These Pain-Relieving Acupressure Slippers Are Inspired by Ancient Asian Therapies (2024)

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Foot health and wellness is an integral part of our overall well-being. While there are many modern-day approaches to achieving good health — head to toe — the ancient Asian forms of reflexology or acupressure are as relevant today as ever, especially as the public interest in natural therapies grows.

Acupressure and reflexology slippers and sandals incorporate massaging nodules in the footbed designed stimulates thousands of nerve endings in the foot. These therapies have been known to relax muscles and joints and soothe pain and discomfort from sports or other injuries. They’ve also been touted for positively impacting the corresponding organs and tissues of the body, and even helping to minimize headaches and digestive issues.

According to the American Academy of Reflexology, both reflexology and acupressure fall into the category of touch therapies called reflex therapies. However, they each work under different energetic principles and extremely different reflex point locations.

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Acupressure deals with over 14 long thin energy lines called meridians that run most of the length of the body. There are more than 800 pressure points along these lines, of which fewer than 30 are found on the feet and the hands. Only one meridian acupressure point is found on the bottom of the feet, and only one meridian comes close to the ear, in the crease behind the outer ear.

Reflexology, in contrast, has an entire reflex map of the body on the feet, a second complete reflex map of the body on the hands and a third complete reflex map of the body on the outer ear.

Using these practices, there are many slides made of lightweight and durable EVA that do double duty as outdoor looks for running errands or walking the dog. You can also wear them as recovery sandals after a day of sports or as beach sandals since they’re also water-resistant.

These therapeutic footnotes can also be enjoyed by all members of the family since they do not require a doctor’s orders and no prescription is needed. However, some brands warn wearing them for long periods of time at first can cause pain, so wear accordingly.

Here, FN has curated a selection of acupressure and reflexology-based slippers that can boost your overall feeling of well-being.

Adidas Adissage

Athletic powerhouse Adidas does its own take on the massage slipper with its Adissage slide, complete with a TPR footbed featuring massage nubs. It also includes an injected-EVA outsole for lightweight comfort and a branded hook-and-loop bandage upper that allows for easy adjustments.

Autley Foot Massage Slippers

These slides feature short and soft massage buttons and small massage balls to help stimulate the foot. The soft upper is made of knit cloth that’s breathable, while the outsole incorporates three non-slip pads for safety.

JNE Acupressure Massage Slippers

Complete with a chic, summer-ready upper, these gingham-glad slides do reflexology in style. The massaging footbed features taller numbs near the arch area, plus a flower-shaped design at the heel designed to target pressure points there.

Byriver Reflexology Massage Slippers

Designed to soothe foot and heel pain and tension due to arthritis and neuropathy, the slides include replacement massage buttons for longer wear.

V-Shine Massage Bath Slippers

This water-friendly EVA style features a thick sole designed to absorb shock while standing in the shower and walking on hard surfaces poolside. It’s fast-drying, lightweight and odor-resistant.

Cloris Natural Stone Foot Massage Slippers

These therapy massage slippers are designed to wear for 15-minute intervals and may feel uncomfortable upon first wearing. They come with five replacement massage buttons, including genuine jade, to extend the life of the shoes.

Fineleoo Drainage Hole Shower Sandals

These water-resistant slides are designed with drainage holes in the soles to keep water out after showering or at the beach or pool. The soft elastic material is lightweight for added comfort, allowing them to easily transition for casual wear both indoors and outdoors.

Made of durable EVA, these sandals feature a textured upper and soles for style and comfort. They’re also cushioned, with extra padding at the heel and near the ball of the foot for additional support. Meanwhile, a non-slip outsole helps keep you stable.

Revs Acupressure Faux Fur Slippers

These cozy scuffs made of faux leather are vegan-friendly and feature a massaging footbed and shock-absorbing comfort sole any time of year. They’re anatomically shaped to provide enhanced support, grip and posture alignment.

Crocs Women’s Reviva Flip Flop

For some underfoot bounce and support, this classic flip-flop silhouette incorporates bubbles in the footbeds for a soothing massage effect and spa-like feeling. Their lightweight design makes them easy to tote along with you on vacation for wear at a hotel spa.

Supvox Foot Massage Slippers

These novelty motif slides may require a brief break-in period for some. Underneath is a slip-resistant sole for added safety. If you’re in-between sizes, it’s recommended you size up.

Bikiniv Acupressure Foot Massage Slippers

This low wedge style incorporates built-in arch support for added comfort for those with flat feet or fallen arches. They’re set on an EVA sole for long wear.

Reflex Bubbles Flip Flops

A novelty approach to reflexology, this lightweight version with oversized pods is waterproof and durable, making it simple to store in a gym locker for wear around the pool and beach.

Collections Etc. Lightweight Massage Slides

The wide multi-strap design helps keep sandals in place while walking, while the water-friendly material makes it ideal for outdoor and indoor wear.

wmm Massage Slippers

A fun footprint design invites wearers to experience a soothing massage effect of the tiny built-in pods. They’re lightweight and washable for added comfort and foot health.

Deerway Massage Shower Slippers

Made of high-grade EVA, these slippers feature a thick outsole designed to absorb shocks from walking on hard surfaces to help reduce tension in the legs, feet and lower back.