When you’re at home, it’s tempting to kick your shoes off and walk around barefoot — or slip into those soft-but-squashy slippers you’ve had for years.
But if you’ve got knee arthritis?
That might be doing your joints more harm than good.
Let’s talk about house shoes — and why they matter far more than most people realise.
Why House Shoes Matter for Arthritic Knees
Your knees are under load all day — even at home.
And without the right support, you might unknowingly be:
- Irritating your joint with poor alignment
- Increasing the impact through each step
- Putting extra pressure on already sensitive areas
- Walking with more wobble and less control
Barefoot walking on hard floors can feel good for a moment — but it often increases discomfort and stiffness over time, especially in knees with arthritis.
Floppy slippers or flat house shoes can collapse under your arch, offer no cushioning, and lead to poor foot-knee-hip alignment.
Over time, this can increase pain, fatigue, and even the risk of falls.
What Makes a Good House Shoe?
To support arthritic knees properly, your indoor footwear should ideally offer:
- Firm soles that don’t twist easily
- Good arch support to help align your knee
- Cushioning underfoot to absorb shock
- Heel support — avoid backless or loose-fit designs
- Grip on the sole to prevent slipping
You don’t need something bulky or clinical — just a pair of supportive slippers or indoor shoes that help your body stay stable and aligned.
House Shoes vs Bare Feet: A Quick Comparison
| Feature | Barefoot | Standard Slippers | Supportive House Shoes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arch Support | ❌ None | ❌ Minimal | ✅ Yes |
| Shock Absorption | ❌ None | ❌ Thin soles | ✅ Yes |
| Knee Alignment Support | ❌ None | ❌ Poor | ✅ Helps offload |
| Slip Protection | ❌ None | ⚠️ Often slippery | ✅ Anti-slip soles |
| Fall Risk | 🚨 Higher | 🚨 Higher | ✅ Reduced |
What I Recommend as a Physio
In clinic, many of my clients don’t realise how much indoor footwear affects their symptoms — until they switch.
Even people with bone-on-bone arthritis often notice:
- Less pain when walking around the house
- Better balance and confidence on stairs
- Less morning stiffness
- Fewer flare-ups when standing or pottering
It’s a small change with big potential benefits.
Beyond Footwear: What Else Helps Arthritic Knees
While house shoes help support the knee, they’re just one piece of the puzzle.
If you’re serious about managing arthritis at home, don’t forget:
✅ Strength work — building support from within
✅ Smart movement strategies — like pacing and posture
✅ Body weight and joint load management
✅ Daily gentle activity to keep things moving
📌 The NICE guidelines recommend a combination of strengthening and self-management for osteoarthritis — and footwear is part of that daily joint care – This rehab program combines both.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to choose between pain or walking around in bulky orthopaedic shoes all day.
Supportive house shoes are a simple, practical way to reduce knee irritation, improve alignment, and help you stay safely active at home.
Because with arthritis, what you do daily matters most. Here to help if you need.
Take care, Helen
Helen Manders BSc (Hons) MCSP HCPC
Chartered Physiotherapist Treating Arthritic Knees Since 2001
🟢 Want to learn more about caring for arthritic knees?
🔗 Explore these helpful next reads:
- What Role Does Weight Management Play in Reducing Knee Arthritis Symptoms?
- How Does Cold and Heat Therapy Help Relieve Knee Arthritis Pain?
- The Best Sandals for Arthritic Knees: Supportive Styles for Summer
- How will exercise help my Osteoarthritic (OA) knee?
- Should You Use a Stick or Crutch for Arthritic Knees? Pros & Cons Explained
- Understanding Arthritic Knees Through X-rays and Images: What Do They Show?
🟢 Ready to improve your arthritic knees? – Click to see how I can support you.
