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The 11 Best Shoes To Wear Around The House

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by Scarlett James
Updated: 
Originally Published: 

A good pair of slippers or house shoes is one of life’s simplest joys, right up there with freshly-laundered sheets. Now that people are spending a lot more time at home, however, you might find yourself suddenly in need of more than one pair. The best shoes to wear around the house are comfortable, first and foremost, but also easy to pull on — no laces, thank you — and they have enough of a sole for you to grab the mail but not so much that they feel clunky when you hit the couch. You can find pairs that look cute and stylish in case you’re expecting guests, but there’s also something to be said for a ridiculously fluffy slipper that just makes you feel happy and cared for. (Zoom is from the chest up after all!)

Now you may be wondering what exactly a house shoe is since, like house dresses, they're a wardrobe item that might not have been on your radar until recently. A house shoe falls in that nebulous zone between your coziest slipper and a shoe you can wear to run errands, and I’ve included pairs below across that spectrum. A house shoe can be a comfy pair you designate for indoor use or a really nice slipper that looks like a shoe. As A Calming Home explained, “House shoes can be slippers, but not all slippers can be house shoes.” That said, Amazon shoppers copped to wearing even the most weekend-ready slippers out to run errands.

Essentially, wear what makes you happy, whether that’s a squishy slide sandal, a pair of soft ballet flats, or a suede driving shoe with sheepskin. Here are the eight pairs you’ll want to keep in rotation when your house is your castle.

1. The Scandinavian-Chic Sweater Clog

Unsurprisingly, Clarks — a brand known for their comfortable, sturdy footwear — also makes a solid house shoe. This cozy clog is artsy-chic with a sweater-like upper and colorful braided band. It’s made from genuine wool flannel, with faux fur lining over a cushioned footbed. "Really nice looking—very hygge,” one shopper praised, noting that they were “comfortable with sturdy soles and secure on the foot” that “seem like they should last a while.” Wear your pair with ripped jeans and a floaty kimono for a goddess-of-your-castle vibe, or slip them on at the end of the day with your favorite sweats. The slip-on house shoe has a nonslip rubber sole that's durable enough for running quick errands and puttering around outside, but still feels lightweight. Note: some fans suggested sizing up if you want extra wiggle room.

  • Available colors: 8
  • Available sizes: 6 — 11

2. A Luxe Sheepskin Driver

These luxe leather slip-ons could actually be worn out with jeans for an errand or two, in sturdy sheepskin suede with a rustic moccasin-inspired upper and rubber sole. They feature a comfortable padded footbed, that’s lined with UGG’s signature Australian wool for coziness and warmth, and a covered heel to help them last for years. "These are more supportive than cheap, flimsy slippers," one reviewer observed, adding, "I like that I can wear them outside in a pinch and that they keep my feet toasty warm without socks." Not into suede or want more colors? Try these vegan moccasins at an under-$25 price point.

  • Available colors: 7
  • Available sizes: 5 — 12 (regular and select wide)

3. A Fun Pair Of Ombre House Shoes

A whole lot of fabulous, these punky house shoes are a budget alternative to the original UGG design in fluffy faux fur. You can get them in the rave-worthy ombre shown here, but don’t miss the other great prints like camo and leopard, and more subdued neutral shades. Sure, there’s a slingback — but you can also wear them like slides. And the firm rubber sole can handle a walk outdoors; some shoppers confessed to wearing theirs on errands. "Awesome slippers! I’ve had foot surgery so must be careful of my choices! Theses slippers are so comfortable and feel safe with rubber soles,” a reviewer vouched.

  • Available colors: 12
  • Available sizes: 5-6 — 9-10

4. The Sporty Slides You Need For Arch Support

These slide sandals are a cult favorite, with more than 19,000 perfect, five-star Amazon reviews. Adidas' proprietary light-as-air foam cushioning is comfy and quick-drying (not to mention waterproof). Amazon shoppers highly recommended these for around the house, with some pointing out that they were really easy to keep clean. This pair even offers arch support with the molded footbed. "I wear them around the house as they're made of really thick material/well-made, moisture wicking, slip resistent, very comfortable, and they have just enough toe and arch support," one fan was pleased to report.

  • Available colors: 30
  • Available sizes: 4 — 13

5. A Pair Of Chic Ballet Slippers

These subtle and dainty ballet flat slippers totally encase your foot in soft memory foam, overlaid in velvety jersey knit. They have a rubber sole so you can run outside — they're even moisture-wicking — and are machine washable in case they get dirty. "These are very comfortable; they conform to your foot, but still have some structure on the sole. The footbed fabric is luxurious. Nice to wear around the house," a reviewer noted.

  • Available colors: 9
  • Available sizes: 5-6 — 9.5-10.5

6. These Sneaker Clogs With A Cult Following

For a sturdier option to wear around the house with a tread that will power you through errands, consider these athletic mules. Boasting more than 6,000 Amazon ratings, this pair slides right on like a slipper and has a breathable mesh upper. Inside you’ll find sandwiched layers of cushioned padding with cooling memory foam and extra arch support. “Sometimes you need more than slippers,” a fan pointed out. “I love these shoes, they are SO comfortable!! I can go in and out of the house without changing shoes. When I need a quick trip to the market, these shoes do the trick.”

  • Available colors: 9
  • Available sizes: 6 — 11 (regular and select wide)

7. Some Ultra-Comfy Flip Flop Slippers With Memory Foam

The softest sandal ever comes lined in beachy terry cloth over a thick layer of memory foam with an additional EVA foam insole. (So, yes, they're super comfy.) They feel like a slipper but still look relatively shoe-like, with a checkered weave on the straps and a good anti-slip rubber sole that’s nicely substantial — no flimsy flip flops here. "I've now had these for several months and wear them DAILY around the house, allll day long. And they are actually holding up pretty well," one fan remarked. "Durable, soft & cushy, and replace my old, reliable DearForms perfectly." An added bonus: This pair is also machine-washable.

  • Available colors: 5
  • Available sizes: 5-6 — 11-12

8. These Fluffy Slippers That Feel Like A "Hug On Your Feet"

Some days, only the most absurdly fluffy slippers will do. With a deep-pile faux fur upper, and soft fleece lining a squishy memory foam footbed, these slippers were made for peak coziness and "Do not disturb" vibes. "I got them just for fun, and love walking around at home with them because they make me feel so fancy as I go make my coffee in my pajamas," one shopper enthused. They offer good traction on the bottom, with a waterproof EVA sole, but what makes them an Amazon best-seller is their next-level softness. "These slippers feel like a hug on my feet. They have a hard bottom so you can wear them out. The top part is so incredibly soft!!! I love these ! If you’re worried about sizing - size up," a reviewer gushed.

  • Available colors: 11
  • Available sizes: Small — X-Large

9. A Solid, Supportive Flip Flop That Molds To Your Foot

If you need a good all-purpose flip flop that’s comfortable around the house yet sturdily built, you’ll want to keep Teva’s Mush II flip flop by the back door. In EVA foam, they’re lightweight and waterproof with contoured arch support for happy feet, and the velvety-soft padded topsole molds to your foot over time with repeated wear for a custom fit. “I am not sure how attached you are to a good pair of flip-flops, but these babies rope you in for life,” a fan gushed. “I don't mean the life of the shoe either...expect to love them so much that you have to buy a second pair.”

  • Available colors: 3
  • Available sizes: 5 — 12

10. These Cozy Booties For Staying Toasty

On cold days, there’s nothing better than sinking your feet into some cozy fleece booties. This pair comes with a Velcro closure so you can adjust the fit and the rubber sole is nice and sturdy if you decide to take them for a quick spin outside. Featuring a vegan-friendly imitation suede upper, soft sherpa-like lining, and cushy memory foam insoles, these are well-made house shoes — it’s no surprise that they’ve earned a cult following on Amazon. More than 12,000 reviewers have weighed in, with many raving about how soft and cozy they were. “I bought these for around the house and short outside trips - mail, trash, letting dog out,” one fan reported. “They are soooo comfy, the bottom sole is rugged enough for outside use even if it’s wet out.”

  • Available colors: 4
  • Available sizes: 6 — 11

11. Oh, I Went There: The Crocs

If you need a house shoe that's comfortable yet sturdy and lightweight, it's hard to think of a better choice than this iconic shoe. The style might be polarizing, but these Crocs have amassed 225,000+ perfect five-star reviews: The people have spoken. They're easy to slip on, impossibly comfortable, and totally waterproof thanks to their cushy signature foam; they have an ergonomic footbed with great arch support and some serious traction underneath. "Got these bad boys and couldn't be happier," one reviewer confessed. "They are a much more comfortable upgrade from flip flop or slipper for wearing around the house."

  • Available colors: 60
  • Available sizes: 4 — 19

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