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Slippers: In the case of some diseases, the toes should be given special protection
Photo: Veronika Silberg / DER SPIEGEL
Are slippers good for our feet?
“We all came down from the trees as monkeys.
We had neither feet nor shoes then," says Dr.
Kaspar Gundlach, orthopedist and foot surgeon in Hamburg.
»Today's foot is the result of centuries of further development into a walking foot.« We are not dependent on slippers.
There are different answers as to whether and which slippers one wears.
The functions of slippers are as varied as their designs: they warm you up, protect you from injuries and provide support on slippery floors.
Depending on when, where, why and how slippers are used, it is advisable to use different models.
"Anyone who has no health problems with their feet should always wear slippers that are fun to wear," says Gundlach.
First and foremost, they should feel good and be fit for purpose.
If you have about three small children at home and are constantly running from one place to another, possibly even slipping on the parquet floors, non-slip shoes with good soles come in handy.
If you get cold feet quickly and want to protect yourself from cold tiled floors, you should pay attention to warmth and material.
But if it cheers you up mentally, you might also be well advised to wear plush shoes in the shape of a cookie monster.
Gundlach advocates listening to his feet.
"I have to ask myself beforehand: What do I want and what function should the shoe fulfill?" Anyone who tries to describe this function will quickly find the right answer.
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However, there are people who should always wear slippers for health reasons, says Gundlach: "Diabetics, for example, with a so-called polyneuropathy - this reduces the feeling in the tips of the toes." The toes should therefore be protected at all costs.
Small injuries are less noticeable and underestimated.
But Gundlach also recommends protective shoes for other nerve disorders or painful malpositions.
In the best case, one seeks medical advice, because the sole and material of the slippers then play a greater role.
What is important when buying slippers
However, there are a few aspects that anyone interested in slippers can pay attention to:
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Photo: Veronika Silberg / DER SPIEGEL
AreaUnfold the sole
On healthy feet, a good sole serves primarily to protect against injuries and to prevent falls.
It can save you from digging in your foot with fallen thumbtacks or constantly banging your toes on uncomfortable skirting boards.
Stable and slightly thicker soles give the foot support.
In principle, such a sole is only healthier to a limited extent, says Gundlach.
After all, they are always adapted to a standard foot and not to individual needs.
It's similar to running shoes, according to the doctor: "There are forefoot, midfoot and rearfoot runners," but everyone has their own individual running style.
“No shoe fits perfectly”, so it is important to try out the sole.
Anything that feels good over time and doesn't cause blisters is also suitable.
If you have pain and health problems with your feet, you should seek professional advice on the sole.
ExpandMaterial area
There is no panacea when it comes to materials either.
Certainly, breathable, soft fabrics are better than synthetic fabrics for many feet - especially if you tend to have sweaty feet.
How fluffy you want your feet to be is primarily a question of taste and not an orthopedic one.
Heat and thus seasonality also play a major role.
It is also becoming increasingly important for many slipper fans how sustainable the materials used are.
Popular materials include lambskin or felt - both are intended to ensure more air circulation and thus dry feet.
Other fabrics, on the other hand, have the advantage of being washable and thus quickly getting rid of unpleasant odors.
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As is well known, opinions differ here.
From the Adilette to Birkenstock – slippers usually come with a certain image.
In general, the more we wear slippers, the more important functionality should be.
Otherwise there are no limits to the imagination.
In search of the right slipper, we looked at five different models.
Each has its very own qualities, an individual price-performance ratio and a certain image.
Dannheim by Giesswein - the classic made of felt
Felt slippers are the ultimate classic.
They probably don't correspond to the latest trends, but they symbolize something like cross-generational cosiness.
The felt shoes from Giesswein, which are produced in Tyrol, are pleasantly warm in winter, but thanks to the thin material they are also suitable for German summers.
They are also made from 100% new wool, which means they are more breathable than synthetic fibers.
They therefore also fit bare feet with sensitive skin.
However, the Giesswein model does not have a firm sole, just a slightly firmer rubber coating so that it does not slip through the apartment.
This feels more like a thick, slightly scratchy sock.
The edge wears off quickly and if you are on the move a lot, you have to expect that the felts will deform and wear off.
Boston by Birkenstock - the professional made of lambskin
Birkenstock shoes have long since shed their old-fashioned image.
The »Boston« clog model is particularly popular this winter and is always sold out online.
My dentist is happy about the trend - he has been wearing his version since 1990. The fact that the shoe is so popular in doctor's surgeries is probably due to its firm sole.
It feels rock hard at first, but wears in after a while and stays very comfortable for a long time - provided you have the right type of foot.
Unfortunately, only trying helps here.
The variant with lambskin is of high quality, pleasantly soft and by far the warmest model.
However, it is also the most expensive.
The price is especially worthwhile for people who spend a lot of time in their slippers and need support, protection and warmth for their feet.
The only thing you shouldn't tend to get spilled on is because the shoes aren't washable and the rough leather doesn't forgive stains.
Adilette Ayoon from Adidas Originals – the sporty one
The Adilette has a long tradition in Germany.
It was developed in 1963 by Adolf "Adi" Dassler, the founder of the sporting goods manufacturer.
Athletes should only need one pair of shoes for the changing room and shower.
From there, the striped footwear quickly made its way into the general population.
Inexpensive, practical and washable - a hit, not only on the German market.
However, the combination with white tennis socks led to a questionable chav image, which is still divided today.
Some think it's hip and ironic, others think it's embarrassing plastic.
In the meantime, however, Adidas is offering its classic in different styles, such as plush, in rainbow colors or with a puffed-up comfort sole, such as the Adilette Ayoon.
If you prefer it sporty and less cuddly, this is the place for you.
The thick sole is still comfortable even after hours of wear and provides pleasant protection.
In addition, the slippers can be used everywhere: in the shower, in the swimming pool, on the street or at home in the living room.
A versatile slap for relatively little money.
The only drawback: Like all plastic slippers, Adilettes quickly make your feet sweat.
They are also not warm and cuddly.
Under certain circumstances, wool or tennis socks have to be used.
Nuptse slippers from The North Face - the adventurous
The outdoor look is not only worn by those who like to hike through the mountains.
More and more vendors are selling a mix of slippers and sleeping bags.
It's soft, warm and mostly very synthetic.
The North Face tries to build a solid sole into its model to improve grip and durability.
Freshly unpacked, the kicks look much less puffed up than in the advertising images.
The sole is not very flexible, but protects against bumps and the shoe sits firmly on the foot.
This is more practical than expected.
The synthetic slippers are equipped with fleece on the inside - this keeps you warm and comforting over the outer material.
Visually, the mini sleeping bags to slip into are definitely an eye-catcher, but you have to like the snowsuit charm.
The Nuptses are probably best suited for outdoor fans who also like to emphasize their sense of adventure at home.
They are not really more practical than other kicks.
Warmies slippies - the relaxing one
The Lübeck-based manufacturer Warmies has been offering a solution for notorious frostbite for some time: warm slippers.
Put the removable millet grain and lavender bags in the microwave for 90 seconds, fry them back into the plush slippers, and you're done.
You should only run short distances with it.
The main purpose of the fluffy footwear is the pleasant feeling of warmth - here the slippies keep what they promise.
There is also a strong lavender smell, which can at least temporarily cover up smelly feet and calms the mind.
If you don't like the smell of lavender and generally have a sensitive nose, you shouldn't use this model.
All in all a very unconventional slipper model for cozy frostbite.
Not suitable for every day, but ideal to treat yourself to some relaxation on a regular basis.
Conclusion
Slippers come in all shapes, colors and sizes.
However, not everyone has to spend a lot of money for a supposedly good sole.
Even in thin shoes, our feet can pad wonderfully through everyday life.
Anyone who is out and about on slippery floors is well served with felt slippers including non-slip soles.
If you walk and stand longer, you should stick to classics like the Birkenstock model to have a robust sole.
A pair of Adilettes can be used in many different ways and is comparatively inexpensive.
For cold feet, models made of felt and lambskin or sleeping bag shoes from The North Face are best suited - but frostbite can also be helped through the cold months with heat cushion slippers.
In the end, it is mainly taste and wallet that decide on the choice of shoes at home.
Only those who are in pain and concerned about the health of their feet should seek medical advice before buying slippers.
