House shoes are any kind of footwear that you wear around the house. Although many of us are used to having bare feet or wearing slippers inside our home, there are many advantages to wearing supportive house shoes instead.
If you would like a pair of house shoes but don’t know where to begin looking, you have come to the right place. We have compiled a list of benefits of wearing house shoes and a list of features and considerations you should make before buying a pair.
Continue reading to find out what we suggest.
Why wear house shoes?
There are several reasons why wearing house shoes can be advantageous compared to wearing outdoor shoes, or even nothing at all.
Keep your home clean
The soles of your outdoor shoes are dirtier than a toilet seat. They contain vomit, feces, mud, and bacteria that have a 90% chance of transferring to the floor of your home if you do not remove them first.
Reduce the risk of bacterial and fungal infections
Keep your feet healthy and protected from bacterial and fungal infections, especially if you share your home with others.
Support for injuries
If you have foot injuries or conditions such as plantar fasciitis, calluses, corns, or bunions, you will benefit from having something with more support than a slipper has to offer.
Things to consider when buying house shoes
Knowing what features you are looking for before you search for a house shoe will save you time and (potentially) money. Read the things you should consider when buying house shoes below.
Sole
Ideally, you want a hard-wearing textured rubbered outsole that is flexible but not too rigid. Look for a lightweight sole, which is capable of all-day wear. A lightweight sole will reduce fatigue and allow you to move around your home in comfort all day. Heavy house shoes may encourage you to move less, especially if you have mobility problems.
A wide flat sole provides a stable base for walking. A wide sole also evenly distributes your weight on your foot. This is important when recovering from an injury and will reduce the reoccurring symptoms of conditions such as plantar fasciitis.
Inner linings
We recommend a soft insole made of cotton or memory foam if you want a genuinely comfortable house shoe.
Fastenings
As with regular outdoor shoes, you can purchase a variety of shoes with different types of fastenings. First, search for house shoes with velcro-fastening straps that open up for easy foot entry. This kind of fastening is ideal if you suffer from tired, swollen feet. In addition, the velcro strap can be positioned shorter or longer, adapting to the size of your foot. For optimal flexibility, choose a pair with an elasticated velcro strap. Velcro straps are also easier to use if you have arthritis.
Arch support
If you have foot problems or not, you should always look for supportive house shoes. Not doing so can cause foot pain, knee pain, back pain, and issues with the arch of your foot in the future.
Look for house shoes that are podiatrist-approved with features such as a deep heel cup that keeps your natural cushioning under the heel bone, longitudinal arch support, and a raised toe bar that encourages the natural gripping motion of your feet.
Variable fittings
Some manufacturers offer variable fittings designed to give you fit flexibility and are perfect if your feet change shape or swell during the day. Look for house shoes with few seems on their interior if you suffer from foot swelling conditions. This will prevent the likelihood of your house shoe chaffing.
Size
A proper fitting house shoe is essential. Go to a shoe shop and get measured if you can, ask a friend, or measure your feet yourself if you can. Many size guides are available on manufacturer’s websites as well as retailer’s websites. Ensure the shoe isn’t too tight but not so loose that your foot slips off the heel.
Toe room
If you suffer from toe pain, hammer toe, or bunions, you should look for a pair of house shoes with a roomy toe box.
Durability
A house shoe with a back stiffener built into the back panel will possess added stability and support. The shoe fabric will crumple and fold without a stiffener.
Style
House shoes come in a variety of colors and designs. If you need to wear house shoes often because you have age-related arthritis, there is no need to give in to a boring old style that does not suit your personality. Instead, buy a pair of house shoes the same way you would purchase any other piece of clothing - to match your style and personality, and with the thought in mind that you can be both practical and stylish in equal measure.
House shoe price range
The price of house shoes can vary greatly. As with other outdoor shoes, the cost of house shoes can increase significantly depending on the brand. You will need to find a good quality shoe by a trusted brand for the best value house shoe. You also need to know the difference between paying for a tiny name tag and paying for features the brand has to offer. If you can get the same quality footwear from a less expensive brand, do it.
Prices for decent house shoes with some support start at $30 and cost as much as $140. Of course, you can pay more than this, but doing so will allow you to gain nothing special other than the brand name.
FAQ
How many pairs of house shoes should I own?
Although your house shoes will be highly comfortable, you should have two sets for the best foot health possible. Alternating your house shoes daily will allow different muscles to be used regularly. Putting strain on one part of the foot and barely using another feature will lead to sore feet, ankles, knees, and possibly a bad back.
Should I buy house shoes for my guests?
If you ask your guests to take their shoes off in your house, having a pair of easy to clean house shoes for them to wear instead is a thoughtful touch. Your guest may feel more comfortable having their feet covered. They will feel less cold, and there is less risk of them receiving or bringing a foot infection into your home. Make sure you clean your guest house slippers after every use to avoid cross-contamination.