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When living in France, you quickly realise that comfort at home is taken seriously. One of the most iconic symbols of French home life is the Charentaise slipper, a traditional felt slipper that has been keeping French feet warm for centuries.
Recently, my husband and I discovered Rondinaud slippers, a historic French brand that continues to manufacture authentic Charentaises in the region where they were first created.
If you’re curious about traditional French slippers made in France, here’s everything you need to know about the brand, the history behind Charentaises, and our experience wearing them.
The History of Rondinaud Slippers
The Rondinaud story began in 1907, when shoemaker Théophile Rondinaud started producing wool felt slippers in La Rochefoucauld in Charente, the heartland of the Charentaise slipper.
More than a century later, the company remains a family business, still producing slippers in Charente using traditional techniques passed down through generations.
Today, around 16 craftsmen work in the workshop, continuing the same traditional methods used for decades to design and manufacture these iconic slippers.
Charentaises themselves have an even older history. The original design dates back to the 17th century, when leftover wool felt from the production of naval uniforms was reused by shoemakers to create comfortable indoor footwear.
The result was a warm, durable slipper that quickly became a staple of French homes.
What Makes Charentaise Slippers Special?
Authentic Charentaises are instantly recognisable and have several distinctive features.
The “Cousu-Retourné” Technique
Traditional Charentaises are made using a technique called “cousu-retourné”, which literally means “sewn and turned”. This process involves sewing the slipper inside out and then turning it the right way around, creating a strong and flexible structure.
Wool Lining for Natural Temperature Regulation
Most Rondinaud Charentaise slippers feature a soft wool lining, a natural material known for its ability to regulate temperature. Wool fibres trap warmth when it’s cold while remaining highly breathable, allowing excess heat and moisture to escape. This natural temperature-regulating property helps keep feet comfortable throughout the year.
Unlike synthetic slippers that can feel too hot or sweaty, wool provides a balance of warmth, breathability, and moisture control, making Charentaise slippers ideal all-season indoor footwear. The result is a pair of comfortable wool slippers that keep your feet cosy in winter while still feeling fresh and breathable during milder months.
Felt Sole with Non-Slip Chains
Charentaise slippers traditionally have a felt sole woven with anti-slip chains, giving them grip on tiled or wooden floors while keeping them lightweight and comfortable.
These simple design features are part of why the Charentaise has remained largely unchanged for generations.
Our Rondinaud Slippers
We currently have two different models from Rondinaud.
My Slippers: Dorys Multicolour
My pair is the Dorys Multicolore, which has a cheerful, patterned design that feels both traditional and modern.
They’re incredibly soft inside thanks to the wool lining, and they feel warm without making my feet overheat. The felt sole also makes them surprisingly quiet when walking around the house, perfect for early mornings before everyone else wakes up.
They felt slightly snug at first, but after wearing them for a short time, they quickly moulded to my feet, which seems typical of Charentaise slippers.
My Husband’s Slippers: Calmont Marine
My husband chose the Calmont Marine model, a classic navy design that feels very traditional.
These are slightly more understated but equally comfortable. The thick felt sole makes them ideal for wearing on cold stone floors, something many older French houses have.
Like mine, they have a wool interior and traditional construction, which gives them that unmistakable cosy French slipper feel.
Are Rondinaud Slippers Comfortable?
In short, yes.
The biggest difference compared with many modern slippers is the structure and durability. Because they are traditionally constructed, they feel more like a proper shoe than a flimsy slipper.
Some things we noticed:
- They are very warm, ideal for winter.
- The felt sole glides smoothly on floors without slipping.
- The wool lining makes them soft but breathable.
- They gradually adapt to the shape of your feet.
If you live in an old stone house in France (like many in Dordogne), you’ll immediately appreciate how warm they keep your feet.
Why I Love Supporting Traditional French Brands
One of the reasons I like Rondinaud is that it represents a piece of French heritage craftsmanship.
In an age where many products are mass-produced overseas, it’s refreshing to find a company still manufacturing locally using traditional methods.
Charentaise slippers even received official geographical protection in 2019, recognising them as a traditional product of the Charente-Périgord region.
For those of us living in southwest France, supporting these historic regional products feels particularly special.
Where to Buy Rondinaud Slippers
Rondinaud slippers can be purchased directly from the brand’s website, where you’ll find a range of styles for men, women and children.
Popular options include:
- Classic tartan Charentaises
- Plain coloured wool slippers
- Patterned models like the Dorys
- Mule-style slip-on slippers
Because they are handmade using traditional techniques, they are designed to last much longer than typical high-street slippers.
Are Rondinaud Slippers worth it?
If you’re looking for authentic French slippers, Rondinaud Charentaises are definitely worth considering.
They combine:
- traditional French craftsmanship
- warm wool comfort
- durable construction
- and a little piece of French cultural heritage.
For us, they’ve become a cosy part of daily life at home, especially during colder mornings in the countryside.
And once you start wearing Charentaises, it’s easy to see why the French have loved them for centuries.
I received these Rondinaud slippers from the company as a gifted product. I was under no obligation to write about them, and all opinions shared in this review are my own.
