Some slippers are precisely sized, while others come in size ranges suitable for many people but not for all. Slippers that are too narrow can bind and constrict feet, and may not feel particularly comfortable. A few people are cautioned to find extra wide slippers if they have conditions like diabetes or if they suffer from swelling of the feet due to water retention (edema).
Extra wide slippers are essentially slippers made in a variety of styles that have a wider foot bed and larger areas that cover the foot to accommodate the wider foot. Some of the various styles available may have tops that can adjust if the feet swell. Bootie types available might have Velcro on the ankle that can be reattached as needed if ankles are swollen.
It can be a little harder to find extra wide slippers. For women, one solution is to look at slippers made for men. Some of these will be wide enough to accommodate a slightly wider foot. In US sizes, women should look for a men’s size about 1.5 to 2 sizes less than they would wear in a women’s size, though this still may not be wide enough. A woman who wears a size 10 might be able to find a wider men’s slipper in a size 8 to 8.5.
This suggestion doesn’t always work, and moreover many men’s slippers aren’t as pretty as those offered to women. For men, the issue of finding extra wide slippers isn’t solved by buying a men’s size either. Fortunately there are other alternatives when finding comfy slippers for women that are more accommodating to the wider foot and more generally attractive than men’s slippers. Men can also find greater size range by looking in a few specific places.
In local communities, people may want to check out shoe stores that specialize in carrying a greater range of sizes. Stores that cater to big and tall men and full-figured women can also sell a few extra wide slippers. Some larger department stores can have a pair or two on hand also.
However, the greatest variety for extra wide slippers is usually found by searching the Internet. There, people will be able to find shoe stores that carry extra wide styles and some companies that solely specialize in producing slippers for the wider foot. Price range can vary. Very fancy moccasin style slippers with leather are likely to cost quite a bit, but shoppers can also find simple styles for less than $20 US Dollars (USD).
There is one type slipper that most people who have difficulty with feet or ankle swelling should avoid. This is the slipper sock. Though the sock may stretch over the wider foot, it can bind around the ankles and cut off circulation. There may be companies that make wide ankle varieties of this type of slipper, but the average type purchased at a store lacks this feature. Instead, it’s better to find a comfy slipper style online or in stores that specialize in wide widths.