Origin of the word slippers

In ryokan and Japanese housesholds you swap your stinky trekking trainers for slippers. This is done immediately and in most ryokans, slippers are shoved towards you while you’ve still got your pack strapped to you. Then you’re immediately led upstairs - up very narrow steep stairs. Up these narrow steep stairs, with a pack on your back, probably still with your socks on, in leather slippers that don’t fit you, which your socked feet fall out of, leaving the first slipper on the second stair.

The shuffling one slippered movement, while trying to counter balance the weight of your pack, sends the other slipper flying forward, and you bump across the hall, into your host. It’s all very slippery, Hence the name slipper.

Tip: at least tip your socks off so your toes can grip. Your hosts will get used to the smell.

There's also a whole different slipper set for the toilet but at least you won't have a pack on for that.