Guide Note

Slippers are soft, comfortable indoor footwear that originated in Japan and India. Today they are popular worldwide and come in a variety of styles and textures for men, women, and children.

Fast Facts

1. Indoor footwear
2. First originated in Japan and India
3. Meant to keep feet warm and to protect from "slipping"
4. Made of materials such as felt, soft leather, and wool
5. There are some outdoor rubber types that are used near wet places like bathrooms and swimming pools
6. In Scotland they are called baffies
7. Sometimes the word slipper can be used interchangeably with sandal
8. Confusing connotation in literature of Ruby Slippers or Glass Slippers
9. Pope Benedict XVI wears red slippers

Use of Slippers in Japan

Slippers were first used in Japanese homes during the Meiji Period to cover their feet after respectfully following the custom of taking off their outdoor shoes at the door. This concept of slipper wearing is still popular today in Japan and other customary households to keep areas of the home clean.

Popular Slipper Brands

• • Uggs
  • Minnetonka
  • Woolrich
  • L.B. Evans
  • Foamtreads
  • Crabtree & Evelyn
  • Daniel Green
  • Smartdogs