Eco-friendliness
- Choices: Rubber, jute, leather, rarely wood.
- But, many rubber/ jute slippers come with plastic straps and soles - not biodegradable.
- Best choice considering what’s available commonly and cheaply: Slippers with rubber soles (oft with polyurathene covering) and jute straps. Seems that polyurathene is sort-of biodegradable (40 yrs).
Comparison with shoes
Adherance
Slippers in general, adhere more lightly to the bottom of the feet than shoes do. Among slippers too, there are different levels of adherence.
walking is more cumbersome if adherence to feet is low. But, slippers which have higher adherance usually require socks for comfort, often because of the sweat and heat generated by close contact.
Adherence, protection, ease of wearing
Slippers offer lower protection from the surroundings.
Slippers are usually easier to wear than shoes, which often require tying of lace. Shoes that don’t require lace-tying are generally looser and more uncomfortable during brisk walks.
Coolness
Much cooler in summer.
Absorbant soles
Prefer slippers with absorbant, possibly antimicrobial soles - they are more comfortable and less smelly in summer.
High adherance slippers
Beach socks
Like shoes, with nylon mesh top. Require socks. Available in walmart.