VionicWomen's Adult Relax

Made a great gift, my mother loves Vionic shoes and these slippers were just as nice as their shoes!

I began wearing Vionic slippers about 10 years ago after I had been suffering from pretty severe plantar fasciitis. One of the "golden rules" if you have this condition is to never walk around the house barefooted. It was also extremely painful to take that "first step" out of bed every morning onto my relaxed feet. I cannot emphasize enough how much Vionic slippers helped during that time. Stepping into these instead of the bare floor provided immediate relief. And my feet continued to remain pain-free as long as I wore these slippers.Before purchasing these slippers, there are a few important things to be aware of. First, these should be considered orthotic slippers. Orthotics are designed to provide SUPPORT, not soft, cushiony comfort. So if you've never tried orthotic footwear before, they may feel firmer then what you might expect. Having said that, the firm support DOES provide comfort in the sense that they alleviate arch pain. Memory foams and other "squishy" materials are not as effective and lack support.Also, in my experience Vionic slippers tend to run VERY large. At least two full sizes larger. This was true 10 years ago and it's still true today. Depending on the shoe brand, I am typically a size 11.5 or 12. But for Vionic slippers I am a size 10. So my advice before ordering is to get a pair that is 2 sizes smaller than your regular shoe size.I know some people wash their Vionic slippers, but it's definitely NOT recommended. They're intended to be spot-cleaned only as machine washing or soaking can potentially damage them. And these are not cheap slippers. Over the years I have learned that the best way to preserve these slippers is to always wear them with socks. Even if your feet are clean, sweat and moisture will eventually compromise the top layer. I have found that the best way to clean them is with a delicate laundry-safe cleaning foam or a tiny amount of clear, gentle laundry detergent mixed with warm water and pat it on the fabric. Then I use a shoe cleaning brush to GENTLY scrub out any dirt or residue. Then I use a damp paper towel to soak up the detergent and finish by using a dry paper towel to absorb as much moisture as possible. You can also use a dry shoe cleaning brush to gently fluff the fibers should they flatten during the cleaning process.

I've lost track of how many pairs of Vionic slippers I've purchased over the years. I wear them every day -- the closed toe version in the winter, and this open toe design in the spring and summer. The width is adjustable and the arch support hits me just right. Up till now I've purchased the tan colored ones but this time I chose the one that's a wine red (see photo; I don't know why it says tan in the verified purchase line). Very pretty color.I almost knocked a star or two off the review because the pair I received today quite obviously went to someone else before I got them. There was an imprint of a bare foot on both of them and it was enough to indicate it was more than just tried on. They were worn (I don't mean worn out, just worn), but on clean floors. My first thought was to exchange them, but then I thought about the inconvenience of doing so (I don't have a car). I changed my mind. I never wear the slippers in my bare feet; I always wear socks, so I figured I wouldn't be stepping directly into the other person's imprint. I've been wearing them all day and they're absolutely perfect.If you're looking for side support, keep looking. There's none. Just arch support.UPDATE:The red slippers wore out so I ordered another pair -- this time in gray. They're perfect and there's no sign someone wore them before I did. These slippers are very good for arches and comfy. I have worn out every pair I've purchased over the years but it's not the arch support that goes or the soles. It's the fabric which shows signs of wear in about a year or so. Maybe I'm just rough on them.

The reason for my purchase: This is probably the 6th or 8th Vionic pair that I have bought. Maybe more. The plantar fasciitis which actually improved after a while. I am not saying that these "cured" the plantar problem but that using them everyday aided. Obviously PT, braces and the right footwear.Durability: The material which seems to be similar to Terry Cloth gives it a life of about 2 years IF you want. That is the extreme. I washed them by hand with a brush (which sometimes is not a good idea because the material breaks when old). I also tried washing them in the machine. Then air them out. No dryer.Note that the constant friction of the foot with or without socks will leave a mark. To me this is normal wear and tear. The sandal starts looking frumpy but anything these days would after 2 years. Also consider the fact that you will be moving the strap around. I do and it really depends on the thickness of socks during the cold months. Hot months feels a little sweaty but I got used to it. I don't tend to have sweaty feet anyway. So it helps. If you do have a different type of sandal just for the summer.Looks: I did not buy these for the look but for the health of my foot. The look like a common house slipper to me, not a that we are going to a party (before covid that is) with it.Arch Support: Every time I purchase a new pair my feet feel amazing. Over time and probably without realizing it, the support weakens. I would say that around the 1 year mark the support starts to give in. But if you are like me that like to squeeze the life out of the shoe then go longer.Not sure what else to say about this except the fact that I keep buying them. They work for me. I will not go into details of my foot pain or how bad it was. It was. I hope my notes help in making the decision. Remember every foot is different. Good luck.

These are my 2nd pair. I love them! First pair I literally wore out after 2+ years. Dirty? No problem... I threw them in washer. You will love these for the comfort and support.