When your feet are swollen, the most important thing on your mind is often comfort. Tight, itchy skin, pain in your foot muscles, and painful swelling are all aspects of swollen feet that can disrupt your day or put you out of commission.

For many people, a comfortable, appropriately designed pair of slippers can help ease the discomfort of swollen feet. But not all slippers are prepared to give your feet the coddling they need. That’s why you need to know what qualities to look for in a pair of slippers for swollen feet. 

Are you wondering how to find the best slippers for swollen feet? Keep reading for everything you need to know about why your feet might be swollen, what it means, and how to pick a pair of slippers that can bring you some relief. 

Why Are My Feet Swollen?

Swollen feet are most often a symptom of edema.¹ Also spelled oedema, this refers to a condition where excess fluids leak out of your blood vessels and collect in body tissues.² 

Edema can occur in virtually any part of your body. That said, in addition to your feet, you’re most likely to notice it in your:

• Arms
• Hands
• Ankles
• Legs

The primary symptom of edema is swelling or puffiness, usually localized to a specific area of the body. This occurs in the tissues just below the skin, so it’s generally quite noticeable.

However, edema can manifest as other symptoms as well. Those symptoms can include:³

• At the site of swelling, the skin may also become shiny or stretched
• The skin may retain dimples or divots after pressure is placed on it
• An increase in abdominal size can also occur

What Causes Edema?

Many factors can cause or contribute to edema or swollen feet—from your diet to your sitting and standing habits to underlying medical conditions.⁴ Some common causes include:

• Blood clots
• Injury or infection
• Insect bites or stings
• Overindulging in salty foods
• Pregnancy
• Sustained periods of sitting or standing

Certain medical conditions, like diseases of the heart, kidneys, or liver, plus diabetes, can be the root causes of edema. 

Certain medications may also cause edema. For example, medications for treating high blood pressure and a diabetes drug known as thiazolidinedione have been known to contribute to swollen feet.¹ Likewise, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, steroid drugs, and estrogens may also cause edema. 

Should You See a Doctor About Swollen Feet?

Generally speaking, if your feet are noticeably swollen or you’re experiencing other symptoms of edema or other foot conditions, you should schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider. 

Although swollen feet might not be a massive cause for concern in isolated instances, if your foot problem persists or becomes chronic, it could lead to more severe complications.¹ Consulting with your healthcare provider is necessary to determine the root cause of your swollen feet. Your healthcare provider can also help you figure out a care plan so that you can avoid those complications, which may include:¹  

• Swelling that becomes painful
• Impaired mobility
• Muscle and joint stiffness
• Itchy, irritated skin
• Stretched skin
• Tissue scarring

Edema can put you at greater risk of incurring infections. It can also negatively impact your blood circulation, increase your risk of skin ulcers, and affect the elasticity of arteries, veins, joints, and muscles. 

But aside from the complications that can arise from swollen feet, seeking medical attention for edema symptoms is important because the condition could be a sign of severe health issues. Edema has been linked to:¹

• Cirrhosis
• Congestive heart failure
• Kidney disease or damage
• Damaged or weakened veins in your legs

A malfunctioning lymphatic system is also associated with swollen feet, as is a prolonged protein deficiency. 

There are some instances in which you should see a doctor immediately. Medical attention is necessary if your swollen feet are accompanied by:¹

• Shortness of breath
• Labored breathing
• Chest pain 

How Are Swollen Feet Diagnosed?

On a fundamental level, diagnosing swollen feet is very simple: if your feet are swollen, they’re swollen. It’s like the familiar saying, “If the shoe fits”—only, in this case, the shoes you’re used to may no longer fit.

That said, the underlying condition causing your feet to swell in the first place is less evident than swollen feet. For that reason, most of what diagnosing edema comes down to is determining the underlying condition. 

To do that, your healthcare provider will begin by performing a standard physical evaluation.² They’ll also review your medical history and ask questions about your diet and lifestyle. 

In some cases, they may also order various medical tests to determine your condition. The most common types of testing include:

• Blood tests
• MRIs
• Ultrasounds
• Urine analysis
• X-rays 

How Are Swollen Feet Treated?

To a large extent, treatment for swollen feet generally focuses on treating whatever condition is causing it. If salty foods are to blame, your treatment might consist of altering your diet to consume less salt. If your feet are swollen because of too many hours sitting at your desk, looking for ergonomic solutions or switching to a standing desk might be helpful. 

That said, except in severe cases, the swelling usually goes away on its own. Elevating your feet above your heart level can speed up the process.¹ Your healthcare provider may also prescribe medications, primarily diuretics, that help your body get rid of excess fluids.

Best Slippers for Swollen Feet 

Even in minor cases, swollen feet can be uncomfortable or even painful. Recovering from isolated episodes can take time. Depending on the underlying cause of your edema, you could also experience periodic flare-ups.

You might as well be comfortable while waiting for the swelling to go down. Fortunately, the right pair of comfortable, supportive slippers may be able to help alleviate some of the discomfort associated with swollen feet in the meantime. 

To that end, here are four helpful tips for picking the best slippers for swollen feet, plus a few of our favorite Vionic styles:³ 

#1 Go Wide

It goes without saying that the best slippers for edema give your swollen feet room to breathe. Swollen feet often come with moderate foot pain or heel pain, so you don’t need your footwear putting on any extra pressure.

Our Jackie Slipper comes in medium-wide sizes that are roomy enough to accommodate your swollen feet. The soft textile upper adds to the comfort, and the durable outsole completes the design for cozy slippers that will feel like walking on clouds. It’s also one of the best non-slip slippers for the elderly. 

#2 Cradle Your Arches

Arch support is a crucial aspect of any pair of slippers for swollen feet. Unfortunately, it’s a quality that’s lacking from most off-the-shelf slippers.

Not so when you shop our shelves. Our Gemma Mule Slipper is outfitted with:

• Podiatrist-designed, biomechanically contoured arch support 
• A soft heel cup

The uppers are lined with soft terry and available in various beautiful colors and prints. For a comfortable, supportive, stylish slipper, you’ll want to keep wearing it even after your swelling goes away. 

#3 Stabilize Your Soles

Swollen feet can lead to minor mobility issues like impaired walking, so the best slippers for swollen feet will offer superior stability, anatomical arch support, and spaciousness. 

The Kiwi Slide Sandal from Vionic gives you all the stability you need with a sturdy, durable outsole and a wave-patterned tread to help prevent slips and falls. A velcro strap closure for adjustable width and our biomechanically designed arches are just icing on the cake. 

#4 Prioritize Comfort

Comfort is key when it comes to finding the best slipper for swollen feet. The condition can be uncomfortable enough, so your footwear has much to compensate for. 

What makes for a comfortable pair of slippers? Opt for styles that feature soft but durable materials, a roomy fit, and cushioning for your soles, like

• Dream Slipper – Our open-toed slide slipper features shock-absorbing midsoles and a terry cloth lining for extra comfort with every step. 

Slip On Premium Comfort With Vionic Slippers

When it comes to the best slippers for swollen feet, choose Vionic. Our cozy slippers offer all the features your swollen feet need to promote recovery and keep you going. But what does that mean?

It means soft, comfortable uppers in luxurious textiles and flexible EVA midsoles that absorb the shock of every step you take. It means powerful anatomical arch support designed by podiatrists for maximum support and stability. It means Vionic’s innovative Vio-Motion technology for a difference you can feel and the latest, trendiest styles.

When slipping off your house shoes and heading outside, you can trade your slippers for another pair of Vionic shoes. We design every shoe we sell to be the most comfortable, supportive shoe experience you can buy—because we believe that when your feet are healthy, the rest of you is, too.

Ready to calm your swollen feet? Discover the Vionic difference today.

Sources: 

1. “Edema – Symptoms and Causes.” Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/edema/symptoms-causes/syc-20366493
2. “Edema – Diagnosis and Treatment..” Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/edema/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20366532  
3. Grant, Scott. “5 Best Slippers for Severe Edema..” Graying With Grace. Updated on 1 September, 2022.  https://www.grayingwithgrace.com/slippers-for-severe-edema/