The best slippers have three things in common: comfort, stylishness, and durability. These qualities create the perfect footwear companions for any casual event or laid-back session. Let’s look at some of our top picks for the best slippers in this category.
Founded in 1980, Muji started with a goal to create simple, low-cost, and good-quality products. Today, more than 700 Muji stores exist worldwide, carrying thousands of items from clothing to household goods, beauty products, and even houses!
Stepping into a Muji store today, you’ll get the feel of comfort and understated elegance. Simple, minimalist, and cozy, Muji exudes a Hygge and Zen vibe. You’ll immediately want to sink into their bedsheets, try on clothes in airy linens and soft cotton, or select from their many stationery items. What’s sure is you won’t resist doing a bit of shopping.
Some slippers are notoriously hard to clean. It seems like some materials’ sole purpose is to attract dirt. Worst of all, the stains seem to mock you on laundry day, stubbornly holding on to your precious pair of slippers. Muji slippers are washable, so you can just toss them into the washing machine and watch them morph back to their original shape afterward.
Secondly, these slippers are comfortable and don’t distinguish between left and right. They’re like those white slippers you only get to wear at hotels–you can shove your foot on either slipper. However, Muji slippers are more cushiony. They have a plush feel–soft, comfortable, and yielding. You can have the “hotel” experience right in your own home! Comfortable and easily washable slippers? Take our money!
Muji isn’t exactly known for being budget-friendly for Filipinos today. But Muji’s washable bedroom slippers can fit any mid-sized budget. At only PHP395 per pair, Muji Washable Slippers are a steal.
Where to Buy Muji Washable Slippers: Muji Philippines, Muji stores around Metro Manila
Image Courtesy of Archies Footwear
Wearing flat-soled flip-flops while walking will definitely hurt your feet. Shoes are more comfortable, but if you want to let your feet breathe, choose Archies. Created by a former physical therapist, Archies is specifically designed for arch support. Today, Archies proudly graces the shelves of over 3,500 stores, surf shops, physical therapy clinics, and health practices.
Archies Slippers with Arch Support resemble ordinary thongs, but don’t be deceived! Their performance goes beyond expectations. The patented specialized memory foam footbed adapts to your foot's unique shape, cradling your arches to ensure your feet are in the best bio-mechanical position.
Moreover, wearing low-quality or ill-fitting slippers while walking often makes your feet slide out. Or worse, the straps may suddenly snap! Archie’s stretchable and durable straps keep a tight but comfy grip on your toes. You can give them a little stretch for a perfect fit and walk all day without overusing your muscles and tendons.
A pair of Archies comes with a PHP 1,895 price tag. While it may not be the most budget-friendly option, the investment is justified by the promise of genuine orthotic support and being the world’s comfiest flip-flops.
Where to Buy Archies: Mo and Bear
A Philippine-made slipper brand, Islander has been manufacturing natural rubber slippers since 1996. Many Filipinos have fond beach trip memories of the slipper brand. If you go around the many beaches on the islands, you’ll probably find at least one person sporting an Islander.
In 2023, Islander PH was rumored to be shutting down. The news rapidly circulated online, and some fans impulsively bought several pairs as souvenirs. However, countless fact checks from ABS CBN (https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/12/27/23/is-the-islander-sandal-brand-closing-down-brand-answers), GMA News Network, and Rappler soon revealed that only the Cebu manufacturing facility would be discontinuing operations. While that was still sad news, many were glad that our proudly Pinoy slippers could still accompany us on the beach.
Islander has already made a name for itself when it comes to durability. They can last for years and accompany you on many adventures. Moreover, the brand has evolved its designs over the years. You can find the slippers in many designs and colors. Given its affordability, variety, and durability, a pair of Islanders can give other famous slipper brands a run for their money!
Prices of Islander Slippers vary per style. Some Islanders have thicker soles than others. Some Islanders look like your usual thongs, some are slip-ons, and some look like hiking sandals. Prices range from PHP 175-PHP 770. Pretty affordable when you want to support a Pinoy brand!
Where to buy Islander Slippers: Shopee, Lazada, outlet stores and malls nationwide
Known for its contoured cork foot beds, Birkenstock (https://www.birkenstock.com/gb/company/about-us-company/) is a popular German brand and the German footwear industry's largest employer. It’s the oldest slipper brand on our list, having been founded in 1774! According to Wikipedia, the soles are made of suede and jute, allowing them to conform to the shape of your feet. Today, Birkenstocks are available in hundreds of countries worldwide.
Owning a pair of Birks is now seen as a “status symbol”, thanks to good old marketing genius. Birks were once mocked for being ugly and old-fashioned, even if many were wearing them because they were so comfortable. However, collaborations with luxury brands Manolo Blahnik and Dior Homme (https://www.dior.com/en_int/fashion/news-fashion-shows/folder-news-and-events/the-savoir-faire-of-dior-by-birkenstock-shoes) have placed Birks on fashion runways and celebrities’ Instagram accounts.
Thanks to these high-end partnerships, you can now say goodbye to good old homey cork Birkenstock that’s only good for a trip to the beach or supermarket. They’re now dressed up with pretty embroidery and sparkling jewels. Still, the familiar pair most people own scores top points for comfort. Wear them proudly on your next mall trip or casual social function, and you’ll endure walking and standing most of the day.
A pair of Birkenstock will set you back around PHP 2,000-PHP 6,000. If you can manage to get your hand on Birks from a luxury designer, expect to spend thousands of dollars.
Where to buy: Birkenstock Philippines (https://www.birkenstocksphilippines.com) outlet stores and malls nationwide
The quest for the perfect pair of comfortable slippers ends on this page. Whether you seek the snug embrace of Muji, the orthopedic support of Archies, the enduring charm of Islander, or the trendiness of Birkenstock, each pair stands out in its own right. Choose your next pair carefully for the next casual event, and enjoy the comfort they bring.