9 best kids’ slippers for keeping little feet warm this winter

Founded in 1825, it’s fair to say Clarks knows a thing or two about our children’s feet. These slippers came out on top for us not just because of their excellent value but because they proved to be warm and comfortable, with soft, padded lining inside and out, and a long-lasting sole that enables little ones to walk over just about anything without it being too hard.

The fabric is soft yet structured, with adjustable Velcro fastenings to ensure the perfect fit and support around the ankle. There’s plenty of grip underneath – great for those just beginning to walk and those with slippery surfaces at home. You can pick these up in a variety of styles, too. We loved this rainbow print, but you’ll find a range of colourful designs, including dinosaurs and farm animals.

Generously lined with breathable natural sheepskin, these “bootee” style slippers may have a rigid rubber sole for slip-free practicality, but the inside is like walking on a cloud. They’re also rather beautiful to look at, striking that perfect balance between modernity and tradition in terms of design, and they come in a range of unisex colours (though we loved the timelessness of this “spice” hue).

The cuff at the top is flexible, which means you can wear it up or down, depending on your child’s preference. And if you find yourself getting serious slipper FOMO, there are adult versions to kit out the whole family with, too.

We thought these perfectly timeless slippers were a great purchase from M&S. Boasting a classic suede outer lined with cosy fleece, these feel extra durable as well as supremely comfortable and flexible, with excellent grip on the soles. Essentially, they feel like they’re made to last, which makes them excellent value. They’re available in a wide range of sizes, from toddler feet to older kids, and what our eight-year-old tester’s parents particularly loved was the “sensible width” – so many children’s slippers don’t offer the right support and can be overly wide, but these have a snug fit.

For the smallest of feet, these high-quality slippers by Danish brand En Fant are perfect. Made from butter-soft leather and lined with a soft towelling material, they’re toasty and snug without making tiny toes sweaty, clammy, or smelly in the slightest.

Our 14-month-old tester padded about at home on her wooden floors with ease, thanks to the light suede soles, and though the leather is super supple and offers wonderful flexibility on the foot, the stretchy elasticated backs ensure the slippers fit snuggly around the ankle, so there’s no chance of them slipping off. These also make excellent pre-walker shoes.

With their cosy faux-fur lining, colourful felt appliqué detail and extra-thick sole, these handmade slippers provide supreme comfort as well as being fun. If your child prefers a mule-style shoe, these are a great option, with a super-soft elasticated ankle strap to keep them in place and extra leather cushioning on the heel to ensure they’re comfortable underfoot. We also think these are great for pottering about in the garden on drier days.

We loved the indigo colourway, but if your child isn’t bowled over, there are six other colours to choose from, including violet, cobalt blue and pink.

The thing about slipper socks is it’s incredibly difficult to find a pair that stay up. However, our three-year-old tester had no problems with these soft cotton-knit ones from high-street retailer JoJo Maman Bébé. With the flexibility of a sock, these also have a moccasin-style sole that keeps the foot supported, with a good grip underneath that won’t cause them to slip and slide on wooden floors.

They might be a little difficult for younger children to pull on and off on their own (in comparison with normal socks) but they’re sure to love the cute koala print. They’re pretty cosy, too!

Sometimes only the softest of soles will do, and this mink-coloured bunny design from The White Company was without doubt the fluffiest we tested. As well as being creamily soft inside, the faux-suede sole underneath is finished with anti-slip grips, and they have some bounce to them, so they were extremely comfortable for our four-year-old tester to walk in. Not only will they keep small feet nice and toasty, the novel design makes them a great gift idea, too.

Austrian label Giesswein only uses pure merino wool for its products (including its collection of baby slippers). This type of wool has long been known for its temperature-regulating properties. It’s also naturally antibacterial and moisture-wicking, which means these slippers won’t smell on little feet.

The slippers are easy to put on and light to wear. The Velcro strap offers a secure fit and complete support for the ankle, while the substantial, non-slip rubber sole ensures grip on even the smoothest of floors. We love the adorable racing-car motif on the front, too – perfect for mini F1 fans.