There are only a few things that are as comfortable as slipping into your favorite pair of cozy slippers after a long day at work. However, if you are not a big fan of wearing slippers in your home, you might be more willing to go for slipper socks instead. With a variety of styles available, you have a wide selection of options to choose from, although it can be a little bit overwhelming if you are not too sure what you are looking for. Here is what you need to know about slipper socks to help you determine if they are a viable alternative to conventional slippers.
What are slipper socks? Slipper socks are a type of footwear that are essentially thick socks that feature soles and are intended for use indoors. The most common materials used in the construction of this type of slipper include wool, polyester, acrylic, microfiber, and chenille among others.
They come in a variety of sizes, although some brands offer one size fits most products. The most common outsole type featured in some slipper sock varieties is leather, although suede varieties are also quite common. The sole also incorporates slip resistant properties to provide traction and consequently prevent slipping and falling. Many slipper sock styles also feature a synthetic lining that is efficient in keeping your feet cool and sweat-free. These socks are also very comfortable, with many of them incorporating elements such as sherpa lining and microfleece to keep the feet warm and cozy when worn.
Slipper socks are renowned as the warm and comfortable alternatives for regular house slippers. If you are considering purchasing this type of footwear, here are some considerations to keep in mind.
Criteria for choosing suitable slipper socks
1. Material
The material of a slipper sock you intend to purchase is paramount since it is something that will be directly against your skin, and will, therefore, affect how comfortable the sock will be once you have it on. Here are some of the common materials used in the construction of slipper socks.
- Wool – Wool is a type of material that is colorfast, which means that it won’t fade even when washed a couple of times. When worn, they provide a lot of warmth and insulation to the feet, making slipper socks made from this material ideal for cold winter days.
- Acrylic – Typically, slipper sock varieties that are made with acrylic will also incorporate spandex to allow for a more form-fitting fit. Acrylic is fairly durable and will efficiently wick away the sweat that may start to accumulate when slipper socks are worn for extended periods. Slipper socks made with this material are generally warm and non-irritating.
- Polyester – Polyester is a sturdy material that will serve you well for a long time if you take proper care of your slipper socks. They are fairly resistant to fading, and they come in a wide variety of colors.
- Microfiber – Microfiber is a very fine variation of synthetic yarn that is one of the softest and most comfortable materials available. However, slipper socks made with this material are not particularly warm, but this could be viewed as a benefit since you won’t have to worry about your feet overheating or getting sweaty.
- Spandex – Spandex is usually combined with another type of material to give the slipper sock with more stretch. This allows the sock to fit properly on the wearer.
2. Size
Just like with normal slippers, it is important to ensure that the slipper sock you intend to invest in will fit you. The level of warmth and comfort a sock provides won’t matter if they don’t fit you. Some slipper socks styles are one size fits most, although these types are less than ideal for those who have feet that are either too small or too large. As a result, you may be better off going through the reviews of verified customers to see how the slipper sock you intend to buy fit their feet to have an idea of what to expect.
3. Comfort
Comfort is key when it comes to slipper socks. You don’t want to spend your money on a pair that will ultimately not feel comfortable to wear – some material types are just too scratchy and uncomfortable to wear. Some of the material types you may want to consider include:
- Sherpa lining – Sherpa is made from polyester as well as acrylics or cotton in some cases. It is sometimes referred to as faux shearling or faux-sheepskin. A sherpa lining is soft and fluffy even when washed regularly, and is a great option for comfort.
- Microfleece – Microfleece lining is soft and silky, providing wearers with comfort as well as plenty of warmth.
- Jersey – Jersey is a type of knit fabric that comprises of cotton, wool, and synthetic fibers. It is extra soft, making your sock slippers feel like fluffy clouds.
4. Style
Slipper socks come in a wide variety of colors and designs. Whether you prefer to wear slipper socks only during the winter, you plan to wear them during a hospital stay, or you just want a cozy pair for hanging around the house, there is a design and/or style option that will most likely meet your needs.
5. Traction
If you are notoriously unstable on your feet or your home has tile or hardwood floors, you may want to invest in slipper socks that incorporate traction in their construction to keep you from slipping and sliding. Some varieties have grips on their bottoms to prevent you from accidentally falling and injuring yourself. Although slipper socks don’t offer as much traction as regular slippers, they are certainly more reliable than plain socks in terms of traction.
6. Outsole
The outsole of a slipper sock typically has insulation properties to keep the feet of the wearer warm even on cold floors. Some varieties feature stitched on suede or leather bottoms. Suede efficiently provides grip, and it also provides a thick base that adequately protects your feet from accidental slips. Leather is very sturdy, which means that you won’t have to worry sharp objects that may be lying around your home piercing through the sole and hurting your feet.
Many slipper socks seem to have an issue with the outsole peeling away from the foot, making them hazardous to walk in. A well-constructed sole should be able to maintain its shape even with constant wear.
7. Breathability
While it is important for slipper socks to be able to keep your feet warm, you don’t want them to be too toasty to the point that your feet get overheated. Slipper socks that feature synthetic lining in the interior are great for preventing sweat from building up and potentially causing nasty foot infections.
How to clean slipper socks
Other than the frequency with which you wear your slippers socks, how you care for them when you clean them will also determine how durable they will be. Here are some general instructions you can follow when cleaning your slipper socks.
1. Turn inside out
Before you start cleaning, you will want to turn the socks inside out first. This will allow you to properly clean the inner lining- the part of the sock that is usually in contact with your feet and/or leg and likely to retain odor when worn for extended periods.
2. Machine wash or hand wash
The best way to clean your slipper socks is by hand washing them. Try to be as gentle as possible so as not to cause any damage to the material or the construction of the footwear. If you choose to toss your slipper socks in the washing machine, ensure that you wash them on a gentle setting so that they don’t tumble around too much and get ruined. For both methods of cleaning, ensure that you use cold water.
3. Use a gentle shampoo
For an effective wash, you will need to use a gentle shampoo that won’t damage the material. If you are hand washing your slipper socks, a firm but gentle rubbing in of the shampoo for a couple of minutes should do the trick.
5. Rinse
Once you are sure your slipper socks as clean, rinse them with cold water to get rid of the shampoo.
6. Remove excess water
Never wring your socks to try and remove excess water. Instead, opt to use a towel to wipe them until they feel damp.
7. Dry
Putting your slippers in direct sunlight to dry can cause them to fade, so place them in the shade instead.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are looking to keep your feet protected at your next dance or yoga class, or you simply want a warm and fuzzy pair of socks for a cozy night in, there are a variety of slipper sock styles to choose from. They make a great substitute for regular slippers, providing protection from physical stubs and slips on tile and wooden floors. However, if you are looking for arch support, you may want to steer clear of slipper socks.