Men’s slippers: suede, calfskin and an open heel

Siena and Modena both have an open heel, but different uppers. Begin with the shape, then choose the look you prefer.

Some people like to step straight into their slippers. Others prefer a closed heel that surrounds the foot. Begin with that difference before choosing a colour or material. Ambassador1867's Siena and Modena both have open heels, making them worth comparing if that is the shape you want.

Is an open heel right for you?

An open-heel slipper feels different from a closed one. The upper needs to fit your foot while your heel remains free. If you usually prefer shoes that enclose your heel, consider whether you really want to change to an open design.

Think about how you will wear them at home: for short walks between rooms, quiet mornings or longer stretches of time. Choose the fit you prefer, not simply the shoe that looks easiest to slip on.

Siena: an Italian suede upper

Siena slippers have uppers made from Italian suede. They are navy, hand-stitched and open at the heel, with rubber soles and visible cross-stitching that forms part of the design.

Siena is a good starting point if you enjoy the surface of suede and prefer an understated slipper. Look at the close-up photographs to assess the material and stitching, not just the silhouette.

Modena: an Italian calfskin upper

Modena slippers have uppers made from Italian calfskin. They too are hand-stitched and open at the heel, with rubber soles and cross-stitching.

The two designs share several details. The clearest difference in the product descriptions is the upper material. Let that guide your comparison, but still use the sizing information for the design you choose.

How to assess the fit

Try them with the socks you expect to wear, or without socks if that is your preference. This makes the assessment more useful than trying them with whatever thick socks happen to be at hand.

  1. Check the position of your heel. Your foot should sit comfortably on the sole, without the heel hanging over the edge.
  2. Feel the upper. It should not press uncomfortably across the instep or feel so loose that you grip with your toes to keep the slipper on.
  3. Take a few easy steps. See whether the slipper moves with your normal stride without making you change the way you walk.
  4. Try both feet. Do not judge the size from one slipper alone.

Do not choose a size that feels wrong in the expectation that the material will change enough to make it fit. If you are unsure, clarify measurements and fit before deciding.

Separate material from intended use

A rubber sole tells you what the sole is made from; it does not, by itself, make a slipper an outdoor shoe. This comparison concerns slippers for the home. If you need footwear for wet surroundings or outdoor use, first check whether the particular design is intended for that purpose.

Before choosing a care product, look for instructions specific to the upper material. Suede and calfskin should not automatically be treated with the same product.

Choose the shape first, then the material

If you want an open heel, Siena and Modena are two options in our homewear collection. Choose the upper material you prefer, then assess the fit carefully. That gives the small design differences their proper place in your decision: after what needs to work for your feet.