Moroccan slippers are a magnificent souvenir to bring back from your trip through the country. On this blog, we often share these kinds of suggestions, such as in this post where we provided a list of interesting products of this type. In this case, we’re publishing a post explaining why to buy slippers in Morocco, as well as listing some particularly interesting types, depending on the region or style.
Why are they a good souvenir?
Moroccan slippers are a great souvenir because they combine many of the characteristics people look for in these types of gifts. For example, they are a truly genuine local product, which is still used today and is, for the most part, still made by hand.
Another detail, no less important, is that they are gifts that don’t take up much space in your suitcase and are very light. Therefore, they are perfect for checking in on your return flight at the airport. Additionally, they aren’t particularly fragile objects, so they can be packed along with the rest of your clothes without fear of them breaking.
And finally, slippers are items with an interesting quality-price ratio. The leathers typically used in Morocco are natural and high-quality, often goat, calf, or dromedary. And the prices you’ll find in the medina souks won’t be disproportionate, although that will largely depend on your skills for haggling.
Types of slippers you can find
The first thing to say is that the following list is not a scientifically precise catalog of Moroccan slippers: there are many varied types, which often mix their characteristics depending on the region or the artisan’s own style. In any case, here are some common slippers you might find during your walks through the souks:
- Fez or Fassi slippers (often written fassia): these are the most popular in that city and in much of the country. The leather tradition in Fez is ancient and significant, which also translates to these items of footwear. Among the most common features are the pointed toes, sometimes decorated with sequins, ideal for wearing with a djellaba and fez (the city’s typical red hat)
- Belgha slippers: this name refers to the most commonly used ones for a daily street look, as they have a discreet design, often in a single color without decoration and with subtle stitching
- Royal slippers: these are also ‘gala’ slippers, as they are very common at moussems. They are called this because they are the ones used by members of Mohammed VI’s court, with a pointed finish, yellow color, and punched details.
- Rif slippers: this is the name for the slippers used in this mountainous region, for example in Chaouen, where a common element is the inner lining to provide warmth, so necessary during the winter in these towns
- Berber slippers: sometimes, this name is given to slippers that have a harder and more resistant sole, often made of rubber (instead of calfskin), as they are designed for use in places where the ground is not always smooth and regular, and can reach high temperatures from the sun
These are just a few of the many options that could be listed, but there are many others if we look at details like a closed-back design, their more feminine, masculine, or unisex character… Not to mention the more modern versions launched by current clothing brands, such as high-heeled models or exteriors decorated with appliqués, to name just a few details.
