An Article Written By Cecilia Brennan
Podiatrist – New Step Podiatry.
Shoes Inside the House? A Podiatrist Shares Their Advice
Whether you’re a shoes-on or shoes-off household, the choice isn’t just about cleanliness—it can also affect your foot health, comfort and safety. And if you’re supporting an older family member or dealing with balance or foot issues yourself, that choice matters even more.
Keep reading for the pros and cons of wearing shoes indoors, plus our top recommendations for safe and supportive indoor footwear.
Pros of Wearing Shoes Indoors
- Improved balance and stability
- Continuous arch support (especially if you use orthotics)
- Cushioning for hard floors
- Warmth for cold feet or poor circulation
- Reduced risk of stepping on small hazards (toys – lego!, pet food, loose cords)
Why Some Avoid Shoes Indoors
- Concerns about bringing in dirt and germs
- Cultural or personal preferences for barefoot living
- Belief that barefoot walking helps strengthen foot muscles, which is valid, but this may be achieved through foot exercises and short barefoot stints without compromising safety
Why Indoor Shoes Matters More As We Age
Older adults are particularly vulnerable to:
- Slips and trips: Smooth floors like tiles or timber become a hazard without proper grip underfoot.
- Balance issues: Ageing can affect your proprioception (your body’s awareness of its position), and barefoot walking may reduce stability.
- Reduced foot padding: Natural cushioning under the heels and forefoot decreases over time, making hard surfaces less forgiving.
- Medical conditions: Arthritis, diabetes and neuropathy can all impact foot sensitivity and gait, increasing the chance of falls.
Wearing structured indoor footwear can help reduce the risk of accidents and protect vulnerable feet from injury.
Are Slippers Enough?
We sometimes hear stories in the clinic about falls that happened at home while wearing soft or loose-fitting slippers. While they may feel comfortable, many slippers aren’t the safest choice—especially for older adults or anyone with balance issues.
Common slipper drawbacks:
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Poor grip on smooth floors
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No heel support to keep the foot stable
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Soft soles that can fold or twist unexpectedly
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No secure fastening, so they easily slip off the foot
If slippers are your go-to, look for ones with a firm sole, closed back, and adjustable fastening to improve safety and support.
Better Indoor Footwear Options
If you’re after comfort, warmth and support—without dragging your outdoor shoes inside—consider:
- Supportive slippers with firm soles and a closed back e.g. Devalverde slippers
- Slides with arch support e.g. Ascent sliders
- A “house-only” pair of supportive sneakers or walking shoes
- Orthotic-friendly sandals with secure straps
- Non-slip grip socks (for short periods)
For Carers and Family Members
If you’re helping support someone older at home, here are a few tips:
- Encourage wearing supportive indoor shoes, especially on slippery floors
- Check the condition of their house shoes regularly—worn soles = higher fall risk
- Avoid open-back slippers or thongs, which can catch on rugs or steps
- Consider a podiatry review if you notice changes in gait, posture or unsteadiness
- Make sure shoes fit properly (not too loose or too tight)
Check out this link for a video on tips to check if shoes are the right fit https://youtube.com/shorts/fu1NJiCwqtA?si=NAWcjLvBNEaDWIUG
Podiatrist Advice for Being Barefoot Indoor
Going barefoot indoors is fine if:
- You’re young, healthy and have good foot mechanics
- You walk on softer surfaces like carpet
- You’re doing it for short, intentional periods i.e. avoid doing long periods of cooking or cleaning barefoot
It’s not recommended for people with:
- Diabetes or peripheral neuropathy
- Foot pain (e.g. heel pain, arthritis)
- High falls risk
- Poor foot posture needing regular support
Conclusion
For many people, especially older adults, supportive indoor footwear is a simple but powerful way to stay safe, comfortable and mobile at home. While it might feel cosy to go barefoot or wear soft slippers, a structured house shoe can prevent injury and keep your feet happier in the long run.
If you’re unsure what to wear inside or you’ve noticed balance changes or foot pain, we’re always here to make recommendations during your next podiatry consultation.
Need Footwear Advice?
Our podiatrists are here to ensure those in Canberra have access to quality services that can help individuals get the treatment they deserve.
