Walking around barefoot is not as good on your feet as you think. Supportive slippers to the rescue!
Samantha Leal is a lifestyle writer, editor and editorial consultant. Her previous roles include deputy editor at Well+Good and other editorial stints at Marie Claire, Latina Magazine, The Knot and more. Ugg House Slippers
Elizabeth Ward is a registered dietitian and award-winning nutrition communicator and writer. She has authored or co-authored 10 books for consumers about nutrition at all stages of life.
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You might like walking around the house with bare feet, but your feet won't if you do it too often. In fact, spending a lot of time barefoot can cause pain for some people. "The foot has 26 bones, 33 joints, 19 muscles, and 109 ligaments, so a lot can go wrong as we overuse and abuse our feet daily," says Douglas Tumen, D.P.M, F.A.C.F.A.S., a podiatrist based in New York and author of Ask the Foot Doctor. "Common foot pain causes include arthritis, tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, neuromas, hammer toes, bunions, painful metatarsals, corns, and calluses. Getting rid of foot pain often requires an overview of what could be causing your pain. [And] sometimes changing shoes and wearing arch supports can limit foot pain."
That's where house shoes come in. Having a pair of shoes that you exclusively wear in the house—aka house shoes—or supportive slippers can prevent and remedy a lot of pain or discomfort caused by ankle instability, diminishing fat pads at the bottom of your feet (which happens naturally as we get older), and more. "Most foot pain can be resolved by wearing appropriate shoes that support the entire arch," says Dana Canuso, D.P.M., a podiatric surgeon and founder of Dr. Canuso Skincare for Feet.
So what shoes or slippers should you be wearing in your house? We polled podiatrists and tested quite a few pairs ourselves. Here are the top picks for slippers with arch support.
What We Like: With a high level of arch support and stability, podiatrists like these for people who suffer from various foot issues.
What to Know: The adjustable tab is a nice perk, but sometimes when the tab is pulled to tighten the fit, it can hang far down enough that it touches the ground.
Vionic is known for being a podiatrist's best friend (quite literally—many of their products carry the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance). And the Vionic Gemma Mule Slippers are no different. We tested these cushiony slippers and found them to be soft and durable, with firm arch support and traction. The traction in the sole makes this slipper a nice choice for a quick trip to the mailbox or when taking the garbage out.
After wearing them for a few months, we found they formed nicely to the foot and the arch remained very supportive. We also found the materials to be durable and the plush fabric stood up to wear and tear. They continue to keep our feet warm, but not sweaty or so warm that we need to take them off.
The podiatrists that we chatted with also recommend these for those with plantar fasciitis, flat feet or even someone with arthritis of the foot, as they have a high level of arch support and also create stability for the wearer. "Overall, these are comfy and cozy house slippers," says Tumen.
If you're looking for an open-toed version, the Relax Slippers from Vionic (view at Amazon) are also a solid bet and are great for those who have issues with hammer toes, bunions, or the like because they minimize rubbing.
Available sizes: 5 to 12 | Available colors: 22 | Fit: True to size | Width: Medium-Wide (regular)
What We Like: Odor-resistant and quite durable, these slippers also have a wide toe box, which is nice for everyone, especially those with wide feet.
What to Know: Stick to this rubber-soled version, not the leather-sole version, for the best traction. Also, not the best fit if you have a high arch.
These wool slippers are perfect not only to keep your feet warm, but they're also A+ for breathability and odor-resistance—key when you have sweaty tootsies. While they also come in leather soles that provide the same upper slipper (meaning they're just as breathable and odor-resistant), the rubber soles of these Glerups Slip-On Rubber Slippers are great for traction, providing support and stability. One thing to note: During testing, we found that this style doesn't provide a ton of elevation from toe to heel—so if you have high arches it may not be right for you. If you have wide feet, however, the toe box provides a ton of room. Our testers noted that they're of "very good" quality and should last a long time. "These would be a great option [for a house shoe]," says Alissa Kuizinas, DPM, and founder of Dr. Ark. "They have a wide toe box, are relatively flat and have just enough cushioning to feel comfortable without compromising foot function."
During testing, we initially thought these slippers could be too restrictive. After wearing them for a few weeks, though, these slippers grew on us. They continue to have good support, they're warm but not overly and the rubber sole has excellent traction.
Available sizes: EU 36 to 47 | Available colors: 24 | Fit: True to size | Width: Regular
What We Like: Despite the fuzzy and warm look of these slippers, the shearling actually keeps your feet cool in warmer months and warm in cooler months.
What to Know: If a super-supportive slipper is what you need, this probably isn't the slipper for you.
These shearling slippers are warm, cozy, and—surprisingly—work both for hot and cold climates. The shearling is moisture-wicking, making it great for those who have sweaty feet, or walking around in warmer temps. We tested other Dearfoams in the past and found this to be very accurate. While there are more supportive slippers out there, these luxury choices still get a seal of approval from Tumen as a comfy option. "They're a nice, stylish choice [and] comfy," he says. However, if you're suffering from certain foot conditions—like flat feet or plantar fasciitis—another option may be better for you.
After wearing these slippers for a few months, we found them to be extremely supportive. “I was at a four-day conference and on my feet all day from about 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. I came home and wore these slippers for a full day and my feet felt restored," says Brierley Horton, M.S., RDN, Senior Commerce Editor. Their open-toed design makes them wearable in both warm and cooler weather and their rubber sole offers traction on wooden floors and stairs.
Available sizes: 6 to 11 | Available colors: 7 | Fit: True to size | Width: Regular and wide
What We Like: A great value for the price. Plus, we tested—and love—these for both house shoes and walking sandals.
What to Know: Look elsewhere on this list if you want a house shoe that'll keep your feet warm.
Oofos got the seal of approval from every single podiatrist interviewed. "[They're] overall a great brand," says Anne Sharkey, D.P.M., and they come in a number of supportive styles. "Oofos are loved by almost everyone who tries them," agrees Tumen. They're comfortable for almost everyone—whether you have plantar fasciitis, flat feet, heel pain, or just want a really comfortable shoe to wear around the house. Super lightweight, they give your foot some buoyancy and slide on and off super easily. Bonus: They're machine washable (which you might not expect at first glance).
We also tested these Oofos Ooriginal Sandals alongside 35 other sandals and (perhaps to no one's surprise) found them to be among the most supportive. "I recommend them to patients for everything—poolside, beach, locker room, house shoes and more!" says Sharkey.
Available sizes: 5 to 16 | Available colors: 15 | Fit: True to size | Width: Regular
What We Like: They check all the boxes for plantar fasciitis—support, cushioning, softness, and roominess for toes.
What to Know: Colors are limited, and you'll probably need to purchase these online as they're not often stocked in stores.
If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, a condition where inflammation runs from heel to toe and causes pain, the Orthofeet Charlotte slippers are an excellent choice and will surely help your feet. "They provide arch support, have a relatively wide toe box and a soft lining to provide a lot of comfort to the feet and to help offload painful plantar fasciitis," says Kuizinas. "Orthofeet Charlotte [slippers] are also extremely well cushioned," says Tumen. If you like to shop for shoes in person, know that these are not easy to find in stores. Purchasing online is your best bet.
Available sizes: 5 to 12 | Available colors: 2 | Fit: True to size | Width: Regular, Wide, Extra Wide
What We Like: The brand Vionic overall comes highly recommended by podiatrists for people with flat feet, so any of its styles should be supportive.
What to Know: You'll have to sacrifice style for comfort with these.
Another win for Vionic. "You want to look for a house shoe with great arch support or a house shoe that can accommodate an insert or orthotic for support," says Sharkey. This Vionic Carlin slipper features just that—great arch support. It's plush-lined for comfort and finished in warm, quilted fabric for an added cozy factor. The podiatrists offer that Vionic, in general, is a great brand for those with flat feet, so if this one doesn't fit as well as you'd like, be sure to try other models (including our favorite overall—the Vionic Gemma Mule.) Available sizes: 5 to 12 | Available colors: 9 | Fit: True to size | Width: Regular
What We Like: This slipper is designed to be a recovery shoe for runners and other athletes so that 3D Wave Sense Insole technology will gently massage your foot. Just be sure to go sockless with these.
What to Know: If the price feels a little steep, you could opt for a running or walking shoe instead, according to podiatrists.
Peripheral neuropathy in your feet can feel like burning, numbness, tingling or shooting or stabbing pain in the toes and heel in particular. It shows up when damage is done to the peripheral nervous system. "Generally speaking, for neuropathy you want to have less cushioning to help feet hit the ground surface better," says Kuizinas. She recommends the Topo Athletic Revive, a recovery shoe that features a wide toe box and "enough support and cushioning to feel comfortable and provide relief for sore foot muscles." The textured, rubber sole provides great traction and stability, and the upper part features a polyester fleece for comfort and warmth. The slipper also features the brand's "3D Wave Sense Insole," for optimal comfort along the bottom of the foot (and is designed to be worn without socks). Tumen notes that "for patients with neuropathy the most important factor is to wear a house shoe all the time and avoid being barefoot." He often recommends wearing running sneakers in the house for excellent support, good cushioning, and stability. Which brings us to our next house shoe…
Available sizes: 6 to 11 | Available colors: 2 | Fit: True to size | Width: Regular
What We Like: If you aren't a slipper wearer, these shoes are a great athletic-looking alternative and work for a variety of foot types and conditions.
What to Know: They may not stand up to wear and tear as well as other house shoes on this list.
These Adidas Puremotion Adapt shoes feature a laceless design, a snug fit and a "cloudfoam" insole for comfort. "These are great for any foot deformity that requires a stretchy material to accommodate the foot shape—think bunion, hammer toe," says Sharkey. "They are also great for those with neuropathy because they offer the comfort of a slipper with the stability of a full shoe and the ease of slipping on and off." But also—as Canuso points out—they work for a number of people who are looking for a more athletic option as a house shoe, offering "a nice amount of cushion and support, while allowing the feet to stretch the shoe in a way that best fits each person's individual foot type and shape."
Available sizes: 5 to 12 | Available colors: 32 | Fit: True to size | Width: Regular
The best overall house shoe when it comes to arch support, traction and comfort is a slipper: the Gemma Mule from Vionic (view at Amazon). But if you aren't a slipper wearer—yet you need or want a dedicated house shoe—then we recommend the Adidas Puremotion Adapt sneaker (view at Amazon) as it's easy to slip on and off and comes in a variety of colors to suit your personal style.
The podiatrists we interviewed recommend looking for cushioned, comfortable house shoes with a supportive arch, a toe box (if not open-toed) that leaves plenty of toe room and some traction on the sole.
"For those with flatter foot architecture or a history of foot pain, choosing a house shoe with arch support is important. The more the foot is supported, the less fatigue and pain will occur," says Sharkey. Even if you don't have a flat foot per se, arch support is valuable. Look for a house shoe or slipper that supports the entire arch, says Canuso.
How can you tell if your shoe has a good arch? Look and feel. "There should be a visible arch support on the outside sole of the shoe as well as extra padding on the insert of the shoe at the arch," says Canuso.
"Cushioned house shoes will aid in shock absorption—and less shock traveling through the joints equates to less aches and pains," Sharkey. Soles are a good indication of cushioning, something that's needed for most of us but is even better for people with certain conditions. "For those with diabetes, arthritis or anyone with painful calluses, the thicker the sole of the house shoe, the better to protect the foot from hard floors," says Tumen. In colder months, you may want to look for insulated or lined house shoes to keep your feet warm.
Fit and traction are very important here! In fact, fit is almost as important here as it is when selecting walking shoes or running shoes. "You should never choose house shoes that do not feel comfortable, or do not fit your feet well," says Kuizinas. So make sure not to go too large or wide in sizing and look for a roomy toe area.
Traction, while sometimes overlooked in a house shoe or slipper, is also helpful. "Good traction will prevent accidental slips and falls. This is especially important for older individuals and those who have impaired balance or decreased sensation in the feet from neuropathy," says Sharkey.
Every podiatrist we interviewed said the causes of foot pain are vast and varied—from injury to overuse to irregular movement patterns, arthritis and deformities. "It is impossible to pinpoint a specific cause of all foot pain," says Kuizinas.
If you're experiencing foot pain or other foot issues, get your feet evaluated by a podiatrist. "Proper evaluation of foot pain can help to lead you in the right direction of getting that pain alleviated," says Sharkey. "Depending on the root cause of pain, stretching, supportive shoes, inserts or orthotics and physical therapy can be helpful in improving pain." Doing foot recovery techniques, like releasing your foot by using a tennis ball on the bottom of your feet (aka stepping on it and moving it around), can be beneficial, says Kuizinas. And home remedies like foot soaks, massages, and topical pain rubs can also offer relief, says Tumen.
Generally speaking, a lot of foot pain can be resolved by wearing appropriate shoes (indoors and outdoors) that support the entire arch—says Canuso—even if that means getting insoles to help support your arch.
House shoes are any type of shoes that are worn specifically, and exclusively, in the home. "Slippers, slides, or even a pair of sneakers," can all be house shoes, says Kuizinas. All of the experts we interviewed agreed that all house shoes should always provide cushioning and support.
"House shoes are a much better option in the home than walking barefoot," says Canuso. "A significant amount of stress is put on your feet while doing everyday activities such as cooking, laundry and cleaning, and your feet and body need support while performing these tasks." Also, as we age, we lose the natural padding on our feet, says Tumen, so house shoes are a great option for walking around the home.
Most podiatrists also agree that house shoes provide relief and support for wearers who have certain conditions—including flat feet, plantar fasciitis, arthritis and more. "For example, someone suffering from heel pain may want to wear an arch support slipper or shoe around the house to reduce tension on their heel. Someone with arthritis may want to wear a stiff-sole shoe around the house to prevent unnecessary joint movement. And some people prefer to wear house shoes for warmth and comfort in the colder months," says Kuizinas.
Mens Fuzzy Slippers Samantha Leal talked with multiple podiatrists, and with their experience and expertise, determined the best house shoes. Some of the recommended house shoes were also tested in our lab, so we included those insights. The article was reviewed by Brierley Horton, M.S., RD, Senior Commerce Editor, who has 15 years of experience reporting, writing and editing nutrition and health content. Brierley has been testing several of these pairs personally for months, and her insights are incorporated into this article.