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Fuzzy bunny slippers are exactly what a person wants to slip into at the end of a cold day. But for winter weekends that involve more than shuffling between the couch and the tea kettle, you might want a little extra support. Standing in one position for more than an hour on hard surfaces tires our feet and lower leg muscles, says Phillip Vasyli, a podiatrist and founder of the footwear company Orthaheel USA, and repeatedly walking up and down stairs while barefoot can put strain on our knees.

We're not saying you should wear your sneakers inside. In fact, we're definitely not saying that--outdoor shoes bring dirt and germs into your home, and are better left at the door. But people who usually wear supportive shoes outside will often walk for hours around their home in shoes they wouldn't consider sturdy enough to take them across the street. (I was one of them. I didn't realize my cheapie slip-ons were making my foot injuries worse until they caved in, causing me to walk on the insides of my feet.)

Take a look at your own indoor shoes: Are there scuff marks under your toes? Can you see a deep indentation created by the pressure of your feet? Do the soles slope inward or outward? These are signs that your slippers might be letting you down, says Vasyli. Extreme sloping can be a significant problem, because it means that worn-down shoes are overworking your foot and lower leg muscles, putting you at risk for injuries. In general, Vasyli says that if you feel foot pain while walking around your home, or sore feet when you get out of bed in the morning, or if your lower legs ache all day in your current slippers, you should consider a pair of indoor shoes with firm soles and arch support. You don't have to give your favorite slippers the boot: just save them for lazy days. When you need to get stuff done, here are some slippers that step up:



Orthaheel Verona Mule Slippers: The built-in orthotic insole with aggressive arch and deep heel cup will support you through an entire weekend of pre-spring cleaning, and the felted wool will keep you warm when you take a break to chat with neighbors on the porch.

Haflinger Boiled Wool Soft Sole Slippers: These whimsical slip-ons have a natural, latex-molded arch support and a breathable-wool insole to wick away moisture and keep your own piggies dry and comfortable.

Sorel Nakiska Slides: The acrylic and wool lining make these as cozy as your old shearling flats, but they also have a removable EVA insole that provides arch support, and a rubber sole that keeps them from sliding as you're running to get the clothes out of the dryer.