Safe Slippers and Footwear for Over-60s
Last checked November 2026. Offers and rules change: confirm with the provider before you rely on them.
The safest slippers and shoes hold your foot firmly: a closed back, a fastening you can adjust, and a thin, grippy sole. Loose, backless or worn-out slippers make a trip or slip more likely, so replacing them is one of the cheapest safety improvements you can make at home.
Why footwear matters more as we get older
Feet change with age. They often become wider and flatter, the natural padding under the heel and ball thins, and conditions such as arthritis, bunions, swelling and diabetes become more common. Balance also relies on what your feet can feel, so a shoe that slops about or has a thick, squashy sole makes you less steady. NHS falls services routinely list poorly fitting footwear as something to put right, and advise against walking about in socks, tights or bare feet on smooth floors.
What is wrong with backless slippers?
A mule or slip-on with no back is not attached to your foot. To keep it on you have to claw your toes or shuffle, which shortens your step and alters how you walk. The slipper can slide off on the stairs, catch on a rug edge, or twist under your foot as you turn. Slippers that have stretched, gone flat at the heel or lost their tread cause the same problems, whatever style they started as.
What to look for
- A closed heel that holds the back of your foot.
- A fastening — touch-and-close (hook and loop) straps, laces or a zip — so the fit can be adjusted through the day as feet swell.
- A firm, fairly thin, non-slip sole with a visible tread. Very thick or soft soles reduce your feel for the floor.
- A low, broad heel. Avoid high or narrow heels.
- Enough width and depth at the toes so nothing rubs. You should be able to wiggle your toes.
- A firm heel counter — the stiffened part round the back of the heel that stops the foot rolling.
- Light weight, and an opening wide enough to get your foot in without a struggle.
- Washable uppers or linings where possible.
Fastening types compared
| Fastening | Good for | Think about |
|---|---|---|
| Touch-and-close straps | Stiff or weak fingers; swollen feet; quick adjustment | Fluff clogs the hooks over time; brush them clean |
| Laces | The most precise, secure fit | Hard to tie if bending is difficult; elastic laces help |
| Zip | Easy entry on boots and bootee slippers | Small zip pulls can be fiddly; add a ring or loop |
| Elastic gusset | Slip-on convenience with a closed back | Cannot be adjusted; stretches with wear |
| Fully opening upper | Very swollen or bandaged feet | Usually from specialist suppliers |
Wide fit and swollen feet
If ordinary shoes pinch, look for wide-fitting ranges. UK width fittings usually run from D or E (standard, depending on whether the shoe is a women's or men's fitting) up to EE, 4E and 6E or wider, and some makers offer extra depth as well as width. Width letters are not standardised between brands, so measure your feet and use each seller's size chart. Feet are often different sizes: fit the larger one.
Measure in the afternoon, when feet are at their largest, and wear the socks or hosiery you normally would. If swelling is new, affects one leg, or comes with pain or breathlessness, see your GP rather than simply buying bigger shoes.
Rough price guide
- Basic closed-back slippers with a fastening: from around £12 to £30.
- Wide-fit or extra-roomy slippers from specialist ranges: around £25 to £60.
- Wide-fit everyday shoes: around £40 to £100.
- Elastic laces: around £3 to £8 a pair.
These are rough guides only. Footwear designed for people with a long-term condition, such as extra-wide shoes for swollen feet, can sometimes be bought VAT-free; see VAT relief on mobility aids.
Mistakes to avoid
- Buying slippers a size too big "for comfort". Loose footwear is a trip hazard.
- Wearing slippers all day, every day. A supportive shoe is better for long periods on your feet, even indoors.
- Choosing by size label alone. Sizes vary between makers.
- Keeping going with pairs that have worn smooth.
- Walking on hard floors in socks. If you prefer not to wear slippers, non-slip socks with rubber grips are better than ordinary ones, though less supportive than a shoe.
- Getting up at night without putting anything on your feet. Keep slippers where you can step straight into them and fasten them.
Foot care and when to get help
Painful feet, long or thickened nails, corns and hard skin all affect how you walk. A podiatrist (also called a chiropodist) can treat these. NHS podiatry is available in many areas for people with a medical need, such as diabetes or poor circulation, usually by referral from your GP; what is offered varies locally. If you have diabetes, check your feet every day and follow the advice of your diabetes team on footwear.
People with a medical need for specially made shoes may be referred to an NHS orthotics service. Ask your GP or podiatrist.
Related guides
Footwear is one part of staying steady. See our room-by-room checklist for preventing falls at home, and our guides to walking sticks and grab rails. For savings on shoes, see high street discounts for over-60s.
Common questions
Are slippers bad for older people?
No. Well-fitting slippers with a back, a fastening and a grippy sole are fine around the house. It is loose, backless and worn-out slippers that cause trouble.
What can I wear if my feet are too swollen for normal slippers?
Look for extra-wide, extra-deep styles that open right out with touch-and-close straps. Mention the swelling to your GP or nurse if you have not already.
How often should slippers be replaced?
There is no fixed rule. Replace them when the sole is smooth, the heel has collapsed or they no longer hold your foot snugly. For slippers worn daily that is often within a year.
Are memory foam slippers a good idea?
A thin cushioned insole is comfortable, but a very thick, soft sole can make you less stable. Check the outer sole is firm and has grip.