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9 best slipper socks for toddlers to keep busy kids safe on their feet
Get your hands on a pair of these clever non-slip indoor shoes to keep your toddler toddling
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Whatever the weather – from big freeze to heat wave – slipper socks are an important part of any toddler’s life. Firstly, extremities can get cold in almost any climate, but also, slipper socks can play an integral role in a little one’s first steps – and on into their walking career.
Slipper socks can come in all sorts of different guises – from thick socks with rubber accents on the sole, to moccasins comprised of both leather and fabric, or more of a soft boot.
During testing, we looked for the sweet spot where comfort bisects mobility. We wanted little ones to feel cosy, but also to know that they are safe and secure when it came to some walking action.
Socks with excellent, plentiful grip on the sole is where it’s at, but the ankle needs support and under no circumstances should socks be slipping down so that the sole is flapping about loosely. With all that considered, here are our favourites...
You can trust our independent reviews. We may earn commission from some of the retailers, but we never allow this to influence selections, which are formed from real-world testing and expert advice. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.
Grippa slipper socks: £9.99, Amazon
Made from 75 per cent organic cotton, we were really impressed with how snug and cosy these are. But we were even more impressed with the fact that these slipper socks grow with the little feet which go inside them – one pair can cater to babies from six-months-old and expand until a child is roughly five-years-old. The top band of each sock can double back on itself which provides ankle support while the silicone mesh sole gives good grip. There is a wealth of designs to suit all tastes and moods – our three-year-old tester is particularly enamoured with the ladybird version, complete with eyes on the toe section. The Grippa socks are also phthalate-free and approved by The College of Podiatry, so if your little one wants to live in them, it’s all good.
JoJo Maman Bébé koala moccasin slipper socks: £12, JoJo Maman Bébé
We were delighted to see that these stayed firmly up – no bagging or sagging. The design is lovely; there’s a reason grey clothes are always en vogue – they work for everyone. The suede sole makes for excellent grip; we found that the faux leather part which surrounds the side of the feet went up that little bit further around the foot than other moccasins, which ensured that feet stayed in place and offered a sense of security to toddlers who might only just be making their first steps.
Moccis stoney river moccasin: From £25, Moccis
It’s hard to know where to start on the list of things we love about these little beauties, which are hand sewn in Sweden. Perhaps with the fact that the soles are made from real, durable leather, which is non-slip and comfortable for small feet. And despite the leather, which is usually a no-no for washing machines, these are completely machine washable. They are also healthy, having been podiatrist approved. We loved to be spoilt for choice in terms of design – all of which were playful and imaginative. The sizing came up slightly large, and yet the soft upper part was snug so we didn’t experience any pesky slipping down. Our feeling that these were also so smart as to be acceptable to wear outside the house. Result!
Totes girls tots socks twin pack: £10, Totes
This two pack of cosy and colourful socks, complete with slip-resistant thread are brilliantly economic. Children will be drawn to the brightness of the designs (if unicorns don’t float your little one’s boat there are llamas, badgers and a variety of sea creatures to choose from instead) and once on, they’ll never want to take them off. We really rated that these went right up to the knee, offering much more warmth than expected. These gorgeous little packs totally over-deliver.
Falke cosyshoe kids slippers: £19, Falke
Made from merino wool, known for its warm, comforting properties – the cosyshoe lives up to its name. The insides are bliss – soft and plush – while the sole is densely covered in silicone nobs for grip. They stay securely on the feet thanks to elastic around the ankle area and are machine washable. They might look like more of a boot than a slipper or a sock but these tick both boxes – and more.
GoBabyGo non-slip socks: £8, GoBabyGo
Made from bamboo cotton – which is grown organically, so no nasties like pesticides – GoBabyGo non-slip socks are ridiculously soft. They have rubber pads on the soles which are perfect for those learning how to walk. The bamboo cotton means that these are both breathable and insulating so that feet feel cool and fresh in the heat of the summer and snugly protected during winter’s cold snaps. The pale palettes to choose from are very chic – pale pinks, blues and a light cream.
Collagien slipper socks: From £31.26, Collagien
This fabulous French brand makes footwear that is essentially a sock with a sturdy rubber sole – are we think they are brilliant. The soles have holes which allow little feet to breathe, but are robust enough to wear outdoors on fine days. As well as the perforations, the soles also include little spikes, all the better for gaining traction with. The upper part is comprised mainly of cotton plus elastacine, making them stretchy and easy to move in. They didn't slip down once in an entire afternoon of play. The designs are inventive and clever – you’re almost spoilt for choice. You can also bundle them up easily into neat little balls so they are easy to pack away.
Boden slipper socks in 'elizabethan blue': £11.20, Boden
Perfect for little one’s taking their first steps or those wanting to keep cosy when in their PJs, these moccasins are not only excellent quality – made from cotton and leather, but impossibly cute. They stayed up nicely, too.
Heat Holders Ultimate Spider-Man slipper socks: £9.99, Heat Holders
As the name of the brand suggests, these socks are all about keeping little tootsies cosy. The brand claim that these are "the warmest thermal socks in the world, with a scientifically accredited 2.34 tog rating (most thermal socks are at 0.89). This might seem redundant in mid-summer but kids' feet can feel the cold any season. The insides of these have been brushed intensely resulting in a gorgeously fuzzy pile of squishiness – they are soft with plenty of air pockets to warm up and keep feet toasty. There are even spider shaped grips on the bottom, ensuring easy movement. If your toddler isn’t a Spider-Man fan, don’t fear – the likes of Elsa and Moana feature on other pairs.
The verdict: Slipper socks for toddlers
Grippa socks have to be our best buy – these babies will last years if you look after them, growing as quickly as a little one’s feet are wont to do. And at under a tenner, they are a total winner.