Posted by swistle on 4th January 2012
Categories: Clothes, Guys
8 comments
Paul needs new slippers. Oh, I know, this is kind of a boring topic. BUT: it is surprisingly complicated to buy slippers for someone who really WEARS SLIPPERS. My own, which get worn in the hospital when I’m in the maternity ward, needed to meet the following requirements:
1. Cute
Paul is a foot-scuffer (it is one of those small things that within the confines of marriage becomes surprisingly annoying), and he wears his slippers from late fall until mid-spring, and he keeps going OUTSIDE in them. So his need to meet the following requirements:
1. Shoe-like sole
2. Very warm
3. Not too old-mannish
4. Not one million dollars, because they’ll need to be replaced soon
5. Scuffing sound should not be too abrasive
His old slippers have lasted longer than I would have expected. They’re similar to these:
Sierra Designs Down Bootie (photo from Amazon.com). They were more expensive than I’d thought it was possible for slippers to be (OH NAIVETY), about $50. The blue ones are at $40 right now with Prime shipping, so I’m tempted to just buy them—but the reviews are not great, and I’m not sure what size to get him because some of the reviewers complain about them running small.
I asked on Twitter for advice, and omg_youguys recommended L.B. Evans Klondike (photo from Amazon.com). I like the look of them: handsome and sturdy.
Jonniker, lovemykitties17, SaraBellePlaine, jeninmich, tooptumber, and bringatweet recommended L.L. Bean Wicked Good slippers. I think Paul would like the ankle-covering style (photo from LLBean.com). I wish they had half-sizes: Paul is between sizes, but he’s like “and a quarter” instead of “and a half,” so ordering up is often too large. I’d get him the high-loft loungers except for all the reviews saying people couldn’t even get their feet into the tops. Do you suppose that’s a user failure (i.e., not knowing how to work the pull-cord), or a design problem? Seems like a pretty huge design problem, if it is.
Am_doingmybest recommended Lands’ End Fleece Clog Slippers. I think Paul would want something with more ankle, maybe the Shearling Ankle Slippers (photo from LandsEnd.com). Yikes, almost three times the price of the clogs.
Or the Nylon Quilt Bootie Slippers (photo from LandsEnd.com) are most similar to what he’s used to.
Kailenx recommended the Old Friend Moccasin. I looked for something with more ankle and found the Old Friend Bootie (photo from Amazon.com). That does look cozy.
Acorn Varsity Slipper (photo from Amazon.com). I was considering these until they doubled in price. I’ve still got them in my cart, in case they go back down. I’m not sure they’re warm/ankley enough anyway.
Acorn Polar Moc (photo from Amazon.com). These are on sale, but again I’m not sure they’re warm/ankley enough—especially since one reviewer mentioned they were perfect for year-round use. If they’d work in summer, I don’t think they’re warm enough for winter.
I would definitely go with something from L.L.Bean, because when they wear out you can exchange them. My dad has been wearing their moccasins for YEARS, and also wears them outside.
Jaime | January 4th, 2012 at 2:58 pm
I like the LL Bean and the Old Friend. The only problem with the LL Bean is the leather sole. How long-lasting is that? The Old Friend is basically a fur-filled, high-top shoe.
Paul | January 4th, 2012 at 3:27 pm
I’ll second the endorsement for the LB Evans Klondike. My husband works from home so we call them his “work shoes” and he goes through a pair about once a year but he wears them more in the fall/winter. They’re pretty tough and the sole is great for outside. I usually get them from Shoebuy with some sort of $10 off coupon so they run around $30.
Good luck!
Melinda | January 4th, 2012 at 4:39 pm
I own the LL Bean ones and they are wicked good.
But if worn outside often I can see how they would wear through easily.
Amy | January 4th, 2012 at 9:07 pm
husband and I both have the polar mocs, ours have suede and leather bottoms so they could go outside, theoretically, but are soft enough to wear on the couch too. I think they are plenty warm, I wouldn’t wear them year-round because they are too hot! haha. But I like the look of the bean ones, and the soles are nice, and bean stands behind their product… when I first saw your tweet I thought about getting my husband a pair of bean slippers for his birthday. I DO have a $10 off coupon from the coat I just bought him. hmm.
jen (melty) | January 4th, 2012 at 10:19 pm
definitely Beans. They last for forever and will replace most things for free.
vanessa | January 5th, 2012 at 12:46 am
My husband is a slipper man–wears them ALL THE TIME. He just got smartwool slippers from REI and LOVES them. I hesitate to find a link for you because I might see the price and I’d prefer not to know. They were his x-mas gift to himself. But he wears them A LOT so whatever he spent I guess it’s okay. They have a lot of ankle coverage and a solid sole….and he LOVES them…..
Melissa H | January 7th, 2012 at 6:05 am
UGGS Ascot slippers for men. They’re $100, so kind of pricey, but they are leather, lined with warm furry stuff, have a rubber sole, and are the most comfortable shoes I currently own. I bought the smallest men’s size they make, which is about two women’s sizes too big for me, and I still wear them exclusively when I am home and running errands.
Monica | January 10th, 2012 at 8:09 pm