Podiatrists reveal why you should ALWAYS wear house shoes at home

At the end of the day, there’s nothing quite as comfortable as taking off your shoes inside the comfort of your own home… but could this basic practice be harmful?

Unfortunately, as good as it feels to kick off your footwear once you step through the door, it’s actually beneficial to have a pair of house shoes handy.

Whether you’re flat footed or dealing with a major arch, these are the house shoes you should consider according to podiatrists – and why you shouldn’t go barefoot daily, especially if you’re dealing with any kind of foot pain.

New York-based Dr. Jacqueline Sutera, a podiatrist who works with the footwear brand Vionic, told DailyMail.com that she recommends that people don’t walk barefoot because ‘using a slipper or recovery slide at home is better for your feet.’

New York-based podiatrist Dr. Jacqueline Sutera told DailyMail.com she recommends people don’t walk barefoot because ‘using a slipper or recovery slide at home is better for your feet’

‘Walking barefoot, especially on hard surfaces, can lead to foot pain, inflammation and injury,’ Dr. Sutera warned, recommending the above Vionic shoes

She advised avoiding flat shoes and looking for house shoes with ‘cushioning, arch support and shock absorption’

Dr. Sutera said slippers like the ones above ‘prevent and treat common foot complaints like plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, strained ligaments, and ball of foot pain’

‘Walking barefoot, especially on hard surfaces, can lead to foot pain, inflammation and injury,’ Dr. Sutera warned.

She advised avoiding flat shoes and instead investing in a pair of house shoes with ‘cushioning, arch support and shock absorption’ to help ‘prevent and treat common foot complaints like plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, strained ligaments, and ball of foot pain.’

‘Poor foot health can lead to inability to walk well and can affect mobility, which in some severe cases becomes chronic and irreversible,’ Dr. Sutera forewarned.

For folks with high arches, Dr. Sutera suggested softer insoles and specifically Rejuvenate, Vionic’s recovery sandal made with cushioning to specifically work for people with foot pain, as well as the brand’s mule slipper and supportive slipper.

Even when it’s reaching the summer months and getting hotter, don’t ditch your slippers.

Instead of opting for flimsy sandals around the house, try shoes with a cushioned insole with arch support and a wide toe box.

Many podiatrists agree that if you’re suffering from any type of foot pain, it’s best to invest in comfortable, supportive at-home styles.

Dr. Jacqueline Donovan is a board-certified podiatrist specializing in orthopedic trauma in Beachwood, Ohio, who is often featured on the popular Ohio Foot Docs TikTok page where the doctors share helpful information.

Dr. Jacqueline Donovan is a board-certified podiatrist specializing in orthopedic trauma in Beachwood, Ohio, who is often featured on the popular Ohio Foot Docs TikTok

Dr. Donovan said wearing house slippers isn’t always necessary if you don’t have any foot pain, although they are ‘if you are diabetic or have neuropathy’

If someone has high arches, the expert said they ‘typically result in forefoot pain and therefore a more shock absorption slipper to pad the ball of the foot is beneficial’

Dr. Donovan said wearing house slippers isn’t always necessary if you don’t have any foot pain, although ‘if you are diabetic or have neuropathy they are a strong preference to protect your feet from foreign bodies, like glass or sharp objects.’

If someone has high arches, Dr. Donovan said they ‘typically result in forefoot pain and therefore a more shock absorption slipper to pad the ball of the foot is beneficial.’

Those who are flat footed should opt for a ‘moderately firm arch support to prevent overpronation,’ which is when the way someone walks causes strain on the arches and causes the foot to flatten.

If someone is dealing with foot pain, Dr. Donovan recommended a supportive house slipper, preferably with a back.

‘Lamo has some great slipper options, and a lot of our patients with Plantar Fasciitis really like Oofos for wearing around the house,’ she counseled.

The expert said it is important to make sure your house shoes fit well and have a back ‘to ensure the foot is not moving around and causing friction’ and ‘make sure the toe box is big enough, and there is enough arch support to prevent plantar fasciitis.’

Next time you think about slipping off your shoes, make sure to slip into footwear that’s even more comfortable.

Read more