Buying guide for Best slippers for kids
Kids like to be comfortable, especially when it’s time to kick back and relax at home. It’s easy enough to find the right loungewear and pajamas, but do your kids have slippers they love?
Slippers for kids aren’t so different from slippers for adults. They’re made of soft, cozy materials that keep feet warm and are flexible enough for plenty of toe wiggling. Like adult slippers, those for kids often have nonslip outsoles to keep the wearer safe on smooth flooring like hardwood, tile, and linoleum.
Besides construction, another top consideration for kids’ slippers is design. Since they’re made for kids, slippers often feature kid-friendly colors or charming accents like ears or pompoms. Some slippers even showcase popular characters from television and movies.
With so many slippers to compare, you may be wondering where to start. To make your choice a simple one, we put together this buying guide that covers the features and styles you’ll encounter.
Key considerations
Sizing
Slippers for kids are grouped into toddler, little kid, and big kid sizes. Toddler sizes fit kids ages one to four, whereas little kid sizes fit ages four to eight. Big kid sizes are worn by kids age eight and older, until they graduate to adult shoe sizes.
Sizing isn’t always straightforward with slippers for kids, as many of them are sold on the small-medium-large spectrum. In these situations, it’s recommended that you measure the length and width of your kid’s feet and compare those dimensions to the outsole to find the best fit.
Unlike shoes, it’s not unusual for slippers to be a tad bit large to account for growth spurts. With that said, oversized slippers aren’t recommended because they pose safety hazards. As always, avoid slippers that seem tight or snug because your child won’t be comfortable and will grow out of them even quicker.
Indoor vs. indoor/outdoor slippers
Slippers are often broken into two categories: indoor and indoor/outdoor slippers. Indoor slippers typically have soft, sock-like outsoles that aren’t designed for walking on the ground. They lack structural integrity, which means little feet will feel every pebble and twig they tread upon — which isn’t safe.
Indoor/outdoor slippers have outsoles that resemble shoes. These flexible soles are typically made of plastic or rubber with treads to improve traction. While they’re nowhere as durable as actual shoes, they do provide enough protection to walk on the deck or sidewalk.
Choosing slippers by season
Parents often shop for season-appropriate slippers to keep their kids cool or warm during certain months of the year. It’s easy to pick out cold-weather slippers with their super-plush designs and winter-themed details. Some of these are made with eye-catching polar fleece, flannel, or shearling.
Choosing slippers for warm-weather wear is a bit more challenging. We recommend a slipper made of breathable material that allows for temperature regulation. Cotton blend slippers are ideal, as are lightweight polyester or satin slippers. Warm-weather slippers often have ultra-thin lining or open toes to boost airflow.
If you can feel your child’s big toe at the very front of the slipper, it’s a sure sign that it’s time to buy a bigger size.
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Features
Cut
Slippers for kids are available in low-cut, mid-cut, and high-cut styles.
Low-cut slippers generally cut off just below the ankle, like ballerina slippers, clogs, or moccasins. Mid-cut slippers cover the ankle and include sock-inspired and bootie-inspired designs. High-cut slippers can reach the middle of the calf and resemble oversized boots or socks. Many of these slippers have roll-down cuffs for wear versatility.
Popular materials
The most popular material for kids’ slippers is polyester, which takes the form of faux shearling, plush, or woven microfiber fabric. Not only is polyester affordable, it’s also highly durable and colorfast, and it holds up well to washing.
Cotton is often seen on warm-weather slippers because it’s lightweight and breathable. Some slippers are made with cotton terry blends, which are often worn before or after bathing. Cotton also holds up well to washing, but it’s not as colorfast or as durable as some polyester.
Fleece is the most popular choice for cold-weather slippers because it excels at holding in body heat. Fleece may be soft and flexible or high-pile and fluffy. Washing fleece requires considerable care to prevent fibers from pilling or compressing.
Some kids’ slippers are made with premium materials such as suede, leather, or shearling. While these will last the longest if well cared for, they cost far more than other slippers for kids.
Nonslip detail
An essential detail in slippers for kids is nonslip detail because it reduces the likelihood of slips and falls. Luckily, it’s not an expensive feature by any stretch; often, even entry-level kids’ slippers have it.
Indoor/outdoor slippers may have shoe-like treads that grip all kinds of surfaces, including carpet. Nonslip detail takes a much different form for indoor slippers. In some designs, there are rubber or silicone dots covering the bottom of the slipper. In other designs, the only nonslip areas are located at the ball of the foot and heel.
For Your Safety
Kids should avoid running in slippers. They’re not as supportive or secure as regular shoes or athletic shoes, and the high activity could result in a fall.
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Slippers for kids: prices
Slippers for kids cost between $10 and $60. Overall construction quality certainly affects the price, but in some designs, you’re paying for the name brand more than anything else.
Inexpensive: Budget-friendly slippers cost $15 and below. These include many sock-inspired indoor slippers that are generally amorphous. There aren’t many indoor/outdoor slippers in this bracket, and the ones that are here aren’t always made well.
Mid-range: Mid-range slippers run between $20 and $40. Here is where you’ll find a wide variety of designs and materials, including many indoor/outdoor slippers. Construction quality is fairly consistent across the board, though those at the top are slightly more refined when it comes to fine details.
Expensive: The priciest slippers for kids cost between $45 and $60. Designs in this range are manufactured by well-known brands. Not only are these slippers made with premium materials like suede or shearling, they’re almost as durable as regular shoes.
Kids with sensitive skin often prefer clog-style slippers because they’re designed in such a way that no material rubs against the Achilles heels. This is a common complaint for kids with shoes because the Achilles heel is a high-friction area.
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Tips
- Buy an extra pair one size up. With growth spurts happening at the most unexpected moments, parents often buy a second pair of shoes one size up. This is a good idea for slippers, too.
- Wash once a week. If your kids spend a lot of time in their slippers, it’s recommended to wash them once a week or more if they’re soiled.
- Trim tags carefully. Be careful when trimming the tags from slippers, especially if they’re attached between seams or stitches. One wrong snip could cause the slipper to unravel later on.
- Leave a spare pair with a caregiver. If kids regularly visit certain members of the family, it’s a good idea to leave a spare pair of slippers at their home. This prevents kids from walking around barefoot or from walking around someone’s house with shoes and tracking dirt.
FAQ
Q. What is the best way to clean slippers for kids between machine washes?
A. Spot cleaning is the way to go. Unless the slippers are made with shearling, suede, or leather, it’s safe to use a diluted mixture of gentle detergent and soap to remove surface stains. As for the soles of indoor/outdoor slippers, it’s recommended to use dish soap, which is generally more effective at removing caked-on dirt.
Q. Why don’t slippers for kids have laces?
A. Slippers for kids lack laces for safety reasons, not to mention it’s simply time-consuming to lace up slippers when you want to relax. Instead, slippers often secure to the feet via elastic detail or Velcro closures. Not only are these safe options, they’re easy for kids to use without assistance.
Q. How do I keep odors at bay inside slippers?
A. Unfortunately, even the most breathable slippers can retain foot odors. Some parents sprinkle talcum powder or baking soda inside to neutralize the odor. Another option is to place odor-absorbing packets inside the slippers between wears. Often, those with charcoal are the most effective.
