6 Best Footwear For Safe Bed Transfers That Occupational Therapists Recommend

That moment of swinging your legs over the side of the bed to stand up seems simple, but it’s a complex sequence of movements. It involves shifting your entire body weight, pivoting on your feet, and finding stable ground—all before you’ve had your morning coffee. The wrong footwear, or no footwear at all, can turn this routine daily task into a significant fall risk.

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The Role of Footwear in Preventing Bedside Falls

Getting in and out of bed is one of the most common times for a fall to occur at home. The transition from lying down to sitting, and then to standing, creates a moment of potential instability. Your blood pressure can shift, you might feel a bit dizzy, and your balance is momentarily challenged. This is where your connection to the floor—your footwear—becomes a critical piece of safety equipment.

Bare feet or floppy, backless slippers can easily slide on hardwood, tile, or even low-pile carpet. Socks offer warmth but provide almost zero traction, increasing the risk of a slip, especially during the pivot motion required to stand up and turn. Occupational therapists focus on this specific moment because securing your footing here prevents a cascade of potential problems.

The ideal footwear for bed transfers provides a trifecta of benefits: a non-skid sole that grips the floor, a secure fit that encloses the heel to prevent your foot from sliding out, and enough structure to support your foot’s arch and ankle. It’s not just about preventing a slip; it’s about creating a stable base that gives you the confidence to move safely.

Acorn Moc Slippers: All-Day Comfort & Secure Grip

For those who value classic comfort but need reliable performance, the Acorn Moc Slipper is a standout. Think of it as the evolution of a traditional moccasin, upgraded with modern safety features. Its primary advantage is the durable, weatherproof rubber sole with significant tread, which provides excellent traction on virtually any indoor surface.

What makes this a strong choice is the balance it strikes between a cozy slipper and a structured shoe. The memory foam insole cushions the foot, while the raised heel counter cups your heel, preventing it from slipping out as you shift your weight. This enclosed design is a non-negotiable feature for safe transfers, as it ensures the slipper moves with your foot, not against it. It’s the perfect option for someone who wears slippers all day and needs them to perform safely during key transitional moments.

Skechers Go Walk: Lightweight Support for Transfers

Sometimes the best "slipper" isn’t a slipper at all. The Skechers Go Walk line is an excellent example of a lightweight, supportive walking shoe that excels as indoor footwear. Its key benefit for bed transfers is its incredibly light construction, which reduces the effort needed to lift your feet and minimizes the risk of tripping or shuffling.

The design features a highly responsive sole with cushioned pillars that provide both shock absorption and a stable platform to push off from when standing. Many models are slip-on, eliminating the need to bend down and fuss with laces—a significant advantage when you might be feeling stiff or unsteady first thing in the morning. For individuals planning for long-term mobility, investing in a dedicated pair of indoor "real shoes" like these provides a superior level of support that most slippers simply can’t match.

Pembrook Non-Skid Slipper Socks: Hospital-Grade Grip

Not everyone wants to wear a full shoe or slipper around the house, especially in bed. For those who prefer a minimalist feel, non-skid slipper socks offer a targeted solution. These are not your average fuzzy socks; they are specifically designed with hospital-grade silicone or rubber grippers that cover the entire bottom of the foot.

The advantage here is maximum surface area contact and grip. When you pivot your feet on the floor during a transfer, the grippers provide consistent traction from every angle. This makes them an excellent choice for overnight use, as you can safely get up to use the restroom without having to fumble for slippers in the dark. While they lack the ankle and arch support of a shoe, their unparalleled grip and comfort make them a smart, specialized tool for bedside safety.

Silvert’s Extra-Wide Slippers for Swollen Feet

Foot size can fluctuate due to a variety of health conditions, including edema, diabetes, or circulatory issues. Forcing a swollen foot into a standard-sized slipper is not only painful but also dangerous, as it can create pressure points and an unstable fit. Silvert’s specializes in adaptive footwear, and their extra-wide slippers are designed to solve this exact problem.

The defining feature is the large, adjustable hook-and-loop (Velcro) closure system. This allows the slipper to open up almost completely, making it easy to place the foot inside without a struggle. You can then customize the fit to be snug and secure, regardless of the level of swelling on any given day. Paired with a firm, non-slip sole, these slippers ensure that changing foot size doesn’t compromise a safe and stable transfer.

L.L.Bean Wicked Good Moccasins: Indoor/Outdoor Sole

Durability and a steadfast grip are the hallmarks of the L.L.Bean Wicked Good Moccasins. While known for their plush shearling lining, their true safety feature lies in the robust, treaded rubber sole. This is not a flimsy piece of suede; it’s a proper sole designed for traction, making it equally secure on your bedroom floor as it is on a quick trip to the mailbox.

This indoor/outdoor capability is more than a convenience—it speaks to the slipper’s structural integrity. The sole is firm and won’t buckle or fold under pressure when you shift your weight. The full-coverage design and snug fit keep your foot securely in place, preventing internal sliding that can lead to a loss of balance. This is a long-lasting, premium option for someone who wants one piece of footwear that provides uncompromising warmth, comfort, and safety.

Kizik Athens: Hands-Free Design for Easy On/Off

Bending over to put on shoes can be a point of risk. It can cause dizziness for some or be difficult for those with hip or back stiffness. Kizik has engineered a brilliant solution with its hands-free footwear, and the Athens model is a perfect example of function meeting modern style. The shoe incorporates a patented, flexible heel that compresses when you slide your foot in and then springs back into place, securing your foot without you ever needing to reach down.

This technology is a game-changer for independence. It removes a key barrier and potential moment of instability from the daily routine of getting dressed. Beyond the hands-free tech, the Kizik Athens is a well-constructed shoe with a wide, stable base and a grippy rubber sole, providing all the support needed for safe transfers. It’s a prime example of universal design—a feature that’s convenient for everyone and essential for some.

Choosing Your Fit: An OT’s Final Considerations

Selecting the right footwear is a personal decision, but it should be an informed one. As you consider your options, think beyond just comfort and focus on the specific mechanics of movement you need to support. An occupational therapist would guide you to evaluate any potential footwear against a simple checklist.

Before you make a choice, ask yourself these key questions:

• The Sole: Is it made of rubber with a texture or tread designed for grip? A smooth, soft sole is a liability.
• The Heel: Is it an open-back or closed-back design? Always choose a closed back to prevent your foot from sliding out during a pivot.
• The Fit: Does the footwear feel snug and secure, or does your foot slide around inside it? A loose fit is just as dangerous as a slippery sole.
• Ease of Use: Can you get it on and off easily and safely? If it requires significant bending or twisting, consider a slip-on or hands-free design.

Ultimately, the goal is to find a shoe or slipper that becomes a natural extension of your foot. It should provide a stable, reliable connection to the ground, giving you the physical support and mental confidence to move through your home with ease. This small, proactive choice is a powerful investment in your continued independence.

Your home should be a place of comfort and security, and that starts from the ground up. By making a conscious choice about what you put on your feet, especially for critical moments like bed transfers, you are actively designing a safer environment for yourself. The right footwear isn’t a limitation; it’s a tool that empowers you to live more confidently and independently.