Best podistrist-approved slippers at a glance
- Best wool: Birkenstock Zermatt Slippers, $100
- Best arch support: Vionic Relax Slipper, $70
- Best wrap: Acorn Spa Wrap, $34
- Best fuzzy: Sollbeam Fuzzy House Slippers, $16
- Best shock-absorbing: Vionic Gemma Slipper, $70
- Best moccasin: L.L. Bean Women's Mountain Slippers, $69
- Best padded: Naot Unwind Slipper, $70
- Best suede: Clarks Camelae Shine, $25
- Best faux fur: Coface Fuzzy Slides, $20
- Best lightweight: Crocs Classic, $30
- Best machine-washable: Skechers Arch Fit Lounge, $40
- Best orthotic: Orthofeet Charlotte Slipper, $95
- Best warming: Dansko Lucie Wool Slipper, $60
- Best pressure-relieving: FitFlop Shuv Slipper, $40
- Best slide: rosyclo Cloud Slippers, $24
- Best mule: Vionic Prosper Orthotic Slipper, $55
What to look for in slippers with arch support
"Good arch support cradles the arch and can prevent tendinitis and heel pain, which are some of the most common symptoms of collapsing arches," says Dr. Petkov. "Good slippers should have soft, insulating, and comforting uppers so that a person can comfortably slip into them without worrying about the width or height of their foot."
Jacqueline Sutera, DPM, a podiatrist and Vionic Innovation Lab member, also recommends going for something with extra cushioning and shock absorption. "Wearing supportive slippers at home is also a great way to help prevent and alleviate back, knee, and hip pain because feet are the foundation of the body," she says. "Wearing slippers and limiting the time spent barefoot can also help prevent and slow down the 'fat pad atrophy' of the bottoms of your feet. Once this happens, later in life, you're basically walking around on skin and bones. Ouch. It happens slowly and over time, but making good shoe choices daily can prevent and slow this down. And note, for the days when you do leave the house, you'll want to check out some heels with arch support.
"When looking for slippers that can provide arch support, it is important to remember that the best kind of slipper will be one that is designed with a thick and firm sole," says Gregory Alvarez, DPM, FACFAS, a podiatrist at the Ankle & Foot Centers of America. He recommends looking for slippers made of materials like memory foam or latex foam, which provide superior cushioning and arch support. "Slippers with removable insoles are also beneficial because they allow you to easily replace worn out insoles or add in extra arch supports if desired. Finally, make sure to select a pair of comfortable breathable material so your feet can remain cool and dry while wearing them," he adds.
Ahead, find the best slippers for arch support that your feet will thank you for.
Best Podiatrist-approved slippers for arch support
Podiatrists love Birkenstocks’ footbeds for their comfort and arch support. This pair has a deep heel cup that keeps your natural cushioning under the heel bone, longitudinal arch support along the sides of the footbed for stability, and a raised toe bar that encourages the natural gripping motion of your feet.
Specs
- Sizes: 4–12.5, regular/wide and medium/narrow
- Materials: Wool felt, shearling, latex sole
- Colors: 6 different colors
Pros:
- Arch support
- Anatomically shaped cork
- Removable footbed
Cons:
- May be too warm for some
These slippers have received the American Podiatric Medical Association’s seal of acceptance, so you know they’re good for your feet. “Vionic’s Relax Slipper is my favorite because it checks all my boxes for a podiatrist-approved slipper,” says Dr. Sutera. “It has arch support built-in, is cushioned, and is also adjustable. An adjustable slipper can accommodate one foot that may be wider due to a bunion, for example, or even adjust for when you want to pair them with your favorite cozy winter socks.” There are multiple color and pattern options to choose from.
Specs
- Sizes: 5–12
- Materials: terrycloth
- Colors: 5
Pros:
- Orthotic footbed
- Adjustable closure
- Anti-bacterial and odor-resistant
- APMA Seal of Acceptance
Cons:
- Reviewers say the fabric wears out quickly
These slippers have built-in arch and heel support to keep you comfortable. There’s also a strap to tighten them up around your foot so they don’t slip off, as well as a grippy rubber sole. They come in six colors, and at this price, you might want to grab more than one.
Specs
- Sizes: Small–2XL
- Materials: Wool felt, shearling, latex sole
- Colors: 6 different colors, including pink, taupe, and navy
Pros:
- Contoured footbed
- Adjustable wraps
- Indoor/outdoor sole
- Machine-washable
Cons:
- Reviewers say it runs small
The arch support in these slippers is top-notch, not only keeping you comfortable, but also improving your foot and leg alignment. There’s also deep heel cups to provide extra padding and stabilization, a shock-absorbing rubber sole, and contoured footbeds.
Specs
- Sizes: 6-11
- Materials: faux fur
- Colors: 10
Pros:
- Deep heel cup
- Shock absorption
- Contoured footbed
Cons:
- Reviewers say they need lateral support
These editor-approved mule slippers are the cat’s meow, tiger print aside. There’s a hook-and-loop closure that allows you to find your fit, not to mention are armed with top-notch arch support and orthotic comfort.
Specs
- Sizes: 5–12
- Materials: terrycloth, EVA midsole
- Colors: 6
Pros:
- Biomechanically contoured arch support
- Anti-bacterial and odor-resistant
- Adjustable hook and loop closure
Cons:
- Not machine-washable
- May be too hot for some
These slippers have a cozy fleece lining to keep your toes nice and toasty, a rubber bottom that provides traction, and—of course—good arch support. The EVA insole is removable, and the upper is water-resistant, so the slippers can withstand some outdoor use. This memory foam version is fantastic, too.
Specs
- Sizes: 6–11
- Materials: Suede, berber fleece, rubber sole
- Colors: Navy, cement, rosewood
Pros:
- Cushioned
- Sole has traction
- Water-resistant upper
Cons:
- Reviewers say the stitching comes undone
Naot’s vegan Unwind slipper maximizes comfort and support. They’re lined with a soft fleece that’ll keep your feet warm, while the foam padding insole cushions your feet with every step. “For patients with flat feet, the wrong pair of slippers can lead to problems such as plantar fasciitis/heel pain. Naot Unwind slippers have a mattress foam insole that provides support through the arch, much like a good sandal would. This level of arch support helps to support the plantar fascia and can play a pivotal role in treatment of this debilitating condition,” Dr. Timothy Oldani, a podiatrist based out of Missouri, tells us.
Specs
- Sizes: XS–L
- Materials: fleece, polyurethane sole
- Colors: beige, gray
Pros:
- Mattress foam padding
- Plush
- Arch support
Cons:
- Slipper is bulky
Slip these soft, suede slippers on for quick and easy comfort on the go. They’re ultra-supportive, featuring a furry lining and a durable rubber sole so you can walk easy in or out of your house.
Specs
- Sizes: 5–11
- Materials: suede, faux shearling, rubber
- Colors: tan, rose
Pros:
- Cushioned
- Furry lined and warm
- Grippy sole
Cons:
- May not be as breathable
For $20, these fun, fuzzy house slippers will give you all the support you need. You can actually see the added arch support in the outsole, providing just the right amount of lift for flat feet or sensitive arches. Available in various colors, ranging from classic neutrals to bright pinks and purples.
Specs
- Sizes: 5–11
- Materials: faux fur, rubber sole
- Colors: 9
Pros:
- Arch support
- Memory foam
- Non-slip sole
Cons:
- Some reviewers say the sole is too flexible
Dr. Adam Kaplan, a podiatrist based out of New Jersey and CEO of Arcus Orthotics, suggests good old Crocs. “Oftentimes, the uglier, the better,” he tells us. While these may not be the fuzzy type of slippers you’re on the hunt for, these definitely come in handy for when you need to run a quick errand. Lightweight and breathable, they offer the arch support you need, whether you’re walking the dog, or working a shift at your job (there’s a reason why these are a go-to for many chefs and nurses).
Specs
- Sizes: 4–12
- Materials: Synthetic
- Colors: 15
Pros:
- Arch support
- Lightweight
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Not the most attractive
Another recommendation from Dr. Kaplan, the sneaker you likely grew up with offers a wide array of shoes and slippers that offer true arch support. The Arch Fit Lounge slippers come a contoured footbed, lightweight and responsive cushioning, and they’re ultra-breathable. They’re also machine-washable, so if you end up outside in your slippers, you can easily toss them in the wash and they’ll come out squeaky clean.
Specs
- Sizes: 5–10
- Materials: Wool upper, rubber sole
- Colors: Black/gray
Pros:
- Lightweight and breathable
- Collapsible heel
- Sole has traction
- Cushioned
Cons:
- Bulkier sole
Orthofeet makes slippers designed to ergonomically support feet in all the right places, giving you extra support, adding cushion, and alleviating stress on tender joints. These slippers have an orthotic insole that gives you pep in your step—flat feet, or otherwise. Available in black or brown.
Specs
- Sizes: 5–12, and standard, wide, and extra-wide
- Materials: Suede, faux fur
- Colors: Black, tan
Pros:
- Arch support
- Orthotic insoles
- Wide toe box
Cons:
- May be too warm for some
You know Dansko for its feet-loving clogs. Now, get your hands on their new slipper style that’s just as comfortable. The wool blend uppers are temperature-regulating on feet, while the EVA footbed gives you support without weighing you down.
Specs
- Sizes: 5–12
- Materials: Wool blend
- Colors: 7
Pros:
- Arch support
- Warming technology
- Stain-and odor-resistant
Cons:
- Some reviewers say they run wide
These slippers have a single-piece upper made of a cozy felt fabric and slip-resistant rubber soles. But the highlight of the shoe is the ergonomic Microwobbleboard midsole, which not only absorbs shock but also can diffuse underfoot pressure.
Specs
- Sizes: 5–11
- Materials: Felt, rubber
- Colors: Black, pink, navy, ivory, gray
Pros:
- APMA Seal of Acceptance
- Midsole diffuses underfoot pressure
- Rubber outsole
Cons:
- Not lined
“These memory foam slippers are specifically designed to provide arch support while also keeping your feet warm and comfortable,” says Dr. Alvarez. They have an ergonomic design, a cushioned sole, and an anti-slip bottom. They’re lightweight and washable, too.
Specs
- Sizes: 5.5–16
- Materials: Ethylene vinyl acetate
- Colors: 19
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Ergonomic design
- Thick cushioning
Cons:
- Some reviewers say they run wide
Soft and fuzzy, these Vionic mules will keep your feet warm and cozy. But they’re easy on the feet, too. It has a contoured footbed, arch support, and a deep heel cup for stability. “This orthotic slipper features the same support and cushioning as a full-size shoe, making it great for those with arch pain or flat feet,” says Dr. Alvarez.
Specs
- Sizes: 5–11
- Materials: Polyester terry cloth, rubber
- Colors: 3
Pros:
- Contoured footbed and arch support
- APMA Seal of Acceptance
- Deep heel cup
Cons:
- Some reviewers say they run wide
Keep your feet happy with these foot mobility stretches:
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