Being on your feet all day can be exhausting, from working to exercising to doing your holiday shopping. Wearing shoes with arch support for ample stability is essential when performing these activities. 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 experts about their favorite pairs, and they shared what to look for while shopping. We also included a few editor-tested picks to help round out the list. Trust us, your feet will thank you.
Benefits of slippers with arch support
“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.
What to look for when buying slippers with arch support
“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.
Best slippers with arch support, according to experts
“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.
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 layer 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.
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.
These slippers also come from an 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.
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 and also absorbs impact with each and every step.
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.
Best slippers with arch support, tested by editors
This pairs of slippers comes recommended by deputy managing 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 it 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).”
"This house slipper is the best I have received. The molded cork footbed and arch support provide instant relief for my plantar fasciitis. I also love how breathable the upper feels without being restrictive. Usually, I wear these with thick socks for an extra cozy feel," shares writer Jannely Espinal. The molded footbed technology is also designed to prevent overpronation and pain.
Espinal also 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).”
"These slippers are LUXURY!" raves commerce editor Vivien Moon. "They came in a gorgeous dust bag and are so SOFT. Truly worth the price tag because they come with a molded insole that you can take out if you want to clean them, which I haven't seen before with any other slipper. The technology of the insole is also made like a sneaker, which I also appreciate. I have always worn slippers at home, and this one is my new favorite that I don't think other slippers will compete with."
Moon also likes this pair, which is made with memory foam insoles. The brand is developed with podiatrist approval, and the Woolie Burro in particular is a favorite of Moon's for its high quality, alignment and comfort. They're easy to slip on to walk the dog or for coffee runs, but she keeps them in the house to keep them clean and last longer.
More affordable slippers to shop
These non-slip clogs will quickly become your new favorite pair of slippers. Not only are they machine washable, but they also feature memory foam insoles to help soothe and relax your feet.
With over 8,900 five-star ratings, these open-toe slippers are designed to help with plantar fasciitis, and they’re supported with memory foam. They also feature a textured bottom to help avoid sliding along your hardwood floors.
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 an ideal fit. These soft sandals also support wider feet and have over 16,000 five-star ratings on Amazon.
When to wear slippers with arch support
“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.”
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
“Arch support can benefit anyone regardless of arch height,” said Dr. Szatkowski. “It helps maintain proper foot alignment and reduces the risk of injury.”
According to Dr. Szatkowski, signs that it may be time to consider inviting a little arch support into your life include:
- Foot pain, especially in the heel or arch.
- Frequent foot fatigue.
- And/or if a healthcare provider recommends arch support after observing your foot structure and gait.
Beyond the condition of your foot, when considering the need for arch support it’s also important to factor in the environment you’re walking in, recommends Dr. Biever.
“Slippers with arch supports can be very helpful especially when an individual has hardwood flooring or tile throughout the house,” said Dr. Biever. “Barefoot walking or flip-flops which don’t have any type of support, can lead to foot pain,” adds Dr. Biever.
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How we chose
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.
Meet the experts
At Shop TODAY, our reporters interview a range of qualified sources and experts to capture a wide scope of perspectives on slippers with arch support. We also make sure that all expert guidance and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- 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.
