Home for the Holidays? Try These 3 Shoes to Wear Indoors
This holiday season, you’re likely to be home more than out running to holiday parties. But that doesn’t mean you can forget about shoes and go barefoot. You see, going barefoot cause all sorts of problems for your feet.
Going barefoot at home increases your risk for athlete’s foot, heel pain and even fungal nail infections! Pain on the top of your foot is often tied to walking barefoot at home. And remember, the problems are more severe if you have diabetes, so diabetics should always wear shoes indoors.
Why is that the case? Diabetes can damage your nerves, causing peripheral neuropathy. (This condition can leave your feet numb.) When that happens, you could step on something sharp, like a piece of Lego, and not even notice! Then, if you have a small cut or wound, big problems—including ulcers—could go unnoticed. That’s why, for diabetics—and for everyone—covering your feet at home is the safest choice. Now let’s explore the best shoes to protect your feet inside your house.
The Best (and Worst) Shoes to Wear Around the House
Think your slippers will protect your feet from stuck-at-home foot pain? Think again! Going barefoot hurts your feet because it lets your foot collapse. To prevent that pain, your feet need shoes with arch support. But most slippers—especially backless ones, that make your foot grip and spasm—don’t give your arches the boost they need. The same is true for flip-flops, so you should skip this popular in-home shoe option. Want better choices? Any of these three at-home shoe options should do the trick:
Slippers with backs, firm soles and arches. Some slipper brands, such as Vionic slippers, do protect your feet at home. Look for models that are shaped like real shoes: they have backs and arches to support your feet. Proper slippers should also have firm rubber soles, to prevent slipping and to absorb some of the shock of walking on hard surfaces.
Athletic shoes. Whether at home or on the go, supportive athletic shoes are always the best choice for your feet. But you don’t want to keep your outdoor athletic shoes on in your house. Doing so could bring germs and bacteria inside, increasing your risk for many infections. Instead, buy a special pair of athletic shoes that you only wear around the house. That way, you’ll prevent foot pain AND keep your home a safe space for your family.
Any shoe with orthotics. If you prefer an open-toed shoe at home, or if you want to wear a cute pair of flats, it’s no problem. But, to prevent foot pain, think about slipping your custom orthotics into your shoes while you’re celebrating around the house. Why is this such a great solution? It lets you wear any shoes you want at home. All while supporting your feet to prevent foot pain. So even those favorite old slippers can protect your feet while you holiday at home!
Spending more time at home and noticing foot pain? We’re here to help! Please reach out and schedule an appointment right away! We can help you find relief so foot pain doesn’t ruin your holiday season!