These House Shoes Make Indoor Life Look Good

The process of getting dressed, until recently, was a key part of our daily routine. Now, it's something you do because to not do it would feel too much like giving in. There's no dress code for right now, though. If you rise from your slumber with the urge to work in your PJs, we won’t judge you (in fact we have some options). The same applies to your three-piece suit. Personally, I mix the two.

But we should all shed a tear for the shoes. Seeing as the coolest, chicest, sexiest thing to do right now is stay indoors, shoes are a little redundant. No one needs to wear their commando-sole boots, especially since they'll never show up in a Zoom call. But there is a niche group of shoes that are on the rise: outdoor shoes to wear at home. The new house shoe.

What is a house shoe, I hear you ask? It is not a slipper. (Well, if you ask the dictionary it is, but the ones we're talking about aren't.) It’s a shoe with a high level of comfort, perhaps open, definitely light and cooling. Easily removable, easily cleaned, it won’t leave marks on carpets and furniture, but can (as a last resort) work for taking the bins out. It’s a shoe that makes you feel prepped for the day ahead, a nod to getting dressed that just above fancy socks, but still fits into the casual nature of working from home. These shoes aren't what you'll wear for the first day back in the office. But until then, they sure are at home on the sofa.

Still not able to envision the house shoe? Worry not, as we've hand-picked the best you can buy to get you started on your indoor style adventure.

1| Teva

Photo by END CLOTHING.

The adventurer's original sandal, now also ideal for Skype calls on the sofa. Whether you wear with or without socks, these supportive sandals will have you itching to get outside. But don't. Seriously, just don't.

Original Leather Sandal, endclothing.com

2| Gucci

Photo by MATCHES FASHION.

Of course, Gucci comes in with the tweed, loafer, and espadrille concoction for summer, a combination we never realized we needed. Soft enough for indoors, hardy enough for your government-mandated walk.

Fria GG logo-jacquard felt loafers, matchesfashion.com

3| Birkenstock

Photo by END CLOTHING.

Pretty much all Birkenstocks can work in the house shoe category, but on this occasion, we have opted for the more sophisticated Kyoto silhouette. Over time, these will mold to the shape of your foot, making them fit like a glove.

Navy Suede and Nubuck Kyoto Sandals, endclothing.com

4| Bottega Veneta

Photo by SELFRIDGES.

Slides and socks? You dig it? No, well you should. Especially with this weaved leather sandal from Daniel Lee's Bottega Veneta.

Intrecciato leather slider sandals, selfridges.com

5| The North Face

Photo by END CLOTHING.

Probably built for Arctic expeditions, but will work just fine in your kitchen. Made from a recycled ripstop upper and filled with Primoloft Thermoball insulation, these rugged slippers will keep your toes cozy when taking the bins out.

The North Face NSE Tent Mule 3, endclothing.com

6| Orlebar Brown

Photo by MR PORTER.

It's Saturday, the sun is shining and you are doing your best job at replicating the seaside in your garden. In which case these cork flip flops are perfect.

Haston Rubber and Cork Flip Flops, mrporter.com

7| Ferragamo

Photo by FERRAGAMO.

Ferragamo has taken the espadrille and given it a luxury makeover, with a calfskin upper and a maxi detail on the toe and heel. Try these out at home, in preparation for the French Riviera.

Calfskin Leather Espadrille, ferragamo.com

This story originally appeared on Esquire.com. Minor edits have been made by the Esquiremag.ph editors.