- The Arch Supporting Footbed
- Finding the Right Fit
- Material Selection
- Footbed Care
- What to Look for When Buying
Have you ever wondered why your feet often feel cold and uncomfortable at home, even though they are in the softest slippers? Many of us overlook the fact that not only the temperature of our living spaces, but also the type of our slippers, affect our foot health and well-being.
© Fünve, Yang Slides
Cold floors and hard surfaces pose a daily challenge to our feet, especially in the colder season. Let's be honest, since the home office has become established, many of us spend a large part of the day at home. While we focus on comfort, we often forget how important support for our feet is. Slippers with arch support are the ideal solution to this problem.
They provide not only warmth and comfort, but also the necessary support and relief that our feet need. In this article, we explain how the right pair of slippers with arch support can make a difference in everyday life, and what to consider when choosing and buying.
1. The Arch Supporting Footbed
1.1. What is a footbed anyway?
A footbed is, simply put, an insole that mimics the natural shape of the foot. A well-designed arch support is capable of supporting the foot anatomically correctly. There are two main types of footbeds: loose insoles that can be inserted into any shoe, and integrated footbeds that are firmly built into the shoe.Birkenstock, as a pioneer in this area, is known for its integrated footbeds, which feature a deep heel cup, a pronounced arch, and a raised toe barrier, reminiscent of a footprint in the sand. These elements work together to support the natural shape of the foot, distribute the load evenly, and keep the foot in its natural position. We at Fünve liked the basic idea so much that we adopted it, but further improved it. What sets us apart from Birkenstock, you will find out later in the article.
In contrast to footbeds as a fixed part of the shoe or sandal, loose insoles are more flexible and can be used in different shoes but may not offer the same specific, anatomical support as an integrated footbed.
1.2. What makes a good footbed?
A good arch supporting footbed is characterized by several key features that together provide optimal wearing comfort and foot health. First, it is important that the footbed is made of high-quality materials that offer both comfort and durability. The materials should flexibly adapt to the individual foot shape while providing stable support for the arch and heel.
Another crucial feature of a good footbed is sufficient cushioning. This helps to minimize pressure on joints and the spine, which is especially important when standing or walking for longer periods. An effective footbed should also be breathable to wick away moisture and promote a healthy foot climate.
An often overlooked but important aspect is the design of the toe area. Good footbeds, similar to barefoot shoes, allow the toes their natural space and enable free movement. This supports the natural rolling motion of the foot and promotes a healthy foot structure. This design prevents the foot from being forced into an unnatural shape, which in the long run contributes to better foot health.
2. Finding the Right Fit
Finding the right size is crucial for the comfort and support a footbed provides. Here are some tips to ensure you choose the right size for your slippers with footbed.
Measuring foot length: Measure your feet at the end of the day when they tend to be at their largest. Stand on a sheet of paper and trace the outline of your foot. Then measure the length from the heel to the longest toe.
Considering width: Not only the length but also the width of the foot is important. Make sure the footbed provides enough space without squeezing the foot, especially in the toe area.
Paying attention to manufacturer sizes: Different manufacturers often have slightly different size charts. Check the specific size specifications of the manufacturer and compare them with your measurements.
Thinking about socks: When buying slippers, keep in mind that you will probably wear them with socks. In general, the size you usually have should be the right one. In rare cases, if you want to wear particularly thick wool socks in your slippers, a half size larger might not hurt. Always pay attention to the manufacturer's specifications, as the slippers can be bigger or smaller.
With Fünve sandals, it's worth going for the larger number if you're between two sizes.
3. Material Selection
Choosing the right material for the footbed of your slippers is crucial for comfort and support. Here are some materials commonly used for footbeds:
Cork: Cork is a very popular material for footbeds, known for its natural cushioning and stability. It is lightweight, environmentally friendly, and adapts to the shape of the foot over time.
Latex: Latex is soft, elastic, and provides good support. It is also known for its durability and natural antibacterial properties.
Cork-latex blend: The combination of cork and latex offers the best of both worlds. We have chosen a footbed with a higher latex content to obtain a softer cork sole. This allows us to use the benefits of the Birkenstock original idea - natural and ergonomic support of the foot - without having to accept the disadvantages of a hard footbed. The result is a footbed that is both stable and pleasantly soft, ideal for long-lasting comfort.
Memory Foam: This material adapts to the individual foot shape and offers personalized support and excellent cushioning. It is ideal for slippers as it provides a particularly comfortable wearing experience.
Polyurethane (PU): PU foam is another common material for footbeds. It is durable, abrasion-resistant, and provides good cushioning.
4. Footbed Care
Proper care of your slippers is essential to ensure their longevity and comfort. Here are some tips on how to best care for your slippers:
Regular cleaning: Dust and dirt can accumulate on your slippers over time. Clean them regularly with a soft brush or a damp cloth. Avoid washing them in the washing machine, especially if they are made of natural materials.
Proper storage: Store your slippers in a dry and well-ventilated place. Avoid direct sunlight and high temperatures over long periods, as these can damage the material.
Dealing with moisture: If your slippers get wet, let them air dry. But don't worry too much, good quality slippers are not made of sugar and can withstand quite a bit.
5. What to Look for When Buying
When buying slippers with arch support, there are several important aspects to consider to ensure you select the best product for your needs:
Fit and comfort: As already discussed, the right fit is crucial. Make sure the slippers are neither too tight nor too loose and that the footbed provides good support for your feet.
Material quality: Check the quality of the materials used. High-quality materials. In addition to the already mentioned cork-latex footbed, we use exclusively high-quality, vegan materials that are environmentally friendly and feel particularly good.
Design and style: Choose a design that is both aesthetically appealing and functional. The important thing is that you like them! We naturally love our designs, and I'm wearing my Strawberrys as slippers right now while writing this article.
Breathability and hygiene: Pay attention to features such as breathability, especially if you tend to spend a long time in your slippers. With our open ones, this is fortunately not a problem. But if you prefer closed hut shoes made of felt or similar, here are a few tips on how to avoid odor formation.
Sustainability: Consider whether the manufacturer follows sustainable practices. Slippers made from environmentally friendly materials and under fair working conditions are a good choice.
That brings us to the end of the article! If you liked the article, feel free to leave us a comment. If you're interested in taking a closer look at our footbed slippers, here's where to find all models.
See you soon,
Philipp from Fünve