Podiatrists Can't Stop Recommending These Comfortable Slippers With Arch Support
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Kicking off your shoes at the end of a long day is, to put it simply, the absolute best. There’s just nothing like the feeling of your toes uncurling, your heels spreading, your whole body unwinding. Well … until you feel your arches screaming, that is. Which is probably why you’re here, looking for slippers with arch support.
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Pretty much every podiatrist worth their salt will tell you that going barefoot — while it feels fantastic in the moment — is actually pretty darn bad for your feet. If you want to treat your feet properly, slipping into a pair of slippers with arch support is the way to go. And don’t worry — just because slippers should be supportive and comfortable, doesn’t mean you’ll be sacrificing on style. Lucky for you, we’ve rounded up the best 15 slippers with arch support to try from brands like Vionic, OluKai, Hoka, OrthoFeet and more, below.
Best Slippers With Arch Support at a Glance
Best overall: Vionic Gemma Mule Slippers, $35
Best budget: Isotoner Terry Clog Slippers, $30
Best indoor/outdoor: OluKai Ku’i Slippers, $140
Best slides: Cushionaire Feather Cloud Recovery Slide Sandals, $25
Best unisex: Hoka Ora Recovery Slide 3, $60
Best shearling: Birkenstock Zermatt Shearling Slippers, $100
Best moccasins: L.L.Bean Mountain Moccasins, $69
Best orthopedic: OrthoFeet Charlotte Slippers, $95
Best recovery: Oofos Oocoozie Low Shoes, $120
Best leather: FitFlop Chrissie II Haus Leather Slippers, $48
Best fuzzy: Tempur-Pedic Windsock Scuff Slippers, $44
Best loafers: Birdies The Starling, $98
Best scuff: NAOT Unwind Slippers, $70
Best booties: Dearfoams Warm Up Bootie Slippers, $32
Best mules: Revitalign Orthotic Perforated Suede Mules, $50
We know walking barefoot in the house feels fantastic, but it’s best not to tempt fate when it comes to your arches. “Walking barefoot provides little to no arch support, which can lead to issues such as achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis,” says Dr. Michelle Castiello, DPM, a podiatrist with Scarsdale Medical Group at White Plains Hospital. Wearing slippers around the house can also provide a level of protection between you and the floor, and gives added cushioning.
How to Choose Slippers With Arch Support
When it comes to picking the best slippers with arch support, foot health is key. “Slippers with arch support help maintain proper foot alignment, reduce strain on the arches, and alleviate common foot problems like plantar fasciitis, flat feet, or overpronation [flattened arches],” says Dr. Suzanne Fuchs, a board-certified podiatrist at Luxe Podiatry in Palm Beach, Florida. Plus, proper arch support can improve overall posture and alignment, “reducing the risk of knee, hip, or back pain,” she says.
What to Look for in Slippers With Arch Support, According to a Podiatrist
When it comes to slippers with arch support, there are a few key factors to keep in mind — namely, design, cushioning, and stability. Before all of that, though, is the actual arch support itself. “Look for slippers that have a built-in arch support system or a contoured footbed that provides adequate support to the arches of your feet,” recommends Fuchs. “This helps to distribute weight evenly and reduce strain on the feet.”
Attributes to consider in slippers with arch support:
Cushioning
“Opt for slippers with adequate cushioning throughout the footbed, including the arch area,” says Castiello. “Cushioning helps absorb shock and provides added comfort and support to the arches.”
Stability and traction
Castiello recommends looking for slippers with sturdy, non-slip outsoles to keep from slipping. “A stable outsole ensures proper traction and prevents slips or falls, which is especially important for older individuals,” she says.
Fit and design
Whether you choose scuffs, mules, booties, or loafers, design should be top of mind. And we don’t just mean how the slippers look, but what attributes they have for keeping your arches comfortable. Fuchs and Castiello both recommend looking for slippers with adjustable features like straps or closures, so you can customize the fit, keep them secure, and prevent any future discomfort.
What to Avoid in Slippers if You Need Arch Support, According to a Podiatrist
The best slippers with arch support will do just that — support your arches. There are also some attributes to avoid, especially if you want to avoid pain and discomfort down the line.
Attributes to avoid in slippers with arch support
Thin materials
“Slippers made with thin or flimsy materials may not offer enough stability and support for your arches,” Castiello says. She recommends looking for slippers made with durable and supportive materials, like leather and suede.
Lack of size or width options
It seems obvious, but the right pair of slippers with arch support will actually fit your feet. If you have wide feet, narrow feet, larger feet, smaller feet, the list goes on — be sure to look for a brand and design that make your feet feel good. “It’s important to find slippers that fit your feet properly to ensure optimal arch support,” says Castiello.
Lack of cushioning
Since cushioning is such a major factor in slippers with arch support, it stands to reason that you should avoid lack of cushioning. “Slippers with thin soles provide minimal cushioning and shock absorption, which can lead to discomfort and fatigue,” says Fuchs.
Experts in This Article
Dr. Michelle Castiello, DPM: a podiatrist with Scarsdale Medical Group at White Plains Hospital
Dr. Suzanne Fuchs: a board-certified podiatrist at Luxe Podiatry in Palm Beach, Florida
Shop the Best Slippers With Arch Support
BEST OVERALL
Vionic Gemma Mule Slippers
$35 $70 50% off
When it comes to arch support, it’s hard to beat Vionic. The brand’s Gemma Mule Slippers are a favorite of podiatrists and wearers alike, thanks to an adjustable hook-and-loop closure and comfy mule silhouette. Fuchs is a fan, too. “These slippers feature a contoured footbed with arch support, a soft terrycloth upper, and a durable rubber outsole for stability,” she says. The deep heel cup and arch support are podiatrist designed and biomechanically contoured, while the flexible EVA midsole absorbs shock to reduce stress on feet and ankles. With all of these features, it’s no wonder these slippers received the APMA Seal Of Acceptance (American Podiatrist Medical Association).
Pros:
Podiatrist designed
Earned the APMA Seal of Acceptance
Adjustable closure
Multiple colorways
Cons:
Terrycloth may be hot in warmer temperatures
No half sizes or wide widths
Material:
100% polyester terrycloth
Sizes available:
5-12
Colors:
5
BEST BUDGET
Isotoner Terry Clog Slippers
What Isotoner’s terry slippers lack in price, they make up for in comfort and support — arch support, that is. The popular clog silhouette features memory foam, an enhanced heel, and an anti-slip sole, making them perfect for both indoor and outdoor wear. They’re also specifically designed to alleviate heel pain, so people suffering from plantar fasciitis will love them as much as those seeking extra arch support. They’re even machine washable. What’s not to love?
Pros:
Designed for arch support and plantar fasciitis relief
Memory foam footbed conforms to your foot shape
7 different colors to choose from
Anti-slip outsole
Cons:
Minimal sizing
Material:
Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA), Rubber
Sizes available:
6.5-7 – 9.5-10
Colors:
7
BEST INDOOR/OUTDOOR
Olukai Ku'i Slippers
Cozy, cozy, cozy. That’s the OluKai Ku’i Slippers in a nutshell. I happen to be wearing them as I type this, and I can safely say I’ve never found a pair of slippers more plush or comfy. They’re designed in super-soft, double-face shearling with chic rolled edges, while an anatomical contour built right into the midsole and a compression-molded EVA midsole offer immediate comfort. Plus, the rubber outsole grips the ground both indoors and out, making them perfect for everything from running weekend errands to lazing at home.
Pros:
Genuine shearling and leather fabrication
Can be worn indoors and out
Contoured and compression-molded design for comfort
Cons:
No half sizes or wide widths
A bit pricey
Material:
Shearling, leather, rubber
Sizes available:
5-11
Colors:
4
BEST SLIDES
CUSHIONAIRE Women's Feather cloud recovery slide sandal with +Comfort, Bright Pink 6
While walking around barefoot in the summertime sounds like a glorious idea, in actuality, it’s a no-go when you want to protect your arches. For a slipper that won’t add extra heat, turn to Cushionaire’s Feather Cloud slides. They’re my go-to summer slipper, due to their non-slip outsole, silhouette with molded footbed, and waterproof rubber material. Plus, they’re only $25, which means stocking up on the 28 different colors is an obvious win.
Pros:
Inexpensive
Waterproof
Ideal for warmer temperatures
Treaded, non-slip outsole
Multiple colors to choose from
Very lightweight
Cons:
No half sizes or wide widths
Material:
Rubber
Sizes available:
5-12
Colors:
28
BEST UNISEX
Hoka Ora Recovery Slide 3
Another slide sandal that’s great for arch support and plantar fasciitis is the Hoka Ora Recovery Slide 3. This different take on a slipper with arch support is unisex, which means it’s a style for everyone in your household to love. The slides, which earned the APMA Seal of Acceptance, feature four air flow channels for breathability, dual-density geometry, early stage Meta Rocker technology, and an earth-friendly sugarcane footbed, so they’ll cradle your feet in comfort from day to night.
Pros:
Unisex style
Many colors to choose from
Earned the APMA Seal of Acceptance
Cons:
No half sizes or wide widths
Some colors aren’t available in all sizes
Material:
Rubber
Sizes available:
Sizing is for both men and women (3-14 for men, 5-16 for women)
Colors:
25
BEST SHEARLING
Birkenstock Zermatt Shearling Slippers
We’d be remiss not to include a pair of Birks on the list — and with their host of comfortable features, the Birkenstock Zermatt Shearling Slippers are an obvious choice. The unisex style features the brand’s iconic arch support, which molds to your foot the longer you wear it, and an anatomically shaped cork latex footbed to provide even weight distribution. They’re designed with a soft wool upper and lined in plush, genuine shearling. They even wick away moisture, which is a favorite attribute of Castiello’s for slippers with arch support to “help keep your feet dry, comfortable, and prevent odors or fungal infections,” she says. We could wax poetic about how fabulous these slippers are, but really, they’re worth buying and checking out for yourself.
Pros:
Anatomically shaped cork latex footbed for even weight distribution
Arch support molds to your feet
Plush shearling lining
Unisex style
Available in half sizes and wide widths
Cons:
Not all colors are available in all sizes
Material:
Wool, shearling, cork
Sizes available:
Women’s sizes: 4-4.5 – 12-12.5
Men’s sizes: 6-6.5 – 17-17.5
Colors:
6
BEST MOCASSINS
L.L.Bean Mountain Moccasins
Water-resistant suede. Cozy fleece lining. Super-soft cushioning. A padded yet removable EVA insole (so you can add your own inserts if you want). Not to mention L.L.Bean’s signature Bean Boot-inspired chain-tread outsole. Who wouldn’t want to slip into a pair of their Mountain Moccasins after reading all of that? They can be worn both inside and outside, so it’s time to cozy up.
Pros:
Treaded, non-slip outsole
Can be worn indoors and outdoors
Removable EVA insole
Cons:
Limited colors available
No half sizes or wide widths (brand recommends sizing up for half sizes)
Material:
Suede, Rubber
Sizes available:
6-11
Colors:
3
BEST ORTHOPEDIC
Orthofeet Charlotte Slippers
Is the OrthoFeet Charlotte the chicest slipper you’ll ever own? Perhaps not — but it’s definitely one of the comfiest. Fuchs likes the brand’s slippers for their arch support, cushioning, and adjustable straps. This design has all of that in spades, plus removable orthotic insoles, a wide toe-box to alleviate pressure, a mild rocker sole for ease of walking, and a soft faux fur interior. All of that adds up to one slipper with arch support that’s absolutely worth slipping into.
Pros:
Multiple features for arch support and other foot issues
Removable orthotic insoles
Available in full and half sizes
Available in standard, wide, and extra wide widths
Brand offers 60-day wear test with money back guarantee
Cons:
Silhouette may be off putting to some
Not too many colors available
Material:
Suede
Sizes available:
5-12, with half sizes and wide widths
Colors:
3
BEST RECOVERY
Oofos Oocoozie Low Shoes
If you’re looking for a shoe that’s part recovery, part slipper, the Oofos Oocoozie is your best bet. The brand’s OOfoam™ technology absorbs 37 percent more impact than traditional foam materials, which means it helps reduce the stress on your feet and joints. Plus, these slippers cradle your arches, meaning they’re comfortable with a capital C. Get ready to hygge it out.
Pros:
Design cradles and supports your arches
Designed in vegan sherpa
Brand’s signature OOfoam™ technology absorbs impact
Available in half sizes
Cons:
May run small — brand recommends ordering half size up
A bit pricey
Not too many color choices
Material:
Vegan Sherpa
Sizes available:
5-12, with half sizes
Colors:
3
BEST LEATHER
FitFlop Chrissie II Haus Leather Slippers
If you only purchase FitFlop’s Chrissie II Haus Leather Slippers for one reason and one reason only, make it the brand’s signature iQushion™ midsoles. With its ergonomically shaped cushioning, it makes the slippers perfect for all-day comfort. Teamed with anatomically shaped footbeds for natural arch support, high-rebound cushioning made from air foam, impact-absorbing pillows, and a stylish loafer silhouette in supple leather, they may make you want to be “haus” bound, but don’t worry — we won’t tell.
Pros:
Genuine leather upper
Multiple supportive features
Cons:
No half sizes or wide widths
Not all colors available in all sizes
Material:
Leather
Sizes available:
5-11
Colors:
3
BEST FUZZY
Tempur-Pedic Womens Windsock Scuff Casual Slippers Casual – Pink – Size 11 B
Well, Tempur-Pedic pillows help with neck support — why not wear their slippers for arch support? The Windsock Scuff Slippers come in six different colors, and are designed in an easy, slip-on silhouette fashioned from plush terrycloth. The footbed features classic Tempur material which adapts to your foot’s pressure points, too. No high tempers here.
Pros:
Footbed adapts to foot’s pressure points
Multiple colors available
Cons:
No half sizes or wide widths
Not as many supportive features as some other styles
Material:
Terrycloth
Sizes available:
6-11
Colors:
6
BEST LOAFER
Birdies the Starling
A classic smoking slipper that actually cushions your arches with seven layers of cloud-like comfort? Not to mention the satin lining, non-slip rubber sole, subtle pointed toe, and multiple color options. When I heard about the Birdies Starling, I simply had to try them out for myself. I own these in Cheetah Calf Hair, and I must say I was suspicious of just how comfortable they could be the first time I put them on. Well, color me impressed, because I stood in them for hours on end at a party and my feet were none the worse for wear. They’ve quickly become a favorite. Join me on the Birdies train, why don’t you? You can say a little birdie told you.
Pros:
Chic smoking slipper silhouette
Multiple colors and prints
7-layer cushioning
Available in half sizes and wide widths
Cons:
May pinch your toes — size up if they feel too small
More of a going-out style
Some colors may sell out
Material:
Varies, depending on the style
Sizes available:
5-13, with half sizes and wide widths
Colors:
23
BEST SCUFF
Naot Unwind Slippers
When it comes to the NAOT Unwind Slippers, a textured knit design and cozy fleece lining are just the icing on the cake. These slippers also feature a memory foam cushioned footbed and arch support, though they don’t have slip resistance — so be careful on more slippery surfaces.
Pros:
Unique design
Memory foam cushioned footbed
Cons:
No half sizes or wide widths
Outsole may be slippery
Not available in numeric sizes
Material:
Woven Polyester
Sizes available:
XS-L
Colors:
3
BEST BOOTIES
Dearfoams Warm Up Bootie Slippers
$32.20 $35.00 8% off
One word: Oprah. Okay, three words: Oprah’s Favorite Things. The Dearfoams Warm Up Bootie Slippers made the list back in 2022, with Oprah saying, “With quilted nylon on the outside and memory foam insoles, this plush pair, perfect for both moms and dads, makes it feel like you’re walking on a cloud.” These booties also offer cushioned arch support that contours over time (so they become customized to your specific foot shape), and they feature temperature-regulating DF Adapt technology to keep feet dry throughout the day. You can even throw them in the washing machine. Well, Oprah has spoken — and we’re listening.
Pros:
Machine washable
Memory foam insoles and cushioned arch support
Variety of colors available
One of Oprah’s Favorite Things for 2022
Cons:
Not available in numeric sizes
Material:
Nylon, Thermoplastic Rubber
Sizes available:
S-XL
Colors:
6
BEST MULES
Revitalign Orthotic Perforated Suede Mules
Orthotic support. A deep heel cup. Thick rubber outsole. Metatarsal pad. The supportive features of Revitalign’s Orthotic Perforated Suede Mules are myriad; they’ve received the APMA Seal of Acceptance, too. The brand’s Full Contact Comfort® technology with memory foam and a cork footbed helps cushion arches throughout the day, and the perforated design lends a stylish finish. This is one mule we’re stubbornly in support of wearing.
Pros:
Multiple supportive features
Available in half sizes and wide widths
Received the APMA Seal of Acceptance
Cons:
Style may be polarizing
Not all colors available in all sizes
Material:
Suede
Sizes available:
5-12, with half sizes and wide widths
Colors:
6
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