By Jarod Spencer, DPM, Heartland Foot and Ankle Associates
As podiatrists, we often instruct our patients to always wear a shoe with good arch support in order to help their feet heal and to avoid foot pain. In fact, supportive shoes are so important, it is part of our conversation with every patient. It doesn’t do much good to wear supportive shoes all day, and then walk around all evening in socks or wearing something with no support! Few people want to wear their shoes from the moment they get up until the moment they go to bed. The answer is a pair of supportive slippers.
For people who are treating their foot and heel pain with custom orthotics, wearing a supportive slipper is especially important to keep the pain from returning. Anyone with diabetes should always wear a firm slipper with a closed toe to protect their feet from stepping on sharp objects. Another consideration to keep in mind is the open back versus closed-back style of slipper. The open-back design is better for someone with pain in the back of the heel caused by rubbing from shoes. The closed-back design will provide better overall support, and will stay on the foot better so that the toes do not have to grip the shoe while walking. This will decrease the stress placed on the toes and decrease the chances of developing hammer toes. A closed-back design is also the best for anyone with balance issues. If you prefer a sandal or flip-flop, it is also important to have a firm sole and an arch support. Of course, any slipper must be warm and comfortable.
The problem is that there aren’t many slippers made that have any arch support, let alone excellent arch support. We have found that the Vionic® slipper, for both women and men, is the most supportive house slipper available. We recommend them to our patients who have foot problems such as heel pain, ball of foot pain, top of foot pain, and big toe joint pain, as well as diabetic patients with or without neuropathy. For patients who wear custom orthotics, they can even wear their orthotics in these slippers.
What we like about Vionic slippers for our patients:
- Podiatrist-designed, biomechanical-supportive footbed with a deep heel cup helps stabilize, support, and realign the feet back to a more natural position
- Orthaheel technology is clinically proven to reduce excess pronation, a contributing factor to “flat feet” and foot pain
- Wider than most other slippers so that arch support spreads weight over a larger surface area. This allows for better support that is still extremely comfortable for most people
- Uppers are comfortable, tough, and easy to clean
- Rubber outsole, with wave-pattern tread. This provides stability and helps prevent slipping
- Our patients have been raving about them
Another recommended brand is Dr. Comfort, whose shoes are designed and manufactured to the highest standards of foot wellness, especially for people living with diabetes and other health conditions that affect their feet — including swelling, bunions, hammertoes, and more. Based on more than 25 years of footwear design experience and with input from board-certified podiatrists, Dr. Comfort shoes are made to be equally fashionable and comfortable healthy options for your feet. Dr. Comfort slippers and shoes are not available in traditional shoe stores, but can be found at authorized providers.
Doctors Lockwood, Kriedberg, and Spencer at Heartland Foot and Ankle Associates are experts at helping people walk comfortably. If you are having any foot or ankle problems, please call 309-661-9975 to make an appointment. They are an authorized provider for Dr. Comfort and Vionic slippers and shoes. You may stop by their office to see their stock of recommended footwear.