Why Wear Orthopaedic Slippers?

Written by Bianca Charles on December 7, 2021

Last updated December 8, 2021

We all know why slippers are trendy during the wintertime: They keep your feet toasty and are the perfect companion for picturesque winter settings. Nothing completes a night curled up by the fire quite like a pair of soft, comfy slippers.

But did you know that you can take your love for slippers one step further? By investing in orthopaedic slippers, you can enjoy the support and protection you get from your favourite pair of shoes in the comfort of your own home. You might think this isn’t necessary, but walking around on hard indoor surfaces all day can be bad for your feet and ankles. Just as we need supportive footwear when we go out, the same applies when you’re at home. That’s why chiropodists highly recommend well-constructed indoor slippers to ensure your feet get the proper support they need when you’re at home.

Today we’ll break down some of the benefits of high-quality slippers from trusted brands, like Anodyne, Mephisto, Portofino and Sorel. If you struggle with a painful foot condition (or simply want to keep your feet supported when you’re at home), pay close attention!

Benefits of Wearing Orthopaedic Slippers Indoors

Wearing quality, supportive orthopaedic slippers indoors offer the following benefits:

Supportive, orthopaedic slippers with moulded footbeds and deep heel cups provide arch support and can help with moderate foot pain management. This is useful for preventing, managing and treating many common foot conditions. For example, with plantar fasciitis, the support helps decreases the strain on the plantar fascia tendon.
Wearing slippers can help prevent minor foot injuries, such as stubbing your toe or cutting and scraping your feet. This is vital for people who have diabetes, which we’ll discuss more thoroughly later.
Many slippers come with removable footbeds, which lets the slipper act as a vessel for your custom orthotics or inserts. Many people need to wear these medical devices at home, including people with arthritis, bunions, flat feet and high arches. That way, you can get the customized support you need wherever you are.
Slippers with good arch support can also help provide stability. This is something people with an abnormal gait (overpronation and supination) need to manage mobility-related pain. People who overpronate also tend to have flat feet, which makes arch support even more important.
Slippers can keep your feet warm, which helps your body maintain healthy blood flow, allowing for a robust immune system. Plus, they’re super comfy!

To help you choose the slipper that best suits your needs, we rounded up some of our top picks:

Mephisto

Mephisto Thea: Mephisto slippers come with the supportive features you can expect from all Mephisto footwear. The Thea (shown below) includes Mephisto’s classic cork footbed, which is notable for its natural shock absorption properties, sufficient cushioning and strong arch support. Cork is a highly mouldable material that allows Mephisto to contour their footbeds to meet the anatomical needs of people with foot pain, mobility concerns, and structural abnormalities. Walk the Coast also notes that cork doesn’t absorb moisture like other materials, which in turn prevents bacterial build-up and supports a healthy foot climate. That way, you can keep your feet warm without worrying about foot sweat.

Mephisto Polli:

The Mephisto Polli is another cozy slipper. Essentially, it’s the same as the Thea, but the footbed is removable. While the footbed is still anatomically beneficial, many people may opt to remove it so they can wear their custom orthotics or specialty insoles around the house. The open back of both the Thea and the Polli allows you to easily slip in and out of them. It also lets you move freely without irritating the back of the heels.

Furthermore, both slippers are nice and toasty, which is exactly what many of us look for in a house slipper. This is thanks to the breathable and soft Merino wool material, which – like cork – keeps your feet from getting sweaty without sacrificing the warmth we all long for on those cold winter nights.

Anodyne

No. 21 Slipper Smooth Toe:

Anodyne’s slogan “Built for comfort. Designed for style” certainly applies to their footwear. Anodyne is an orthopaedic footwear brand specializing in shoes that help people cope with diabetic foot concerns, as well as foot pain. Their slippers are no different! The No. 21 comes with several features people catered for people with diabetes and foot pain. For starters, the foam footbed provides cushioning with every step and is also removable if you need to wear custom orthotics or inserts at home – great for people with foot pain. The slipper’s strong outsole is also strong, protecting feet from the harsh impact of walking on hard surfaces, and allowing users to wear their slippers outdoors for short periods.

For diabetes patients, the toe box and closed back helps protect the feet from cuts, scrapes and other damage. This is important because people with diabetes typically have poor circulation and a compromised immune system. That means that simple cuts and lacerations from something like stubbing your toe can take much longer to heal – or not heal at all, potentially causing infections. According to Medical News Today, this is due to slowing blood flow failing to deliver nutrients to wounds.

The requirement to protect the entire foot is one of the main reasons people with diabetes should wear indoor footwear. The premium suede upper and luxurious faux-shearling lining also helps keep your feet warm, which is suitable for people who suffer from cold feet and numb toes – another common symptom of diabetes and poor circulation.

No. 39 Slipper Moc Toe: This slipper is very similar to the No. 21, including features like the removable footbed, suede upper, shearling lining, foam footbed and a sturdy outsole. The main difference is the toe box. The No. 39 slipper comes with a moc toe, which means manufacturers add stitching along the toe of the slipper.

Portofino

Portofino Slipper:

Portofino is a high-quality orthopaedic shoe company. Their products help people with numerous conditions, including claw toes, bunions, Morton’s neuroma, and more. Specifically, they produce an amazingly warm wool slipper (pictured above) with plenty of foot health benefits. These slippers are orthotic-friendly and easy to slip on, making them useful for people who need something secure that’s also easy to take on and off.

One stand-out feature of the Melina slipper is the micro cork sole which, due to its elasticity, offers an impact-resistant (shock absorption) quality to the slipper: With each step you take on your hard floors, the slipper acts as a guard for your feet, ankles, shins, and knees that absorbs the harsh impact for you. This protects your joints, which is important for managing the effects of arthritis.

Sorel

Sorel Go Coffee Run:

Sorel doesn’t offer orthopaedic support the same way that brands like Portofino, Mephisto and Anodyne do. However, we don’t want to count them out due to the many benefits they provide, especially when it comes to counteracting the effects of seasonality. Sorel is notorious for its ability to craft footwear perfect for the winter, and that extends to their slippers. We particularly like the Sorel Go Coffee Run slippers (pictured below), which are perfect for – you guessed it – running out and grabbing a coffee!

Nowadays, many people are looking for a slipper they can wear outside for short periods, in addition to inside. The Go Coffee Run achieves this with its rubber outsole, which provides a mild grip on slippery surfaces. That said, it’s still essential to be cautious outside while wearing slippers (after all, they’re slippers; not ice skates or boots).

Beyond its ruggedness and versatility, this slipper feels super soft and comfortable, which is exactly what we all want in a slipper: The faux fur collar (which also lines the inside of the slipper) is particularly cozy and sumptuous, keeping your feet and ankles warm for long periods. This slipper also comes with a foam EVA footbed, which is not only durable, but great for locking in warmth too! The EVA also provides a mild to moderate amount of shock absorption while walking. Best of all, the footbed is removable, letting you enjoy all the benefits of a great slipper while getting the customized support you need.

Try Our Bloor West Foot Clinic!

Feet First Clinic has these luxurious and supportive slippers on hand at our unique foot clinic. Not only do we provide the best foot care services and treatments, but our shop is full of high-quality footwear products designed to help you feel your best!

Call us at 416-769-3338 or Book Your Assessment Today!

PrevPrevious Walk Into Winter The Right Way: Part Two

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July 25, 2024

What’s A Crossover Toe: Understanding Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Foot pain can be debilitating, affecting our ability to walk, exercise, and perform daily activities comfortably. One common foot condition that causes discomfort and requires attention is crossover toe. This blog post delves into crossover toe, its symptoms, and available treatment options. First off, we'll explain exactly what is a crossover toe. What is a crossover toe? Crossover toe, also known as floating toe or floating fifth toe, is a type of deformity in which the toe drifts out of its normal position and crosses over or under a neighbouring toe. The condition is also known as overlapping toe. The condition generally affects the fourth and fifth toes, leading to pain, swelling, and difficulty wearing shoes comfortably. However, any combination of toes may become an overlapping toe. Roughly 7% of adults—men and women equally — have overlapping toes of some sort. Symptoms of crossover toe Toe pain: Discomfort is often felt at the base of the affected toe, especially when walking or standing for long periods. Swelling and inflammation: The affected area may become swollen and inflamed due to the abnormal positioning of the toe. Uncomfortable shoe fit: Shoes may feel tight or uncomfortable, especially in the toe box area where the affected toe rubs against adjacent toes or the shoe itself. Visual appearance: The affected toe may appear to cross over or under the adjacent toe, giving it a visibly different appearance than the other toes. Corns: Corns will often form on top of crossover toes due to excessive friction and rubbing on the affected toes. Causes of crossover toe Crossover toe can develop due to several factors, including: Foot injuries: Joint and ligament damage caused by unhealed trauma and foot injuries can change the toes' alignment over time. Additionally, arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, can shift the alignment of your toes as it progresses and damages the joints. Foot structure: People with high arches or flat feet are prone to developing overlapping toes. Genetics: Overlapping toes may also be inherited. Many conditions that make one prone to developing an overlapping toe, like arthritis and Morton's toe, have genetic contributing factors. Improper footwear. Wearing shoes that are too short, too narrow or too tight can force the toes into an unnatural position and curl up, which will ultimately lead to the development of a crossover toe. Treatment options for crossover toe Footwear adjustments: Proper-fitting footwear is one of the most important ways to manage a crossover toe. Switching to shoes with a wider toe box can ease pressure on the affected toe and reduce discomfort. You should also make sure you have sufficient space at the end of your shoes (typically 1 cm) for your toes to properly splay. If shoes are too short, your toes will curl up. Many companies, like ASICS, APEX and Saucony, offer a wide-width options to give your feet the extra room it needs. Shoes with a mesh or soft upper are also recommended, as this will reduce pressure and friction on the top of the toes. Orthotics Custom orthotic inserts or pads can help support the arch and redistribute pressure across the foot. This can help promote proper toe alignment and reduce pressure on the crossover toes so that they don't get worse. Foot and Toe exercises: Performing specific exercises to strengthen the muscles and tendons around the toes can improve flexibility and prevent the condition from progressing. Splinting or taping: A foot specialist can tape the affected toe to encourage proper alignment and reduce pain. You can also buy a splint or toe spacer to help stabilize and align the toe. Corn and Callus Treatment: Since crossover toes are extremely prone to corns and calluses, it is very important to see a licensed chiropodist for routine foot care. A chiropodist can safely debride any corns and calluses on your crossover toe, which will reduce pain and irritation.

July 22, 2024

Hammertoes: Non-Surgical Solutions for Correcting Toe Deformities

Sometimes with aging feet comes the development of toe deformities, particularly hammertoes. Studies show that approximately half of women over 70 have some version of a toe deformity (but they can happen to anyone). Many assume correcting hammertoes always leads to a daunting surgery, but guess what? Surgery is not usually the first option and is generally only considered when the toe becomes rigid, or other complications arise. Read today’s article to discover the best non-surgical solutions for hammertoes and toe alignment techniques that achieve amazing results. Top Hammertoe Treatment Options Innovation in foot care and toe straightening methods have lead to plenty of non-surgical solutions for hammertoes and the pain they cause, including: Splinting, taping and bracing Custom orthotics and new footwear Shockwave therapy At-home exercises Other treatments Splinting, Taping and Bracing These non-invasive tools are great for dealing with toe curvature. All performed by a licensed Toronto chiropodist, splinting, taping and bracing helps straighten the toe, reduces friction and discomfort (corn development is common for people with hammertoes) and provides support and alignment. Custom Orthotics And Footwear Changes Custom orthotics are all about placing each part of your foot where it’s supposed to be, including toes. Wearing orthotics can properly align the joint in your toe and relax the burden on the affected tendons. Most importantly, they'll offset and redistribute pressure away from the toes. This will reduce strain on the hammertoes when you walk, which will help prevent them from getting worse. As for footwear, avoid high heels if you have any toe deformity; they’re notorious for making hammertoes worse. Wear wide shoes, maybe even orthopedic shoes, that allow your toe abnormalities to exist comfortably and reduce pain as much as possible. Most importantly, make sure your shoes fit: If your shoes are too short, your toes will curl, which will make your hammertoes worse. (In fact, ill-fitting footwear is a major contributing factor to hammertoes.) Shockwave Therapy It’s clear that when you have hammertoes, your joints and tendons take a hit. They stiffen up, become quite painful, and may even weaken your muscles over time. Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that may help treat your tendons and ligaments. At-Home Exercises Check out exercises and stretches that help treat the top of the foot to soothe your hammertoes and strengthen your feet and muscles in general. Many of these target the toes and surrounding area. Strengthening the muscles in your feet ensures that the toes and joints don't get overworked or strained when you walk, which helps manage hammertoes and provides hammertoe pain relief. Over-the-Counter Products Gel separators, toe spacers, pads, cushions and more can help you take control of your hammertoes without resorting to surgery. Call your local Toronto foot clinic to see what they have in stock!

July 18, 2024

Morton’s Toe: When Your Second Toe Is Longer Than Your Big Toe

Feet come in all shapes and sizes, and while many people have heard of common foot conditions like bunions or flat feet, there's another lesser-known but equally interesting foot characteristic called Morton's foot or Morton's toe. The condition occurs when the second toe is longer than the big toe, leading to potential biomechanical implications and foot-related issues. Let's delve into Morton's Foot, its potential effects on foot health, and how to manage it. What is Morton's foot/toe? Morton's Foot, also known as Morton's toe/foot or Greek foot, is a foot structure in which the second toe is longer than the big toe. The big toe is the longest in a typical foot, followed by the second toe. (Despite sharing the same name, Morton's neuroma and Morton's toe are not the same.) However, in individuals with Morton's foot, the second toe extends beyond the big toe, sometimes significantly. The condition is quite common. As many as 40%+ individuals have a longer second toe than a big toe. Potential biomechanical implications But here's the twist: while Morton's foot is generally considered a variation of normal foot anatomy rather than a medical condition, it can have some surprising biomechanical implications that affect gait and foot function. Let's explore these potential issues associated with Morton's foot. Added pressure on the second toe The longer second toe may bear more weight during walking or standing, leading to increased pressure and potential discomfort or pain in the ball of the foot, which may contribute to clawing of the toe and hammertoes. Gait changes Morton's foot can alter the distribution of weight and pressure across the foot, potentially affecting gait mechanics and posture. This may contribute to overpronation, increasing the risk of injuries such as plantar fasciitis, shin splints and bunions. Footwear challenges Finding the right footwear can be a real challenge for individuals with Morton's foot. Shoes often fail to comfortably accommodate the longer second toe, leading to issues such as rubbing, irritation, or the development of thickened or ingrown toenails, corns or calluses on the affected toe. How to manage Morton's foot While Morton's Foot may not require medical intervention, there are steps individuals can take to manage associated discomfort or mitigate potential issues proactively: Choose footwear wisely. Opt for shoes with a wide toe box to comfortably accommodate the longer second toe—Asics is a great choice for a roomier and wider toe box. Avoid narrow or pointed shoes that can squeeze or crowd the toes. Consider orthotic support. Custom orthotic inserts or insoles can offset pressure on the toes and support the foot. This can alleviate any discomfort associated with Morton's Foot and improve your overall foot mechanics. Foot-strengthening exercises. Engaging in exercises to strengthen the muscles of the foot and ankle can help improve stability and support, reducing the risk of overuse injuries or discomfort associated with Morton's foot. Regular foot care. Practicing good foot hygiene and monitoring for signs of irritation or injury can help prevent complications such as corns, calluses, or ingrown toenails on the longer second toe.

July 15, 2024

Aging Feet: Common Changes and How to Adapt

Just like the rest of your body, your feet change with age. There are many age-related foot conditions that can target anyone at any time, but are more likely to occur in our golden years. With proper care, foot health in older adults doesn’t have to be too challenging and your aging feet can step out in downtown Toronto with confidence (and more importantly, in comfort). Why Aging Feet Become Vulnerable Studies show that one of the reasons musculoskeletal foot conditions, toe deformities and ankle problems are more common in older adults aged 65-74 is due to ill-fitting footwear. Poorly fitted shoes not only wreak havoc on your feet, but if you’ve worn them for double the amount of years a younger adult has, then they’ve had more time to cause foot issues! The math speaks volumes and is one of the many reasons wearing good shoes from a young age is so important. A change in size and shape also signifies your feet are getting older. Your body’s ligaments and tendons lose their ability to “spring back” which causes fallen arches (flat feet). This also relates back to ill-fitting footwear; if you aren’t aware of your foot changes, you can wear shoes that are too small without realizing it. Your skin also becomes thinner when you get older, and your nails more brittle and fragile. Your toenails can also get thicker, but not in a healthy way. Their weakening can invite unwanted problems like fungal infections and skin conditions. Lastly, it's only natural for a little wear and tear to set in after years of walking on your feet - after all, we only get one pair! This can cause degradation in many of the 33 joints in the foot. Common Foot Ailments In Elderly People: Bunions Hammertoes Plantar fasciitis Osteoarthritis Gout Type 2 diabetes and diabetic neuropathy (commonly occurs after age 45) Calluses Corns Toenail fungus Elderly-onset rheumatoid arthritis (a different type of RA than the one that targets younger adults) Foot Care Tips and Footwear For Seniors Managing foot problems and caring for aging feet is achievable when you do the following: Wear shoes that fit well! Many foot conditions feel better and more manageable when you wear orthopedic shoes, shoes for sensitive feet or the best shoes for seniors. Also, find shoes with the right level of shock absorption to protect your joints. Consider custom orthotics. Perform regular, low-impact exercises and stretches to keep your feet strong and flexible. Yoga and swimming is a great idea, but there are also exercises for arthritis. Keep your feet clean and moisturized. Get medical pedicures to maintain your nail health. Manage conditions like gout with proper dietary health and learn the role of nutrition in foot health. Try other products and medical devices like bunion pads, correctors, etc. Learn more about age-defying foot care.

July 8, 2024

Shock Absorption in Shoes: What is it and What you Need to Know

Shock absorption sounds like a superpower! But it’s actually a term describing how our shoes provide impact protection from the ground, floors and pavement. This benefits our foot health, but it also begins the upward “chain of command” of protecting the joints, bones and muscles in our knees, back and legs. Shock absorption in shoes typically involves innovative footwear technology and high-quality shoe design. Let’s review everything you need to know about this fascinating topic! The Science Behind Shock Absorption in Shoes You may be familiar with how cars have pump-like systems called shock absorbers, which dampen impulses from driving on the pavement. Your shoes are similar, but the physics are a little different! Shoes with a good amount of shock absorption may include the following components: Solid shoe cushioning in the insole, often made from gel, foam, etc. Midsoles made from comfortable and sometimes dense materials, like EVA foam. These midsoles are often able to compress and then return to their original shape during movement. Durable outsoles, made from materials like rubber. Extra heel cushioning for heel striking. These features work together to protect your feet from developing musculoskeletal foot conditions, which include but aren't limited to: Plantar fasciitis Heel spurs Metatarsalgia Different types of arthritis Achilles Tendonitis Think about it this way: nobody wants to walk a mile in flip flops! There would be virtually nothing in between the bottom of your foot and the ground’s surface, and you would feel fatigue, pain and overall discomfort afterwards. The longer you ignore foot support and shock absorption, the more wear and tear you will sustain! And this affects more than just your feet — your entire body feels the impact. The pain starts at the foundation, your feet, but it will trickle upward to other body parts (knees, back, etc) since your muscles, ligaments, tendons and bones are all connected to ensure our body moves efficiently and with stability. Who Needs Shock Absorption The Most? Athletes, especially runners, benefit from shock absorption. With each stride, they are hitting the pavement, trails and floors harder than anyone else. They need high-quality athletic footwear that retains most of its shock absorbing abilities after long-term use. But it’s not just all-star athletes. Everyday folks enjoying an outdoor walk in downtown Toronto; the longer the walk the more shock absorption you'll need. People with disabilities like severe arthritis or those with foot conditions like bunions or hammertoes, to name a few, should also be mindful of the grounds impact on the feet and body. A Final Note on Shock Absorption Shock absorption can be a balancing act. Sometimes “less is more" and you want to be careful of completely eliminating the “ground feel.” For example, overly cushioned shoes and a very elevated outsole might not be right for people with mobility challenges or those who need walking shoes instead of running shoes. Both can lead to instability and a heightened risk of sustaining a foot injury. Athletes should also be careful. Sometimes, too soft or too thick soles can affect sensory feedback and lead to a fall.

July 1, 2024

Gout and Dietary Health: What to Eat to Manage Flare-Ups

Gout is one of the most painful foot conditions and types of arthritis. It also has a deep connection to the foods and drinks you consume on a regular basis. The benefits of good nutrition are two-fold: they can help with gout prevention and manage your flare-ups. Let’s look at the science behind a gout diet, what to avoid, and what delicious and nutritious foods you can add to your daily menu. Gout and Dietary Health: What to Avoid Gout management and prevention through diet mainly involves avoiding purine. This is a chemical compound found in food and drink. It leads to high uric acid levels (hyperuricemia) that then form the crystals around the joints that trigger inflammation and ultimately result in the onset of a gout attack. Arthritis-Health tells us there is no way to fully avoid purine since it is found in the cells of virtually everything we consume. But you can maintain a low-purine diet by avoiding foods and drinks with high levels. One of the main culprits is alcohol. Not only does it contain a lot of purine, but it can prevent your body from metabolizing and eliminating uric acid. Beer has the most purine compared to spirits and wine. However, fortified wine, stouts and ports are also high in purine. Other drinks to sip sparingly include high-sugar juices and sodas — there is a lot of purine in high-fructose corn syrup! When it comes to food, seafood like sardines, anchovies and shellfish are full of purine, as are red meats, organ meats and processed meats like hot dogs, salami, etc. Of course, everything in moderation is key, but these proteins should be avoided when you have other alternatives. The Best Gout-Friendly Foods The word "diet" can be frustrating because it represents restriction. But sometimes for our health, we have to do what's best for us. This is the case for a gout diet. Remember, the lifestyle changes you make to control this condition don’t mean that you can’t enjoy delicious foods. Here is a list of just some of the nutrient-dense and low purine foods you can have: Eggs Nuts and legumes Fresh fruit with natural sugars. Be careful of preserves, packaged, or canned fruits as they often sneak in high-fructose corn syrup. Tomatoes Poultry Salmon Leafy greens Popcorn Whole grains Low-sugar desserts When planning your new menu, you may be surprised to see a lot of healthy foods, like mushrooms, asparagus and cauliflower, have moderate purine levels. It’s okay to eat them on occasion. Another simple thing you can add to your diet to prevent gout flare-ups is to drink enough water! The Arthritis organization recommends a daily intake of 8 cups of water and to increase your intake to 16 glasses if you are experiencing a flare up. Click here to learn what foods are great for general foot health; just be sure to double check purine levels.

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Why Wear Orthopaedic Slippers?

Benefits of Wearing Orthopaedic Slippers Indoors

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Related Posts

What’s A Crossover Toe: Understanding Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Hammertoes: Non-Surgical Solutions for Correcting Toe Deformities

Morton’s Toe: When Your Second Toe Is Longer Than Your Big Toe

Aging Feet: Common Changes and How to Adapt

Shock Absorption in Shoes: What is it and What you Need to Know

Gout and Dietary Health: What to Eat to Manage Flare-Ups

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