A good house shoe is essentially Prozac you wear on your feet. Hit ice-cold hardwood in those tragic, pancake-flat socks you've been ignoring since the pandemic? Day ruined. But nail the right slipper and watch the magic happen. Coffee develops notes you never noticed, the dog somehow needs a shorter walk and that brutal red-eye hangover shifts from unbearable to merely annoying.

The modern man's slipper game has evolved beyond your grandfather's moth-eaten moccasins. We're talking shearling mocs that can take on frozen driveways, felted-wool clogs that won't embarrass you when the delivery guy shows up and quilted camp mules that moonlight as proper house shoes until July, when they remember they're actually travel slippers that you can take anywhere. The sweet spot among the pack is finding that golden ratio of warmth, breathability and good looks, because why not.

Here's what most guys miss about materials: shearling does more than trap heat. It also basically tells odor to find another home. Felted wool pulls off the impossible, staying warm without turning your feet into swamp creatures. But synthetics? Sure, they're cushy and cheap, but your feet might stage a breathing protest by noon. And let's talk soles: soft suede makes you feel like you're padding through an Aman barefoot, while rubber outsoles transform slippers into legitimate "I can totally grab my Amazon packages without changing shoes" footwear.

Below, a full spectrum of house shoe enlightenment. Don't treat this like a hierarchy; it's more like a personality test for your feet. Figure out your actual home habits (be honest), then match them to what your floors and heating bill can handle.

Mulo's wool loafers suit the guy who lives in "indoor shoes" from breakfast to last email. Handmade with felted wool uppers, suede trim and structured heels, they fit more like light sneakers than floppy slippers. The plush lining and cushioned footbeds handle marathon days on hard floors, so your arches won't stage a revolt by dinner.

$220, BUY now ........

© Observer