I never shower in public without wearing shower shoes.
Many people use them as a way to keep their feet safe and clean1 when they’re in a public area with plenty of water.
So, why not use them at home in the shower as well?
Then that got me thinking. They are also a great tool for making showers safer for seniors and the elderly!
So, I researched the issue and found the best non-slip shower shoes for the elderly. And… here they are!
Video Guide: Non-Slip Shower Shoes for the Elderly
Reviews of My Top Shower Shoe Top Picks
Here are my favorite shower/water shoes for seniors and the elderly for use at home, the beach, or the gym!
Native Shoes Miles Unisex Athletic Shoes
Native Shoes Miles (Dublin Grey/Shell White) Athletic Shoes
My top pick is these smart-looking sneakers from Native. They have everything I look for in a shower shoe: lightweight, secure fit, non-slip sole, and drains and dries quickly too.
Plus, for people who tend to buy plastic items over environmental concerns, Native will take these shoes back (prepaid) when you have worn them out and convert them into playground materials!
The slip-on shoe is comfortable to wear with moderate arch support. You can easily go straight from the walking track to the shower to the car without removing these shoes once. EVA upper and dual-density EVA footbed adds to the comfort.
They offer five color combinations and a wide array of sizes to choose from.
Secure Slip-Resistant Shower Shoes for Fall Prevention
Secure Slip Resistant Shower Shoes w/ Non Skid Heavy Duty Grooved Soles for Fall Prevention /...
I think these are the ideal shower shoes for older folks who need a safe shower shoe for home use. But, they are definitely a “function over style” choice.
The upper is a lightweight nylon mesh with lots of drainage holes for quick drying. They also fit securely because of the elastic band around the top opening. The grooved sole has been tested for its slip resistance and is soft and flexible.
There aren’t perfect, though. White is the only color choice, and they may not fit people with extra small or large feet because of limited sizing.
Crocs Classic Clogs with Heel Strap
Crocs Men's and Women's Classic Clog
I’ve had some requests to add a clog-style shower shoe, and you can’t really go wrong with Crocs!
Generally, I don’t like this style because they aren’t secure on the heel. This means they could fall off more easily or move while being walked on. This increases the chance of a fall.
So, can you use Crocs as shower shoes? Yes, because Crocs addresses these concerns with the convertible heel strap. If you need extra security, just flip it to the back for more support around the heel.
It also has a small lip on the back of the shoe that will help somewhat. Avoid this shoe, though, if you or your loved one has balance problems, leg weakness, or medical problems that increase your fall risk.
Make sure the style of Croc shoe you choose has holes near the footbed for adequate drainage.
Here is another great choice for senior women who need athletic-looking water or shower shoes for the gym or home.
The open mesh has lots of drainage holes and includes a special liner that helps the insole dry quicker. This also makes it softer and more comfortable too!
Plus, it has all my other recommended features too!
There are even 29 different styles to choose from! So, you are sure to find a style you’ll like.
These traditional water shoes are a great choice for active senior men.
They check off every box on my recommended feature list, as you can see. There are also six different color choices too!
Some seniors may find the PVC upper a little irritating and uncomfortable. Especially those with swollen feet. The upper is soft and flexible but not stretchy enough to accommodate feet swelling
This is another “water sock” style that I like much better than the VIFUUR model. Especially for active seniors.
It has lots of style options too. But, if you are concerned about quick-dry fabrics, choose one of the mesh styles.
The mesh styles also have more stretch to them, so they will be easier to put on and take off. They will also give a little more for swelling too.
The traditional water sock type of water shoe is also another great choice for more active seniors.
They meet most of my suggestions, but they may not work well for some seniors. They are designed to fit very tightly. So, taking them on and off is more difficult than some of the others. People with swollen feet should avoid them too.
The manufacturer states they are quick drying, but most style choices (over 40!) are fabric. These fabric uppers are solid without drain holes.
For senior women who want safety and style, look at these athletic shower shoes. From a distance, they look like regular sneakers. But they meet every one of my suggestions.
You could easily wear these shoes to and from the gym and while working out and walk them right into the shower. No need to be self-conscious about them either.
There are 15 styles and color designs, and all of them have a quick-drying mesh with drainage holes
Kenswalk Men's Lightweight Aqua Water Shoes
For senior men who want a shoe that looks good but improves their safety, take a look at these.
They check off every box on my recommended features list. But, they look like athletic shoes, especially from a distance.
This is a shower shoe you can use inside and outside of the shower. You could easily wear it in and out of the gym or pool without feeling self-conscious.
I recommend these for more active seniors without mobility problems or balance issues.
How Shower Shoes Improve Shower Safety For Seniors
I know, wearing shoes in the shower might seem like a crazy idea. Of course, I thought it was odd at first, too.
That’s until I realized that these shoes serve several uses. Not only for myself but especially for seniors.
One of the biggest risks that we all face in the shower is slipping and hurting ourselves. This risk is far more severe for seniors who could be seriously hurt if they fell.
In public places, they help protect against bacteria and germs that are spread in the water. This is also important for seniors who may have a weakened immune system. They can make a big difference at home or at the pool.
These helpful pieces of footwear are now one of my top shower safety tips for the elderly.
You might not be sure what to look for if this is your first time shopping for them. I know was clueless my first time. I’ve gained a lot of experience since then and can share what I’ve learned.
Features of the Best Shower Shoes for the Elderly
Here are some important features to look for when shopping around.
1. Lightweight Materials For Easy Wearing
When shopping for an elderly wearer, look for lightweight materials. You don’t want a heavy, clunky shower show that may drag if the senior has any weakness in their legs or feet.
The ideal materials for the uppers are nylon mesh, PVC (plastic), and EVA. EVA is that rubbery resin that most high-end tennis shoes use for their soles.
2. Non-Slip Bottoms to Reduce Slips and Falls
The biggest danger, though, is slipping and breaking a bone. The best shoes are designed with patterns on the bottom that create traction with the ground.
Combine that with the right materials, and you’ve got yourself a slip-resistant shoe even in wet conditions. Look for non-slip materials like rubber and EVA. These both add some grippiness to the sole but are also flexible.
Flexibility is important for reducing the chance of a fall because it makes the wearer less likely to trip and fall.
3. Tight (But Not Overly Tight) Fit With Secure Heel
Finding the perfect fit can be difficult but not impossible.
You want a shoe that has a snug fit but isn’t tight enough to cut off blood flow. It should also feel secure around the heel. This means avoiding certain types that are open in the back.
4. Quick Drying With Lots of Drainage Holes
The last thing you want is water to pool inside the shoe.
A good shower shoe has many holes in strategic locations. The point of these holes is simple. It lets the water drain out of the shoe.
For example, I’ve seen some low-quality brands out there that don’t have enough holes and fill with water. This creates a very unpleasant experience in the shower.
Avoid These Styles of Shower Shoes
Now that you know which features are the most important let’s look at the features you want to avoid.
1. Fancy Fabrics And Foam Materials
I enjoy the feel of a comfortable fabric as much as the next guy, but they are no good when it comes to shower shoes.
Comfort isn’t exactly a top priority when shopping. That’s not to say they are very uncomfortable. Just the best brands are made from nylons, plastics, and rubbers. That’s because these materials won’t absorb water and must be dried.
2. Expensive Shoes With Fancy Designs
Style is less important than safety for seniors. Remember that safety is your main concern.
Affordable shoes with the features above will improve your safety and comfort in the shower. A basic design is more than enough to keep you safe at the pool as well.
Don’t waste extra money on fancy designs. They don’t tend to last long in the water and end up feeling like an expensive loss.
3. Loose Styles Like Sandals or Flip-flops
Sandals and flip-flops are very common shower shoe options. But they aren’t good options for older people.
You should avoid these types of shoes because they don’t provide the firm fit you need to stay stable in the shower. Leave the sandals to the younger generation.
Why risk falling in the shower so you can wiggle your toes? Instead, find shoes that fit firmly and support the heel.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Use Beach Shoes For The Shower?
Beach shoes and shower shoes are often the same thing. There’s no clear definition for any category. Because some people call a regular sandal a type of shower shoe or beach shoe. But others only consider closed shoes to be shower shoes. It doesn’t matter what the store uses to label the shoe. As long as it is slip-resistant, designed to wear on land and in water, and fits snugly, then it should work.
What’s the Best Way To Keep Your Shower Shoes Clean And Free Of Mildew?
A shower shoe should stay free of mildew as long as it’s made from the right material. If it has foam or fabric in the design, then it will need to be dried to avoid mildew. This is why only plastic or rubber is a good idea. They are more durable, naturally slip-resistant, and won’t become a breeding ground for mold.
How Do I Put On Shower Shoes Safely and Take Them Off?
I’m embarrassed to say that I’ve nearly fallen trying to put on my shower shoes. If I could go back and give myself advice it would be to sit down. Always take a seat when putting them on or off. It might seem inconvenient at the time, but it can save you from serious back pain or a loss of balance. The good news is that you should have a seat near your shower, and you can leave the shoes in the bathroom.
Summary and Final Recommendations
Shower shoes like these can be an important part of a shower safety plan for seniors. Non-slip bath mats are also helpful in reducing falls. In addition to footwear, also consider using a shower chair, shower transfer benches, and handheld shower heads.
When you are choosing a shower shoe, look for shoes that aren’t likely to fall off while walking and are slip resistant on wet surfaces, quick drying, and lightweight.
If you have any questions or your own suggestions, please leave them in the comments below. If you found this information helpful, please share with your friends on social media! Happy shopping!
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