OluKai Moloa Slipper

We strongly recommend OluKai’s Moloa slipper because you can quickly step into it hands-free with the heel crushed down or wear it like a light-duty shoe for hours on end, and either way, your feet will be warm.

I was never much of a slipper guy until well into the 2010s. (That’s what we have all sort of agreed to call the years from 2010 to 2020, right? The two thousand tens?) Largely that was the case because I don’t tend to get cold very easily, but such was also the deal because from early 2005 through mid 2016, I lived in Los Angeles, a place where it’s rarely cold enough to merit even the best slippers. 

Then I moved to New York, and for the first few months, no problem. Sure, the autumn months were growing colder and as winter came on apace things got downright frigid, but I grew up on the east coast, I could handle the chill once again, no? The answer was yes, and easily so: when bundling up to take the kids sledding or for a wintery hike or to make my way to the train to head into town for a meeting, all good. But those quick trips to the curb to put out the trash or to the backyard for some more wood for the fire? I wore sandals for those in California, and I guess my parents used to make those when I was a kid, because damn do feet get cold fast.

Ah, but not mine anymore. Because now I keep a pair of Olukai Moloa Slippers by the door at all times once the cold weather has set in. And yes, for the record, I really do – I’m not just saying that in a J. Peterman Seinfeld catalog kind of way. These are not only my only slippers, but they are my go-to around the yard slippers all winter long.

The best thing about Olukia slippers is the fact that they’re super comfortable and warm. A thin but plush layer of shearling liner holds in warmth but wicks away sweat, a soft but supportive footbed provides support and cushioning underfoot, and the rubber outsole adds protection against anything sharp and some extra stability, provided you don’t want on sheer ice.

The second best thing is the fact that, as with almost all OluKai slippers or shoes, you can crush the heel down and kick your feet into these shoes in a matter of a second or two, hands-free. If that doesn’t sound like it matters, then clearly you have not worn a lot of slippers, because those few seconds you have to spend to bend down and pull them on with your hands add up to minutes and then hours of rage writ large. Especially if you are holding garbage bags.

So listen, I’m still not that much of a slipper guy. I’m barefoot inside 75% of the time, and wearing socks about 24% of the rest. But for those rare times I need a bit of extra warmth inside, these are the only slippers I wear. And when I’m stepping outside without intention of leaving my property, if it’s cold out, this is my footwear choice 90% of the time. The other 10%, I just kind of wander outside barefoot, because… poor planning.