I bought the leather slippers and the bison slippers so I could compare them before picking one. They are identical except the Bison slippers have texture on their tops and sides. The leather slippers are smooth all over and might be a little stiffer. I picked the Bisons because I think they are more attractive.
Both are very very nice slippers and share the following characteristics: - Both fit my narrow size 13 foot just fine. - Both have a nice leather lining. - The white stitching on both is very precise. - They have an leather insole that is glued in place but that at first glance looked like one of those removable insoles like you'd find in running shoes. This insole has a dark colored man-made part that extends to the sides of the lighter colored leather part. - They both seem to have some padding in their sole.
People seem to complain about the slipperiness of the sole. If you've ever bought a loafer or dress shoe with a leather sole, then you are familiar with slippery soles. If it bugs you, just give 'em a little scuffing on the sidewalk. It doesn't bug me enough to feel the need to scuff them and I have been walking around on hardwood and carpeted floors in the fleece-lined bisons since Christmas.
I have worn two LL Bean slippers for the last 20 years. One being this Men's Leather Double-Sole Slipper. I won't buy it anymore as its price far exceeds its quality and too short wear life. Too bad LL Bean doesn't offer a similar slipper at a far more reasonable price. It's an ok slipper to purchase if you want and can spend over $90.00 (inc. tax here in CT).
Wonderful slippers. Comfort is great. However, their use is very limited, since I can't go to the basement, and especially can't go to the wood pile in them! They, and several others of your best slippers, have no protective sole!!
