July 06, 2026 · By Smoomees

Can You Put Orthotics in Slippers? What to Know

If you use custom orthotics — the kind prescribed by a podiatrist — you already know how much of a difference they make. They keep your feet aligned, reduce strain on your arches and heels, and help manage the kind of discomfort that can build up over hours of standing and walking.

But here's the frustration: most slippers won't accept them. The insoles are glued in. The footbed is flat. And the moment you try to slide your orthotic in, the slipper either won't fit or becomes so loose that it's useless.

So the question is practical rather than theoretical: can you put orthotics in slippers? And if so, what kind of slippers should you be looking for?

The short answer is yes — but only if the slipper is designed for it. Here's everything you need to know.

Why Most Slippers Don't Work With Orthotics

Walk into any department store and pick up a standard pair of slippers. Turn it over, look inside. What you'll usually find is:

- The insole is glued down and can't be removed without damaging the slipper. - The footbed is completely flat — there's no recessed area where an orthotic could sit. - The upper is loose and sloppy, so even if you could cram an orthotic in, the slipper wouldn't hold your foot securely.

Custom orthotics are specifically shaped to your foot. They have thickness, structure, and a contoured profile. If you try to place one on top of a glued-in insole, your foot sits too high inside the slipper, your heel pops out, and the fit goes from snug to sloppy.

The result is a slipper that's uncomfortable, unstable, and potentially counterproductive — because a poorly fitting slipper can introduce new strain patterns even as your orthotic tries to correct old ones.

What to Look For: Slippers With Removable Insoles

The solution is straightforward: choose slippers that come with removable insoles. These are built differently from standard slippers. Instead of a glued-in footbed, they have a layered design where the insole lifts out freely.

When you remove the standard insole, you're left with a clean, recessed footbed that's ready to accept your own orthotic. The orthotic sits directly against the slipper's midsole, so your foot stays at the right height and the slipper's upper still wraps comfortably around your foot.

Smoomees arch support slippers are designed with exactly this in mind. The insole is fully removable — no glue, no tearing, no fuss. Pop it out, slide your orthotic in, and you're good to go.

How to Test If a Slipper Will Work With Your Orthotics

If you're shopping in person or evaluating a pair you've bought online, here's a simple checklist:

1. Can You Remove the Insole Cleanly?

Reach inside and see if the insole lifts out. If it's glued, leave it — you'll damage the slipper. If it comes out smoothly, you're off to a good start.

2. Is the Footbed Recessed?

When you remove the insole, look at what's underneath. Is there a smooth, recessed channel where the insole sat? Your orthotic needs to sit in that channel without rocking or sliding.

3. Does Your Orthotic Fit the Footbed Shape?

Place your orthotic into the empty footbed. Does it sit flush? Is the width right? Does it extend right to the edges? If your orthotic overhangs or bunches up, the fit won't work.

4. Is the Upper Adjustable or Forgiving?

A rigid upper won't accommodate the extra volume that an orthotic introduces. Look for a slipper with a soft, flexible upper that can mould around your foot even with the orthotic in place. Smoomees' boucle upper does this well — it's soft enough to adapt without losing its shape.

5. Does Your Heel Stay In?

This is the critical test. Put the slipper on with your orthotic inside and walk a few steps. If your heel lifts out, the slipper is either too big or the upper doesn't hold securely enough. If your heel stays in place, you've found a good match.

> Related reading: What Are Orthotic Slippers? A Complete Guide

Why You Might Still Want the Standard Insole

Even if you use custom orthotics, don't throw away the removable insoles that come with your slippers. Here's why:

- Variety. You might want the standard insole for shorter, more relaxed periods and save your orthotics for longer stretches. - Backup. If your orthotics need repair or replacement, you'll still have a supportive footbed to use in the meantime. - Travel. Some people prefer not to travel with their custom orthotics. Having the standard insoles gives you a comfortable option.

The standard Smoomees insole is itself orthotic in design — contoured with arch support and a deep heel cup — so even without your custom orthotics, you're getting meaningful support.

What If You Don't Use Custom Orthotics?

Slippers with removable insoles aren't just for people with prescribed orthotics. They're also useful if:

- You want to add an over-the-counter arch support insert. - You want to replace the footbed after it wears down, extending the life of the slipper. - You want the flexibility to adjust the level of cushioning or support over time.

The removable design gives you options — and that's never a bad thing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will putting orthotics in slippers damage the slipper?

Not if the slipper is designed with a removable insole. Smoomees slippers are built for this — the insole lifts out easily, and the footbed underneath is designed to accept orthotics.

Do I need to size up if I'm using custom orthotics?

Generally, no. The insole you remove is a similar thickness to most orthotics. As long as your orthotics aren't unusually bulky, your standard size should work. If in doubt, consult the size guide.

Can I put orthotics in any slipper if I remove the glued-in insole?

We don't recommend it. Ripping out a glued-in insole damages the slipper and the footbed underneath usually isn't designed to hold an orthotic, resulting in a poor, unstable fit.

Will the slipper still look normal with orthotics inside?

Yes. Because the orthotic replaces the existing insole rather than sitting on top of it, the slipper maintains its normal appearance and fit.

Are removable insoles common in slippers?

They're still relatively uncommon in standard slippers, which is one reason Smoomees stand out. The removable insole is a deliberate design feature, not an afterthought.

Keep Your Support Going Indoors

Your custom orthotics work hard for you when you're out of the house. With the right slippers — ones designed with removable insoles — they can keep working for you at home too.

👉 Shop Smoomees Slippers With Removable Insoles — podiatrist-recommended design, removable orthotic insole included, ready to accept your own orthotics.

Support should not stop at the front door.

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!Hand removing the orthotic insole from a Smoomees slipper to show the empty recessed footbed Alt text: Hand lifting the removable orthotic insole out of

Can You Put Orthotics in Slippers? What to Know