Babouche show up in a lot of "Moroccan style" roundups with a nice photo and not much explanation. If you've never worn a pair, the two things worth knowing before you buy are what actually makes them different from a normal slipper, and how to get the sizing right since they're rarely sold in UK shoe sizes.
What babouche actually are
Babouche are a traditional style of Moroccan leather slipper, most associated with the leather workshops of Marrakesh. Unlike a Western slipper, they're backless — worn more like a mule, with the heel left open — and made from a single piece of leather rather than a sole bonded to a separate upper. That construction is why they pack flat and why the leather softens and shapes to your foot the more you wear them, rather than staying rigid.
Ours are handmade in supple leather and come in two shapes: a classic almond-toe slipper in solid colours, and a woven, patterned style for something more decorative.
Sizing: small, medium, large, not UK sizes
This is the most common question with babouche, and a fair one. Ours are sized Small, Medium and Large rather than to a UK shoe size, because they're made to be roomier and worn slightly loose — the leather isn't structured like a trainer or a shoe with a fixed last. If you're between sizes or usually wear a snug fit in other shoes, it's worth going with the size that matches your usual shoe size rather than sizing down, since leather babouche loosen slightly with wear rather than tightening.
How to wear them
Babouche are house slippers first and foremost — comfortable enough for every day, and open enough to slip on and off without bending down. They also work as a low-effort way to bring colour into an outfit at home: a bright colourway like tangerine or clementine stands out against jeans and a plain jumper, while black or grey read more neutral if you'd rather they blend in. They're also one of the easier Moroccan pieces to gift, since sizing is forgiving and the price point is low relative to leatherwork like a pouf.
Looking after leather babouche
Keep them dry — leather that gets properly wet and dries out fast is what leads to cracking, so treat them as an indoor or dry-weather slipper rather than outdoor footwear. Beyond that, they need little maintenance: an occasional wipe with a dry cloth is normally enough, and like any natural leather they'll darken slightly and soften with age rather than wearing out.
