Sleep tech expert Simba has stepped into the world of footwear, but are they as dreamy as you'd imagine? Quite simply, yes.
Price: £69
Size range: UK 3-8 (36-43)
Upper/sole material: Merino wool, leather and rubber
A wise person once told me you should always invest wisely in two things: a good mattress and a good pair of shoes, because when you're not in one you are in the other. So imagine my delight when I heard that the expert team who makes mattresses has started making shoes, it's a dream scenario.
After stepping into a pair of the new Simba Stormur slippers I can confirm that they deliver the comfort levels you'd expect from a team of designers whose job is to relieve pressure points and provide support where it is most needed.
These comfy everyday shoes are up there with the best slippers, and have already become a staple of my casual capsule wardrobe.
Simba Stormur Slipper review
Simba Stormur Slipper review: Comfort & Support
So what makes them so comfy? Inspired by the philosophy that "the human foot is the anchor of the body's wellbeing", and drawing inspiration from the proven benefits of walking barefoot in nature, the anatomically-shaped Stormur slippers feature Simba’s 9-Zone Reflexology technology.
The design is engineered with the same understanding of ergonomics found in Simba's award-winning sleep products. You can feel a 'softness' with each step thanks to the high-tech footbed support with features 9-Zone reflexology technology to ensure your pressure points are well cushioned.
To action this the slipper’s footbed is filled with a specialised gel which gently massages specific pressure points, to aid blood circulation, reduce tension, aid pain relief and promote relaxation.
The Simba Stormur design delivers unparalleled wear and support for a slip-on shoe. Like all clogs, you naturally take a slower-paced walk to ensure they stay on your feet because they are open at the back but this quality is perfect for an indoor slipper and casual outdoor shoe. They offer a slimmer profile than my Birkenstock Boston clogs and they feel like a more streamlined fit that gives your footing greater support.
One quality I have very enjoyed is the fact they don't generate the classic 'flipflop slap sound' with every step, which I probably notice more because I venture out in them early in the morning to walk the dog and am probably more aware of the noise as I creep around the house.
Simba Stormur Slipper review: Style
The new Simba footwear range features three different designs (Ylur, Rok and Sormur) and I chose to test the Simba Stormur clogs because the style very much reminded me of my Birkenstock Boston clogs, so the plan was to keep these as my indoor version. But that soon went out the window after a week of testing the slippers because I wanted the same comfort when I left the house.
The thoughtfully designed clog adapts to the foot’s natural contours, fusing comfort with style. It's this fusion that has made me turn my back on my Birkenstocks because these have the edge in that they look as stylish but they provide extra support and comfort in comparison.
Crafted with premium Merino wool, luxurious leather suede and advanced rubber outsoles, these materials provide not just excellent durability but also exceptional breathability and temperature control.
How do Simba Stormur Slippers compare to Birkenstock Boston clogs?
It's only natural to compare the two because they are so similar. I didn't think a shoe could tempt me away from my Birkenstock Boston clogs but since I've had my Simba Stomur slippers I've barely as much as looked at my beloved Birks. While I still adore them and will of course wear them again I'm enjoying the literal spring in my step from having a more robust rubber sole and the specialist footbed that cushions the pressure points in your feet.
It depends on what material you choose of course, but I have the 'wool felt' Boston clogs so they are comparable to the Stormur slipper which is also made from premium Merino wool, luxurious leather and advanced rubber outsoles. The anatomically shaped cork-latex footbed and wool felt outer of the Birkenstock is simply not as supportive as the Simba design. And the Birkenstocks are that bit more expensive, too.
I wear them with the same principles of styling Birkenstock clogs - pretty much always with big chunky socks at the moment, which only adds to the comfort levels.
Simba Stormur Slipper review: Unboxing
The box is almost as impressive as the shoes (well not entirely, but it is more compelling than a standard shoe box) Not only is the ease of breakdown commendable, but it also has all the relevant information to show the wearer exactly what the benefits – where the pressure points are and the science behind the design caters to each.
Simba Stormur Slipper review: Care and cleaning
Simba's commitment to quality and craftsmanship shines through in the attention to detail, with durability at the heart of the design. The water-repellent uppers and easy-care materials are engineered to withstand daily wear.
The durable rubber soles are easy to wipe clean. I haven't had to clean them as such but I did a spot test of wiping the Merino wool outer with a damp cloth and it didn't compromise the structure or integrity of the wool material.
Simba Stormur Slipper review: Verdict
I started wearing them as indoor slippers but ended up wearing them outdoors purely because I didn't want to ever take them off. I am addicted to wearing the Simba Stormur Slippers. The science of a best-selling mattress design in slipper form – these clog-style shoes are dreamy.
I know they are classed as slippers but thanks to the rubber sole they are more than ideal as outdoor shoes, which is very much how I've been wearing them in place of my beloved Birkenstock Boston Clogs. As a result of wearing them around the house for a week, I couldn't bring myself to take them off, but thankfully the sole is designed to withstand the great outdoors so I decided to make them an outdoor shoe and haven't looked back.
The only time I don't wear them out and about is when it's raining or when I need to dress up my outfit with heels or smart boots.
