A bit of history
The tradition of wearing special soft and light shoes in homes and indoors has a long history.
The emergence of the custom of wearing special shoes in homes and indoors in European countries is usually associated with the state of streets in cities where there was initially no sewage, and slop and other sewage often poured out just under the feet of passers-by. Over the centuries, the appearance of cities and the living conditions of people have changed. And in the twentieth century, many Europeans believed that their guests should not leave street shoes at the doorstep. However, in the present century, the opposite trend has appeared in Europe and the USA - and in the place with it there is also a fashion for door mats and signs that contain a request to remove street shoes or change shoes.
In our country, the need to wear slippers in the living room has always been associated mainly with the climate and weather. Other natural conditions explain the fact that the custom to change or remove shoes at the entrance to the home is not accepted by all Americans, despite the propaganda of such a need by doctors.
The custom to change at the entrance to the home is not accepted by all Americans.
In Japan, the procedure of changing shoes has always been obligatory and has not only hygienic meaning, but also symbolic meaning: it reflects a change in a person’s internal mood in the home environment, and also serves to express the respectful attitude of guests to the owners of the house.
Benefits
Home slippers can definitely be called a useful invention.A modern person should be afraid not only of these troubles, but also understand that along with street shoes you can bring harmful chemicals into the house, which can be, for example, on roads, especially near highways.
Changing shoes protects our homes from dirt, dust and various germs.
In the cold season, warm slippers on your feet will protect against colds and create a feeling of comfort and coziness. Slippers are shoes in which you can relax from high-heeled shoes or other model shoes and feel truly at home.
Fashion models
At the moment, the selection of home shoes is very wide and represented by such varieties:
Slippers
This is a classic model of slippers - home shoes without backdrops. They are closed or with a hole for the fingers. Depending on the material, they can be either a summer option or an insulated winter one. This is one of the most comfortable models of slippers that is easy to take off and put on.
Sandals
There are wedges or small heels, can be decorated with fur, bird feathers or other decorative elements. A great option for the summer, which allows you to look elegant even at home.
Animal slippers
Made almost like real soft toys, they were originally created as children's shoes, but were loved by many adults and became a kind of home fashion. Slippers in the form of animals at one time it was decided to purchase as a gift to relatives and even colleagues. Walking around the house all day in such slippers is not very convenient, but in order to get out of bed or sofa for a short while and return there again, they are very suitable. Such slippers can be in the form of animal clawed paws.
Slippers
Reminiscent of ordinary socks, but have a reinforced compacted sole. They are different in length: as short as footprints and as long as golfs. Such slippers are often made by hand, for example, knitted from warm yarn.
Ballet slippers
They come mainly from synthetic materials or knitted. They are very light, hold well on the foot, are made exactly to size and can be with elastic.
Slippers
Now the word "ugg boots" has become a household word, but originally the so-called sheepskin shoes sold under the brand Ugg Australia. Peculiar boots quickly gained popularity, shoes of a similar kind began to be produced by various manufacturers, and the material for the manufacture was chosen very different. You can also find ugg boots in the home shoes department. Ugg boots are considered comfortable and warm shoes, which are ideal for the winter season.
Slippers boots
On the streets, especially urban ones, felt boots can now be seen quite rarely, but now they become more and more popular as home shoes. And this is not surprising, because nothing warms so well as things made from natural wool. In addition, decorated with embroidery, pattern and other elements, felt boots look beautiful, original and original. It is easy enough to look after them - these house boots made of wool are washable.
Sultan slippers, or oriental
Looks like oriental shoes with curved toes. They are quite warm and comfortable. With them, you can create an interesting exotic look, especially if combined with a dressing gown in an oriental manner or harem pants, Afghan pants.
Slippers boots
They look like street shoes, but are made of lightweight and breathable materials: usually it is knitwear or wool, often used fur. Slippers with soft rubber soles are very popular among those who need to keep their feet warm on the recommendation of doctors. This model is also found in summer and winter versions. Summer slippers are made of mesh materials.
Slippers with backdrop
Closed-toe slippers are very appropriate for the fall-winter season; they are usually made of a fairly dense material.
Moccasin slippers
They remind shoes with the appropriate name and, as a rule, are made of suede or genuine leather.
Wicker slippers
Especially interesting as a gift or souvenir. Typically, these slippers are made by hand from environmentally friendly materials - straw or rattan. If you put them on your bare foot, act as a kind of massager. Such shoes have the only drawback - slippers from straw must be protected from moisture.
Flip flops
Flat shoes with a U-shaped strap, with a jumper between the big and second toes, are traditionally used by residents of most Asian countries.
Now this shoe has become almost universal for the summer season: before, it was usually worn only for going to the beach or the pool, and recently the “exit” models, decorated with various elements and made from materials suitable for the purpose, have been popular. There are slippers, flip flops with massage soles. The special inner surface of such a sole has an effect similar to massage.
Flip-flops are suitable for very hot weather, especially if they are made of rubber or plastic, because they are worn on bare feet. Terry slippers-flip flops will be appropriate for the home.
Hand-made slippers
They were always in use, but now they are at the peak of popularity. There may be almost all of the above models. Their peculiarity is in the manufacturing method (manually) and in the materials and techniques used. Usually these are natural or mixed materials, such slippers are made by felting or knitted from yarn. Accordingly, such slippers can be:
- knitted
- felted;
- made in mixed media.
Hand-made slippers are a piece and unique product, an original, convenient and practical thing that can serve as a good gift.
Orthopedic slippers
Comfort shoes.
They have an insole made of a special material that allows it to shrink as a result of pressure and take the form of a foot print. It is believed that such a sole works as a shock absorber, reducing the load on the joints, and maintains the correct position of the foot. When the shoes are removed, the insole takes its original form. The insoles of such slippers can be embossed due to special corrective elements.
Massage Slippers
Also have special insoles or a special texture of the inner part of the sole. There are slippers with a relaxing effect. Walking in such slippers can create the effect of moving bare feet on the sand, because tiny moving granules are sewn into the sole of some models. There are slippers-massagers with natural stones or with plastic spikes, or another type of inner surface of the sole.
Some types of massage slippers are usually purchased after consultation with a doctor and should not be worn all day - only for a limited period of time.
Children's slippers
For children's shoes, including for home, there are special requirements.
In slippers, flip flops children walk is contraindicated.
Suitable for them are shoes with a back that holds well on the foot, has a non-slip sole and is suitable in size.
Slippers "Set for guests"
As the name implies, such slippers are purchased as a set. A set usually includes several pairs of slippers for guests and a hanging organizer - “slipper” - for storing such interchangeable shoes. Sets are issued in various thematic options and can also serve as a symbolic housewarming gift. The material and styles of these slippers are very different, but mostly they are made on a flat sole and with a rounded front for easy storage.
Slippers for cleaning
The sole of such slippers is made of microfiber and allows for dry cleaning of the premises in the easiest and most inconspicuous way - as a result of walking. Then the slippers are washed and dried - and they are again ready for use.
Material
What materials are slippers made of?
Slippers can be made of various materials, so carefully read the composition on the label
1. If used in the manufacture natural materials, then slippers are:
- with fur,
- from a sheepskin
- leather
- felt
- plush
- terry,
- silk
- cotton etc.
2. If used in the manufacture synthetic materials, then slippers come with elements made:
- from fleece
- faux fur
- from various polymers, etc.
Most often, in the manufacture of slippers, different types of materials are combined.
Color
When choosing slippers of a certain color, you can focus on fashion, or you can on the practical side of the issue. All soiling is visible on light-colored slippers, and they will have to be washed / cleaned more often than dark slippers.
Pink color has always been considered one of the most suitable for women's slippers, it is relevant today. And a new trend: in the decor of home shoes, multi-colored ethnic patterns and ornaments are now in trend. Remains popular and retro-style, and with it a print of large polka dots.
How to choose?
When choosing a home shoe, you should pay attention to the following details:
1 season. Focus on the temperature conditions in the room. In slippers should be comfortable. For summer, shoes without backs are suitable, made of easily washable materials, opening toes, for winter - closed, insulated.
2. Size and comfort. Slippers should sit well on the foot, not create inconvenience and not interfere with movement.
3. Reason. In the house you can have slippers “for every day” and slippers for receiving guests, comfortable and elegant at the same time.
4. The quality of shoes. Subtle neat seams, quality materials and the absence of pungent odors characterize a good product. Pay attention to the sole: it should be made of wear-resistant and non-slip material.
How to care?
Home slippers, like any other shoe, must be properly looked after.
Necessary measures for the care of domestic shoes: wash regularly in soapy water or wash. The specific way to care for home shoes should be chosen based on the recommendations of the manufacturer. Usually they come with a box or other packaging upon purchase.
Home slippers should be stored separately from street shoes. Each member of the family should have their own pair of slippers. For guests it is worthwhile to purchase special replacement shoes. The place where the shoes are folded should be kept clean.