Scuffs vs Slippers: What’s the Difference and Which Should You Choose?

If you’ve ever shopped for cosy footwear and thought, “Are scuffs just a type of slipper?” you’re not alone.

Both are soft, warm and perfect around the house – but there are real differences between scuffs and slippers that affect comfort, warmth, and how you use them day to day.

This guide explains the difference in simple terms and helps you decide which style is right for you.

What Are Scuffs?

Scuffs are the “easy on, easy off” option in the slipper family.

Typically, scuffs are:

• Backless – open at the heel
• Hands-free to slip on and off
• Designed mainly as indoor house shoes
• Often lined with plush sheepskin or wool for warmth and comfort

Because there’s no heel coverage, your foot simply slides in and out. That makes scuffs perfect for:

• Ducking into the kitchen
• Grabbing a parcel at the door
• Quick trips around the house
• People who don’t like the feeling of a closed-in heel

They’re relaxed, lightweight and feel almost like walking on a soft rug.

We love them as the pair you leave by the bed or front door – ready to go the moment you get home.

Typical Features of Scuffs

• Open back (no heel coverage)
• Snug over the top of the foot
• Soft, cosy lining (sheepskin, wool or fleece)
• Lightweight, relaxed feel
• Usually designed for indoor wear (some have indoor/outdoor soles)

What Are Slippers?

Slippers is a broader category that includes different shapes and designs – some are open-back, but most people think of slippers as more structured and enclosed than scuffs.

A typical slipper is:

• Often closed at the back, covering the heel
• More secure on the foot
• Usually built with a thicker or more supportive sole
• Designed for longer wear around the house

Slippers are a great choice if you:

• Have cold floors (tiles, concrete, floorboards)
• Wear your house shoes for hours at a time
• Prefer your footwear to feel secure and supportive
• Feel the cold easily, especially in your heels and ankles

Our classic slipper styles are the ones you put on in the morning and don’t take off until bedtime.

Typical Features of Slippers

• Closed-back or fully enclosed design
• Snug, “wrapped-in” feel
• Cushioned insole for comfort
• Often a more durable sole for structural support
• Many styles suitable for light outdoor use (depending on the outsole)

In short: All scuffs can be considered slippers, but not all slippers are scuffs. Scuffs are a specific, open-back slipper style.

Scuffs vs Slippers: The Key Differences

Here’s a quick side-by-side look at how they compare:

Which Should You Choose?

Both scuffs and slippers are cosy and comfortable – the right choice depends on how you like to wear them and how your home feels.

Choose Scuffs If…

• You love easy on, easy off footwear
• You prefer a more relaxed, open feel around your heel
• Your home is warm or you live in a milder climate
• You mainly want something for:
  • Watching TV
  • Working from home
  • Quick trips around the house

Scuffs are also a great gift option because they’re forgiving on fit and feel casual and fun.

Choose Slippers If…

• Your floors get cold in winter (tiles, concrete, floorboards)
• You wear your house shoes for long stretches of the day
• You prefer more support, structure and stability
• You often feel the cold in your feet – especially heels and ankles
• You want a style you can occasionally wear outside (look for a sturdy outsole)

The heel coverage keeps warmth in and helps your foot feel secure, which many people with sore feet, tired legs or balance concerns really appreciate.

Scuffs and Slippers in Sheepskin

When you add sheepskin or plush wool lining into the mix, both scuffs and slippers step up to another level of comfort.

Sheepskin Scuffs:

• Soft, breathable and naturally insulating
• Great in both cool and mild weather
• Feel amazing barefoot thanks to the fluffy lining

Sheepskin Slippers:

• Add more structure and support underfoot
• Wrap around the heel and sometimes the ankle
• Ideal as your dedicated “house shoe” in colder months

Whether you’re a scuff person, a slipper person, or like one of each, sheepskin linings give you that luxuriously soft, cloud-like feel every time you put them on.

How to Choose the Right Size

A few tips to get the fit right when buying scuffs or slippers online:

• Snug rather than loose
  Sheepskin and wool linings naturally bed down and mould to your feet. They often feel snug at first and then relax with wear.
• Think about socks
  If you usually wear them barefoot, choose your regular size.
  If you love thick socks, you might consider sizing up in some styles.
• Heel feel
  In scuffs, your heel will sit close to the back edge or slightly inside, but it’s meant to be free.
  In slippers, your heel should feel secure, not cramped or slipping out.

Not sure what to pick? Check our Size Guide or contact our team – we’re happy to help.

How to Care for Your Scuffs and Slippers

Looking after your cosy footwear will help them last longer and stay looking fresh.

Basic care tips:

• Avoid direct heat
  Don’t dry sheepskin or lined slippers on heaters or in direct sun – let them air dry naturally.
• Use a protector spray (if suitable for the material)
  A suede or sheepskin protector can help repel light spills, dust and marks – especially if you occasionally wear them outside.
  See our Sheepskin Ugg Boots Protector.
• Brush the lining
  Every so often, gently fluff the lining with a soft brush to keep it plush and comfortable.
• Spot clean
  Follow the care instructions on the product. Most sheepskin styles are best spot-cleaned rather than machine washed.

Quick FAQs

Are scuffs and slippers the same thing?
Not exactly. Scuffs are a type of slipper that usually have an open back. “Slippers” is a broader term that includes both open-back and closed-back styles.

Are scuffs less warm than slippers?
Generally yes – your toes stay cosy, but your heel is exposed. Closed-back slippers help hold more warmth around your entire foot.

Which is better for sore or tired feet?
Many people with sore or tired feet prefer closed-back slippers with a cushioned, supportive insole and a sturdier sole. They feel more stable and secure underfoot.

Can I wear my scuffs or slippers outside?
It depends on the sole.
Thin, flexible soles are usually indoor-only.
Styles with chunkier, weather-resistant outsoles can handle quick trips outside – like the letterbox, bins, or stepping onto the patio. Always check the product description.

What’s the safest style to give as a gift?
Scuffs make an excellent gift because they’re:

• Easy to slip on
• More forgiving on sizing
• Loved by almost everyone

For colder climates or friends who always complain about cold feet, a cosy closed-back slipper or slipper boot is also a great choice.

Final Thoughts: Scuffs vs Slippers

Choose scuffs if you want light, easy, slip-on comfort and a relaxed feel.

Choose slippers if you want more warmth, support and security for all-day wear at home.

Ready to upgrade your at-home comfort?
Discover your perfect pair in our Ugg Sliuppers & Scuffs Collection.