5 Reasons To Buy Non-Skid Slippers For Seniors + Recommendations
As we age, our cartilage begins to wear down and that in turn causes an increased risk of joint problems and falls. Sadly, this means a higher chance of injury for seniors when they’re on their feet all day. To reduce the risk of these accidental injuries, it’s important for senior citizens to consider non-skid slippers.
It’s never too late to take steps towards aging in place, learn how you can help keep your loved one safe at home here. If you’re looking for other ideas on how to stay active, be sure to check out these helpful tips about aging in place.
- More Stable
Non-skid slippers do not offer as much support as walking shoes for seniors because they aren’t made to. However, they offer more stability than flip flops or even regular house slippers. As you age, you will want your feet to be on the floor instead of hanging in the air. Instability can increase the risk of falls, and that’s something nobody wants to deal with when their bones no longer feel young and strong. Slip resistant footwear is designed to provide a better grip on all types of flooring, including wood floors and tile. This provides stability for senior citizens who may find themselves losing their balance when standing up from a sitting position or lifting something heavy at home.
- Less Heel Pain
The high arches on your feet are essential for walking and standing upright, but seniors can cause pain when you wear a high heel. Unfortunately, the same thing happens to your feet when you wear flip flops. Each time you step, the arch of the foot runs over a rubber band in the sole of the shoe. This causes compression that can feel like heel pain. However, your feet will thank you for not wearing flip flops with every step because they can cause damage to arches and ligaments as well as pain in between your toes. A non-skid slipper has a thicker sole with a more cushioned footbed. It also has a zero-drop heel cup that provides extra support for your ankles and heels to help relieve the pain that comes from wearing heels.
- Less Risk Of Blisters Or Skin Cuts
When you’re walking barefoot or in flip flops, the risk of blisters is much higher than when seniors wear non-skid slippers. The reason for this is rubber doesn’t grip well on hard surfaces and any object sticking out from the bottom also causes damage to your feet. As you age, your skin will also change and it will be less resistant to abrasions or cuts. A non-skid slipper has a more flexible sole that provides a firmer grip on all surfaces. It also has a cushioned footbed for added comfort and support as well as an arch support for senior’s feet to stay stable but still look stylish.
- More Versatile
Non-skid slippers are not only beneficial for seniors, they can also be used with arthritis or other medical conditions that make your feet feel unstable. Walking in flip flops can cause back pain or even muscle spasms due to pressure on your feet. For example, if you’re suffering from arthritis, walking in flip flops could become painful and result in swollen or sore muscles. One of the biggest reasons for this is the lack of support that flip flops offer. A non-skid slipper provides enough support for seniors to feel comfortable walking no matter what their specific medical condition may be.
Our Recommendation
Sometimes, it’s hard to know which type of slipper is best suited for a senior citizen and their individual needs. Luckily, there are plenty of slippers to choose from that are non-skid and anti-aging. Here is a list of the best non-skid slippers for seniors:
- Clarks Women’s Paloma Memory Foam Slip-on
These anti-aging non-skid slippers from Clarks are made to feel just like walking on pillows. They have a memory foam footbed that contours to the senior’s feet for comfort, support, and shock absorption. The plush lining also adds to the comfortable fit along with the cushioned heel and toe pads. To make them slip resistant, they have a static dissipative sole that repels water, oil, and other solvents. Finally, they feature an adjustable strap that allows you to customize the fit for your individual needs.
- Birkenstock Women’s Madrid Soft Footbed Sandal
The Birkenstock Madrid soft footbed sandal has a latex foam sole that has been molded to provide shock absorption. It also provides excellent traction while walking on all types of flooring, including wood floors and tile. The upper of the shoe is made from nubuck leather and suede so it won’t stretch or fade over time. They also feature an adjustable strap for a customized fit.
- UGG Women’s Suede Classic Short II Slipper
These non-skid slippers from UGG are made using 100% genuine suede so you know they are designed to last. They come in a variety of colors, including tan, pink, gray, and black. They feature an anti-slip outsole that keeps you moving safely and a plush lining to keep your feet warm all night long.
- Wolky Comfort Max Women’s Slip-on Shoes
These slip-ons from Wolky have been ergonomically designed to provide extra wide toe boxes that feel more comfortable than standard shoes. They are perfect for women who have bunions or hammer toes because they allow room for your toes without pain or discomfort. The insoles are removable so you can replace them with your own orthotic if needed. They are very comfortable and supportive because they have a cushioned footbed and EVA shock absorbing midsole.
- Rockport Women’s Shoreline Slip-on Round Toe Oxford
These non-skid slippers from Rockport are designed for women with arthritis or other medical conditions that make it difficult to walk, like neuropathy or severe joint pain. They come in a variety of sizes and colors including navy, black, brown, rose pink, yellow, tan, and pewter. You can also choose between low (1/2″ heel) or high heels (3/4″ heel). They are made from leather so they can be easily cleaned with just soap and water if something gets spilled on them.
- Walking Cradles Women’s Winnet Flip Flop
The Winnet flip flop is antibacterial, making it a great choice for those with sensitive skin. It also has a rubber sole that provides traction and stability so you won’t fall if you get up too fast. They are available in white or black and they feature an adjustable strap that allows you to make them more comfortable. They have a 1″ heel so they are low enough to walk in without feeling awkward but high enough to keep your feet protected from the ground.
Essentially, non-skid slippers are an easy way to make a senior safer in the home and help him or her maintain independence. They are a cheap solution for a problem that many seniors face. However, they may not work for all people and can be inconvenient to use on certain surfaces. Talk with your aging loved one about non-skid slippers before purchasing them to see if they would be safe and comfortable for him or her.
Older adults are increasingly struggling with depression and loneliness because they no longer have the physical independence they once had. Whether or not you believe that aging in place is a good idea depends very much on the individual and their needs. However, many people choose to age in place despite their concerns over safety because it allows them to remain as independent as possible until they become more physically impaired. With a little bit of planning, seniors can age in place safely and happily without worrying about their safety so long as the environment is set up properly for their needs.