Slipper socks are an American classic dating back at least to the mid-'50s, and maybe before that. When I was a kid I got a new pair for Christmas at least five times, and I still wear this styleand have worn the ones we have here for about a year and a half, coldness permitting. These slipper socks are better than the ones I grew up in.

They're just thick wool socks with leather bottoms stitched on them, but the sock part is the best sock we've ever seen on slipper socks. And the leather is the dense top grain, so it keeps water out better; or snow, or morning dew or whatever, so you can walk outside in them.

Can throwbacks to the days of big-finned cars and $0.29/gallon gas make a comeback in the age of the iPod and Uggs? That remains to be seen. The price should help. These are supposed to retail for $40, but we got a deal on them, and so do you. We'll stock them next year again, and they will be $40 then. But for now, for you, up until Christmas Eve, only $28. No, let's make that $23. If you buy them at that price, you'll be thrilled to see them for $36 to $40 next year.

Nobody will buy these for you, because they'll think you'll want Uggs if you want slippers at all, and these aren't that fancy. Tough! They're easy on-and-off, perfect for hanging out in, retrieving the paper, packing for travel, in camp, in your tent, and even walking down the hall to the hotel vending machine late at night.

Sort of a dark blue or brown/light grey heather top, with brown bottoms. Well made in Australiaby Australians.

Sizing:

Smalls fit to about size 6 1/2 mens, or 8 womens - good size for the kids, too

MED fits to 9 1/2 mens, or 11 womens

Large overlaps that 9 1/2, and covers up to about a 14 mens, or 15 1/2 womens. If you're a woman and wear a 15 1/2, we'll give you a pair free)

Washing and drying: Yes. It's not a great idea to put leather in the drier, so let them air dry if you can. But I've machine-dried mine, and they shrink some but still work.