Day: June 4, 2024

Best overall: Subu Concept Slipper

Gabrielle Chase/Insider

• Size options: 5-12
• Colorways: Eleven options including Camo, Khaki, and SSENSE exclusive prints

SUBU Tokyo takes the ancient custom of wearing house shoes into the present day with their modern designs. The Concept slipper draws inspiration from a traditional silhouette and is retrofitted with modern materials that function well in everyday life. They’re built around cushioned insoles to be a comfy retreat for tired feet.

Still, they’re just as well suited as the best slippers for men to run quick errands in, thanks to their water-repellent, Teflon-coated nylon upper and sturdy rubber soles — like wearing a puffer jacket on your feet. SUBU slippers are machine washable and come in a variety of styles such as a compact travel slipper, loafer, or lightweight mesh design.

Best slip-ons: Allbirds Wool Dwellers

Amir Ismael/Business Insider

• Size options: S-XXL
• Colorways: Tartan Orange Lux, Buoyant Pink, and more via Allbirds ReRun

If you’re looking for the best slippers for men with a true slip-on design, the Allbirds Wool Dwellers are the perfect choice. You can roll out of bed and easily slip your feet into them hands-free. Their design is unisex, but you’ll want to take a look at the size chart to determine which sizes you need. Since the slippers have an open heel, they fit true to size, but are very forgiving. I’m typically a size 8.5, and could fit either a medium (for sizes 7-8) or a large (for sizes 9-10) comfortably.  You can find more in near-mint condition factory seconds pairs by shopping from Allbirds resale program, ReRun.

Read our complete Allbirds Wool Dwellers slipper review, as well as our overall experience with the brand in our full Allbirds review.

Best indoor: Bombas Gripper Slipper

Bombas

• Size options: 7-15
• Colorways: 10 colors including solids and patterns

This slipper-sock hybrid from Bombas is best worn while traipsing around the house. The Gripper Slippers are one of the best slippers for men who like a more sock-like fit, but the added traction of silicone grips keeps you from slipping or sliding on slick floors. They’re machine washable, travel-friendly, and come with a complimentary pouch for easy transport. If you’re looking for something to simply carry you from one room to the next but don’t need much in the way of arch support, the Gripper Slippers are an easy, comfy choice.  

Read our full Bombas Gripper Slippers review.

Best outdoor: Minnetonka Pile Lined Hardsoles

Minnetonka

• Size options: 7-16 with wide options

• Colorways: 6 options including black, gray, and brown

For supporting your feet both indoors and out, Minnetonka’s Pile Lined Hardsole has everything you’ll need. They function seamlessly as the best slippers for men who want both cozy house shoes and slide-on errand gear. On the inside, you’ll find thick pile-lined sheepskin cushions to ensure your feet are both well supported and comfortably warm. On the outside is a genuine suede upper and rawhide lace that’ll withstand regular wear, with a thick rubber sole to provide traction and stability on slippery floors or wet ground surfaces. These fit true to size when worn without socks and come in inclusive sizes.

Read our full Minnetonka moccasins slippers review. 

Best for sweaty feet: Allbirds Tree Loungers

Allbirds

• Size options: 8-14
• Colorways: Seven options including Navy Night, Cocoa, and Olympus

The Allbirds Tree Loungers are lined with soft Merino wool, a regenerative natural resource that’s great for wicking moisture, regulating temperature, and minimizing odor. You can wear these with or without socks, and once you sense that they could use a refresh, just toss them in a pillowcase and into the washing machine. Their mesh upper is made from a breathable eucalyptus fiber knit to keep your feet nice and cool, and can be easily restored to their original glory with Allbirds’ replacement insoles so you can wear the same pair for years to come.

Read more about the Tree Loungers in our full review on one of the best Allbirds sneakers we’ve ever bought.  

Best for warmth: L.L.Bean Wicked Good Slippers

Amir Ismael/Insider

• Size options: 7-14
• Colorways: Brown, Chocolate Brown

Fully lined with plush genuine shearling, the Wicked Good Slippers are some of the coziest slippers for men you’ll find. The sheepskin suede softens with wear, but the slippers are already super snug straight out of the box. While any shearling slipper should be warm, I especially like the Wicked Good Slippers because of their above-the-ankle cut. Although some may prefer a rubber outsole for more grip, I like the soft leather outsole that’s specifically dedicated to indoor wear. The brand, too, suggests sporting these booties indoors rather than outdoors. —Amir Ismael, Style Editor

Read our full L.L.Bean Wicked Good Slippers review.

Best for plantar fasciitis: ONCAI Orthotic Slide Sandals

Amazon

• Size options: 7.5-15
• Colorways: Five options including black, brown, and khaki

If you’re looking for the best slippers for men to alleviate your or your loved one’s plantar fasciitis, then you’re likely aware of how the end of the day is when your feet need the most attention. “Look for features such as cushion, arch support and a deep seated heel cup. Avoid thin, flat and worn out shoes, which can cause plantar fasciitis,” Dr. Sutera tells Insider. ONCAI’s Orthotic Slide Sandals go beyond meeting all these requirements, with an adjustable strap to accommodate narrow and wide feet, a “Teddy Velvet” terry cloth-like material that’s both breathable and warm, and half size options so you can achieve the perfect fit.

Best memory foam: Hari Mari Hacienda LX

Hari Mari

• Size options: 8-13
• Colorways: Chestnut, Havana, Pewter

Hari Mari is best known for its comfortable flip-flops, but the brand also has cozy footwear for lounging. With full-grain leather, a genuine shearling lining, and memory foam insoles, the Hacienda LX slippers are one of the best slippers for men that we’ve ever tested. Their interior will mold to fit your feet exactly over time, making them a natural fit. The quality of materials, craftsmanship, and superb comfort make them a worthy option to invest in. 

Best arch support: Vionic Alfons Mule Slipper

Vionic

• Size options: 7-13
• Colorways: Seven options including Plaid, Camo, and Toffee

Vionic’s Alfons Mule Slipper is a worthy investment when shopping for the best slippers for men with high arches, according to their American Podiatric Medical Association’s Seal of Acceptance. Dr. Sutera is a member of the APMA and an expert within Vionic’s Innovation Lab. “High arches love ‘accommodative’ features in shoes — extra cushion and shock absorption, without too much rigidity.  Look for shoes that have arch support with a cushioned and semi flexible/semi rigid sole,” Dr. Sutera told Insider. Feet with high arches are prone to supination, which describes a tendency to roll the foot outward in each step. These mules have a faux-shearling orthotic foot bed to correct supination and help realign the body from the ground up.

Best moccasin style: L.L. Bean Wicked Good Venetian Slippers

L.L. Bean

• Size options: 7-14
• Colorways: Black Spruce, Chocolate, Brown, and Carbon Navy

Another member of L.L. Bean’s Wicked Good family is the Venetian moccasin style slipper. With over 4 million pairs sold in the last 5 years, this sleek iteration provides the warmth found in the rest of the collection, but with a rubber sole that’s better suited to outdoor wear than the ankle booties. Inspired by the moccasins worn by generations of Algonquins during harsh Northeast winters, these slippers are durable and are well known for lasting years on end. If you’re between sizes, the brand recommends sizing up, as they’re snug upon first fit.

Best for wide feet: Deer Stags Nordic Memory Foam Slippers

Deer Stags

• Size options: 7-16, with 3E width sizes also offered
• Colorways: Ten options including Camo, Buffalo Check, and Tweed

The best slippers for men with wide feet conveniently come at a budget friendly price. The Deer Stags Nordic Memory Foam Slippers are made with materials that deliver quality without compromising affordability. Their memory foam insoles are comfortable to the touch, with textured outer soles that boast superior shock absorption. It’s worth noting that these slippers tend to run small — since they don’t have a plush genuine shearling lining like some of the other slippers on this list, they won’t loosen up as drastically. For this reason we recommend sizing up on the Deer Stags.

Best for narrow feet: UGG Tasman Slipper

UGG

• Size options: 7-18
• Colorways: Eleven options including Chestnut, Chocolate, and Samba Red

Like most of UGG’s other signature footwear styles, the Tasman Slippers feature suede exteriors, sheepskin linings, and wool insoles. The genuine shearling plush pile lining the Tasman Slipper creates a snug fit to keep your feet warm and won’t loosen like replica shearling.  I went a full size up from my 8.5, and found them to fit well with and without socks. The Tasmans are among the best slippers for men with narrow feet as they contour to the shape of the foot the more they’re worn. In addition to being able to withstand typical outdoor terrains with their Treadlite soles, they’re also fashionable enough to wear in public for errands without looking like you’re dressed for a sleepover. — Amir Ismael, Style Editor

Read our full UGG slippers review.

Best slippers for men FAQs

What kind of slippers are the most comfortable?

Well, that depends on what you’ve got on your feet right now. To provide maximum comfort, the best slippers for men will need to differ in many ways from whatever shoes you’ve been wearing all day. “The body and feet love moderation and variety,” says Dr. Sutera.  Wearing the same shoes all day and everyday is not healthy in the long run. This can lead to overuse and repetitive stress injuries such as tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, just to name a few.” 

In contrast to dress shoes or work boots, stepping into a pair of slippers with a deep heel cup and extra arch cushion will provide significant relief, especially when worn routinely. 

What slippers are best for plantar fasciitis or high arches?

To determine the best slippers for men with plantar fasciitis, Dr. Sutera developed the “Tabletop Test.” “Take your shoes, put them on a tabletop and examine the soles at eye level,” she tells Insider. “Are they even? Are they worn? Then flip them upside down and examine the tread. Is it smooth? Does it have holes? If so, replace the shoes.” 

The idea is to avoid any flimsiness and instead wear slippers that provide ample shock absorption. Sore high arches similarly need extra cushioning, though it’s equally important for the slippers to feel somewhat flexible to accommodate the foot’s natural shape. 

What are the best materials for slippers?

When trying to find the right pair of slippers, consider which materials will accommodate your long term needs. In cooler climates and seasons, wool and shearling will help regulate body temperature by keeping the extremities warm. For hot weather, opt for a slipper with a ventilated material to prevent any stuffiness. “I would recommend a washable slipper which does not absorb sweat. This will reduce odor causing bacteria that would thrive in the fabric versions,” Dr. Sutera says.  

If the foam midsoles in your current pair have become flat, it’s time to start looking for the best slippers for men that’ll fit true-to-size and maintain the same form and function as they day they were purchased.  “Wearing shoes that fit too tight or too loose can cause injury and pain over time. Bunions and hammertoes can get worse, and this can cause blisters, ingrown toenails, bruising, neuromas, and more,” says Dr. Sutera. 

When I approached Gideon’s Bakehouse, the line wrapped around the building.The line outside Gideon’s looked long.

Terri Peters

Gideon’s Bakehouse often has such long lines that it operates on a virtual queue, meaning you go in person to put your name on a list and then wait for a text.

On busy days, it can take up to four hours to wait your turn.

I visited with my son at 11 a.m. on a Friday, and about 40 customers were lined up around the building. The bakery wasn’t using its virtual queue.

It didn’t take as long as I anticipated to make it inside the gothic-style bakery.The bakery is super immersive.

Terri Peters

It took me and my son about 30 minutes to enter Gideon’s.

In the past, I’ve seen a similar line and skipped it, assuming the wait would be way longer. The area was well-shaded with umbrellas, so it wasn’t a terrible wait overall.

Gideon’s has a gothic-style interior with dark and artistic decor. It was a welcome respite from the bright sunshine that covers Disney Springs.

Gideon’s menu is made up of cookies, cakes, and coffee.There were only a couple of cookie flavors to choose from.

Terri Peters

We were ushered into a shorter line inside where we could check out the menu of ½-pound cookies ($6), giant cake slices ($9), and flavored cold-brew coffee ($6).

We ordered the bakery’s original chocolate-chip cookie.We opted for the most basic of the store’s cookies.

Terri Peters

Gideon’s changes some of its cookie flavors monthly, but the varieties available during our visit were chocolate chip, triple chocolate chip, peanut butter crunch, pistachio toffee dark chocolate, and cookies and cream.

To keep things simple, my son and I agreed to share an original chocolate-chip cookie.

It’s worth noting that there’s a six-cookie limit per customer, so don’t expect to walk away with more.

Our giant cookie was nothing short of amazing.There were chocolate chips all over the cookie.

Terri Peters

There weren’t any seating options at the bakery, so we ventured back into Disney Springs to find a spot to eat our treat.

It only took one bite of the cookie to understand why there’s so much hype surrounding the Orlando-based bakery. It was the perfect mix of salty and sweet with rich, decadent chocolate chips both throughout and covering the top of the cookie.

I couldn’t stop taking bites of the sweet treat, even when I was full.

The cold-brew coffee was incredible as well.My cold brew was refreshing.

Terri Peters

I’ve also heard great things about the coffee at Gideon’s, so I ordered a peanut-butter cold brew.

The drink was made with peanut-butter flavoring and oat milk, and it was a sip of pure heaven.

Some of my Disney foodie friends have told me they visit the bakery late at night and get a cold brew (sans ice) that they keep in their hotel refrigerator to enjoy the next morning. Next time I stay over at Disney, that’s the No. 1 task on my to-do list.

Next, we headed over to Summer House on the Lake.We walked right up to the counter at The Cookie Bar.

Terri Peters

At around 2 p.m. that same Friday, we made our way to Summer House on the Lake.

There was no line, so we walked straight into The Cookie Bar, located right inside the chain restaurant’s entrance.

It’s a solid option for Disney Springs visitors who want a yummy, sweet treat without wasting time waiting in line.

The Cookie Bar had more flavors than Gideon’s.There was an entire display case of flavors.

Terri Peters

There were way more cookie varieties at The Cookie Bar. We saw flavors that would appeal to all different tastes, from chocolate walnut to orange creamsicle.

The cookies also cost a bit less than Gideon’s ($5), but they looked similarly large.

The Cookie Bar also sells cocktails, mocktails, and coffee.I had my eye on the fun mocktails.

Terri Peters

The Cookie Bar offers a few more drink options than Gideon’s.

In addition to coffee drinks like lattes and nitro cold brew ($5 to $7), there were offerings like rosé ($14) and espresso martinis ($16).

As a non-drinker, I love a good mocktail, so I was thrilled to find sips like strawberry lemonade ($6) and an elderflower-rose concoction ($10) on the menu.

The chain’s sea-salt chocolate-chip cookie was good, but not better than Gideon’s.We went with a slightly elevated chocolate-chip cookie.

Terri Peters

Because we got Gideon’s sweet-and-salty cookie, we ordered a sea-salt chocolate-chip cookie at The Cookie Bar, even though plain chocolate chip was available.

We were glad we ended up with the saltier version and found it flavorful and filling.

Still, the cookie at Summer House tasted more like something I could bake at home. It just didn’t have the wow factor that Gideon’s did.

But The Cookie Bar gets extra points in my book for its outdoor seating area.The patio was lovely.

Terri Peters

Since Summer House has a sprawling outdoor patio, I was able to enjoy my cookie outside.

The outdoor seating area was comfortable and shady, making The Cookie Bar a great spot for families who need a quick snack and a place to sit.

After trying both Disney Springs bakeries, I get the Gideon’s hype now.I can’t wait to go back to Gideon’s.

Terri Peters

Now that I’ve gone to Gideon’s Bakehouse and tried the ½-pound cookies, I’m a believer.

In fact, I can’t imagine visiting Disney Springs again without stopping in at the bakery.

The Cookie Bar is still a great spot if you want more variety and don’t want to stand in line. And its outdoor seating is incredibly convenient if you need a place to relax for a minute.

But when it comes to naming the best cookie at Disney World, Gideon’s wins every time.

Pastitsio is made with a handful of ingredients you probably already have in your pantry and fridge.My dad’s pastitsio includes ground beef, penne pasta, and marinara sauce.

Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

To make a pan of pastitsio for the family, you’ll need: 

• 1 box of penne pasta 
• 1 pound of ground beef
• 1 egg 
• ½ jar of marinara sauce (in the words of Ina Garten, “store-bought is fine!”) 
• ½ stick of unsalted butter
• ½ a yellow onion
• Parsley

My dad’s béchamel sauce also requires only a few simple ingredients.The béchamel sauce includes milk, eggs, butter, and flour.

Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

You’ll just need: 

• 2 eggs
• 2 cups of milk (my dad always uses 2%, but any kind works)
• 1 stick of unsalted butter
• ¼ cup of flour

Unlike lasagna, pastitsio is a dish that doesn’t require much prep.First I chopped the parsley.

Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

Before I got cooking, all I needed to do was roughly chop the onion and parsley.

I also got my pan for the pastitsio ready.I brushed my baking dish with olive oil.

Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

I brushed the entire glass baking dish with olive oil, which my dad says helps keep the pasta from sticking to the edges once it comes out of the oven. 

Then it was time to get the noodles and onions cooking.As I boiled the pasta I started cooking my onions.

Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

After bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil, I threw in the box of penne pasta. 

Then I added my chopped onions to a pan with some olive oil over medium heat.

Once the onions had browned, I threw in my parsley and ground beef.I salted the ground beef after adding it to the pan.

Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

Per my dad’s instructions, I salted the beef and then used a rubber spatula to break up the meat.

“Let it brown and mix everything together,” he told me. “Keep stirring until it’s fully cooked, which takes around five minutes.”

After the meat had browned, I cracked my egg right on top.I stirred everything together until the egg was fully cooked.

Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

I stirred everything together until the egg was fully cooked and had mixed with the ground beef. 

My dad says this step is optional, but he swears it makes the pastitsio even fluffier and tastier.

Then I poured half a jar of marinara sauce into the mix.My dad recommends using marinara over tomato sauce.

Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

My dad said you could also use tomato sauce for this recipe, but he believes marinara sauce is easier “and also just tastes better.” 

I mixed everything together and let the marinara sauce cook with the ground beef for a few minutes.The sauce looked nice and thick after a few minutes.

Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

“This allows for better absorption of the flavors,” my dad told me. 

After a few minutes, the sauce looked nice and thick. I took it off the heat and turned my attention to the pasta.

Once the penne was al dente, I drained my pasta.My dad adds cold water to the pot while draining pasta to help stop the cooking process.

Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

My dad recommends adding some cold water to the pot while draining the pasta to help stop the cooking process. 

Then it was time for one of my dad’s special tricks: throwing the pasta back into the pot with a few knobs of butter.Adding butter to the pot.

Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

The pot, which is off the heat, should still be warm enough to melt the butter. 

“Butter is always good,” my dad told me mischievously as he mixed the penne. “It makes the pasta nicer. Everything goes with butter.”

It was time to start building the pastitsio.I added half the penne to the bottom layer of the pan, covering it.

Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

First, we covered the bottom of the baking dish with a layer of the cooked penne (using about half of the pasta).

My dad told me that pastitsio is traditionally made with bucatini in Greece. But once he started making it in the US, he preferred using penne. 

“Penne just fits so easily into the pan,” he said. “I find this works better.” 

Then we added the ground-beef mixture.Then I added all the ground beef mixture on top.

Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

We used the entire pan of ground beef for the second layer of the pastitsio.

We added the rest of the penne on top before starting the béchamel sauce.Then I added the rest of the penne on top.

Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

My dad always makes the béchamel sauce right before putting the pastitsio in the oven, which he says makes it a lot easier to spread over the penne.

To start the béchamel sauce, I cracked the two eggs into a small bowl.I then slightly beat the eggs with a fork.

Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

I slightly beat them with a fork and set them aside, per my dad’s instructions.

Then, in a small saucepan, I melted the stick of butter.I melted a few knobs of butter before adding the milk and flour.

Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

My dad wasn’t lying when he said this recipe has plenty of butter.

Then I threw in the flour and milk.I added the milk slowly while continuously stirring the sauce.

Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

My dad said it’s important to slowly add the two cups of milk while simultaneously mixing the sauce over medium-high heat.

My dad got behind the stove to show me how to properly mix the béchamel.My dad mixing the béchamel sauce.

Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

The key is to slowly add the beaten eggs once the sauce starts thickening. 

“You just have to feel it,” he told me sagely.

And make sure you keep stirring, or the sauce will stick to the bottom of the pan.

My dad continued mixing the sauce until it came to a boil.My dad told me to take the sauce off the stove after I saw the first bubble.

Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

The second you see those first few bubbles, take it off the stove, he told me. 

It should take, at most, about five minutes total.

Once the sauce was ready, my dad poured it on top of that second layer of pasta.Once the sauce was ready, my dad poured it right on top of the penne.

Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

It was time to get baking!

I put the pan into the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 30 minutes, until the top layer had slightly browned.The pastitsio takes about 30 minutes to bake in the oven.

Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

Overall, the pastitsio takes an hour total to make. And one pan can easily serve up to eight.

All that was left to do was dig in!The pastitsio tastes even better if you add some feta cheese.

Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

I’ve had more plates of pastitsio than I can count, and it has never, ever let me down. The meat filling is so savory and comforting with the penne, while the béchamel sauce is light and creamy. Plus, it’s a nice contrast to the texture of the pasta on top — which has a great crunch. 

And, as with all Greek dishes, the pastitsio tastes even better if you add some feta cheese.  

I may be biased, but I think my dad’s pastitsio is way better than lasagna — and should be in everyone’s pasta repertoire.My dad proudly holding up a plate of his famous pastitsio.

Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

Pastitsio is super easy to make, takes only an hour total in the kitchen, and is perfect for a dinner party or as a dish that’ll give you plenty of leftovers. It’s a low-lift endeavor compared with most lasagna recipes, and just feels like a hug. 

No matter the weather, day, or occasion, pastitsio has long been a family favorite. My grandma — who, like me, wasn’t the most naturally talented in the kitchen — used to make it often for my dad when he was a kid.

We’ll probably never really know whether cooking skills (or lack thereof) are passed down from generation to generation. But, thankfully, great recipes can be inherited too. Now I’m passing this one down to you.

Want to learn more Greek recipes? You should try my dad’s favorite quick Greek pasta dish, and his Greek roasted potatoes.