New Report: Slippers Cause More Serious Injuries Than Flip-Flops and High Heels

Flip-flops and high heels might seem like the obvious culprits when it comes to footwear-related injuries, but a new analysis suggests Americans should be paying closer attention to what’s on their feet at home.

According to a new report, slippers rank as the most dangerous type of footwear when it comes to the severity of injuries sending people to the emergency room. The October 2026 analysis examined data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) from 2021 through 2025.

The findings revealed that slippers were associated with an estimated 20,750 emergency room visits annually, nearly as many as boots, which accounted for approximately 20,840 visits each year.

While the data alone suggests an alarming trend, the severity of those injuries is what makes slippers particularly concerning. According to the analysis, 23.3% of slipper-related emergency room visits resulted in hospitalization, while 32.3% involved fractures. In comparison, 7.9% of boot-related visits resulted in hospitalization and 11.8% involved fractures.

Slippers also ranked ahead of other popular footwear when it came to serious injuries, defined in the report as emergency room visits involving a fracture or resulting in a hospital stay.

Flip-flops came in second, with an estimated 16,083 emergency room visits annually. Sandals followed closely behind at 15,961, while high heels accounted for 10,290 visits. Sneakers and athletic shoes had the fewest visits among the footwear categories examined, at approximately 8,630 per year.

The findings don’t mean you need to give up your favorite cozy slippers, but they are a reminder that footwear choices matter, even inside your home.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends avoiding shoes without backs, opting for nonslip footwear and choosing shoes that fit properly. The agency also cautions against walking around in socks, particularly for older adults, who face a greater risk of serious injuries from falls.

“Falls are the leading cause of injury for older adults (ages 65 and older) and can have serious consequences, like limited mobility and loss of independence,” the agency states. “Routine care for feet and proper supportive footwear can reduce your risk of falls.”

This story was originally published by Parade on Nov 2, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.