Slippers can be supportive, too — doctors recommend these for stability at home (2024)

When you're on your feet all day — whether you're working, exercising or simply running errands — it's important to wear shoes with arch support for ample stability. And when you get home and transition into comfy clothes, the sentiment remains.

That's where slippers with arch support come into the picture. I'm not referring to fuzzy slip-ons that are designed to keep your toes warm; I'm talking about soft, cushioned slippers with firm, contoured footbeds that'll provide support while you're walking around at home.

To seek out the best slippers with arch support, Shop TODAY spoke with two doctors about their favorite pairs, and they shared what to look for while shopping.

Benefits of slippers with arch support | What to look for | When to wear slippers with arch support | Best slippers with arch support, according to experts | Best slippers for arch support, according to editors | More affordable slippers to shop | How we chose | Meet the experts

“Arch supports help distribute pressure across the foot, providing stability, reducing strain on the ligaments, and preventing or alleviating many causes of foot pain,” says Dr. Jan P. Szatkowski MD, Director of Orthopaedic Trauma and Director of Foot and Ankle at Indiana University Health in Indianapolis, Indiana.

In addition to providing relief, arch supports can also be beneficial in avoiding some common foot ailments, adds Dr. Jeffrey T. Biever DPM at South Bend Orthopaedics in South Bend, Indiana.

“Arch supports can prevent foot pain and other ailments such as plantar fasciitis, joint pain, and assist with structural deformities of the foot,” says Biever.

“When I am recommending someone to buy a slipper with an arch support, I tell them to look for the mid portion of the slipper to be firm and not too flexible,” says Biever. “Also make sure there is a good cushion throughout the slipper to buffer the hard surfaces in the house,” he adds.

Szatkowski agrees. “Look for proper fit, supportive materials, a contoured footbed that matches your arch type and durable construction,” recommends Szatkowski.

“People should wear their slippers with arch support at all times when walking in the house,” says Biever. “This act will prevent many issues that can occur with the foot.”

“People should wear their slippers with arch support at all times when walking in the house."

Szatkowski also advises that home time is a great time for slippers with arch support. “It’s beneficial to wear them whenever you’re at home,” he Szatkowski. “Especially if you have hard flooring, to reduce the impact on your feet."

Repercussions of lack luster arch support can pave the way to some pretty uncomfortable and painful foot moments, say the experts.

“Lack of proper arch support can lead to foot pain, heel pain, plantar fasciitis, overpronation and sometimes can contribute to knee, hip and back problems over time,” says Dr. Szatkowski.

“I personally wear and recommend OOFOS slippers and sandals,” says Biever. “There is a local running and walking store which I frequent here in South Bend.The store recommended OOFOS and I gave them a shot. They are extremely comfortable and I wear them exclusively in the house with the hard flooring. I have a pronated foot type (flat feet), and these particular sandals/slippers provide comfort and support,” adds Biever.

Other brands to consider per Biever include Bombas, Birkenstock and Orthofeet.According to Biever, these brands offer some great options for slippers with arch support. They also receive some rave reviews from many of Biever’s own patients.

Beloved brand: Bombas Nest Slipper

Sizes: 7-13 | Colors available: 3 | Prominent materials: Polyester, elastane

Not only are these slippers by Bombas designed to contour to the shape of your feet, but they also feature five layers of stability support (including one later that's made of soft memory foam and restorative gel, providing relief with each step). Not to mention, the outers are lined with super absorbent terry fabric.

Cozy inside and out: Bombas Sunday Slipper

Sizes: 5-11 | Colors available: 3 | Prominent materials: Polyester, polyurethane

These slippers also come from expert-recommended brand Bombas, and they're just as soft and fuzzy as they are supportive. In fact, both the inner and outer linings are covered in plush sherpa, and the firm, yet cushioned midsoles are designed with EVA and memory foam for extra support.

Slip on and off: OrthoFeet Louise Slippers

OrthoFeet Louise Slippers

$

84.99

$

110.00

What we like

• Rave comfort reviews

Something to note

• May run large

Sizes: 5-12 | Colors available: 2 | Prominent materials: Stretchable knitted fabric

When it comes to support, these slippers win the gold. The insoles are built with various layers to help ensure each step is comfortably cushioned, including a layer for anatomical arch support, one for cushion and another for pain relief in the heels. Plus, the stretchy upper fabric and adjustable strap helps ensure a snug fit.

Sherpa lining: Oofos OOcoozie Low Shoe

Sizes: 5-12 | Colors available: 3 | Prominent materials: Vegan sherpa

These slippers by Oofos feature a unique footbed design that's aimed to help reduce stress on knees, ankles and joints. Plus, the brand's foam-like insole helps cradle arches will also absorbing impact with each and every step. They're even lined with faux sherpa for maximum comfort.

Worth the splurge: Birkenstock London Suede Leather

Sizes: 4-12.5 women's, 6-15.5 men's | Colors available: 7 | Prominent materials: Suede

These Birkenstocks can be worn both inside and outside, and they feature adjustable straps for a supportive fit. Plus, the anatomically shaped footbeds help with arch support, and the cork outsoles provide a soft, yet firm landing.

Cold-weather must-have: Overland Alyssa Sheepskin Scuff Slippers

Sizes: 5-12 | Colors available: 5 | Prominent materials: Australian Merino sheepskin

Jannely Espinal, a commerce writer at Shop TODAY, recommends these slippers that are designed with arch support. She says, "I have been wearing slippers from Overland for over two years now and they are my favorite."

Espinal continues, "I even keep them stored in a plastic box for extra care. While I own the Sophia Sheepskin Slipper, this is a new iteration with arch support. My original slippers are so warm, cozy and moisture-wicking. While I do not recommend them for warmer weather, these slippers won’t make your feet sweat. They feel like stepping into a pool of cotton candy (non-sticky of course)."

Podiatrist-designed: Sanuk Cozy Vibe Low SM Southwest Slippers

Sizes: 5-11 | Colors available: 1 | Prominent materials: Polyester, wool woven blanket

This pairs of slippers comes recommended by senior editor Jess Bender, and they're the pair she "always come[s] back to." Bender says, "I’m on year two of wearing these Sanuks regularly and the arch support is just as comfortable as they were the very first time I slipped these on. The fluffy wool interior is also pretty perfect for colder stretches around my apartment (which is convenient for the days when my landlord forgets to turn on the heat)."

Sandal-like design: Coface Womens Slides Fuzzy Slippers

Womens Slides Fuzzy Slippers

$

19.19

$

27.99

What we like

• Very comfortable
• Good arch support

Something to note

• May slip off easily

Sizes: 5-11 | Colors available: 18 | Prominent materials: Faux fur, rubber

With over 8,900 five-star ratings, these open-toe slippers are designed to help with planter fasciitis, and they're supported with memory foam. They also feature a textured bottom to help avoid sliding along your hard wood floors.

Cozy clogs: Isotoner Women's Terry Hoodback Clogs

Women's Terry Hoodback Clogs

$

28.17

What we like

• Soft cushioning
• Keep feet warm

Something to note

• Loose fit

Sizes: 6.5-10 | Colors available: 5 | Prominent materials: Rubber, ethylene-vinyl acetate

These non-slip clogs will quickly become your new favorite pair of slippers. Not only are they machine washable, but they feature memory foam insoles to help soothe and relax your feet.

Adjustable straps: Sollbeam Women's Orthopedic Adjustable Slippers

Orthopedic Adjustable Slippers

$

39.99

What we like

• Super soft
• Sturdy

Something to note

• May be too warm for some

Sizes: 6-11 | Colors available: 10 | Prominent materials: Fur

Slide into fall with these cozy, orthopedic slippers that provide arch support. They come in 10 hues and feature hook-and-loop Velcro closures for a more ideal fit. These soft sandals also support wider feet and have over 16,000 five-star ratings on Amazon.

Shop TODAY gathered insight from doctors on best practices and personal recommendations when it comes to slippers with arch support. We also took into consideration information provided by verified purchasers of products recommended, along with editors on the team.

• Dr. Jan P. Szatkowski MD is the Director of Orthopaedic Trauma and Director of Foot and Ankle at Indiana University Health in Indianapolis, IN. Dr. Szatkowski specializes in Orthopedic Surgery as well as Foot & Ankle Orthopedics.
• Dr. Jeffrey T. Biever DPM of South Bend Orthopaedics in South Bend, IN, is a Board Certified physician specializing in numerous foot and ankle conditions such as; achilles tendon rupture, ankle instability, ankle Arthroscopy, subtalar arthrodesis, ankle ligament reconstruction, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, and others.