The Origin of the Slipper

For some, the word “slipper” solely refers to those plush, indoor footwear options that make for a popular holiday gift. These slippers are often lost in the depths of the closet for the better part of any year, as their warming nature (and sometimes their wacky or homely aesthetics) make them largely impractical or unwanted. For others, the slippers that are colloquially known as “house shoes” are a daily staple.

Different types of slippers have come in and out of the spotlight over the years, with some being purely for fashion and others providing needed utility. These two camps describe much of how the origin of the slipper shakes out, and surprisingly, even the best men's slippers on the market today are still connected to their surprisingly long history.

The First Slippers

It’s not totally clear when the very first pair of slippers came about. While we do have specific persons to credit for many inventions, slippers have been around long enough that it’s arguably impossible to truly discern who made them first. What we do know is that they were at least present in 4700BC China, and they have made a healthy run across the globe in the thousands of years since.

As mentioned previously, the word slipper can invoke a different idea or image per person, which makes sense considering the long history of this footwear. The ancient Chinese slippers that we have on record were lined with leather and featured embroidered dragons and other symbols of power, denoting that they were likely a shoe for the wealthy — and not one they would wear out sporting.

Some historians and hobbyists have collected slipper trivia and pictures to display the varying, often beautiful, if not interesting, developments this unique footwear has seen since its inception.

Why Were Slippers Invented?

Since we don’t know who invented the first pair, we can’t say exactly why slippers were initially invented for certain, but several clear uses have long been tied to slippers — most of which are still relevant today.

From a practical standpoint, slippers did a lot to keep the feet warm. The first wearers of slippers certainly didn’t have central heating or heated floors (let alone well-insulated ones), so in many climates, there would have been a real need for an extra layer to keep the chill away.

Native American moccasins are a great example of this. Many of these were decorated with nature scenes, beadwork, and fringe, combining beauty and utility.

Aside from keeping out the cold in various places across the globe, slippers have also been used for hygienic purposes. To keep dirt outside and keep the inside clean, some cultures and households consistently swap from outdoor shoes to slippers as they come and go.

Finally, we can’t underestimate the power of fashion. Ornate slippers were something special to look at and a status symbol, so naturally, everyone wanted a pair.

Slippers and Fashion

At one point in time, the word slipper referred to any shoe that could be slipped onto the foot. Everything from high heels to house shoes would qualify.

Over time, we’ve essentially narrowed the slipper category to a backless shoe that you can slip on, which also has a closed toe. Still, many designs that most people would still consider to be a slipper aren't backless but are something you can slip your foot into nonetheless.

The most prominent, modern example of a slipper trend comes from Britain. Prince Albert made the velvet slipper and matching smoking jacket the dinner party attire for men, and we actually still see this look being recreated today. This look was also revived in 40s and 50s era Hollywood, tickling the fancy of folks across decades.

In Victorian times, it was a popular task for women to needlepoint a pair of slippers into a work of art to woo a suitor. Although the quality of slippers for the masses was not as upscale as it was for the wealthy elite, being able to copy the “in” designs or make something that rivaled them was a worthwhile talent.

Slippers and History

There are two cornerstones when it comes to this topic, both of which dip into the macabre in their own ways. (Brace yourself.)

Slippers were once used by some unsavory folks instead of shoes for the fact that they kept "their women" from escaping, while still keeping their carpets clean. Not a happy thing to think about, but a part of the slipper’s history all the same.

There are also the Papal Slippers worn by the Pope of the Catholic Church, which were a rich red color to symbolize the blood of Christ’s suffering and had to be kissed by visitors.

While this tradition continued for many decades, it was dissolved around the 60s and 70s and has not been revived. The current Pope did bring the outdoor Papal Slipper back into use, but they are not the blood-red, indoor slippers of days past.

Your Slippers

Do you wear slippers, and have you ever thought about their history? We hope you learned something and enjoyed this deep dive into the origin of the slipper!

Resources— Lands’ End, Ernest

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