Last updated October 2026 · By Walkers4Seniors Editorial Team
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Medical disclaimer: This guide is general information, not medical advice. Ask your doctor, podiatrist or physical therapist which footwear is right for you, especially if you have diabetes, foot ulcers, swelling or neuropathy.
Quick answer: The safest house footwear for older adults is a fitted shoe or slipper with a fully enclosed heel, a low heel (under 1 inch), a firm rubber non-slip sole and a hook-and-loop strap. The CDC says to wear supportive shoes inside and outside the home and to avoid socks alone, mules and clogs. In one study, 51.9% of in-home falls happened barefoot, in socks or in slippers.
We compared 6 real, currently sold slippers and walking shoes using manufacturer specs and retailer listings (checked October 2026). We did not wear-test them. Our picks follow CDC STEADI footwear guidance.
- Best for swollen feet: Silverts Women’s Extra Extra Wide Easy Closure Slippers (#15100)
- Best width range: Propet Cush N Foot Women’s Slipper (AA to 4E)
- Best walking shoe for house and outdoors: Propet LifeWalker Strap (M3705)
Non-Slip Slippers and Shoes for Elderly: Comparison Table
| Product | Type | Closure | Sole (maker’s description) | Widths | Price seen (Oct 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silverts Women’s XX-Wide Easy Closure (#15100) | Slipper | Hook-and-loop | Rubber grip, “skid-resistant non slip” | XX-Wide (foot width 3.1–3.7 in), sizes 6–12 | $49.99 (Carewell) |
| Propet Cush N Foot (women’s) | Slipper | Extra-large hook-and-loop strap | Polyurethane, indoor + outdoor | AA, B, D, 2E, 4E | $48.75 sale / $84.95 regular (Propet) |
| Orthofeet Charlotte (women’s, S731) | Orthopedic slipper | Adjustable strap | Rubber, indoor or outdoor | Medium, Wide; sizes 5–12 | $100 (Vitality Medical) |
| Orthofeet Asheville (men’s) | Orthopedic slipper | Straps on both sides open fully | Rocker-style cushioned sole | D, 2E (some colors 4E) | $99 (Orthofeet) |
| Propet LifeWalker Strap (men’s, M3705) | Walking shoe | Two hook-and-loop straps | Herringbone rubber tread | D, E, 3E, 5E | $112.49 (Propet) |
| Skechers Slip-ins Go Walk Flex – Grand Entry (women’s) | Walking shoe | Hands-free slip-in | Not described by retailer | Medium, Wide | $61.55–$72.95 (Walmart) |
Prices change often. Check the current price and size chart before you buy.
See non-slip slippers on Amazon
What Type of Slippers Are Best for Elderly People to Prevent Falls?
Look for these 5 features. They come from the CDC STEADI “Feet and Footwear” guide and from a 2008 research review by Menant and colleagues.
- Enclosed heel. The CDC says to avoid shoes with no back, such as a mule or clog. A backless slipper can slip off mid-step.
- Low heel. The CDC says to avoid heels over 1 inch.
- Firm, slip-resistant sole. Menant’s review advises “low heels and firm slip-resistant soles both inside and outside the home.” Soft foam or fabric soles slide on tile and wood.
- Adjustable fit. A hook-and-loop strap holds the foot in place and adjusts for swelling during the day.
- Good fit and support. The CDC advises “properly fitted shoes” with “strong arch and heel support.”
Should Elderly People Wear Shoes in the House?
Yes, when possible. The CDC STEADI guide says: “Always wear properly fitted shoes inside and outside your home.”
A 2010 study of 765 older adults in Boston (Kelsey et al., Footwear Science) counted 563 falls at home. Of those falls, 51.9% happened barefoot, in socks or in slippers, yet only 10.1% of people usually wore these. Falls in this footwear had higher odds of serious injury (adjusted odds ratio 2.27). The authors said older people may want to wear shoes at home “whenever possible.”
A 2004 study of 1,371 adults aged 65 and older (Koepsell et al., Journal of the American Geriatrics Society) found the lowest fall risk in athletic and canvas shoes. Other footwear carried about 30% greater risk, and the highest risk was barefoot or in stocking feet.
Is It Safe for Seniors to Walk in Socks?
No. The CDC says to avoid walking in only socks. Socks slide on smooth floors, and the studies above found the highest risk in stocking feet or bare feet. If socks are needed at night, choose grip socks and keep a pair of fitted slippers by the bed.
Are Crocs or Clogs Safe for Elderly People?
We found no study on any single brand. The CDC’s general advice is to avoid shoes with no back, “such as a mule or clog.” If a clog-style shoe is worn, the heel strap should be up and snug.
The 6 Picks in Detail
1. Silverts Women’s Extra Extra Wide Easy Closure Slippers (#15100)
Maker’s specs: Hook-and-loop “Easy Touch” closure; XX-wide fit for a foot width of 3.1 to 3.7 inches; sizes 6–12. Silverts says the rubber grip sole “helps prevent potential slips and falls on dry or wet surfaces.”
Owner ratings: 4.1 out of 5 from about 1,180 reviews on Silverts’ Canadian site (October 2026).
Best for: swollen feet, bunions, bandages or foot braces.
Who it is NOT for: people with narrow or average feet (the foot may slide inside) and anyone who wants a slipper for long outdoor walks.
2. Propet Cush N Foot Women’s Slipper
Maker’s specs: Extra-large hook-and-loop strap; polyurethane outsole for indoor and outdoor use; widths AA, B, D, 2E and 4E.
Best for: finding the right width. Five widths is the widest range we found among slippers.
Who it is NOT for: men (this listing is a women’s model) and people who need a stiff, shoe-like sole for balance problems.
3. Orthofeet Charlotte Women’s Slippers (S731)
Maker’s specs: Adjustable strap; cushioned, lightweight build; rubber outsole “for wearing indoors or out”; Medium and Wide; sizes 5–12.
Owner ratings: 5.0 out of 5, but from only 5 reviews at Vitality Medical.
Best for: women who want an orthopedic slipper with arch support.
Who it is NOT for: tight budgets (about $100), and people needing extra-wide sizes beyond Wide.
4. Orthofeet Men’s Asheville Orthopedic Slippers
Maker’s specs: Adjustable straps on both sides open completely “for step-in ease”; rocker-style sole with multi-layer cushioning; Medium (D) and Wide (2E), some colors in X-Wide (4E).
Owner ratings: about 6,500 reviews listed on Orthofeet’s site (October 2026).
Best for: men who have trouble bending to put slippers on.
Who it is NOT for: anyone whose therapist has advised against rocker soles. Rocker soles can feel less steady to some people with balance problems, so ask first.
5. Propet LifeWalker Strap Men’s Walking Shoe (M3705)
Maker’s specs: Two hook-and-loop straps; herringbone-tread rubber outsole; widths D, E, 3E and 5E. Propet lists it as “A5500 Medicare approved,” the code for diabetic depth shoes.
Best for: one shoe for indoors and outdoors, very wide feet, and people with diabetes who qualify for Medicare therapeutic shoes (see FAQ).
Who it is NOT for: people who want a light, soft slipper for evenings, or a women’s fit.
6. Skechers Slip-ins Go Walk Flex – Grand Entry (women’s)
Maker’s specs: Hands-free slip-in entry with a built-in heel; fixed lace front; ULTRA GO cushioning; Medium and Wide.
Owner ratings: 4.4 out of 5 from about 1,360 ratings at Walmart (October 2026).
Best for: active seniors who can’t bend down to tie laces or pull on a heel.
Who it is NOT for: very swollen feet (no adjustable strap) or anyone who needs extra-wide widths.
Who Should NOT Rely on Slippers Alone?
- People who have already fallen, feel unsteady or use a walker for most steps. A supportive walking shoe is usually a safer daily choice than any slipper.
- People with diabetes, numbness or foot sores. Ask a podiatrist before choosing footwear.
- Anyone whose ankles swell a lot. Footwear that fits in the morning can be tight by evening, so choose adjustable straps.
Footwear Tips for Walker Users
- Wear the same footwear when you set the walker height. Shoe height changes where the handles should be. Use our walker handle-height calculator or read how to adjust a walker.
- Keep slippers by the bed for night trips to the bathroom. Many home falls happen on the way to the toilet. See where seniors fall most often at home.
- Pair good footwear with other bathroom aids, such as a raised toilet seat and a reacher grabber so you don’t bend for dropped items.
Not sure how high the fall risk is? Try the free fall risk assessment, or check balance and walking speed with the Timed Up and Go test or the 4-Stage Balance Test (with a helper beside you). Shopping for a walker too? Compare the best walkers for seniors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of slippers are best for elderly people to prevent falls?
Slippers with an enclosed heel, a low heel under 1 inch, a firm rubber slip-resistant sole and an adjustable strap. Avoid backless styles, soft fabric soles and loose, stretched-out slippers.
Should elderly people wear shoes in the house?
The CDC advises properly fitted shoes inside and outside the home. In a 2010 study, 51.9% of in-home falls happened barefoot, in socks or in slippers.
Is it safe for seniors to walk in socks?
No. The CDC says to avoid walking in only socks, and research found the highest fall risk in stocking feet or bare feet.
Are Crocs or clogs safe for elderly people?
The CDC advises against shoes with no back, such as mules or clogs. If you wear a clog-style shoe, use the heel strap.
Does Medicare pay for shoes or slippers?
Regular shoes and slippers are not covered. Medicare Part B covers therapeutic shoes only for people with diabetes and severe diabetic foot disease, when the doctor treating the diabetes certifies the need and a podiatrist or other qualified doctor prescribes them. Each calendar year that is one pair of extra-depth shoes plus 3 pairs of inserts, or one pair of custom-molded shoes plus 2 extra pairs of inserts. You pay 20% after the Part B deductible. See our Medicare coverage guide.
What are the best walking shoes for seniors with wide feet?
Look for hook-and-loop shoes sold in 2E to 5E widths, such as the Propet LifeWalker Strap (D to 5E). Have both feet measured late in the day, when they are largest.
Sources
- CDC STEADI, Feet and Footwear guide
- CDC, Older Adult Falls Data (over 14 million, or 1 in 4, older adults report a fall each year)
- CDC, Facts About Older Adult Falls
- Kelsey JL et al. Indoor and outdoor falls and footwear. Footwear Science 2010;2(3):123–129. PMC3250347
- Koepsell TD et al. Footwear style and risk of falls in older adults. J Am Geriatr Soc 2004. University of Washington summary
- Menant JC et al. Optimizing footwear for older people at risk of falls. J Rehabil Res Dev 2008;45(8):1167–1182. Abstract
- Medicare.gov, Therapeutic shoes & inserts