That moment when your foot slides a little on a wet shower floor is one you don’t forget. The best non-slip shower shoes for the elderly give you better grip and keep your feet clean, and they are one more way of making showers safer for seniors and the elderly.
Below you’ll find my top picks with the downsides of each, the features worth looking for, the styles to avoid, and answers about beach shoes, mildew, and putting shoes on safely.
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!
Adidas Adilette Shower Slide
My top pick is the adidas Adilette Shower, a slide-in sandal that you step into with no laces or straps to fasten.
It has Cloudfoam cushioning and a contoured footbed, so your foot gets some support while you stand. It is also made to dry quickly, which matters for a shoe that lives in a wet bathroom.
It is sold as a unisex adult shoe, and this one comes in black with white trim.
One trade-off: a slide has no strap around the heel. If you need a shoe that holds your foot firmly in place, or you tend to shuffle, a closed shoe with a secure fit may suit you better.
Secure Safety Slip Resistant Shower Shoes
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 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.
SEEKWAY Quick-Dry Water Shoes
This one is a different style: a slip-on water shoe that works like a sock with a sole. It is made for the beach and the pool, but the same features suit a wet shower floor.
The sole is thick rubber with 3D non-slip treads for grip on slick surfaces. There is also a toe cap, so a stubbed toe or a dropped bottle of shampoo does less damage.
The upper is stretchy and fits snug, and you slip it on and off without laces or straps. That is a real help if bending or fiddling with fasteners is a chore.
Water drains out through tiny air holes in the fabric and through holes in the sole and insole, so the shoes dry quickly.
One thing to know: a stretchy, snug fit gives you no adjustment. If you have swollen feet, or wear a brace or thick bandage, a shoe with a strap you can loosen may suit you better.
It is also built with outdoor water sports in mind, so it looks more like a sporty sock shoe than a bathroom slipper. Some people like that, and some do not.
Clapzovr Water Shoes
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
IceUnicorn Non-Slip Water Shoes
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.
VIFUUR Quick-Dry Water Shoes
The water sock style of shoe is a good pick for more active older adults. The VIFUUR Water Sports Shoes are a slip-on version that works like a sock with a rubber sole.
The upper is a smooth, breathable fabric with a little stretch, so it moves with your foot. The neck is smooth too, which helps keep it from chafing. The rubber outsole helps protect your feet from sharp objects on the floor or ground.
They are also made for a lot more than the shower: pool, beach, boating, gardening and even driving. Sizes come for men and women, so you can find one that fits.
Here is the catch. Shoes like these are meant to fit snug, like a sock, so putting them on and taking them off takes more effort than with a looser clog or sandal. If your feet swell, or if you have trouble with grip or balance while dressing, a roomier shoe is a better choice.
The fabric upper is also solid, so water stays in the shoe until it dries. Check that you are comfortable with that before you buy.
DLGJPA Quick-Drying Water Shoes
If you want a shower shoe that doesn’t look like one, the DLGJPA Women’s Quick Drying Water Shoes are worth a look. They are a sport-style shoe with a full covering design, so the toes are protected.
The sole is anti-slip rubber, which is the first thing to look for on a wet shower floor. The sole also has holes, and the upper is open mesh, so water drains out and the shoe dries quickly.
There are no laces to tie. Elastic straps let you adjust the fit to the width of your foot. A pull tab at the heel makes them easy to slip on, which helps when your feet are damp.
The trade-off is that a slip-on shoe with elastic straps holds your foot less firmly than a shoe with a strap that fastens. If you need a lot of ankle support, or your feet are swollen and change size from day to day, try them with care. They are also made for water, so they are not a replacement for your everyday walking shoes.
Barefoot Quick-Dry Water Shoes
If you want a shower shoe that looks more like an everyday water shoe than a medical product, this one is worth a look.
The sole is anti-slip rubber with a pattern meant to grip wet surfaces, like a pool deck. It also has holes in the bottom so water drains out instead of pooling under your foot.
The upper is stretchy mesh that fits snugly, a bit like a sock. The mesh is breathable and dries quickly, which matters in a shower shoe that gets wet every day. The details describe it as ultra lightweight, flexible and compressible, so it packs easily for travel.
You can wear it in the shower, at the pool, or out for a walk, without it announcing itself as a safety shoe.
The trade-off is support. A soft, stretchy shoe like this is built for comfort and drainage, not for steadying you. If you have balance problems or need firm ankle support, look at a sturdier option. I’d point this one toward active adults who want a better grip and quick drying.
Vive Health Shower Chair
If standing for a whole shower worries you, a shower chair is worth considering alongside good shower shoes. This one from Vive Health lets you sit while you wash, which helps if you have balance issues, limited mobility, or trouble standing for long.
The seat is wide, lightly textured, and has multiple drainage holes so water does not pool under you. The legs have nonslip caps for added stability, and the seat height adjusts to fit you. The frame is corrosion-resistant and supports up to 300 pounds. It also comes with a lifetime guarantee.
The trade-off is that a chair takes up room in the tub or shower. The seat measures 15.75 inches by 13 inches, and the base is 17.75 inches wide, so measure your space first. It also will not help much if you can’t get in and out of the tub safely, so think about how you will step in before you buy.
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. Here is what matters.
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, some low-quality brands 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.
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?
Always sit down when you put shower shoes on or take them off. It might seem inconvenient at the time, but standing on one foot is how a lot of slips happen, and sitting can save you from a loss of balance or a strained back. 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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Thanks for the wide array of advice. If I buy it will be through your site. Maybe put some stuff in the beginning about how bad a hip fracture can be.