The Best Wool Slippers for the Indoors & Outdoors

With so many different kinds of wool slippers out there, how do you decide which style is the best wool slipper for you? What's the best slipper for hardwoods or carpet? Is it important to be able to wear them both inside and outside, or is a cozy lounging slipper what you're looking for? Do you want a packable travel slipper? We're breaking it down here to make your slipper shopping as easy as possible. 

Since you're here, we assume you've already decided that you want a wool slipper. If you're not sure why you'd want wool over another material, we cover that here: Why Wool is the Best Material for Slippers. We dive into the science behind things like foot sweat, breathability and odor reduction in your slippers. If you're on the fence when it comes to wool, give that guide a read and then come back here to find out which is best wool slipper for you. 

Indoor, Outdoor or Both?

Is having a slipper you can wear to the mailbox, or walk the dog in a must have? Or do you prefer a slipper you can wear to curl up under a blanket on the couch? Do you want something with a little support and breathability for gardening? Here are our recommendations for the best wool slipper for all of these daily activities and more!

Best Indoor/Outdoor Wool Slippers: The Carson House Shoe for Women

Easy to slip on with an enclosed heel for foot and ankle stability, this is a slipper that doubles as a street shoe. Whether you're running to the grocery store, to the neighbors, or around the block with the family dog, this slipper / house shoe does it all. A natural rubber sole protects the wool from dirt and adds durability and cushioning for comfort. The enclosed heel on the Carson shoe lets you walk distances comfortably, so you can wear it to places you normally wouldn't go in a slipper. 

Maybe the best feature of this slipper? It really doesn't look much like a slipper. A streamlined toe box and minimalist finishing elevate this felted Merino wool house shoe. The silhouette of the Carson shoe looks more like a nice dress shoe than a slipper. A slipper that will polish up an outfit? It's not too good to be true! That doesn't mean the Carson won't be equally at home at a campground or mountain cabin.

This is a truly versatile slipper made of warm, insulating Merino wool. It's fully wool lined, breathable and naturally odor-resistant. You can wear it with socks or without, depending on your preference, and you could even add your own insole if you have the room. Made in Mongolia, the Carson is hand felted with wool from the Mongolian merino sheep. These are a nomadic sheep, raised on the taiga and treated like royalty. As a result the wool is comfortable even in very low temperatures, yet so soft and fine you'll hardly believe it. 

The Carson is the best slipper for you if:

• You want the added warmth of a closed heel, or your feet tend to get cold 
• You definitely want something you can wear indoors and outdoors regularly.
• You have medium to narrow feet, and a narrow toe box will accommodate your foot shape.
• You are looking for a little cushioning and support, but this is not your primary need. The Carson doesn't have structured arch support, but the rubber and wool will mold to your foot over time and will provide light arch and foot support.
• You like a zero drop construction slipper - this means the heel and toe platforms are the same height. Zero drop shoes have been shown to help improve joint alignment and posture and reduce pressure on delicate foot bones. 
• You want the added warmth of a closed heel, or your feet tend to get cold 

Check out Five Reasons we should all be wearing House Shoes

The Best Slippers for Gardening: The Aurora Slide for Women

Yes! We actually have a wool slipper made just with gardening in mind. It's also great for any other around the house chores on your list. Why is this the best slipper for gardening? The open toe and open heel make the Aurora the most breathable of all of our slipper options. Even if your feet start to sweat while you're fighting weeds or a pile of laundry, the Aurora will quickly wick away and evaporate any moisture, keeping your feet happy and comfortable. 

This all-in-one slipper, slide and shoe transitions easily from indoor to outdoor and can be worn comfortably for all 4 seasons. Made from Mongolian Merino wool, the Aurora will keep your feet at a comfortable temperature during winter months, allowing any moisture to wick away. Dry feet are warm, comfortable feet. Likewise, during the warmer spring and summer months this versatile slipper will keep your feet from overheating by absorbing and evaporating moisture. You can finally throw away your cheap rubber flip flops, because the Aurora has you covered. The natural rubber outsole provides cushioning, light support and the durability you need to wear them anywhere. 

The Aurora Slipper is the best slipper for you if:

• Your feet tend to get too warm or sweaty and you know you want extra breathability.
• You have medium to narrow feet, and a narrow toe box will accommodate your foot shape.
• You are looking for a little cushioning and support, but this is not your primary need. The Aurora doesn't have structured arch support, but the rubber and wool will mold to your foot over time and will provide light arch and foot support.
• You like a zero drop construction slipper - this means the heel and toe platforms are the same height. Zero drop shoes have been shown to help improve joint alignment and posture and reduce pressure on delicate foot bones. 

The Best Slippers for Hardwoods or Carpet: The Astoria Slipper

Soft, felted New Zealand Merino wool and a natural suede sole are all the ingredients needed for the ultimate cozy indoor slipper. Warm, insulating and breathable, the Astoria has an open back that encourages airflow, while maintaining a steady temperature inside the slipper. If you seek balance in all things, this is the slipper for you. Not too hot, not too cold, just the right amount of cozy. Many happy reviewers have praised the Astoria for its ability to keep their feet toasty warm, without causing them to sweat. 

"I was looking for a slipper that would keep my feet warm without turning them into a sweaty mess and my Nootkas really hit the mark. They are have been fantastic at keeping my feet warm, but not too warm and are extremely comfortable. High praise all around!"

The Astoria slipper has also garnered high praise for how silent they make your footsteps. One customer told us their downstairs neighbor very much appreciates their new slippers, while several new mothers have praised the Astoria's ability to "make them as quiet as a ninja." All kidding aside, the soft suede outsole and dense wool padding in the sole of the Astoria really do dampen the sound of your foot steps, which all conscientious upstairs neighbors and moms can appreciate. 

The Astoria is also excellent for carpet for one big reason - it does not create static electricity. Even in the dryest days of winter, the suede sole will not generate static electricity as it comes into contact with carpet. Suede is one of the few fabrics that doesn't conduct static electricity. Wool is conductive, but since it's not the part of the slipper in contact with carpet, it is much less so than if it were paired with say a rubber sole, or fur that comes in contact with the floor. 

In the interest of keeping your suede soles clean and longer lasting, we recommend only indoor wear for the Astoria slipper. Wearing them outside will not damage the suede, but it will cause it to darken sooner from both natural patina and any dirt the suede may pick up. The Astoria is best worn inside and around the house, lounging on the couch and especially traveling. We love slipping this lightweight slipper inside our carry-on and changing into them mid flight. They're so wonderful and cozy to have on hand in hotels, and cute enough to wear shamelessly to breakfast and back. 

The Astoria Slipper is the best slipper for you if:

• Your feet tend to overheat, or get very cold as they will help to maintain a steady temperature. 
• You have medium to wider feet. Astorias tend to run on the wide side if anything, so narrow feet may find this slipper to be a bit too large.
• You want something cozy you can lounge in, or wear around the home office and primarily inside your home
• You are looking for a lightweight, low profile travel slipper 
• You are looking for a little cushioning and support, but this is not your primary need. The Astoria doesn't have structured arch support, but the wool will mold to your foot over time and will provide light arch and foot support.
• You like a zero drop construction slipper - this means the heel and toe platforms are the same height. Zero drop shoes have been shown to help improve joint alignment and posture and reduce pressure on delicate foot bones.