Men's slippers: how to choose material, fit and sole

Choosing good men's slippers comes down to four things: the upper material, the shape of the heel, the sole and the fit. Get those right and the rest is a matter of colour and taste, plus a little care to keep them looking good. In this guide we go through each point, using our two models, Siena and Modena, as practical examples.

If you would rather see the two models compared side by side, read our guide to men's slippers in suede and calfskin.

Why a proper pair of slippers is worth having

In Scandinavia, as in many homes elsewhere, shoes come off at the door. That leaves your feet spending hours on cold floorboards, tiles and stairs. A good pair of slippers makes mornings and evenings more comfortable, and it is the finishing touch that turns pyjamas and a dressing gown into a complete set of loungewear.

So a good pair of men's slippers needs to do two jobs: be easy to step into when you get out of bed, and look smart enough that you do not feel the need to kick them off when guests arrive.

The material: suede or smooth leather

The upper decides both the look of the slipper and how it should be looked after. If you are shopping for men's leather slippers, the choice usually comes down to suede or smooth leather.

Suede is leather with a napped, matt surface, which gives it a soft, understated look. Siena slippers are made from Italian suede in a deep navy colour, and the matt surface keeps the look discreet.

Calfskin is a smooth leather with an even surface. Modena slippers are made from Italian calfskin. The material is precisely what distinguishes Modena from Siena's suede; the other details are shared by both models.

Both slippers are hand-sewn, with fine cross-stitching as a visible part of the design. The choice between them is mostly about which surface you prefer to see and feel, and how much care you are happy to give.

Open or closed heel?

The heel is arguably the most important decision, and it is often overlooked. A slipper with a closed heel holds the whole foot and stays in place as you walk. It feels more like a shoe and can be a good choice if you are on your feet a lot or use the stairs often.

A backless slipper is easier to slip into and kick off again. It is ideal for the first coffee of the day, short trips between kitchen and sitting room, and quiet hours at a holiday cottage. On the other hand, the upper alone has to keep the slipper in place, so the fit over the instep matters more.

Both Siena and Modena are backless. If you prefer your heel to be held, it is worth considering whether you really want to switch to an open design.

The sole: discreet, but not unimportant

The sole determines how the slipper feels underfoot and on the floor. A thick, padded sole feels more like a shoe, while a thin sole gives more contact with the floor and a slimmer silhouette.

Siena and Modena both have a discreet rubber sole. Bear in mind that the sole material alone does not turn a slipper into an outdoor shoe. Think of them as slippers for the house and keep them away from wet grass and rain.

The fit: how a slipper should feel

A slipper should be comfortable without pinching, but not so loose that you have to grip it with your toes. That matters even more with a backless design.

• Try them the way you will wear them, with the socks you usually wear at home, or barefoot.
• Check where your heel sits. It should rest on the sole, not hang over the edge.
• Take a few steps on a hard floor and feel whether the slipper moves with you.

Always check the size information on the product page for the model you choose. If they do not fit, you have 14 days to return them from the day you receive them.

Care: making your slippers last

Slippers are worn every day, often on bare feet, so a little maintenance goes a long way. Always follow any care instructions for your particular model; the points below are general advice.

• Let them air. Leave them somewhere dry after wearing so that moisture can evaporate.
• Avoid direct heat. Never dry leather on a radiator or next to a wood burner, as it can make the leather stiff.
• Suede: brush the surface lightly with a soft suede brush and avoid water and stains. Suede generally copes less well with moisture than smooth leather.
• Calfskin: wipe with a dry or slightly damp cloth and use a care product made for smooth leather. Test it first somewhere it will not show.

Never use the same product on suede and smooth leather without checking that it suits the material.

Questions about men's slippers

Can I wear Siena and Modena outdoors?

They are designed as slippers for relaxed moments at home or at a holiday cottage. The rubber sole does not make them outdoor shoes.

What is the difference between Siena and Modena?

The upper. Siena is made from navy Italian suede, Modena from Italian calfskin. Both are hand-sewn and backless, with a rubber sole and cross-stitching.

Do slippers go with pyjamas and a dressing gown?

Yes, they are the natural finishing touch. Read more in our guide to wearing pyjamas and a dressing gown together.

Choose the heel shape first, then the material, and finish with the fit. You will find Siena and Modena in our homewear collection.