If you are about to have hip replacement surgery or a hip resurfacing you are probably getting prepared for your hospital visit and post-surgery recovery. One of the most important things you need to consider about undergoing your surgery is what are you going to wear on your feet. This is why I have created a guide to the best slippers after hip replacement surgery.
I have some expertise in this area because not only am I a shoe blogger but I have also had hip resurfacing surgery myself. The information given to me about post-op footwear wasn’t really that great at the time so here is what I wish I had known before the surgery.
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These are my top three picks for the best slippers after hip replacement surgery.
These Vionic Women’s Cedar Lynez Slip-On Slippers have arch support, 3-zone comfort, and a rubber sole making them comfortable and safe to wear after a hip operation.
Propét Men’s Edsel Slippers are lightweight, have a wide toe box, comfortable EVA cushioning, and a rubber outsole.
Skechers Women’s Go Walk Lounge-Restore Slippers have a rubber sole, are supportive and have an air-cooled insole.
Can You Wear Slippers After Hip Replacement?
If you are about to undergo hip replacement surgery or need a resurfacing op then you are going to be spending some time in a hospital. That could be anywhere from three to five days on average for this type of operation.
Immediately after the surgery, you are probably going to spend the first day in bed as you recover from the anesthetic but don’t be shocked when on day two a physio turns up and starts to get you out of bed and moving around. I was expected to walk around the corridors, to and from the bathroom and up and down stairs to prepare me for life at home.
Clearly, you aren’t going to be walking around in your bare feet so the hospital will expect you to have brought some slippers to wear whilst for the exercises and post-op recovery physio and rehabilitation.
As you won’t be able to bend down properly, especially for the first six weeks you need slippers which are slip-ons that have good traction and that have backs so your feet can’t fall out of them.
Safety and proper support are key when you have undergone hip replacement surgery as the last thing you need is an accident hampering your recovery.
What Should I Wear at Home After Hip Surgery?
When you arrive home after hip replacement surgery you are also going to be spending a considerable time around the house whilst you are in recovery.
I would do a short walk outside once a day but the rest of the time the most I would move would be from one room in my house to another.
Slippers were essential whilst I was in this recovery period for around six weeks especially as the ground floor of my house had wooden floors rather than carpets.
It is common sense to note that you shouldn’t just wear socks in this situation in case you slip on the floors so my slippers were something I work for most of the day.
I only changed into walking shoes for short periods whilst I built up the strength in my legs on my short jaunts with my crutches down the road and back.
So bearing this in mind what are the best slippers after hip replacement surgery for you to wear both in the hospital and at home during this recovery time?
Key Essentials For Your Hip Replacement Slippers
Having experienced a hip operation I believe there are certain key features that you are going to need when you choose slippers for your recovery. Here are my top tips that will hopefully make your hip replacement journey a little easier and help with hip pain relief.
Slippers With Backs
If you normally wear slippers like backless mules where you slide your feet into them then you are going to need a new pair of slippers before your surgery. Slip-on shoes and slippers without backs are not safe to use after your surgery as your feet can slip in and out of them.
You need to remember that your leg and thigh muscles aren’t going to have the strength and power that they used to have whilst you are recovering. This means slip-on shoes and slippers that don’t have backs aren’t so easy to wear in the first few months after your surgery.
So buy some slippers that have backs on them to make walking easier. These Mens Zigzagger slippers are a great example of the type of footwear that you need to be looking for.
No Zips, Velcro Or Shoe Laces
There are so many different types of slippers out there from ones with elastic around them to slippers with zips or velcro. Whilst they might look great they are not going to be practical for you to wear post-surgery.
Generally, when you have hip surgery like a replacement or resurfacing you are not allowed to move your hip more than 90 degrees until your body has healed sufficiently otherwise you could end up dislocating your hip.
This means that you won’t be able to bend down to adjust velcro straps or do up zips. This means that you need a pair of slip-ons that you can just slide your feet into the first time without bending.
There are long-handled shoe horns that can help but try and make it as easy as you can for yourself by buying something that doesn’t need any specialist equipment to put on.
Slippers That Fit Securely
I’ve already mentioned that you need slippers with backs to them but you also need to find ones that are secure on your feet whilst you walk.
You want to make sure there isn’t too much heel slip when you are wearing walking shoes or slippers as that can also be dangerous and make walking difficult.
If you want to know how much heel slip is normal you can read my article on the topic so that you find the best shoes and slippers to suit your needs.
Slippers With Good Traction For Safety
Hip replacement surgery certainly made me much more aware of my footwear and my ability to walk safely in certain shoes and slippers.
Whereas previously I hadn’t given too much thought about what the bottoms of my shoes were made of now I pay a lot of attention to making sure any shoes I buy have a rubber sole.
Having a rubber sole on your slippers means that are significantly less likely to slip or twist your foot when walking than with footwear with slipper bottoms. These MyPillow Slippers are a great example of footwear you can wear that can help with traction.
My walking shoes all have rubber soles without exception and most have additional traction to keep me safe when I am walking in all weathers.
My slippers that I wear at home also have rubber soles because a significant portion of my house has wood floors and the bathrooms are tiled. A slipper with a rubber sole is much less likely to cause you any problems because it has great traction which is really important during your hip recovery.
Also, a rubber outsole can be useful if you want slippers that also enable you to wear them for short bursts outside. Many people now have shoes with a rubber outsole because they can walk to the mailbox or into the garden without changing their footwear. This might be useful for you if you when you are spending lots more time around the house during your recovery.
Slippers With a Wider Toe-Box
The best slippers after hip replacement surgery tend to have a wide toe box rather than one that is narrow.
This doesn’t just make it easier for you to put them on but it also helps if your feet are slightly swollen, especially after the initial surgery.
Remember that you will also probably need to wear compression stockings for a few weeks after your surgery so you will need something that is reasonably roomy for comfort.
Think about buying slippers that give you enough room but are still a secure fit.
Footwear With Cushioning
I like to make things as easy and as comfortable as possible for myself so I would also choose slippers with superior cushioning to wear after your surgery.
Hip replacement surgery and resurfacing operations cause you discomfort especially in the initial few weeks after your operation. This means that the last thing you need are new shoes or slippers that aren’t comfortable.
Slippers with superior cushioning don’t just help with comfort they also give adequate shock absorption as well meaning that your weakened thigh muscles don’t have to work too hard and are protected whilst you are learning how to walk properly again.
These KUBUA unisex Slippers have great cushioning and are suitable for indoors and out. They come in a range of colors and are easy to slip on and off. Plus they have a moisture-wicking lining and an anti-slip sole with plenty of tread. Reviewers love them because they last for ages as well which is another huge bonus.
Supportive Slippers
As well as needing slippers that are a secure fit think about ones that have adequate support as well.
Slippers with proper arch support keep your feet in the correct alignment meaning your feet are more stable whilst you are walking.
Arch support can prevent your feet from twisting to one side and putting strain on your new hip which is going to help you to recover much faster.
Flat Heels
My next tip should be obvious but in case it isn’t don’t even think about wearing slippers or shoes with any sort of significant heel height.
You need to buy footwear with a flat heel whilst your weakened thigh muscles recover after the surgery.
Wearing flat shoes with good heel support is going to make it easier for you to walk and won’t cause your feet and legs to be contorted into any strange positions.
Lightweight Slippers
Lightweight shoes and slippers are important especially in the first few months after your surgery because you want something on your feet that is easy to move around in.
Wearing clumpy heavyweight footwear is going to be hard work and really difficult after hip replacement surgery. This is why it makes sense for your shoes and slippers to be light and easy to wear.
Slippers Made From Breathable Materials
If you have sweaty feet or are going to be having your surgery in summer then you probably need to think about buying some slippers that are made from breathable materials.
Whilst you may have worn open-toed slides or flip-flops around the house before this won’t work after your hip surgery so you need something on your feet that will keep them cool and dry.
Slippers with a breathable mesh upper or that are made from materials that allow moisture to escape can stop your feet from getting hot and sweaty when you are wearing them all day.
These EZ Feet Shearling Breathable Slip-On Suede Moccasins are a great example of a slipper that won’t allow moisture to build up inside your footwear.
Wear Your Slippers in Before Your Surgery
Finally whatever you do don’t buy new shoes or slippers to put on straight after your surgery.
Most shoes and slippers need some wearing in before they are truly comfortable. This is why it makes sense to buy your hip replacement surgery shoes and slippers a couple of months before you have the operation.
This will give you a chance to slowly wear them in so that by the time you have the op they will have molded to your feet and feel comfortable.
Can You Wear Crocs After Hip Replacement
Whatever people may tell you Crocs are not suitable to wear in the immediate recovery period after your hip replacement surgery. This is because they do not have many of the key attributes that orthopedic shoes and slippers have.
They aren’t particularly supportive, they don’t have good arch and heel support and the cushioning is not significant enough to provide adequate shock absorption. Plus your feet can slip in and out of them too easily making it easier for you to have an accident in them.
I would recommend that you don’t think about wearing Crocs until at least six months after your surgery if not a little longer. This gives your hip time to heal before you think about putting less supportive footwear on your feet.
Orthopedic Slippers Are Always a Good Bet
Orthopedic slippers and shoes don’t sound particularly glamorous but the fact is when you are looking for the best slippers after hip replacement surgery you need something functional and comfortable, not high fashion.
There are however brands out there that make really nice-looking slippers that have proper support and have all the features you need post-surgery. Hopefully, my examples of some of the footwear you can buy will help you to find something that both looks good but is also practical on your recovery journey.
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