The 12 Best Slippers for Plantar Fasciitis, According to a Podiatrist
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There’s nothing like coming home after a long day of work and kicking off your shoes to really feel relaxed. Ditto with foregoing shoes entirely during the weekend while lounging, cooking and playing at home. That is, unless you have foot pain.
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If you suffer from foot conditions like flat feet or heel spurs, walking barefoot can prove more painful than donning shoes. For anyone who has plantar fasciitis, this is particularly true. Thankfully, there are slippers and house shoes for people who suffer from plantar fasciitis that can help.
What is plantar fasciitis?
The plantar fascia is the ligament that attaches the heel bone to the toes, explains New York City-based podiatrist and head of Universal Footcare Neha Pathak. The plantar fascia is involved with just about any foot movement.
Plantar fasciitis is essentially “tiny microtears in the fascia causing inflammation,” Pathak says.
It’s often an overuse injury, after an uptick in exercise for example. “Abnormal foot biomechanics, increased activity, weight gain or incorrect shoe gear choices” are all factors that can lead to the common ailment, Pathak notes.
One will know they are suffering from plantar fasciitis if they feel acute heel pain or an aching tenderness along the arch of their foot. The condition is often associated with flat feet or high arches, and heel spurs is a related ailment.
Podiatrists like Pathak advise their patients to don supportive, corrective footwear as much as possible when they are on their feet, even at home. It’s understandable, however, to want to wear something other than walking shoes or running shoes around the house. That’s where men’s slippers and women’s slippers come in handy, providing a plush surface for standing and walking.
Slippers with orthotic support and a neutral arch will help place the foot in the proper position and ensure the entire foot, ankle and leg equally support your weight and take the brunt of impact so that the plantar fascia doesn’t have to do more than its share of the work.
What to look for in the best slippers for plantar fasciitis
Proper footwear is an important aspect of plantar fasciitis treatment, and wearing a good slipper at home is highly recommended by podiatrists. Not all slippers are created equal, however.
Those flimsy slip-ons you might have received at the holidays won’t do your plantar fasciitis any favors. “If you can bend the shoe in half, it is likely unsupportive,” Pathak says.
The best slippers for plantar fasciitis will share a lot of the same qualities as the most comfortable women’s shoes and most comfortable shoes for men. These include:
Arch support. Arguably, the most important element of proper shoes for plantar fasciitis is neutral arch support to help balance weight evenly across the entire foot. This will combat issues associated with high arches and low arches, two biomechanical problems that lead to exerting too much pressure in the wrong places, such as the plantar fascia.
A heel counter. A heel counter is an insert in the heel that reinforces it, providing extra stability. “Look for a more rigid heel counter, so that if you are a pronator, the shoe can control your pronation and keep your heel in a neutral position,” Pathak explains. A deep heel cup has a similar effect, keeping the heel in place so your feet get the full benefit of a shoe’s support.
Ergonomic cushioning. The best judge of your foot comfort is you. Plenty of foot cushioning means your feet aren’t feeling the impact of the ground. Comfortable feet without pain are an indication of healthy feet.
Durable Outsole. To protect the integrity of the slipper, look for an outsole that has traction and can hold up to basic daily wear and tear. Rubber is a commonly used option in the best slippers for plantar fasciitis.
Wide Toe Box. For overall good foot health and posture, make sure your toes aren’t being squeezed, which can lead to tightening and overexertion of the plantar fascia. Lots of the slippers on our list are roomy, although some customers mention to size up when they run on the tighter side.
Top Slippers for Plantar Fasciitis
Best Overall for Women: Vionic Women’s Cosmina Slippers
Best Overall for Men: Ugg Men’s Tasman Graphic Shadow Slippers
Best Convertible: Olukai Women’s Nohea Heu Slippers
Best With Memory Foam: Tempur-Pedic Men’s Finn Slippers
Best Open-Toe Slippers for Plantar Fasciitis: Aetrex Women’s Penelope Slippers
Best for Wide Feet: Orthofeet Women’s Charlotte Slippers
Best Budget Slippers for Plantar Fasciitis: Isotoner Women’s Memory Foam Clogs
Also Consider Best Open-Toe: Sollbeam Women’s Fuzzy House Slippers
Most Breathable Slippers for Plantar Fasciitis: Walk Hero Men’s Slippers
Below are the 12 best slippers for plantar fasciitis that are both supportive and comfy. We promise that donning these slippers after a productive day will be the best part of your at-home evening ritual.
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Vionic Women’s Cosmina Slippers
Best Overall for Women
Vionic is popular for its orthopedic footwear designed by podiatrists, and its Cosmina slipper lives up to the hype boasting all the bells and whistles of a supportive shoe. It’s equipped with arch support and a flexible EVA midsole that absorbs shock and reduces pressure on the feet, ankles and knees. Plus, it’s comfy thanks to its faux fur footbed. Offering the best of orthotic support and plush style, reviewers say wearing these slippers make it feel like you’re “walking on fluffy clouds.”
Courtesy of Vionic Shoes
Vionic Cosmina Slippers
Ugg Men’s Tasman Graphic Shadow Slippers
Best Overall for Men
Though it’s a slip-on style, Ugg’s Tasman Graphic Shadow slipper for men checks the arch support box. It also promotes proper foot alignment thanks to its deep heel cup and has a round toe box that provides lots of space for digits to splay. The foam footbed will keep you comfortable, while a tough outsole means these should last for years to come.
Courtesy of Zappos
Ugg Tasman Graphic Shadow Slippers
Olukai Women’s Nohea Heu Slippers
Best Convertible Slippers for Plantar Fasciitis
Perhaps one of the most stylish options on our list is Olukai’s Nohea Heu slipper, complete with a statement-making faux fur outer available in three shades. Beyond their aesthetics, though, these boast plenty of comfort features, including a removable wool-blend footbed that hides an orthopedic gel insert for support. The flexible heel folds down so you can wear these as a slip-on, in addition to a typical slipper style.
Courtesy of Nordstrom
Olukai Nohea Heu Slippers
Tempur-Pedic Men’s Finn Slippers
Best With Memory Foam
The Tempur-Pedic Finn slipper harnesses the same memory foam technology found in a Tempur-Pedic mattress to deliver unbeatable comfort. Additionally, one reviewer notes how the slipper “maintains its integrity and doesn’t mush down like other memory foam insoles do,” providing lasting support. These have a rubber sole for grip but do run small, so order one size up.
Courtesy of Nordstrom
Tempur-Pedic Finn Slippers
Aetrex Women’s Penelope Slippers
Best Open-Toe Slippers for Plantar Fasciitis
Whether worn with socks in the winter or bare feet during the warmer months, Aetrex’s Penelope slipper is a cozy slip-on for donning around the house. Aetrex is known for its arch support insole, placed slightly further back than usual in a position that is proven to help relieve plantar fasciitis pain, the company says. The insole also features memory foam for comfort, and the entire style is lined with plush faux fur. A durable rubber outsole makes these suitable to wear outside, while hook-and loop adjustable straps help you get the right fit.
Courtesy of Zappos
Aetrex Penelope Slippers
Ergofoot Orthotic Slippers
Ergofoot’s orthotic slippers are a unisex style that are excellent for battling plantar fasciitis. They have an orthopedic footbed and a deep heel cup for proper foot support, making walking and standing at home much more comfortable than going barefoot. They feature a soft velvet lining to keep feet warm. The lightweight, flexible EVA midsole absorbs shock and reduces stress on the rest of the body. They also have an anti-skid outsole that makes these perfect for mailbox runs.
Courtesy of Amazon
Ergofoot Orthotic Slippers
Orthofeet Women’s Charlotte Slippers
Best for Wide Feet
Available in regular, wide and extra-wide widths, Orthofeet’s Charlotte slipper ensures almost anyone can find their perfect fit. (Check our guide to the best shoes for wide feet to find more footwear that comes in multiple widths.) This style has premium orthotic insoles with anatomical arch support, which are exactly what you need if you suffer from plantar fasciitis. The faux fur interior keeps feet warm and comfy, while the wide toe box is suitable for bunions and hammertoes. There’s also tons of support in the heel. Try these to see why Orthofeet is a cult-favorite brand for those who deal with any common foot ailments.
Courtesy of Amazon
Orthofeet Charlotte Slippers
Isotoner Women’s Memory Foam Clogs
Best Budget Slippers for Plantar Fasciitis
The Isotoner memory foam clog is an excellent budget option for sandals that help with plantar fasciitis. A multilayer EVA arch support insole with memory foam provides relief for plantar fasciitis. A plush terry construction offers all-over, breathable comfort. Reviewers suggest ordering the next size up for the best fit.
Courtesy of Zappos
Isotoner Memory Foam Clogs
Sollbeam Women’s Fuzzy House Slippers
Aldo Consider Best Open-Toe
If you’re in need of a year-round slipper that’s comfortable even in warmer weather, try a sandal style like the Sollbeam fuzzy house slippers. Soft faux fur is comfortable on the feet, but the minimal, adjustable outer strap will keep you from overheating. A deep heel cup keeps your foot stabilized and arch support makes these an excellent choice for hours of standing and walking at home. They come in a bunch of shades, from bright to neutral.
Courtesy of Amazon
Sollbeam Fuzzy House Slippers
Walk Hero Men’s Slippers
Most Breathable Slippers for Plantar Fasciitis
More than 20,000 reviews averaging over four stars are a good indication that the Walk Hero men’s slippers are a comfortable choice. The orthotic style has a biomechanically accurate footbed with a deep heel cup to control motion and reduce foot pain associated with plantar fasciitis. The casual outer fabric projects the perfect relaxed-at-home vibe, but the the rubber outsole ensures no one at your local coffee shop will guess these are actually house shoes if you decide to venture outside. You can choose between options with a warm fuzzy or moisture-wicking velvet lining.
Courtesy of Amazon
Walk Hero Men’s Slippers
Walk Hero Women’s Slippers
Vionic Men’s Alfons Mule Slippers
Also courtesy of Vionic, the Alfons mule slipper is ideal for the guy who likes to slip on his house slippers at a second’s notice. And for convenience, they also have durable soles equipped for outdoor use. The EVA footbed provides arch support and shock absorption, and a faux shearling lining makes these super soft to wear. They’re available in suede or a camo print textile.
Courtesy of Vionic Shoes
Vionic Alfons Mule Slippers
Kuru Draft Slippers
These Kuru Draft slippers feature the brand’s signature comfort features, including superior heel cushioning that keeps the foot’s fat pad in place and offers total shock absorption. The insoles are designed to mold to your feet to provide ergonomic cushioning in just a few weeks. These are as supportive as a good running sneaker and can be worn outside.
Courtesy of Kuru Footwear
Kuru Men’s Draft Slippers
Kuru Women’s Draft Slippers
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