Slippers, pantofels, house-shoes … there is a whole vocabulary revolving these unassuming items of footwear. Step across the threshold of a Scandinavian home and your shoes are forcibly wrenched from your feet to be replaced by a most unbecoming pair of slipper-socks. I may well be the only one who finds this baffling, but in a bid for successful assimilation with my fellow Europeans, I have decided to take on the house-shoe challenge, and can now recommend to you a number of the choicest foot-candy available right here in Copenhagen.
Tiger
The Scandinavian retail giant is the epitome of cheap and cheerful, if you find yourself balking at the thought of handing over a small fortune for a pair of furry shoes. They stock a particularly charming pair of red velour ballerina slippers (30kr), as well as novelty ‘Big Foot’ slippers for those with wackier tendencies.
Various locations, including Strøget, Frederiksberggade 23; open Mon-Sat, 10:00-21:00, Sun 10:00-20:00; www.tiger.dk
Skindhuset
One the many purveyors of leather and fur items, Skindhuset has a number of very fine winter-warmers. Their sheepskin bootees are a neater, indoor version of the famous/infamous Uggs (and a whole lot cheaper) and will certainly keep your toes toasty. Priced at around 300kr, they come in grey, brown and tan.
Skindergade 6, Cph K; open Mon-Thu 09:30-17:30, Fri 09:30-18:00, Sat 10:00-14:00; www.skindhuset.dk
Donegal Socks
Though these fall slightly outside of the slipper category, they are nevertheless a fabulously cosy footwear choice. Made in Ireland, these tweed wool socks represent a centuries old tradition of sock making – a rare craft passed down through the generations. As luck would have it, these are stocked right in here in Copenhagen in a range of colours that reflect the rugged wilds of the region where they are made.
Sold at Studiestræde 13, Cph K; www.donegal-socks.com
Magasin
The Danish department store has a wide range of indoor footwear for the discerning shopper. For men, the Birkenstock ‘Amsterdam’ house-shoe is a sturdy slipper that will probably last for the rest of your life. The classic German shoes boast an anatomical design that follows the natural form of the foot, distributing body weight evenly. So really, they’re a steal at 700kr! For women, the Danish brand Nome has a similar clog-style felt slipper with embroidery for 350kr.
Magasin du Nord, Kongens Nytorv 13, Cph K; open daily 10:00-20:00; www.magasin.dk
