The 13 best slippers for men, with expert tips from a podiatrist

SUBU Tokyo takes the ancient custom of wearing house shoes into the present day with their modern designs. The Concept slipper draws inspiration from a traditional silhouette and is retrofitted with modern materials that function well in everyday life. They're built around cushioned insoles to be a comfy retreat for tired feet.

Still, they're just as well suited as the best slippers for men to run quick errands in, thanks to their water-repellent, Teflon-coated nylon upper and sturdy rubber soles — like wearing a puffer jacket on your feet. SUBU slippers are machine washable and come in a variety of styles such as a compact travel slipper, loafer, or lightweight mesh design.

If you're looking for the best slippers for men with a true slip-on design, the Allbirds Wool Dwellers are the perfect choice. You can roll out of bed and easily slip your feet into them hands free. Their design is unisex, but you'll want to take a look at the size chart to determine which sizes you need. Since the slippers have an open heel, they fit true to size, but are very forgiving. I'm typically a size 8.5, and could fit either a medium (for sizes 7-8) or a large (for sizes 9-10) comfortably. While there's only a few colorways available on Allbirds' site, you can find more in near mint condition by shopping from Allbirds resale program, ReRun. 

Read our complete Allbirds Wool Dwellers slipper review, as well as our overall experience with the brand in our full Allbirds review.

This slipper-sock hybrid from Bombas is best worn while traipsing around the house. The Gripper Slippers are one of the best slippers for men who like a more sock-like fit, but the added traction of silicone grips keeps you from slipping or sliding on slick floors. They're machine washable, travel-friendly, and come with a complimentary pouch for easy transport. If you're looking for something to simply carry you from one room to the next but don't need much in the way of arch support, the Gripper Slippers are an easy, comfy choice.  

Read our full Bombas Gripper Slippers review.

Fully lined with plush genuine shearling, the Wicked Good Slippers are some of the coziest slippers for men you'll find. The sheepskin suede softens with wear, but the slippers are already super snug straight out of the box. While any shearling slipper should be warm, I especially like the Wicked Good Slippers because of their above-the-ankle cut. Although some may prefer a rubber outsole for more grip, I like the soft leather outsole that's specifically dedicated to indoor wear. The brand, too, suggests sporting these booties indoors rather than outdoors. —Amir Ismael, Style Editor

Read our full L.L.Bean Wicked Good Slippers review.

You might not think about sportswear companies when shopping for slippers, but Nike's Burrow Slipper is our resident sneakerhead's top pick for the best stylish slipper for men. With a fleece-like lining, soft cushioned foam insoles, and outsoles durable enough for outdoors, we love the Burrow Slipper for its versatility and comfort. Its coolest design elements are the zippered pockets, perfect for stashing cash, a credit card, or keys when you're headed out.  The Burrow Slipper is also the clear winner if you want slippers to match the Nike loungewear pieces you already own.

If you're looking for the best slippers for men to alleviate your or your loved one's plantar fasciitis, then you're likely aware of how the end of the day is when your feet need the most attention. "Look for features such as cushion, arch support and a deep seated heel cup. Avoid thin, flat and worn out shoes, which can cause plantar fasciitis," Dr. Sutera tells Insider. ONCAI's Orthotic Slide Sandals go beyond meeting all these requirements, with an adjustable strap to accommodate narrow and wide feet, a "Teddy Velvet" terry cloth-like material that's both breathable and warm, and half size options so you can achieve the perfect fit.

Hari Mari is best known for its comfortable flip-flops, but the brand also has cozy footwear for lounging. With full-grain leather, a genuine shearling lining, and memory foam insoles, the Hacienda LX slippers are one of the best slippers for men that we've ever tested. Their interior will mold to fit your feet exactly over time, making them a natural fit. The quality of materials, craftsmanship, and superb comfort make them a worthy option to invest in. 

Vionic's Alfons Mule Slipper is a worthy investment when shopping for the best slippers for men with high arches, according to their American Podiatric Medical Association's Seal of Acceptance. Dr. Sutera is a member of the APMA and an expert within Vionic's Innovation Lab. "High arches love 'accommodative' features in shoes — extra cushion and shock absorption, without too much rigidity.  Look for shoes that have arch support with a cushioned and semi flexible/semi rigid sole," Dr. Sutera told Insider. Feet with high arches are prone to supination, which describes a tendency to roll the foot outward in each step. These mules have a faux-shearling orthotic foot bed to correct supination and help realign the body from the ground up.

Another member of L.L. Bean's Wicked Good family is the Venetian moccasin style slipper. With over 4 million pairs sold in the last 5 years, this sleek iteration provides the warmth found in the rest of the collection, but with a rubber sole that's better suited to outdoor wear than the ankle booties. Inspired by the moccasins worn by generations of Algonquins during harsh Northeast winters, these slippers are durable and are well known for lasting years on end. If you're between sizes, the brand recommends sizing up, as they're snug upon first fit.

The Allbirds Tree Loungers are lined with soft Merino wool, a regenerative natural resource that's great for wicking moisture, regulating temperature, and minimizing odor. You can wear these with or without socks, and once you sense that they could use a refresh, just toss them in a pillowcase and into the washing machine. Their mesh upper is made from a breathable eucalyptus fiber knit to keep your feet nice and cool, and can be easily restored to their original glory with Allbirds' replacement insoles so you can wear the same pair for years to come.

Read more about the Tree Loungers in our full review on one of the best Allbirds sneakers we've ever bought.  

The best slippers for men with wide feet conveniently come at a budget friendly price. The Deer Stags Nordic Memory Foam Slippers are made with materials that deliver quality without compromising affordability. Their memory foam insoles are comfortable to the touch, with textured outer soles that boast superior shock absorption. It's worth noting that these slippers tend to run small — since they don't have a plush genuine shearling lining like some of the other slippers on this list, they won't loosen up as drastically. For this reason we recommend sizing up on the Deer Stags.

Like most of UGG's other signature footwear styles, the Tasman Slippers feature suede exteriors, sheepskin linings, and wool insoles. The genuine shearling plush pile lining the Tasman Slipper creates a snug fit to keep your feet warm and won't loosen like replica shearling.  I went a full size up from my 8.5, and found them to fit well with and without socks. The Tasmans are among the best slippers for men with narrow feet as they contour to the shape of the foot the more they're worn. In addition to being able to withstand typical outdoor terrains with their Treadlite soles, they're also fashionable enough to wear in public for errands without looking like you're dressed for a sleepover. — Amir Ismael, Style Editor

Read our full UGG slippers review.

For supporting your feet both indoors and out, Minnetonka's Pile Lined Hardsole has everything you'll need. They function seamlessly as the best slippers for men who want both cozy house shoes and slide-on errand gear. On the inside you'll find thick pile-lined sheepskin cushions to ensure your feet are both well supported and comfortably warm. On the outside is a genuine suede upper and rawhide lace that'll withstand regular wear, with a thick rubber sole to provide traction and stability on slippery floors or wet ground surfaces. These fit true to size when worn without socks and come in inclusive sizes.

Read our full Minnetonka moccasins slippers review. 

What kind of slippers are the most comfortable?

Well, that depends on what you've got on your feet right now. To provide maximum comfort, the best slippers for men will need to differ in many ways from whatever shoes you've been wearing all day. "The body and feet love moderation and variety," says Dr. Sutera.  Wearing the same shoes all day and everyday is not healthy in the long run. This can lead to overuse and repetitive stress injuries such as tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, just to name a few." 

In contrast to dress shoes or work boots, stepping into a pair of slippers with a deep heel cup and extra arch cushion will provide significant relief, especially when worn routinely. 

What slippers are best for plantar fasciitis or high arches?

To determine the best slippers for men with plantar fasciitis, Dr. Sutera developed the "Tabletop Test." "Take your shoes, put them on a tabletop and examine the soles at eye level," she tells Insider. "Are they even? Are they worn? Then flip them upside down and examine the tread. Is it smooth? Does it have holes? If so, replace the shoes." 

The idea is to avoid any flimsiness and instead wear slippers that provide ample shock absorption. Sore high arches similarly need extra cushioning, though it's equally important for the slippers to feel somewhat flexible to accommodate the foot's natural shape. 

What are the best materials for slippers?

When trying to find the right pair of slippers, consider which materials will accommodate your long term needs. In cooler climates and seasons, wool and shearling will help regulate body temperature by keeping the extremities warm. For hot weather, opt for a slipper with a ventilated material to prevent any stuffiness. "I would recommend a washable slipper which does not absorb sweat. This will reduce odor causing bacteria that would thrive in the fabric versions," Dr. Sutera says.  

If the foam midsoles in your current pair have become flat, it's time to start looking for the best slippers for men that'll fit true-to-size and maintain the same form and function as they day they were purchased.  "Wearing shoes that fit too tight or too loose can cause injury and pain over time. Bunions and hammertoes can get worse, and this can cause blisters, ingrown toenails, bruising, neuromas, and more," says Dr. Sutera.