Those of us that have travelled to Asia or have visited an Asian’s home in Europe or the US know that Asians remove their shoes at the door and do not allow outside dirt inside. This is healthy and practical, as most Asians sit on the floor. No matter what the weather is like outside or whether they wear slippers, socks, or go barefoot, they are always clean and cosy inside. The custom of taking off your shoes at the door before entering the home is still practised worldwide in Asian homes, both modern and traditional.
How Has the Tradition of House Slippers Evolved?
Traditional Japanese and Asian homes were raised two feet from the ground. This allowed for ventilation and kept the family off the cold, damp ground. And in ancient times before, modern heating systems allowed space for Asians to heat their floors with wood or charcoal.
In Korea, the floors were, and some still are, heated with charcoal heaters, though most have been replaced with hot water pipes running under the floors that supply radiant heat. Wearing shoes inside rather than slippers or socks, you need to realize the benefit of the warmth on your feet. And the Chinese have advocated the benefits of warm floors and foot reflexology for more than 5000 years.
People worldwide prefer to wear comfortable pairs of slippers at home, whether they take their shoes off at the door or in their favourite recliner in front of the TV.
Premium Price versus Real Comfort
Regardless of the expense or material used, most will still charge you a premium price for a pair of slippers that will give you only half the comfort of a pair of hand-crafted leather slippers from CP Slippers in Spain and even with shipping. These slippers are inexpensive compared to those high-design slippers that are less comfortable.
If it is not a tradition in your home to take off your shoes and slide your feet into a comfortable pair of leather slippers, start a new tradition. Grab a pair of these cool blue slippers for yourself and another pair for your loved one; in fact, grab a pair for everyone in the family and another pair or two for your guests. Use their handy size guide to decide which sizes to buy.
