I would be surprised if, up until now, you’ve managed to escape seeing images or ads for the Mahabis luxury slippers online, served up on social media. I have a pair of the special edition ‘curve’ shoes that have received an inordinate amount of interest and attention. Much more than I’d guess for a set of slippers as I wear them round the house, in the garden and – by happy, comfort-induced accident – out to lunch. I’d say it’s the algorithms but all sorts have been recognising the plimsoll-like slip ons, asking me how they fare. So, do they live up to the hype?
It’s the footwear I’ve certainly worn most this year and I don’t much expect this to change as I potter about at home, waiting for the times that call for more adventurous, technical footgear. The Mahabis are unbelievably soft and at the same time supportive – very important for a main pair of shoes. The first thing to praise is their functionality – wild of me, I know, but this is a slipper review and they really are incredibly well designed and useful. So far this morning (it’s 09:08) I must have clocked up 20% of my daily foot count in the Mahabis making coffee, watering plants and chasing a delinquent dog. They’re versatile… With slippers that have gone before, I’ve been frustrated at how sloppy they are. That I can’t step in easily or kick them off. And, worst of all, uncomfortable from how hot and sweaty my feet get as I rush around in what are evidently synthetic materials. No, no, no.
I’m aware this makes me sound incredibly slovenly, but I don’t want to have to bend down to put on slippers. My favourite feature of the Mahabis Curve is the neoprene heel cradle. Slip into them easily and stand on top of the soft lip for flip-flop mode, or wiggle in to have them held firmly on but with just the lightest touch. There’s zero pressure behind the heel with this clever stretchy back. I was dubious whether they’d stay on. But I’ve put them to the test running after a puppy and (the danger zone for slippers) up the stairs and they’re sound. A simple, clever design.
The inside of the Curve Shearling Mahabis are sheepskin lined. The sole is rubber and hard-wearing, making it a great hybrid shoe for indoor-outdoor use. The rubber is Pura-Latex™ and sustainably sourced from the Hevea tree. It’s 100% natural and 100% recyclable. Design-wise it’s for grip better and for shock absorption.
Something I always want to ensure as a consumer, playing my own part in the fashion industry and its hard-hitting impact on the environment, is that I’m investing in a brand serious about reducing its footprint on the planet. Right through production, manufacturing and transportation. So how does Mahabis pledge to minimise impact as it creates these luxury products? First it’s about quality. Buying a pair of Mahabis isn’t a small purchase, with slippers starting at £79 (my Curve Shearling pair cost £140). The materials are hard-wearing and eco-friendly. These slippers will last. When it comes to carbon offsetting: For every pair of Mahabis sold, one new tree will be planted in collaboration with Ecologi, a climate positive initiative that plants a tree somewhere in the world every three seconds. Mahabis has its own recycling scheme. Leave a greener footprint on the planet and prevent your pre-loved Mahabis from going to waste. Send back your used slippers (free of charge) for them to be recycled and receive a voucher for 15% off a new pair.
Mahabis boxes are engineered using 100% recyclable FSC certified cardboard. No plastic, no glue and no chemicals are used for the packaging of shoes. The company’s goal is to create innovative footwear for the home with minimal environmental impact. With comfort and design forefront, so too is the impact the product has on the environment.
For more information or to buy a pair head to the Mahabis website.
