House Socks vs Slippers: What's the Difference
Slippers insulate, but they trap moisture. Cotton socks do neither job well. Thick Superfine Wool house socks do both.
What's the difference between house socks and slippers?
Slippers are indoor shoes: a foam or rubber sole wrapped in fabric, worn over bare feet or socks. House socks are a thick, cushioned sock made to be the only thing on your feet at home. The difference between house socks and slippers shows up in four places: moisture, washing, fit and grip.
Moisture
Feet give off moisture all day. A closed slipper traps it, and the foam lining slowly holds on to sweat and odor. Thick Superfine Wool house socks let that moisture move away from the skin while still holding warm air, so feet stay warm and dry instead of warm and clammy.
Warmth
Both keep feet warmer than going barefoot. A slipper insulates with foam, which flattens over time and only warms the parts of the foot it touches. Thick Superfine Wool wraps the whole foot, heel to toe, in a layer of trapped warm air, and the waffle knit holds its shape wash after wash.
Washing
Many slippers are spot clean only, which usually means they are not cleaned at all. After House Socks go in the washing machine on cold and the dryer on low, so they stay fresh without a special routine.
Fit and grip
Slippers can slide off on the stairs or when you move quickly. A house sock moves with your foot. Silicone grip dots on the sole of After House Socks add hold on hardwood and tile, and the ultra-thick waffle knit gives roughly three times the cushion of a normal sock.
Which should you choose?
If you step outside often, to the mailbox, the garage or the yard, a hard-soled slipper earns its place. If you mostly stay in, ultra-thick house socks give you the warmth of a slipper with the comfort of a sock. Plenty of people keep both: house socks for indoors, slippers by the back door. Ours are $50 a pair, ship free from Atlanta and come with free 30-day returns if the fit is wrong.