Your work-from-home wardrobe may be super comfortable, but it also comes with a special set of challenges, none more so than footwear. Sure, you’ve probably defaulted to a Zoom-friendly shirt, performance joggers, or stretch jeans; but out of cleanliness and social responsibility in these trying times, you should probably avoid wearing your street shoes around the house.
A study from the University of Houston found that shoe bottoms hold more toxins than even toilet surfaces. Both the bottoms and insides of your shoes also carry some nasty bacteria (including E-coli). You want those following you around the house?
But if you’re looking for something stylish to put on instead of going barefoot during work hours at home, might we suggest a pair of snazzy slippers?
“The footwear you would wear at home really depends on many factors including the type of floors you have and your foot type,” says Charlton Woodly, a podiatrist based in Fort Worth, Texas. “As a rule, for slippers, I always recommend a pair that has support mainly in the arch area. The slipper should fit the contour of your foot. There should be plenty of cushion to absorb shock, especially from those hard-surfaced floors. And be careful about having too much arch support especially for those people with high arched feet.”
The good news is that, although we’re going for old-fashioned at-home comfort, there is nothing stodgy about today’s house shoes. Below are some of our favorite picks.
Allbirds Tree Loungers
Not so much that you’d be lounging around in trees — although we suppose you could — but these lightweight mesh knit slip-ons are made from eucalyptus tree fiber, which feels breathable. The insole is lined with merino wool fabric for softness, moisture wicking, and natural odor reduction. The sole is a super lightweight foam. We like the clean, modern styling sourced from sustainable materials.
Florsheim Pareto Opera Slipper
The opera slipper takes its history from the court shoe or pump; with its roots in the early 1800s, when British socialite Beau Brummell updated this look for Western European men to wear to evening events. The silhouette has been borrowed here, but the slipper’s calfskin leather upper makes for a much more relaxed fit. The Pareto features leather linings for breathability and a fully cushioned footbed. We like the label’s mid-century modern-dad vibe.
Olukai Moloa
Bring some Hawaiian style into your everyday life with the Olukai Moloa. Turns out “moloa” translates to “lazy,” but we think your feet will be so comfortable in these nubuck slippers that you may have your most productive WFH day yet. The slip-on features Olukai’s signature open-back heel so you can slide into them if you prefer.
Ugg X Ovadia Tasman Tie Dye
This is definitely not the slipper you were expecting from Ugg. The classic sheepskin label known for its staid and ultra-comfy boots collaborated with upstart design duo the Ovadia Twins to create a groovy tie-dye take on Ugg’s Tasman silhouette, paired with a leopard-print sole.
Stegmann Essenz Wool Clog
Stegmann has been making wool comfort shoes since 1888, with its roots in Tyrol, Austria. These clogs feature a clean shape, latex footbed, and heel cup for support, while its merino wool blend exterior offers natural wicking, warmth, and odor-reduction.
Toms Felt Convertible Rodeo
Sporty, casual styling meets updated materials in this slipper from Toms. The felt upper is actually made from a vegan textile, and features a faux shearling lining that will keep you warm and cozy.
Editors' Recommendations
- 10 Best Driving Shoes for Men
- Yes, You Can Still Wear Shorts This Fall and Stay Warm. Here’s How
- Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2020: All The Best Deals, All In One Place
- The Best Men’s Running Shoes of 2020
- The 32 Best Men’s Shoes to Buy Right Now
