Slippers

Women's Slippers in History

In 19th century European society, women's slippers were made to be worn at festive balls. Typically, slippers were supple leather foot-covers held on with ankle ties, and they were designed for ease of movement on the dance floor. The modern-day ballerina slipper most closely resembles these dancing slippers.

Some of history's most famous womens slippers bear little resemblance to slippers of the modern world. The iconic ruby red slippers worn by Judy Garland in the Wizard of Oz are not really "slippers" in the modern sense. Beautifully embellished with sparkling sequins, Dorothy's red slippers were the equivalent of today's slip-on shoes. Designed for the 2003 Oscars, Harrods famed Stuart Weitzman ruby slippers are stunningly beautiful, high-heeled strappy sandals embedded with 642 genuine rubies. To the modern eye, Cinderella's delicate glass slippers are pumps.

Styles of Women's Slippers

Women's slippers come in styles that are practical, whimsical, and beautiful, but most of all, they are warm and comfortable. Some slippers are solid-coloured and unadorned while others are patterned and embellished. Some styles feature super-soft memory-foam insoles, and others can be heated in the microwave for instant, relaxing warmth. When shopping online, search tools are invaluable for narrowing a search and finding the exact brand, style, and colour of choice.

The delicate and dainty ballerina style is one of the most popular types of women's slippers. These low-cut slippers with enclosed heels and rounded toes may be simple, demure, and embellished with bows at the toes, richly constructed of velvet uppers and shearling linings, or boldly patterned with pom-poms at the toes.

For slip-on, slip-off convenience, nothing beats a pair of mules. These backless slippers come in a wide range of styles with either closed or open toes. On the dressy end of the scale, mule designs include wedge-heeled leather slippers with fluffy marabou pompoms, and on the casual side, closed-toe suede slippers lined with shearling are among the most popular mules. Thong slippers and clog-style slippers with partial backs are almost as easy to wiggle into as mules.

Moccasins are an indoor-outdoor style of women's slippers. These structured slippers often feature durable leather or suede uppers, fleece or shearling linings, and rubber soles that make them suitable for stepping outside to pick up the post or chat with neighbours.

For extra warmth and modern style, boots and booties are popular slipper options. Super soft ankle booties are luxuriously warm and comfortable to step into after a soothing bath, and mid-calf, faux-fur boots are just right for a quiet evening at home in front of the telly.

Women's Slippers – Gifts of Comfort

Women's slippers are always included on lists of top gift-giving ideas. After all, what woman doesn't enjoy sliding her feet into a blissfully comfortable pair of slippers after a long day in heels? Shopping online is an excellent way to browse the choices of women's slippers, and also to consult the sizing guide to find the perfect gift in the right size.

For those who enjoy a little whimsy with their relaxation, character-themed novelty slippers are something to consider. Choices include fluffy bunny slippers with floppy ears and fuzzy, pink puppy mules. Corgi slippers, in the white-and-tan colours of the breed, are playful, cozy, and cute, and they make ideal gifts for anyone loyal to royals.

Travellers appreciate the gift of washable folding slippers complete with travel bags. Ballerina slippers are also compact enough to take up little space in luggage, and they allow the traveller to take along the comforts of home while on the road.

A spa-themed basket is incomplete without a pair of slippers. A pair of decadently soft slippers tucked in with a bath robe, bath salts, loofahs, and scented soy candles provides the finishing touch on a gift of relaxation. For one-stop shopping, a complete basket can be put together online.