Dr. Saylee Tulpule: Board Certified Podiatrist
As a podiatrist, I am always treating patients who are suffering from heel pain, tendonitis, flat feet, and arthritis. I can certainly empathize with those dealing with plantar fasciitis, since I have been managing my plantar fascia symptoms for at least a decade. I know, even from personal experience, that these conditions can make it difficult to walk or stand barefoot for long periods of time, especially at home.
Whether you’re dealing with tired feet, soreness after a long day, or chronic foot pain from common foot problems like plantar fasciitis or arthritis, what you wear at home matters just as much as your outdoor shoes. Supportive house shoes or slippers can provide much-needed pain relief, helping cushion each step, support proper alignment, and protect your feet from hard floors. In this article, I’ll walk you through three of my favorite Vionic slippers—designed with built-in arch support, therapeutic cushioning, and a supportive structure—to help you feel maximum comfort and relief at home.
That’s why I’m so excited to tell you about Vionic slippers! Vionic slippers are designed to provide support and comfort for your feet, so you can enjoy your home life without pain!
Let’s discuss the key features of three of Vionic’s most popular slippers: the Gemma II Mule slipper, the Relax II slipper, and the Unwind Bootie Slipper.
What are the Best Slippers for Tired Feet?
When choosing the best slippers for tired feet, it’s important to look for styles that combine stability, cushioning, and proper arch support. Soft, plush slippers may feel cozy at first, but without structure they can actually make foot pain worse over time—especially if you have flat feet, swollen feet, or other common foot conditions. The best supportive options act like orthotic slippers, offering a deep heel cup, a secure toe box, and a durable rubber sole for traction and comfort around the house. Below, I’ve highlighted three Vionic styles that I regularly recommend to patients seeking pain relief and all-day comfort at home.
Gemma II Mule Slipper
The Gemma II Mule slipper is a stylish and comfortable slipper that’s perfect for everyday wear. It features a soft suede upper, plush terry lining, and a cushioned EVA footbed that conforms to your foot for a snug fit. This is the perfect slipper if you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or a “Pump Bump” (Haglund’s Deformity) and need the benefit of arch support and a deep heel cup, but without a rough heel counter rubbing the back of your own heel. The Gemma II Mule Slipper also has a durable, rubber outside for better traction, making them great slippers to wear outside.
Relax II Slipper
The Relax II Slipper is a cozy, yet comfortable slipper that takes lounging to a whole new level. Key features include an adjustable velcro strap hook and loop closure, ensuring a snug fit and also accommodating for a wider foot. The flexible EVA midsole is great for shock absorption, a key element to reduce strain on the plantar fascia and joints of the midfoot. The sturdy outsole is great for transitioning easily from the house to the front yard if you want to quickly check the mail or watch your kids play outside.
Unwind Bootie Slipper
The Unwind Bootie Slipper is a stylish, yet supportive slipper: perfect for home wear or stepping out the door for a quick errand or even a neighborhood walk. What sets this slipper apart from the others is its bootie type design with a soft faux shearling liner that hugs the feet and ankles, keeping both warm. The durable rubber outsole provides great traction, making it the perfect slipper to transition easily beyond the house.
Tips for Wearing Slippers Safely & Comfortably
Even the best slippers for tired feet work best when worn correctly. To protect your foot health at home, choose supportive slippers with good traction rather than walking in socks on slick hardwood floors, which can increase the risk of slips and falls. If you experience swelling or have a wide foot, adjustable straps provide a secure, personalized fit without pressure points. And for those who move between indoors and quick outdoor errands, look for a style with a durable rubber outsole to support your feet on different surfaces.
As a podiatrist, I also recommend avoiding ultra-soft foam styles that feel plush at first but collapse quickly and fail to offer true arch support or pain relief—especially if you struggle with heel pain, aching feet, or any other foot problem like plantar fasciitis. Rotating between a cozy indoor slipper and a more structured option for daily wear can help keep your feet comfortable and supported throughout the day.
Keep Your Feet Happy at Home With Vionic Support
Caring for your feet at home is just as important as supporting them while you’re out and about. When you choose slippers designed with real structure, arch support, and thoughtful cushioning, you protect your alignment, reduce soreness, and give your feet the comfort they deserve. That’s exactly why I recommend Vionic — every pair is engineered with podiatrist-designed Vio-Motion™ Technology, offering targeted stability and support to help ease tired feet, improve alignment, and provide lasting comfort throughout the day.
Whether you’re looking for relief from foot pain, extra support for flat feet, or simply a cozy option for daily wear around the house, Vionic slippers offer the ideal blend of comfort and science-backed design. Give your feet the foundation they need to feel their best — explore our supportive styles and shop Vionic’s men’s slippers and women’s slippers collection today.
Author:
Dr. Saylee Tulpule is a Board-Certified Podiatrist practicing in Washington, D.C and Silver Spring, Maryland. She graduated in 2007 from The California School of Podiatric Medicine at Samuel Merritt University in Oakland, California. She then completed a three-year surgical residency, while serving as Chief Resident, at the Long Beach Memorial Surgical and Medical Podiatric Residency program in Long Beach, California. After completing residency, she moved to the DC Metro area with her husband in 2010. Dr. Tulpule’s passion for podiatry began in college when her mother, who was an elementary school teacher at the time, developed heel pain. After seeing her mother get exceptional medical treatment from a podiatrist, Dr. Tulpule realized just what an impact foot and ankle health can make on a person’s well-being. With over 12 years of experience in the field, Dr. Tulpule has established a reputation for excellence in diagnosing and treating a wide range of podiatric conditions. Her primary interests in the field of podiatry encompass general podiatric medicine, sports medicine, biomechanics, and educating patients regarding good shoes! Dr. Tulpule’s approach to successful patient management involves maintaining an honest, collaborative approach to patient care. Her commitment to patient care extends beyond the office, as evidenced by her involvement in lecturing at The World Bank/International Monetary Fund, serving as a resource for journalists seeking expert insights on foot and ankle health, and promoting proper footwear and foot health on her Instagram page: The Sole Doctor. She is also a proud member of the American Podiatric Medical Association. During her leisure time, she enjoys spending time with her two children and husband, friends, and traveling.
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