Throughout my 20s and early 30s, I was one of those people who didn’t own flats. I lived in New York at the time, and could be seen standing for hours on events or running all over town, Carrie Bradshaw-style, feet clad in sky-high stilettos. But then came an unfortunate (and painful) ankle break in my mid-30s, and I had to change my ways. I still get back into my heels when warranted, but those times are fewer and further between—and I’ve had to shift to finding shoes that are cute yet comfortable.
That being said, there comes a time when comfort wins out. When that happens, slippers like the Revitalign Orthotic Perforated Suede Mules are definitely in order, especially since I’ve learned that going barefoot around the house can actually cause more harm than good. “Barefoot walking can be a source of pain for many people,” says Dr. Anne Sharkey, DPM, a podiatrist at the North Austin Foot & Ankle Institute. Additionally, she cautions that “most slippers tend to have cushioning but are lacking in support.” It’s important to look for slippers that take all this into account, like this Revitalign pair.
Are these the cutest slippers on the block? Well, not necessarily. But are they packed with orthotic features to offer comfort and support? Absolutely. “These shoes combine comfort with stability, making them great for those needing orthotic support,” says Sharkey. This is due to a few features in particular:
Orthotic support
First and foremost? Support. “By supporting the heel, midfoot and forefoot with orthotic support and cushioning, this is a great choice for a slipper,” Sharkey says.
Deep heel cup
Sharkey says that a deep heel cup provides stability by—you guessed it—cupping the heel. Not only does it create increased shock absorption, but “it’s like giving your heel a hug,” she says.
Outsole
Sharkey likes the thicker rubber outsole of these slippers, saying that it provides good traction. I especially like that, since I have wood floors throughout my apartment and am always looking for an indoor shoe that will prevent slipping and sliding.
Metatarsal Pad
The metatarsal is the part of the foot that includes the bones between the ankle and toes. These slippers feature a metatarsal pad that Sharkey says will help add cushion to the ball of the foot.
All of these supportive features already make these slippers a surefire choice for a comfortable house shoe. Seven different colors, including bright turquoise, rich burgundy, pastel yellow, and rose pink, mean you can walk for miles in surefire style (yes, style). Plus, they’re available in sizes 5-12, including half sizes and wide widths. The all-over perforated detailing, subtle square toe, and open back heel finish off the look.
Are these Revitalign slippers as fashion-forward as my old Manolos? Definitely not. But will they bring much-needed comfort to my still-aching ankle and heel after a long day? It is decidedly so.
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