Slippers do so much more than keep your dainty feet warm as you tiptoe out for the paper; they offer safe haven for our much-punished peds. And with cold weather on the way, a pair of super-comfy cushy slippers is good therapy for you and your chilly dogs.

The Chinese had some dubious practices when it came to feet (binding being the most infamous), but that shouldn’t stop you from trying a pair of imperially embroidered red-satin courtesan crawlers ($12) from Nomad. They’ve got rubber soles, so no one’ll never hear you coming. On the other hand (or foot), if jesters are your thing, a pair of comically upturned, heavy-felt house shoes with suede soles ($32), also from Nomad, will have you jumping up and clicking your heels. The tag says "Made in Nepal," but we’re convinced that someone broke into Santa’s workshop and ransacked the elves’ shoe tree for these babies.

If you’re contemplating fatherhood, role-play with quintessential "Dad" moccasins ($59) from Orvis Clothing & Gifts. Constructed of soft elk hide and lined with shearling pile, they’re perfect for padding about the house and issuing sage advice, such as "You’ll never get into Harvard by pushing crayons up your nose." For wanna-be moms, Lady Grace carries a Jones New York super-fat fuzzy slipper ($16) that would make spending all day at home with the kids a walk in the clouds (Valium not included). For the rest of you space shots, DSW Shoe Warehouse carries a sweet terry-cloth scuff ($14.50) that sports a moon-and-stars motif.

Heading out to Antarctica? Brookstone has the ultimate sub-zero foot comforter ($30). Made of 100 percent duck down stuffed in charcoal-colored fleece, they’re not exactly elegant, but they’re darn toasty. And if all this puff ’n’ stuff is too much, try Walkabouts slipper-shoes ($10), sold at Sock It To Me. Made to keep your piggies oven-warm, the rubber-treaded Ÿbersocks come in a variety of designs, including silly cats, falling snowflakes, and mighty moose.

Where to get it:

• Nomad, 1741 Mass Ave, Cambridge, (617) 497-6677

• Orvis Clothing & Gifts, 84 State Street, Boston, (617) 742-0488

• Lady Grace, 1364 Beacon Street, Brookline, (617) 566-8194

• DSW Shoe Warehouse, 385 Washington Street, Boston, (617) 556-0052

• Brookstone, Marketplace Center, Faneuil Hall, Boston, (617) 439-4460, and other locations

• Sock It To Me, 4 Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston, (617) 367-9192

Issue Date: November 1 - 8, 2001