and looking great for longer.

  1. £80 from Clarks.com
Prices may vary
Back to top

Desmond & Dempsey Soleia leopard slippers

Desmond & Dempsey Soleia leopard slippers
  • Best: Men’s slippers for style
  • Sizes: UK 7-11
  • Colourways: One
  • Material: Cotton, wool, suede
  • Why we love it
    • Antibacterial wool liner is super cosy
  • Take note
    • Outsole is unsuitable for outdoors

Luxury loungewear brand Desmond & Dempsey is a master of maximalist patterns – its old-school pyjama sets are things of real beauty

Expertly painted in gouache and crafted out of quilted cotton, this leopard-printed pair of slippers is a real standout. The slip-ons really are works of art – if you’re looking for a pair of slippers that’ll look fantastic around the house, these can’t be beaten.

However, the thin suede outsole means losing out on the versatility and durability that other slippers in this list possess. These slippers are unlikely to survive the school run, but that’s sort of the point – just keep them next to your bed, for your own admiration.

Back to top

Keen howser III slide

Keen howser III slide
  • Best: Men’s slippers for durability
  • Sizes: Uk 7.5-11
  • Colourways: Triple black, bison
  • Material: PET plastic, rubber
  • Why we love it
    • Slip on easily
  • Take note
    • Lace lock system could be more secure

US brand Keen is one of the big players on the hiking and mountaineering footwear scene, although, that’s not stopped it – like Patagonia and The North Face before it – from becoming a cult favourite with the fashion crowd.

Still, its focus is firmly on the technical, and these sliders show all the hallmarks of that prowess. The grip on the outsole is almost like a climbing shoe – by far the most durable and hardest wearing on this list. While its looks might not appeal to everyone, zig-zagging stitching across the front manages to elevate the appearance.

The lace-lock bungee system doesn’t offer as much of a secure fit as hoped, but with these shoes usually sitting around the £40 mark on sale, that’s a small niggle for a great value, well-made, and extremely comfortable shoe.

Back to top

Berghaus unisex bothy 2.0 synthetic insulated slipper

Berghaus unisex bothy 2.0 synthetic insulated slipper
  • Best: Men’s slippers for wet weather
  • Sizes: UK 3-12
  • Colourways: Black, poppy, ocean
  • Material: Polyester, rubber
  • Why we love it
    • Water resistant
  • Take note
    • Outsole could be more durable

The puffer slipper has become a TikTok sensation in recent months, led by The North Face and its popular version of the style.

Defined by their quilted puffer design, the style is the perfect combination of statement and comfort, although, we’d argue these bothy slippers from British outerwear brand Berghaus look even slicker, and can back up the looks with even more substance.

While The North Face slippers have a rectangular design, these are more geometric – made out of durable water-repellent outer fabric, which ensures droplets bead on the surface.

Thanks to a cushioned footbed and fleecy lining, the fit and feel are extremely comfortable, while a tag at the back helps with putting the slippers on, and a collapsible heel comes in handy (even if it isn’t as seamless as the drop-down heel on the Toms slippers).

Our only gripe is that the outsole – while offering a reasonable level of grip – doesn’t seem as hard-wearing as other options in this list. However, if you’re looking for a solid pair of slippers for your next camping trip, you can’t go far wrong with these.

  1. £50 from Amazon.co.uk
Prices may vary
Back to top

M&S fleece lined slippers

M&S fleece lined slippers
  • Best: Classic men’s slippers
  • Sizes: UK 6-12
  • Colourways : Black mix
  • Material: Textile
  • Why we love it
    • Good quality for the price
  • Take note
    • Felt a little tight around the toe

If you’re looking for quality at good value, it is tough to beat Marks and Spencer. The high-street store is always a safe bet when it comes to menswear, and has done a lot of work in recent years when it comes to modernising its offering.

However, the main bulk of the brand’s styles are still aimed at the older gentleman, and that’s exactly where these slippers sit, with a check pattern and classic shape that will suit the eye of those looking for a more traditional slipper.

The specs are good, too – the soft fleece lining comes with Thermowarmth technology, while Freshfeet tech works to minimise odours, and the outsole is thick and sturdy. The fit did feel a little snug in our usual size, so we’d recommend sizing up. Besides that, this is a solid option – the only question is whether its more traditional looks appeal to you.

Back to top

Crew Clothing Spencer moccasin slipper

Crew Clothing Spencer moccasin slipper
  • Best: Moccasins
  • Sizes: UK 7-11
  • Colourways: Navy, navy and grey
  • Material: Textile, polyester
  • Why we love it
    • Very warm and comfortable
  • Take note
    • Wider feet may find them too tight
    • Thin sole

Founded in Salcombe on the southwest coast, Crew Clothing offers preppy style by the sea – think rugby shirts and chino shorts, polo shirts and gilets, for a timeless look.

These moccasin slippers are certainly carrying classic styling, too. The stitch detailing looks great and the fluffy lining is a standout feature. These are definitely going to keep your feet warm during winter.

However, it’s worth noting the thin sole. You wouldn’t want to walk around outdoors in these. In terms of fit, they’re also quite narrow, which could be an issue if you have wider feet.

Back to top

Gant crest slippers

Gant crest slippers
  • Best: Men’s slippers for holidays
  • Sizes: S-XL
  • Colourways: Marine, putty, light apricot, white
  • Material: Textile, polyester
  • Why we love it
    • Light and easy to pack
  • Take note
    • Thin outsole
    • Not very versatile

One of the founders of preppy, all-American style, Gant has designed these slippers to bring the look and feel of a luxury hotel to your home.

The detailed crest and deep royal blue certainly bring that luxury styling, while kudos should be given to the absorbent, cushioned padding that makes these a really pleasant pair in which to walk around the house (or five-star hotel).

The fit is what potentially lets these slippers down, though. It feels like there should be more room for your toes, and the result is a slipper that feels tight, but not very secure. The soles are also very thin – you wouldn’t want to walk around outside in these.

However, if you’re looking for a slipper to take with you during a spa break, these would be perfect for packing away in your suitcase. If you’re looking for a versatile, durable house shoe, look elsewhere.

  1. £50 from Gant.co.uk
Prices may vary
Back to top

The verdict: Men’s slippers

The Toms Ezra slipper really does have it all when it comes to a good value indoor slipper that you can also occasionally wear outdoors. However, if you’re looking for a casual shoe that doubles as a slipper, and can be worn seamlessly indoors and outdoors, you might be better served by the Ugg Tasman reimagined.

A final and worthy mention should go to the John Lewis cord mule slippers. They look great, feel great, and, for just £20, provide brilliant value for money.

Swapping the house for a hike? Check out our round-up of the best men’s walking shoes

Voucher Codes

TUI Discount Code
Save up to £250 on selected hotels with your unique TUI voucher code
ASOS Discount Code
20% off everything with this ASOS app discount code
Travelodge Discount Code
5% off all bookings - Travelodge discount code
The Body Shop Discount Code
Save 20% on everything - The Body Shop discount code
The Perfume Shop Discount Code
Save 15% on everything with birthday orders at The Perfume Shop
Domino's Voucher Code
Save 35% on orders over £40 - Domino's voucher code

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in