Introducing the Sluffer—Winter’s New It-Shoe

Every once in a while—and especially during the winter, when cold-weather footwear is of paramount importance—a new shoe style comes seemingly out of nowhere, ostensibly designed to withstand frigid temperatures, that is equal parts polarizing and covetable. In the early 2000s, the style in question was undoubtedly the Ugg boot, a controversial yet indisputably comfortable trend, once rejected and now beloved by the fashion world. Then came the Croc, a utilitarian staple akin to a rubber clog that has since been given the high-fashion treatment by the likes of Balenciaga and Christopher Kane.

This time around, there’s a new contender: Introducing the “sluffer,” a portmanteau of slipper and puffer, and pretty much the only shoe we’re eyeing as we continue to redefine our style amid the ongoing pandemic. Striking an oddly attractive balance between functional and fashionable, the sluffer can be worn inside or outside; in the mountains or on the street. It makes sense, then, that brands from Toms to Prada have introduced variations on the trend. And in case you need further proof that the sluffer is the It shoe of 2022, look no further than Kendall Jenner wearing them in the wild. Her sluffer of choice: The North Face’s Women’s Thermoball Traction Mule V, a padded slip-on that’s akin to wearing a Bottega bag on your feet.

But there are plenty of options to choose from. Scroll ahead to shop our picks for the best sluffers out there, from colorful to quilted and corduroy.