The Best Slipper Brands For Men: Comfort & Style Guaranteed
It’s funny how a worldwide pandemic has altered our appreciation of certain pieces of seemingly mundane or unessential menswear. Items that we wouldn’t have considered important before have suddenly been thrust into our consciousness and the same amount of care and desire for quality we maintain when picking clothes for outside have stretched to the clothes we now choose for inside.
Step forward the humble pair of slippers. We now care deeply about slippers and so should you. A pair of premium quality ‘house shoes’ is now something we’re willing to spend a substantial amount of money on in order to ensure comfort, warmth and – dare we say it – style.
From high-end luxury to contemporary cool via timeless classicism, here’s our edit of the best men’s slipper brands on the market.
Mulo
With everything based on a traditional Oxford last (the ‘last’ being the wooden mould used for making shoes), London-based Mulo have built a brand upon a foundation of four staple styles: the espadrille, sneaker, loafer and slipper.
Their backless leather slipper, handmade from full-grain Italian leather with a recycled soft-pile moleskin interior, is the sort of stylish, modern slip-on you’d imagine a loft-based New York professional to be found pottering around in.
Derek Rose
If there’s one label that has been thrust into our style consciousness thanks to the pandemic, it’s Derek Rose (featured image, top). We’ve spent countless hours swathed head to toe in its luxury loungewear, but the brand also produces a fine line of luxury slippers.
Offering both open and closed-back silhouettes, the range makes the most of sheepskin and other premium materials including Harris tweed for a pair that will actually leave you excited to wake up in the morning. No easy feat.
Quoddy
It’s all about comfort at Quoddy. So when you invest in its Dorm Boot or Fireside Camp Slippers, you’re getting the equivalent of two small, consistently warm, soft hugs on the end of your legs every time you wear them.
If that sounds too whimsical for you, they’re also hand-stitched, Made in the USA and feature a hand-cut Vibram sole for added traction on those short trips outside.
Mahabis
Now and again a brand comes along and completely transforms the game and thus ends up appearing everywhere. Mahabis is that slipper brand. With their futuristic design, emphasis on natural and recycled materials and nifty ergonomics, it’s difficult to not liken them to a sort of Dyson of slippers. Continuing the theme of being a disruptor, Mahabis’ design allows you to truly use these slippers inside and out.
Available in a plethora of colourways and materials, there’s something for every man.
Clarks
Good old dependable Clarks. If you’re looking for a stylish shoe that’s built to last yet surprisingly affordable, you can count on the British label to deliver it, be it a desert boot or a slipper. When it comes to the latter, whether you prefer backless mules or comfortable moccasins, you’re guaranteed a robust upper, sturdy rubber soles and a warm, cosy lining.
George Cleverley
If you like your slippers as well-made and long-lasting as a Goodyear-welted shoe, George Cleverley have what you need. In true British style, the brand’s signature ‘Albert’ model features a plush velvet upper, a smooth satin lining and robust leather sole.
Handmade in Northamptonshire and not to be worn with sweats and a hoody, a pair of Alberts are a loungewear sartorial power move that demand a robe and nightwear tailoring.
Church’s
Another contender from a traditional, Royal seal-of-approval Northamptonshire shoemaker. If you’re in the market for a sartorially classic slipper, crafted from the finest materials and with the build of a sturdy business shoe, Church’s is the way forward.
The brand’s Air Travel 03 is a naturally finished nappa leather backless mule with slimline heel block, quilted cushioning and its own travel pouch. The height of indoor luxury.
Gucci
Are they a loafer, are they a slipper? It doesn’t matter. You can’t do a list of slippers without mentioning those horsebit Princetown Gucci numbers, be it with or without the majestic lambswool lining.
Made in Italy with Bordeaux leather they’ll certainly set you back but who cares when you’re strutting around your abode in true fashion house glory.
Birkenstock
You might already wear a pair of their two-strap sandals you bought for summer holidays around the house but you need to start separating church and state. With a pair of slippers from the German brand, you’re guaranteed that same comfortable sole but with a protective felt or soft leather upper. A shearling lining is also available for added warmth.
The brand’s classic Zermatt model in grey wool felt is a stylish and comfortable place to begin.
M&S
If you don’t want to break the bank but still want something that won’t fall apart after multiple wears, M&S is here for you. With its trademarked FreshFeet design to help stop the lingering effects of sweat, there’s a style for everyone including some remarkably risqué designs that resemble others on this list if you squint.
For us, the M&S Collection Leather Mule is a no nonsense option that offers great value for money.
