Words by Sarah Stark
Slippers have long been an established part of most people’s wardrobe, but this year with more of us working from home and the steep rise in energy costs, they have gone straight to the top of the essential kit parade! Not surprising really, as a good pair of slippers are not only comfortable and warm but wearing them also has some very useful benefits.
Many of you reading this article are probably already slipper fans and will not need convincing. However, for those of you in doubt here are few good reasons to invest in a pair.
Slippers keep our feet warm
Our feet play an integral role in regulating our body temperature. Like our hands they have a large surface area with lots of blood vessels. When these open up to allow the blood to flow more they will start to lose heat. Also, there is less heat producing muscle on our feet and as a result they tend to cool quicker than other parts of the body. Poor circulation is another reason our feet often feel cold. So, three very good reasons to invest in pair of warm slippers.
Slippers help ward off colds and flu
Having cold feet is not only uncomfortable but it also puts us at greater risk of catching colds. Keeping our feet warm actually helps us to ward off colds and flu. According to Dr Ron Eccles, director of Cardiff University’s Common Cold Centre, lots of us carry cold and flu viruses in our noses without it causing us any harm. However, when the temperature of our feet drops, the blood vessels in the nose constrict in order to slow the loss of heat from the body in an attempt to keep you warm. Less blood flow in the nose means fewer white cells to fight a virus. Cold also slows the movement of the hairs in the nose that filter dirt and germs, which makes it easier for the virus to enter the body.
Slippers reduce the risk of bacterial and fungal infections
Spa and smart hotels give their guests slippers when they pay a visit to the pool, sauna, steam room or other public facilities to help prevent them catching and spreading foot diseases such as toenail infections, athlete’s foot and verrucas.
Slippers protect our feet
A pair of supportive slippers will protect your feet from hard surfaces underfoot. If you spend a lot of time walking barefoot on harder surfaces around your house, you will likely find that your feet are aching or sore by the end of the day. This is not particularly surprising given we evolved to walk barefoot on much more forgiving surfaces than wooden floors. Wearing slippers that provide good structure, ideally with a little lift in the sole and heel to give your arches support, and a soft insole to absorb impact, will protect your feet from aches and pains.
Slippers with a strong and non-slip sole will also help to prevent unnecessary accidents due to falling over on slippery surfaces.
Slippers can make you more productive
Cold feet tend to make you feel tense, irritable and can be very distracting especially if you are trying hard to concentrate on work. However, feet that are tucked into a warm pair of slippers will mean you can work without interruption as there will be no need to continually get up and move around to warm up!
Slippers help to keep your house clean
The soles of our outdoor shoes are always dirty and also a serious breeding ground for bacteria. There is a 90 per cent chance of transferring these to the floor of the house if you don’t take them off before stepping inside. To keep the dirt out, slip on some clean and comfy slippers and leave your outdoor shoes by the front door, ready to put on when you next leave the house.
Of course, like shoes not all slippers are created equal. Cheap, insubstantial slippers will not last or have the same benefits as the better quality ones and buying them is usually a false economy.
So, when you decide to invest in your next pair, here are some key things to consider:
- Make sure the slippers are made using good-quality materials that are soft and just a little stretchable. They will last much longer, as well as providing the comfort and support that your feet really need.
- Your slippers should fit properly with enough room at the toe but also secure around the heel to ensure that they won’t slip off too easily.
- Make sure your foot feels supported.
- Avoid slippery slippers! Those with suede, leather or fabric soles can become extremely slippery with wear. Flexible rubber soles are best.
- A little lift will help support the feet and protect them from hard surfaces. 2.5cms, or an inch high is perfect.
Shaffay makes luxury slippers for women. The brand came about after the founder had searched in vain for a pair that ticked all the above points and also looked good. Shaffay slippers have been designed in Britain and made to last, using high quality materials – the finest Nappa leather, a soft cosy pile lining and a robust non-slip rubber sole. For extra comfort there is a small hidden wedge in the heel and a memory foam inner sole. The slippers are easy to slip-on but their clever, ergonomic design ensures they won’t fall off. As they are worn they will mould and adapt, whilst not losing their shape and will fast become an essential component of a woman’s wardrobe.
Shaffay slippers successfully bridge the gap between elegance and comfort. The colours and stylish clean lines of the Signature Collection effortlessly complement daywear, leisurewear, loungewear and sleepwear and have been described as the perfect “house shoe” for discerning women!
Visit shaffay.com for more information.