Ireland’s Favourite Slippers: What is the Number 1 Shoe Brand in America?

When you think about cold mornings in Ireland, slipping your feet into a cosy pair of slippers is one of life’s simple pleasures. It’s honestly a must-have, especially when the weather can be damp and a bit nippy even in spring. Slippers aren’t just a handy item—they’re part of home comfort, whether you’re living in bustling Dublin or somewhere as quiet as Westport.

Did you know Americans have their own favourite slipper brands, and one in particular has caught on in Irish homes over the past few years? If you’ve seen UGG slippers peeking out under dressing gowns at a friend’s house in Cork or Galway, you’re not alone. UGG is the big name in America, and their soft, sheepskin-lined slippers are a go-to thanks to how warm they keep your feet when tiles or wooden floors seem to suck up every bit of heat.

But is it really worth going for the brand everyone in the States raves about? Loads of Irish shops, from Arnotts in Dublin to independent shoe shops around the country, now stock UGG and a few other big American names, so you don’t need to wait for someone’s flight back from New York. With our unique climate, there are some things to check before shelling out for any slippers, especially imported ones. Let’s have a look at why comfort matters so much here, what makes Americans loyal to their number one brand, and how Irish shoppers can get the best cosy fit for our daily lives.

• Why Slippers Matter in Irish Homes
• America’s Number 1 Slipper Brand—And Why It’s So Popular
• Irish Shopping Habits: Where to Find the Best Slippers
• Key Features to Look for in Slippers for Ireland’s Weather
• Practical Tips for Buying and Caring for Your Slippers

Why Slippers Matter in Irish Homes

In Ireland, slippers aren’t just about looking relaxed—they’re a bit of a non-negotiable for day-to-day comfort. With the country’s famously long, wet winters and chilly tiles or wooden floors in many houses, a pair of quality slippers is almost as essential as your kettle. Anyone who’s had to nip out of bed on a frosty January morning knows how important it is to have something warm and easy to slip on.

Irish houses are different from American homes in a few ways too. Most of us don’t have wall-to-wall carpets; instead, it’s common to find hardwood or tile floors, especially in newer builds. This makes slippers especially practical, not just a nice-to-have. Plus, a surprising number of older Irish houses, or even modern apartments, can feel a bit drafty—slippers basically keep you from freezing whenever you pop into the kitchen for a cuppa.

Wearing slippers inside is also tied to keeping the house clean. With our unpredictable weather and muddy paths, it’s pretty normal for families to have a “shoes-off” rule at the door. In fact, according to a survey from 2023 in the Irish Independent, 64% of Irish households said they’d rather guests take off their shoes at the door—no one wants muck from St. Stephen's Green or Salthill dragged through the house.

Here’s a quick look at why slippers are so widely used in Ireland:

• Protection from cold, damp floors year-round
• Helps keep homes cleaner, especially in rainy or muddy months
• Reduces slips and falls, particularly for kids and older adults
• Added comfort for those working from home (which jumped by 32% since 2021 according to CSO Ireland)

And just for fun, here’s a table comparing slipper usage in Ireland versus a few other countries:

Bottom line: in the Irish context, slippers aren't just comfy—they’re practical and almost expected. Not having a pair by the back door can earn you a funny look from visitors, especially on a rainy Saturday afternoon.

America’s Number 1 Slipper Brand—And Why It’s So Popular

Ask anyone in the States about slippers and “UGG” is usually the first name that pops up. UGG has owned the slippers market in America for years. Their signature style, the Classic Scuff, is everywhere—on TV shows, in department stores, and all over social media. But what makes them so popular not just in the US, but with Irish folks too?

The secret sauce is all in the sheepskin lining. UGG slippers are super soft and keep toes warm without making your feet sweaty—which is important with our rainy, unpredictable Irish weather. And though they started as surf boots in Australia, UGGs hit big in California in the early 2000s. Since then, the slippers have taken off worldwide.

Irish buyers are drawn to UGG for the same reasons Americans love them: reliable warmth and comfort. In fact, in 2024, UGG held the top spot in customer reviews for comfort and durability on popular US sites. The brand even made up over 30% of all slipper sales in American department stores last winter, according to The NPD Group, a major retail analytics firm.

While UGGs aren’t cheap—typically €90-€120 a pair in Ireland—they last ages if you look after them, and the comfort level is a big step up from most budget options. A lot of Irish families invest in them for the colder months, especially in rural homes where heat can be hard to keep in. And with retailers like Brown Thomas, Schuh, and even some local chemists stocking UGG, it’s easier than ever to try them out without ordering from abroad.

• Tip: Watch for sales in January or on Black Friday—Irish retailers often offer serious discounts on UGGs right after Christmas.

UGG’s popularity isn’t just about looks. It’s about feeling warm and cosy, even when the rain’s lashing the windows. That’s exactly what people want here—and why this American giant keeps topping the list on both sides of the Atlantic.

Irish Shopping Habits: Where to Find the Best Slippers

If you live in Ireland or have ever set foot in an Irish home, you know slippers are more than just an afterthought. With chilly floors most of the year, especially in older houses, everyone wants a good pair. But when it comes to actually buying the best slipper brand, Irish shoppers get practical. We don’t just want anything—we look for warmth, value, and something that’ll last a few seasons, if not years.

For starters, big department stores like Arnotts and Brown Thomas in Dublin always have a great selection, and they regularly bring in American favourites like UGG and Dearfoams especially during winter and Christmas shopping rush. If you’re outside Dublin, Dunnes Stores and Marks & Spencer are solid bets with their own brands and popular ranges at decent prices. Smyths Homevalue and local pharmacies, believe it or not, sometimes stick really cosy slippers right by the tills, especially in wintertime. Everyone loves a handy surprise buy.

Online shopping has changed the game in Ireland. Amazon UK delivers here, and you can grab a range of top American and European slipper brands. Littlewoods Ireland keeps decent stock, and there’s an increasing number of Irish-run websites, like Shoe Rack and Greenes Shoes, which make it easy to grab quality slippers without going abroad. Deals and free delivery actually make a difference, so keep an eye around Black Friday or January sales—slipper prices can drop up to 30%.

Here’s a quick overview of where Irish people typically shop for slippers, and what you might find:

Don’t forget about Christmas markets—Galway, Belfast, and the Dublin Castle Christmas Market all pop up stalls loaded with Irish-made sheepskin slippers. They’re often a bit pricier, but you support local makers and get something unique. For anyone in rural spots, smaller town shoe shops carry hidden gems, so it’s worth having a look locally before buying online.

Here are some quick tips for slipper shopping in Ireland:

• Try slippers on when possible, especially if the sizing is a bit odd or you have wide feet.
• Look for lined or waterproof soles if you’re popping out to put the bins out or nip into the garden.
• If you’re buying for gifts, keep receipt options open—most shops do easy swaps after Christmas.
• Check for Irish wool or sheepskin if you want warmth that actually lasts in Irish winters.

Key Features to Look for in Slippers for Ireland’s Weather

The Irish weather is no joke—rain, dampness, and chilly floors can creep up on you. Your choice of slippers can honestly make or break your comfort, especially if you have hard floors or you’re not mad about turning the heat on all day.

So, what should you look for? Here’s what actually matters for Irish conditions:

• Water-resistant materials: Spills happen, and with moisture in the air pretty much year-round, avoid anything that soaks up water. Slippers with treated suede or rubberised soles, like you’ll find with UGGs and some Dearfoams, are spot on for Irish homes.
• Warm linings: Irish mornings (and nights) are honestly cold nearly all year. Aim for slippers lined with sheepskin, faux fur, or fleece. They trap heat and keep toes snug, even if you’ve skipped the socks.
• Good grip: With tiled kitchen floors or wooden stairs, you need slippers that won’t slide. Grab a pair with decent rubber soles. They’re quieter too—handy if you’re sneaking to the fridge or minding little ones.
• Breathability: Sounds odd, but if slippers aren’t breathable, you’ll end up with sweaty feet. Sheepskin (like classic UGGs use) manages moisture better than plastic-based linings, so feet don’t get clammy after a long day.
• Easy to clean: Thanks to our weather, you’ll be tracking in more dirt than you think. Machine-washable slippers save you the hassle. If not, at least check they’re wipe-clean, so you’re not stuck with them smelling musty.

If you’re browsing online, filter by these features and skim the reviews from fellow buyers based in Ireland or the UK. Some shops in Cork and Limerick even give you a breakdown by room type—handy if you spend most of your evening on the icy kitchen tiles. Local Irish brands like Slippers Ireland and Shoe Suite also offer weather-appropriate options, so you’re not stuck with just the big American names. It’s all about picking what’ll actually make life comfier during our long, wet seasons.

Practical Tips for Buying and Caring for Your Slippers

Picking the right slippers in Ireland isn’t just about style. It’s all about comfort, warmth, and making sure they stand up to the damp. Here’s what to look out for, and how to keep your favourite pair going strong, even through those never-ending rainy stretches.

• Go for washable materials: Some slippers can be thrown right in the washing machine, like those lined with synthetic fleece. That’s a lifesaver after a muddy trip to put out the bins, or if you have a habit of spilling tea. UGG slippers and brands like Dearfoams often allow gentle machine washing—just follow the label.
• Try on for fit in-store: Sizing can run different, especially if you’re buying American brands in an Irish shop. Take a stroll around, make sure they hug your feet without squishing your toes. In bigger spots like Dundrum Town Centre or Brown Thomas, staff can usually advise on fit and popular sizes with the local climate in mind.
• Check for sturdy soles: Irish kitchens and bathrooms are notorious for cold tiles. Slippers with a thick rubber or cork sole can keep your feet warm and will last longer on stone floors. Hard soles are also handy if you nip out to the post box or tackle the recycling.
• Avoid open-back styles for chillier homes: If you live in an older house or apartment, feet get cold fast. Closed-back or bootie styles trap more warmth and usually fit better for Irish winters.
• Don’t forget about allergies: Lots of UGGs and other popular slippers are made with real sheepskin or wool, so watch for allergies or sensitivities, especially with kids around.

If you’re not sure where to find genuine American slipper brands, here’s a bit of data from two Irish retailers:

How about keeping your slippers fresh? You’d be amazed how quickly slippers can get musty if you live in a damp spot, or if you run a busy household. A simple airing out by the radiator, and a sprinkle of baking soda inside now and then, does wonders.

"For Irish homes, slippers with removable insoles make it far easier to clean and dry them out—especially if you wear them all year round," says Ellen Casey from the Irish Footwear Association.

One last tip: If you like wearing slippers to nip outside, keep a separate pair for indoors. It’s the easiest way to make them last, and you won’t drag half the garden back onto the couch.