Outback Slippers

As I hurtle through my forties I've come to really appreciate a good slipper. Part of the reason is that I work from home, and my office is the attic, so I have to traverse a ladder multiple times a day. I could wear my trainers all day, but that's a bit annoying. I've managed to get adept at climbing the ladder wearing cheapo slippers but they provide no real stability. These Gumbies turned up in the adverts on Instagram and piqued my interest because they were obviously well sturdy and had sufficiently good reviews - both the slipper and the company - for me to decide to give them a go.Reader, these slippers are something else.The soles are solid, but very comfortable with it. Arch support is good. Climbing the ladder is a breeze. And they're warm, but not the sort of warmth that leads to sweaty feet. I have no idea how they do it. Voodoo, probably. The textile feels a lot like the carpet in the boot of my car (it's particularly nice in my car) and, by being derived from recycled plastic bottles, ticks my wooly, middle-aged-Guardian-reading box with an ethically sourced artisan biro.I could go on, but by now you've probably got the idea. (Also my tea break is up.)

I bought these slippers after reading the rave reviews, and I have to say I don't understand why they are rated so highly. Most people say that they find these slippers oversized, but if anything I found them to be slightly undersized, I normally take a size ten but found them quite tight. While I'm sure that they would stretch over time, they were too tight to be comfortable enough for me to find out. The sole is rigid, not what I expect from an indoor shoe, and does not flex to bend with the foot so it is a bit like walking with clogs on. The felt fabric, while it may be made from old shopping bags or whatever, is uncomfortable and rough to touch - think similar to the old fashioned carpet bags of yesteryear. And the final reason why I returned these, the height of the heel is pointless, neither a true slip-on nor a proper heel grip. Walking in them sounds like having two lengths of floor board strapped to your feet as they flap around at the heel end, if you are paranoid you'd swear someone was following you. Overpriced and over engineered, pointless.

I bought these as I'm a confirmed non-slipper wearer but have moved to a house with cement floors so bare feet were getting sore. The slippers are a little large and sometimes I need to watch what I'm doing, going up stairs is a particular issue, but I'm getting used to it. The are toasty and warm, even without socks on, and work perfectly. Just need to stop the dog running off with one.

I’m normally about and eight and a half in shoes and tend to buy a size 9, but seeing others report that these shoes are on the large side, decided to buy size 8. Very glad I did as a 9 would have been too big.Very comfy and warm. Delivered very quickly

Working from home more than ever before I wanted something I could wear during the day which was firm and super comfortable. Gumbies are warm (not hot), have a solid base for support and I have to say the build quality is excellent. If you want a slipper which is solid - more of a house shoe than a fireside snuggler - then Gumbies are *the* ones. Highly recommended.

Couldn’t be happier with these slippers. Warm comfy and stylish. I love my Gumbie flip flops so these are perfect for winter. Sole is thicker than standard slippers but easy to get used to. Never had such warm feet in slippers before. Ordered one size down from usual size thanks to other reviewers feedback. They are perfect!

These are the most comfortable slippers I have found in long time. If anything they come up a touch on the large side but not enough to make me want a size smaller. the sole is great too means I can pop outside in them if needed.No idea how they will wear but at present I would definitely have another pair

Nice, well made slipper but way too large. I’m a UK 11.5, so normally go for a size 12 shoe or slipper. I read the reviews which said these slippers are on the large side, so opted for a size 11. Like putting my feet in a wizards sleeve! At least 1/2 inch too big on both the length and the width (and I have wide feet too).Whatever size you are, may have to drop 2 sizes on these slippers to get the right fit. Shame as they’re very well made and look great but more like loose, slide in mules than the fitted slippers I was expecting. If you want slide in mules, save your money and buy cheaper than the £40 I paid for these.As these are the 3rd set up slippers I’ve had to trial and error to get sizing right, I can’t be bothered returning yet another set so will make do, but don’t want others making the same sizing mistake.