The Comprehensive List of Recommended Indoor Shoes and Slippers

 

As clinicians, we educate our patients regularly about the importance of supportive footwear because it is more than just a matter of comfort, it’s also crucial to overall health and well-being. However, something that is sometimes overlooked is indoor footwear. We see plenty of people who do great with wearing quality walking or running shoes, only to go barefoot or wear an unsupportive slipper or Croc-style clog when they go home.

 

For people dealing with pain, wearing something that fits well and provides adequate arch support has as many benefits indoors as outdoors. Such benefits include: 

  • Reducing foot pain and aching. Many people suffer from foot problems such as plantar fasciitis and bunions, which often cause chronic pain and discomfort. Supportive footwear can help alleviate these conditions by providing proper arch support, cushioning, and foot stability.

  • Improving your posture and alignment. When your feet are not supported correctly, it can affect your whole body. You may experience pain and strain in your ankles, knees, hips, and back due to improper foot alignment. Supportive footwear can help address this by keeping your feet in the correct position and distributing your body weight evenly across your feet. 

  • Enhancing your daily activities. Supportive shoes can make you feel more energetic and comfortable around the house. Whether you are doing chores or playing with the kids, having appropriate support can help you move easily and efficiently and reduce fatigue by absorbing shock and decreasing stress on your joints and muscles.

As you can see, supportive footwear is good not only for your feet but also for your overall health and happiness. That’s why it’s important to consider improving your indoor shoes. My top recommendations for indoor footwear with good arch support include: 

Vionic Slippers

Vionic Slippers - For those who want a traditional “house slipper” that also has arch support, Vionic has a number of options and styles that are superior to most other slippers. 

Women’s Vionic Slippers
Men’s Vionic Slippers

Haflinger and Stegman

Two companies who have wool clogs that provide warmth and substantial support that can be worn indoors and outdoors. 

Women’s Clog
Women’s Wool Clog

Men’s Clog
Men’s Clogs & Shoes

Birkenstocks

Birkenstock Sandals: Not specifically designed for indoors, but for many they can be used in the house and offer good arch support that conforms to your foot while staying cool in warm weather.

Women’s
Men’s
Birkenstock Slides:
A second group of shoes including the Birkie and Arizona, provide a more supportive alternative for those who normally prefer a “Croc” style slide. 

Women’s Arizona Essentials Eva
Women’s Birki Air Antistatic

Men’s Arizona Essentials Eva
Men’s Birki Air Antistatic

As you can see, there are a variety of supportive indoor shoe options with many different styles and designs that can bridge the gap to improve indoor foot support.  This can provide an important piece to reducing or preventing pain in the long run. 

Wayne Villeneuve - MPT

Wayne, a consummate professional in the field of Physical Therapy, has a rich educational background. He successfully completed his Master's degree in Physical Therapy from the revered Ithaca College, a renowned institution that helps aspirants reach their optimum potential and acquire the necessary skills in their chosen fields. Learn More

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