The History of Slippers

Believe it or not, many cultures have their own history of slippers. In Morocco, the “babouche” was a popular choice of shoe because it was easy to remove in order to step onto holy grounds, where shoes were not permitted. These shoes resembled slippers and have been used for centuries; in fact, they are still worn today. In France, mules, or backless heeled shoes with a closed toe, were first worn as bedroom shoes. For a time, they even became part of formal wear for the elite. In Britain, velvet evening slippers worn by Prince Albert started a trend in men’s evening wear. Matching jackets were often worn as well, and the look was often worn on-screen by Hollywood actors in post-war American films. However, these are elite examples. Slippers became popular among the masses at the same time that mass production made shoes and other apparel formerly only worn by the French and British elite affordable for those who were less wealthy. Today, slippers remain a popular accessory with people from all walks of life. They are mostly worn indoors to keep our feet warm and are closely associated with relaxation and comfort. Modern slippers come in a myriad of styles, with options available to suit every taste.