Slippers, Sandals & Knees

Why Local Footwear Matters

In Chennai, 9 out of 10 people wear slippers or chappals daily. Thin rubber soles on hard floors pass shock directly into your knees. Over time, this worsens osteoarthritis and knee pain.

MCR / MCP Slippers (for Arthritis & Diabetic Foot)

MCR (microcellular rubber) and MCP (microcellular polyurethane) slippers are prescribed for patients with arthritis, flat feet, or diabetic neuropathy. Their cushioning distributes pressure evenly and protects sensitive joints.

Reference: Shakoor N et al, Arthritis Care Res 2008 – cushioned soles reduce knee joint load; Reichenbach S et al, JAMA 2020 – biomechanical footwear improved knee OA pain.

How to Choose Slippers & Sandals

For Home Use

• Pick cushioned slippers with firm sole, not flimsy rubber.
• Avoid loose hawai chappals — they twist and strain knees.
• Anti-slip bottom is essential for elderly inside tiled houses.

For Outside Errands

• Sandals with back strap or Velcro for better grip.
• Moderate cushioning; avoid hard plastic soles.
• Low heel (≤1 inch); no wedges or high-heeled sandals.

Walking Shoes (Non-Negotiable for Exercise)

For morning walks, market strolls, or evening beach walks, everyone including elders should use proper walking shoes. Research shows supportive shoes reduce knee load by up to 12% during walking (Shakoor 2008). Barefoot or in slippers, the impact goes straight into the knees.

• Firm heel counter + cushioned sole
• Flexible only at toes, not mid-arch
• Replace every 9–12 months if used daily

References

• Shakoor N, Lidtke RH, Sengupta M, et al. “Effects of Specialized Footwear on Joint Loads in Osteoarthritis of the Knee.” Arthritis Care Res. 2008. PMC3653288
• Reichenbach S, Felson DT, Hincapié CA, et al. “Effect of Biomechanical Footwear on Knee Pain in Knee Osteoarthritis: BIOTOK Trial.” JAMA. 2020. JAMA
• Paterson KL, Bennell KL, Wrigley TV, et al. “Footwear for self-managing knee osteoarthritis symptoms.” BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2018. BMC