It becomes increasingly important for seniors to wear comfortable and supportive footwear as they age.
The proper type of slipper for seniors can play a part in overall fall prevention and general wellbeing, so it is important to choose them wisely.
Important features to check for when picking out slippers for seniors?
- Ability to adapt to foot swelling
- Have a proper fit
- Slip-resistant, flexible soles for better traction
- A secure closure (Velcro)
- Extra space around the toes
- Generous padding for comfort
- Wide opening to put them on easily
- Fastener that is easy to open and close
- Support for the arches and heels
- Support also for the front, around the ankle and the back of the foot
- Stay away from open heel slippers because they tend to slip off
- Not clunky and somewhat lightweight
- But not so lightweight that the slipper cannot be felt and thus lose control of steps
- Durable and machine washable
- A little style is also nice
Benefits to elderly people of wearing the right slippers
- Helps prevent falling
- Comfort while walking on cold, hard floors
- Comfortable for swollen feet
- Encourages activity
The importance of getting the proper fit
When buying slippers for the elderly online, it is very important to measure the feet accurately and to follow the manufacturer’s sizing guide. If you do not get the fit right you run the risk of an injury from a fall. Slippers that are adjustable are a good way to go. If the shoe is too tight it can cause pain in a swollen foot and slow down the circulation of blood. Otherwise if the slipper is loose then it becomes a tripping hazard.
Several health conditions that could affect the feet
- Diabetes
- Hammertoes
- Arthritis
- Morton’s Neuroma
- Heel Spurs
- High Arch
- Swollen Feet – Lymphedema – Edema
- Plantar Fasciitis (Heel Pain)
- Flat Feet
- Fallen Arches
- Hallux Valgus
- Bunions
Because there are many different health conditions that effect the feet, it is recommended that you consult your podiatrist or doctor first about the best shoe types to address your specific needs.
OrthoFeet – #1 Doctor Recommended orthopedic footwear
Types of Slippers
Slipper socks: A thicker sock used as a slipper with a vinyl, leather or rubbery anti-slip strips for the outsole
Open heel slippers: The top of the feet are covered with either a closed or open toe design. The heel is open making the shipper easy to put on but may be a potential tripping hazard.
Adjustable slippers for the elderly: Slippers with an adjustable closure helping to provide a better fit for swollen feet experienced by many seniors.
Shower shoes for the elderly: Slippers built to be water-proof and anti-slip on wet surfaces.
Soft-soled slippers: These are very flexible slippers usually made of rubber or leather
Closed slippers: Safe slippers for seniors that prevents feet from sliding out the back.
Orthopedic slippers: These slippers are specially designed to support the foot’s mechanics and structure and foot. They deliver great support to the foot, ankle and leg.
Moccasin slippers: Moccasin slippers are a lightweight, soft-soled slipper usually made a leather, that are primarily an indoor house shoe.
Novelty slippers: These slippers are usually for kids and are designed to look like animals or cartoon characters.
Diabetic slippers: These shoes are designed to reduce the risk of skin breakdown that is suffered by some diabetics with existing foot issues.
Slippers for Elderly Women
Zizor Adjustable Strap Closed Back Slipper
PROS
- Memory foam insole
- Adjustable strap
- Non-slip tire-like rubber sole
- Warm sherpa fleece lining
- Both for indoor and outdoor use
- Closed back to prevent foot slippage
- Machine washable
CONS
- Size runs small so be careful choosing the size
Foamtreads Women’s Nova Open Toe
PROS
- Adjustable top for the perfect fit
- Both for indoor and outdoor use
- Open toe solution good for several toe aliments
- Wide slippers
CONS
- Limited color selection
LongBay Women’s Furry Memory Foam
PROS
- Memory foam insoles
- Adjustable strap
- Nonskid rubber sport sole
- Faux bunny fur lining
- Both for indoor and some limited outdoor use
- Closed back to prevent foot slippage
- Machine washable
CONS
- Limited color selection
Foamtreads Women’s Marla House Shoes
PROS
- Adjustable top
- Slip resistant outsole
- Both for indoor and some limited outdoor use
- Open toe solution good for several toe aliments
- Closed back to prevent foot slippage
CONS
- Not machine washable
Slippers for Elderly Men
Zizor Men’s Adjustable Strap Bootie Slipper
PROS
- Memory foam insole
- Adjustable top
- Non-slip tire-like rubber outsole
- Warm fleece lining
- Closed back to prevent foot slippage
- Can toss into washing machine
CONS
- Size runs small so be careful choosing the size
LongBay Men’s Cozy Memory Foam Slippers
PROS
- Memory foam insole
- Adjustable opening for easy on and off
- Non-slip outsole
- Warm fleece lining
- Closed back to prevent foot slippage
- Both for indoor and some limited outdoor use
- Machine washable
CONS
- Size runs small so be careful choosing the size
- Width is not adjustable
- Some durability issues reported but seems inconsistent
ONCAI Mens Warm House Slippers
PROS
- Memory foam insole
- Good arch support
- Antislip outsole
- Warm faux fur wool lining
- Closed back to prevent foot slippage
- Both for indoor and some limited outdoor use
- Good color selection
CONS
- The width is not adjustable
Lamo Men’s Open Toe Wrap Slipper
PROS
- Memory foam insole
- Antislip rubber outsole
- Both for indoor and some limited outdoor use
- Adjustable top
- Open toe solution good for several toe aliments
CONS
- Slightly expensive but this is a high-quality luxury slipper
It is not recommended and most certainly discouraged.
Why?
- excessive foot moisture
- lack of arch support
Wearing slippers for extended periods of time can cause your feet to overheat and sweat, creating excessive moisture.
It is important to keep your feet dry otherwise sweaty feet is a breeding ground for odor, bacteria and fungus.
Also if the slipper lacks arch support that could lead to foot problems.
In Conclusion
We hope that you see that there is a lot to consider when picking out the best safe slipper for seniors. The best slippers, carefully selected, can play a part in increasing the safety and comfort in the life of the elderly.
So make sure that the slippers you choose has all the safety features to prevent falls like not an open heel, slip-resistant soles, a secure Velcro closure and can adapt to swelling.
About The Author
