The Editor-Tested Bombas Ballet Slippers Are a Cozy and Chic Mother’s Day Gift Idea You’ll Want to Buy for Yourself
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With Mother’s Day this weekend, the gifting stakes are at an all-time high. You want to treat the Wonder Woman in your life to something really special that she’ll actually use and love, but it’s tricky to know where to start. If you’re searching for a sure-bet gift for mom, always go with a simple luxury that she likely wouldn’t buy for herself — like the supremely soft and stylish women’s slippers from Bombas. Bombas Ballet Slippers have been on my radar for months, ever since a fellow Footwear News Shop editor raved about them over the holiday season, so I had to test them out for myself before I give a pair to my mom this May.
Besides Bombas’ best-selling socks for women and men, the brand is beloved for its top-quality slipper selection from the cult-favorite Gripper Slippers to the Sunday Slippers, of which have earned a combined 60 million views and searches TikTok. One of the newest additions to the lineup are the Bombas Ballet Slippers, a distinctly chic style that’s dressed in a soft wool-cashmere blend, and features supple, double-layered underfoot cushioning. It’s a particular standout for spring and summer because, unlike other Bombas slippers, it boasts an any-season design that’s especially lightweight and breathable, so it’ll keep you cozy any time of year without overheating your feet.
The contemporary silhouette of the Ballet Slippers caught my eye because it instantly reminded me of similar shapes that have been trending in designer footwear, like The Row’s Sock Flats or Khaite’s glove-like Ballerina Flats. The no-nonsense profile reads refined and minimalistic, and adds an unexpected air of elegance to the naturally casual slipper. They come in two colorways to suit any loungewear aesthetic: A rich “Plum Night Heather,” which feels especially fashionable amid deep burgundy color trends, and a soft beige “Oatmeal Heather” that’s sure to please any mom, wife, or woman in your life.
At just $60, Bombas’ spa-like Ballet Slippers are an indulgence worthy of your loved ones, whether you’re looking to spoil your mom, grandmother, or even a bride-to-be who will adore their cushy feel while they get glammed on their big day. If you’re unsure about her exact shoe size, Bombas also makes it super easy with size range fits that feel snug on different widths and half sizing.
Plus, one of the biggest perks about purchasing from Bombas is its one to one initiative, which donates one pair of slippers with each order you place, whether to shelters, transitional living facilities, rehabilitation centers, schools, or medical service professionals. So, you’re really gifting two pairs for the price of one — a win-win for everyone!
Read on for our comprehensive review of the Bombas Ballet Slippers below, and why one editor has already tied them in a bow for her mom to enjoy with her breakfast in bed on May 12.
How We Tested Bombas Ballet Slippers
- Testing time period: 1 month
- Size range: 5 – 12
- Materials: Wool-cashmere blend
- Colorways available: Oatmeal Heather and Plum Night Heather
- Special features: Dual underfoot cushioning, sueded outsole
- Pros: Foldable for easy storage and travel
- Cons: Lacks substantial arch support
Bombas Ballet Slippers — Editor Testing Review
For starters, the ordering process at Bombas.com is a dream. After I added my items to the cart, it directed me to a check out page that linked with my Shop Pay account (it’s free to sign up). This populated my preferred shipping address, payment info, and detailed the shipping speed (five to eight business days for my location). I had the option to add a gift message to my order, which I’ll be doing when I order my Mother’s Day gift at Bombas! My shipment arrived to me in mint condition, and one day earlier than predicted.
When I first removed the Bombas Ballet Slippers from their dust bag, I was instantly struck by how lightweight they felt in my hand. I couldn’t wait to slip them on — but I did have some initial hesitation. While I adore the chic, minimalist design of the slipper, I was weary that its wool-cashmere blend uppers would be heavy, scratchy, or simply too warm to wear in the summer months. But, once they got on my feet, my worries melted away. The sweater-like fabric is actually incredibly thin, soft, and breathable, with a lot of flexible room to layer Bombas socks for a double-doze of coziness. The slipper’s fit feels like a hug for your feet, with just enough snugness to hold secure at the ankle without feeling stiff or constricting.
My typical shoe size falls between a 7.5 and 8 depending on the shoe brand, and I found the 7-8 slipper to fit true to size, with enough room to wiggle my toes. Throughout the one-month testing period, I padded around my apartment in these slippers while I got ready in the early morning before work and in the evenings while winding down from the day, and they’ve quickly become a go-to within my extensive slipper collection. They’re a standout for their plush footbed that feels like walking on clouds (even over my cold hardwood floors), without feeling bulky like other slippers I own, and their lightweight design feels practically nonexistent on the feet — as if I were just wearing regular socks with super cushy padding.
Keep in mind that the sole is very soft, so it lacks stiff arch support that those with high arches or plantar fasciitis may need, but they’re perfect if you’re simply wearing them around your home. It’s also important to consider their lack of traction, besides a sueded outsole, so, while I can attest they don’t slip on slick surfaces, I would not recommend them for outdoor wear. The Bombas Ballet Slippers are a great swap for fuzzy insulated slippers you’d save for the winter months, but it’s also worth noting that the wool-cashmere blend of the upper does trap some heat. For me, however, this is a plus no matter the season, since my feet always run cold. Your feet won’t be left hot and sweaty in these, but they’ll surely make your feet feel super cozy, as any ideal slipper should.
All in all, the Bombas Ballet Slippers are an incredible value for the price. They feel and look impressively elevated, and I can already tell their high-quality construction will last me many years of wear. And, since they’re easy to fold, they make for comfy — not frumpy! — travel shoes you can slip on during a flight or wear around the hotel without feeling candidly casual.
The elegant design makes them a uniquely dressed-up version of the lazy day staple, whether you’re snuggled up in sweats in front of the TV or hosting friends for an at-home brunch in your favorite silk pajama set. Trust us, you’ve never seen — or felt — a slipper quite as luxurious as these.
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Meet the Author
Olivia Cigliano is a Commerce Writer & Producer at Footwear News and WWD where she writes and edits shopping content on the best-rated footwear, TikTok style trends, and more. Olivia received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Emerson College, and her byline can be found in publications including Elite Daily and CR Fashion Book. At Footwear News, she regularly reports on and reviews exciting new releases from top footwear brands like Bombas.