Read our in-depth article on the best slippers for Oedema and extremely swollen feet. We share our insider knowledge, gleaned from 30 years of experience helping customers with this condition! Read all the 'must have' features for your next pair of slippers, and check out our list of our most popular slippers for swollen feet.
What Are The Main Causes of Swollen Feet
Swelling in the feet, ankles or/and legs is caused by an abnormal build-up of fluids in these areas and can be caused by a range of medical conditions or medication. The medical name for this is Oedema.
Medication such as steroids, some blood pressure medicines, diabetic medication, hormone therapy, as well as contraceptive pills and antidepressants can cause a build of fluids in the feet, ankles and lower legs.
Venous Insufficiency, where the veins in the legs cannot properly pump blood back to the heart, can also cause of Oedema, as can issues with the heart, kidneys and liver.
Pregnancy can also cause swelling of the legs, but it is not usually an issue of concern. You can read more about that here.
Other reasons include long-haul flights, infections or injury – however, these typically resolve themselves relatively quickly and usually do not require long-term changes in footwear.
If you are suffering from Oedema and are concerned, then we would recommend you visit your GP to discuss it further and they can identify the cause for the swelling.
Don’t Compromise On Getting the Correct Slipper
We see many customers in our Wide Fit shoe shop with extremely swollen feet.
Severe Oedema can affect mobility and make buying footwear extremely difficult. Buying footwear that can accommodate the swelling and offer the right level of comfort and support can dramatically improve stability when walking and can make walking a pleasure again.
We often find customers in this situation are wearing inappropriate footwear as nothing else will fit. Sometimes the shoes are too large or have been ‘customised’ to fit by cutting parts of the shoes out.
This often means the person avoids social situations such as family gatherings in the home as they are embarrassed about their footwear. It also means the feet are not being sufficiently supported, leaving them vulnerable to further issues.
If this sounds familiar, then we can help. We have lots of experience in this area and a range of footwear to cope with even the most severe swelling.
What Are The Best Slippers For Swollen Feet?
Everyone loves a comfortable pair of slippers. They keep your feet warm, supported and cosy, but there are a few essential things you should be looking out for when purchasing slippers for Oedema and extreme swelling of the feet.
So read on for our top tips on buying the right slipper for swollen feet. Follow our recommendations, and you’ll soon be wearing the nicest pair of slippers you have ever worn!
Top Tip - Velcro Close Straps Are Essential For Oedema
If we had to offer one piece of advice, it would be to choose a pair of slippers with Velcro close straps. We speak to many customers with Oedema, and they regularly tell us that the level of swelling varies during the day, depending on the time or the activity they were doing.
Velcro straps allow you to adjust the fit throughout the day so you can always ensure a comfortable and secure fit. They also do a great job of accommodating a higher instep.
Some of our wide fit slipper styles offer dual Velcro straps which allows for even greater customisation in the fitting.
Top Tip – An Easy Open Styles Can Help With Putting On
Oedema and swelling can stretch the skin of the feet, making them very sensitive. This can make putting on footwear uncomfortable, especially if you need to push your feet into the shoe/slipper to put them on.
If your feet are swollen, we recommend you choose a style that opens up for easy access. These are normally the Velcro Close styles where the tongue of the slipper comes forward to give plenty of space for the foot to enter the slipper.
We also have wider fitting slippers that open almost flat for those with severe swelling or mobility issues. These styles have a secondary Velcro strap at the back of the slipper to allow the slipper to almost open up completely.
Top Tip – Choose A Style With A Deep Toe Box And A Wider Fitting
Standard width slippers will not work for swollen feet. They are not wide or deep enough to accommodate swelling. You may find that you cannot even get them on.
We offer slippers in extra wide widths to help with this.
We always recommend at least a 4E width or in the case of more severe swelling, a 6E or 8E width fitting.
These fittings offer plenty of width, and the important deeper fit and deeper toe box.
The illustration above shows how our 4E, 6E and 8E fittings give that all important extra width and depth.
Variable fittings also work well here. A variable fitting such as 6V means the depth of the slipper can be increased if needed, usually through clever stretch materials or a removable insole.
Top Tip - Stretch Uppers For Awkward Foot Shapes
Some of our wide fit slipper styles for Oedema have stretch uppers. They use a clever material which gently stretches to fit around more difficult foot shapes (due to bunions or hammer toes in addition to swelling). The stretch fabric removes pressure points and ensures you still have the support you need.
Top Tip – Choose Slippers With Seam Free Toes If Your Skin Is Stretched And Sensitive
Severe Oedema can make the skin on the feet stretched and uncomfortable. Many of our slippers for swollen feet have with seam-free toes and this can help alleviate irritation and abrasion. If your feet are sensitive, then this is an important feature to look out for.
Top Tip – Choose Slippers With Stiffened Heels For Improved Stability
Some of our customers with Oedema and swelling can feel a little unstable on their feet. If this is your situation, then you must choose a slipper that offers enough support and structure. Many of our wide fit slipper styles have a stiffened heel which gives extra stability around the heel area when walking and stop the foot rolling from side to side.
Top Tip – Choose Slippers With High Grade Insoles To Protect Your Feet
Cushioned insoles make slippers extra cosy and have an important function in protecting your feet. Swollen feet can be sensitive and the skin can feel quite stretched if the swelling is extreme. Cushioned insoles support and protect the feet.
However, not all insoles are the same, and their quality can vary a lot. All the slippers in our range have high grade insoles and will definitely help create that relaxed, yet supportive feel.
Top Tip – Choose Supportive Outsoles That Balance Flexibility And Support
Slippers for swollen feet should have a sole which is flexible yet supportive. If the sole is too flexible, it can cause discomfort when walking as its bends too much.
Our wider fitting slippers for swollen feet offer the right balance between flexibility and support. You may find this style of slipper called a house shoe, as the sole is suitable for walking around the garden or patio.
So if you are looking for a house shoe for swollen feet, don’t worry. Our range of slippers could just as easily be called house shoes!
Recommended Slippers For Swollen Feet
Here are some of our best-selling men’s and ladies slippers for swollen feet. They have the features you need for a really comfortable slipper wearing experience 😊
Our Best Selling Ladies Slippers For Swollen Feet
Caroline is an attractive wide fit slipper available in a range of colours and is a popular choice with ladies visiting our wide fitting store.
They come in an extra wide 6E fitting, so there is plenty of width and depth to accommodate swollen feet, and the Velcro close strap can be adjusted for a secure and comfortable fit. The sole is supportive and the Caroline makes an excellent house shoe - so a lovely excuse to wear them on the patio with your morning coffee.
They also have a seam-free toe, so no seams to irritate sensitive feet and the heel has a stiffener for improved stability. The insoles are very cushioned but they can be removed if you have your own orthotics or you need that bit of extra depth.
Best Selling Ladies Slippers For Very Swollen Feet
Emma has dual Velcro straps that allow the slipper to open up almost completely, making them very easy to put on. Each Velcro strap can be individually adjusted to accommodate very swollen feet.
Extension Velcro straps are available for this style (purchased separately), creating extra space in the slipper for heavily bandaged feet.
The toe area is seam free to avoid any irritation to sensitive toes.
The lining is soft and cushioned, and the sole is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
If you struggle to find a slipper for very swollen feet, this is the one to try!
Click Here To View Our Complete Range Of Ladies Slippers For Swollen Feet
Best Selling Mens Slippers For Swollen Feet
Joseph has all the features you need to happily accommodate Oedema and swollen feet. The Joseph comes in a 6E fitting, so lots of extra width and depth.
The slipper opens up well, so they are easy to put on and the dual Velcro straps allow plenty of customisation to the fit.
The insoles are a delight but they can be easily removed for additional depth or your own orthotics.
The toe is seam free to avoid irritation to sensitive feet.
Again this style makes a perfect house shoe, thanks to the robust outsole, and can be worn outside without any worries.
Best Selling Mens Slippers For Very Swollen Feet
The Ernest has two Velcro close straps allowing the slipper to open almost flat so they are very easy to put on. The 2 straps allow lots of adjustments to the fit so your feet feel very supported.
Extension straps are available on this model if your feet are heavily bandaged.
They can be worn outside so they work well as a house shoe.
Click Here To View Our Complete Range Of Mens Slippers For Swollen Feet
Socks For Very Swollen Feet
We haven’t discussed this so far but it is worth adding here. Many of our in-store customers with swollen feet also have difficulty finding socks that are lose enough so they don’t compress the swelling but also stay up.
We can help. We offer a range of socks designed especially for swollen and very swollen feet.
We offer two fittings, Extra Roomy and Fuller Fit.
Extra Roomy socks are suitable for moderate swelling. They are 1 inch wider in the foot and leg than standard socks, so will accommodate bunions, hammer toes and moderate swelling comfortably. The ‘no-elastic’ Softhold® tops ensure they won’t cut in, restrict circulation or leave nasty marks.
Our Fuller Fit range is designed for extreme swelling of the feet and lower legs. Fuller Fit socks will stretch up to an 80cm circumference to accommodate very swollen legs and feet, even if they are heavily bandaged. The special ribbed construction keeps them up securely but gently without digging in or restricting circulation. They also benefit from a smooth join at the toe which won’t rub or irritate sensitive toes and skin.
Visit Our Wide Fit Shoe Shop
This article has all the information you need to make an informed choice when purchasing via our website. However, we know that some customers prefer a one-to-one appointment to discuss their feet issues with an experienced shoe fitter who can review your feet and recommend a suitable style and fit.
You are always welcome to come and visit our wide fitting shoe shop near Wembley stadium in London. You will have a dedicated fitting expert guide you through our range and help you find the best slipper for you.
Our shop is open for appointments, but we also offer walk-in days where appointments are not needed. You can read more about our shop and view opening times here.
We hope you have found this article useful. If you would like further help or advice then, please get in touch. Our email address is sales@wideshoes.co.uk or you speak to one of our experienced fitters on 0208 819 7756.