Let’s be real for a second. Most slippers are basically just fancy cardboard wrapped in fuzz. You buy them because they look cute in the store, but three weeks later, the foam is flat, your heels are sliding off the back, and you’re wondering why you spent $50 on something that offers less support than a damp paper towel. Then there’s the Bombas Women’s Sunday Slipper.
It’s weirdly polarizing.
People either treat these things like a religious experience or they’re confused by the sherpa-lined aesthetic. Bombas, a company that basically built an empire on the "buy one, give one" sock model, decided to take that specific honeycomb arch support and cram it into a piece of footwear meant for lazy mornings and checking the mail. But does it actually hold up, or is it just a sock with an identity crisis? Honestly, after looking at how these things are constructed, it's clear they aren't trying to be your typical UGG knockoff. They’re trying to be a shoe that feels like a hug, which sounds cheesy, but stay with me here.
What's actually happening inside the Bombas Women’s Sunday Slipper?
If you rip one of these apart—metaphorically, please don't ruin your mail—you’ll find a surprisingly complex bit of engineering for something called a "Sunday Slipper." The standout feature is the memory foam footbed. Most cheap slippers use open-cell foam that collapses the moment you put weight on it. Bombas uses a denser blend. It feels firm at first. You might even think they’re too stiff. Give it two days. The foam starts to contour to your specific footprint, creating a cradle that actually supports your arch instead of letting it collapse.
Then there's the lining. It’s a thick, plush sherpa.
Now, a lot of brands use synthetic sherpa that turns into a matted, sweaty mess after a week of barefoot wear. Bombas went with a higher-grade polyester blend that breathes better than you’d expect. Is it as breathable as wool? No. But it’s significantly better than the plastic-feeling fuzz you find in big-box store clearance bins. The exterior is a soft, marled knit that looks like your favorite sweater, but it’s backed with a structured material so the slipper doesn't just flop over when you try to slide your foot in.
That’s a huge pain point, right?
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Nobody wants to do the "slipper dance" where you’re hopping on one foot trying to pry the heel open with your toe. These stay open. They wait for you.
The rubber sole situation: Can you actually go outside?
We’ve all done it. You realize it’s trash day, or the dog is losing its mind at a squirrel, and you sprint onto the driveway in your indoor slippers. Usually, this is a death sentence for the slippers. They soak up water like a sponge or the fabric bottom shreds on the asphalt.
The Bombas Women’s Sunday Slipper features a legitimate rubber outsole. It’s thin enough to be flexible but thick enough to protect you from a stray pebble or a damp sidewalk. It’s got a subtle grip pattern. You won't be hiking the Appalachian Trail in these, obviously, but for a quick trip to grab the Sunday Times (do people still do that?) or a coffee run, they’re perfectly capable.
Why the "Stay-Up" heel matters more than you think
One of the biggest complaints about "scuff" style slippers is the lack of security. Your foot is constantly clenching to keep the slipper on. This leads to foot fatigue. Bombas designed these with a collapsible heel. You can wear them as a slide if you’re just lounging, but if you need to actually walk around the house or do chores, you pull that back up. It’s made of a stretchy, durable material that doesn't lose its "snap" over time. This dual-functionality is probably the smartest thing about the design. It acknowledges that sometimes we’re lazy, and sometimes we’re "productive lazy."
Addressing the price tag and the "Gifting" factor
Let's talk money. These aren't $20. They usually hover around the $65 to $75 mark. For some, that’s a hard pill to swallow for indoor footwear. However, you have to factor in the Bombas mission. For every pair of the Bombas Women’s Sunday Slipper purchased, they donate a pair of specially designed "shelter slippers" or socks to those experiencing homelessness.
Shelters often cite clean socks and sturdy footwear as the most requested but least donated items.
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So, part of that premium price is effectively a charitable contribution. It’s also worth noting the durability. Because of the rubber sole and the reinforced toe box, these tend to last two to three times longer than the disposable versions. If you buy one pair of $70 slippers that last three years, you’re spending less than the person buying $25 slippers every six months because the soles wore through.
Real-world comfort: The break-in period
Most reviewers and long-term wearers note a specific "break-in" period. This is where people get tripped up. Because of the memory foam and the structured knit, they might feel "small" out of the box.
Don't panic.
The fibers need to stretch and the foam needs to compress under your heat and weight. After about 5-10 hours of wear, the fit shifts from "snug" to "custom." If you’re a half-size, the general consensus is to size up. If you’re an 8.5, go for the 9. If you wear thick wool socks with your slippers, definitely size up. If you prefer the barefoot life, stay true to size and let the break-in process do its magic.
The "Sveat" factor: Let’s be honest about odors
Any closed-toe slipper with a furry lining has a vulnerability: smell. If you wear these 12 hours a day, your feet are going to sweat. It’s physics. While the Bombas material is decent at moisture wicking, it’s not invincible.
The good news? They are machine washable.
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You shouldn't toss them in with your jeans every week, but a gentle cycle with cold water and a thorough air dry (never, ever put them in the dryer unless you want them to fit a doll) keeps them fresh. Pro tip: sprinkle a little baking soda in them overnight once a month. It works wonders for the sherpa lining.
Comparing the Sunday Slipper to the Competition
How does it stack up against the big names?
- VS. UGG Ansley: The UGG is pure sheepskin. It’s warmer and more "luxury," but it’s also nearly double the price. The Bombas slipper is more flexible and feels less like a heavy shoe.
- VS. LL Bean Wicked Good Moccasins: The Bean boots are the gold standard for warmth, but they can be too hot for people in moderate climates. The Sunday Slipper is the better "all-year" option.
- VS. Birdies: Birdies are basically flats disguised as slippers. They’re for hosting dinner parties. Bombas is for actually relaxing. You wouldn't wear Birdies to watch a 4-hour movie marathon, but you’d definitely wear your Bombas.
The Bombas Women’s Sunday Slipper fills that middle ground. It’s for the person who wants something better than a grocery store slipper but isn't ready to drop $150 on shearling-lined Alaskan gear. It’s the "Goldilocks" of the slipper world.
Why they might not be for you
I’m not here to sell you a dream. There are reasons to skip these.
If you have severe plantar fasciitis, these might not have the rigid orthopedic support you need. They are supportive for a slipper, but they aren't a medical device. Also, if you live in a house with a lot of pet hair, that marled knit exterior is a magnet for golden retriever fur. You’ll be hitting them with a lint roller constantly.
Finally, if you have very wide feet, the mid-foot "honeycomb" compression area might feel a bit tight. Bombas loves their compression—it’s their signature—but for someone looking for a wide, floppy fit, this might feel too restrictive.
Actionable steps for your slipper search
If you’re ready to pull the trigger or just browsing, here is how to handle the purchase to ensure you don't end up with buyer's remorse:
- Check your size twice. If you are between sizes, go up. The structure of the heel is unforgiving if your foot is hanging off the edge even slightly.
- Look for the bundles. Bombas often does discounts if you buy a pack of socks and slippers together. Since you likely need socks anyway, it’s the best way to offset the "slipper tax."
- The "Two-Day" Test. Wear them around your house for two days before deciding to return them. The memory foam needs that time to "activate." If they still feel tight after 48 hours, they’re too small.
- Care Routine. Invest in a mesh laundry bag. When it’s time to wash them, the bag prevents the rubber soles from banging against the washer drum and protects the knit from snagging.
- Color Choice. The lighter colors (like the cream or light grey) look amazing for exactly one week. If you actually live in your slippers—cook in them, walk the dog, spill the occasional coffee—go for the charcoal or navy. They hide the "life" much better.
Ultimately, the Bombas Women’s Sunday Slipper isn't just about the footbed or the rubber sole. It’s about that specific feeling of Sunday morning—that transition from sleep to "doing things" without losing the comfort of your bed. They’re a solid investment in your daily comfort, provided you understand that they require a little break-in time and a bit of care. They feel intentional, which is more than you can say for 90% of the footwear sitting in the pajama aisle right now.