Kuru Draft Slipper: During testing, this house slipper was fantastic in terms of arch support, cushioning, flexibility and stability. It was a close second behind the Sorel Nakiska, but ultimately fell short because it was the heaviest shoe I tested, at 12.2 ounces. I tested seven other products that didn’t work for my exact needs but were strong contenders, if you didn’t find a perfect fit from the list above.

Sizes: S (5/6), M (7/8), L (9/10) | Colors: 2 total, including Heathered Ocean and Heathered Graphite | Materials: Polyester microfiber, rubber Birdies The Phoebe Slipper: These are an elevated house slipper, with a surprisingly cushioned insole and a soft faux-fur lining that felt luxurious. However, I found that the toe box was narrow and pinched my feet after just a few minutes.For this story, I also spoke with three experts to get their insight into what to look for in a good pair of slippers: Dr. Madhuri Mehta, a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon at Gotham Footcare; Dr. Alisha Reed, a self-care expert and pharmacist; and Chyrstyn Fentroy, a principal dancer for the Boston Ballet.

Allbirds Wool Dwellers: The springy memory-foam insole and soft polyester and wool lining of this shoe’s upper offered immediate relief, and I loved that they are machine-washable. But this style was so excessively wide that it fit me poorly and was clunky to wear around the house. Also important: I found the Nakiska Slide II stayed on my feet easier than other scuff styles because the material at the bridge comes up higher on the foot and makes the slippers more secure. The gummy rubber soles provided good traction on wood floors, tile and outside on pavement, and the rounded rubber edges helped prevent me from tripping on area rugs. Aesthetically, these are both streamlined and plush, and they’re a stylish complement to cute pajamas.Climate is a key consideration when choosing slippers—think about whether you live somewhere with chilly mornings most of the year, or if you just want something with some cushion or to buffer feet from cool tiles. Similarly, keep in mind if your feet typically run hot or cold. Certain fabrics, like wool, are extremely warm but also have thermoregulating properties, so feet won’t sweat as much. Cotton terry is efficient for absorbing moisture after showering. And polyester blends can be extremely warm and flexible, but they may not be as breathable. Cushioning, Arch Support And Stability