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What are Pedicure Slippers?

B. Miller
B. Miller

Pedicure slippers, or pedicure flip-flops, are shoes worn during a pedicure to prevent damaging the polish while it is still wet. They are often made of foam when provided by salons and spas, and intended to be disposable. They are typically thrown out after one use. Some people choose to bring their own pedicure slippers to a pedicure appointment, however, in order to be more environmentally conscious, or to just feel more comfortable wearing their own shoes.

Pedicure slippers typically feature dividers between the toes, to spread the toes and prevent the toenails from touching, which would ruin the pedicure. Some pedicure slippers only feature one divider in between the big toe and the smaller toes, but others feature dividers in between each toe. These shoes allow people to walk around the salon or spa after having received a pedicure without damaging the pedicure, or having to put their bare feet on the floor.

Pedicure slippers can keep the toes apart and prevent the polish from being messed up.
Pedicure slippers can keep the toes apart and prevent the polish from being messed up.

Of course, it is not a requirement to wear pedicure slippers after receiving a pedicure. Many salons allow clients to relax in the chair and have a beverage while the pedicure dries, and then they can simply put their own shoes on and leave. It is generally a good idea to wear open-toed sandals for a few hours after receiving a pedicure, to prevent inadvertently damaging it.

Pedicure slippers can be used following a foot bath.
Pedicure slippers can be used following a foot bath.

Disposable pedicure slippers are quite inexpensive and may be ordered online in bulk, or most likely from a supplier who sells merchandise for salons. They come in all different bright colors and varying sizes to suit different people. When purchasing these slippers in bulk, it is possible that they will come in a one size fits all size. It is best for a salon to have these items on hand, as well as other pedicure supplies such as disposable nail files, foot baths, cuticle oil, foot and leg lotion, and various colors of nail polish.

Pedicure slippers enable clients to walk around a spa without marring their new pedicure.
Pedicure slippers enable clients to walk around a spa without marring their new pedicure.

If giving oneself a pedicure at home, purchasing a pair of pedicure slippers and wearing them while painting the toes might make applying the process easier. It can help one to get a more professional looking pedicure, and avoid mistakes such as getting nail polish on the floor or on the sides of the toes. Though they look like flip flops, pedicure slippers are not designed to be worn out of the house, and should only be worn indoors or at the salon.

Discussion Comments

Pippinwhite

All the pedicure slippers I've seen were that cheap foam. Not that it matters -- they're disposable, after all.

If I had regular pedicures, I might consider wearing my own pedicure slippers, if I could find some I liked and that weren't too expensive. That cheap foam does look a little awkward, for sure.

I have seen women wearing the slippers outside, though. My sister has worn them outside to the car and took them off when she got home. So, they will last that long. I may price some, just in case I decide to have more frequent pedicures.

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    • Pedicure slippers can keep the toes apart and prevent the polish from being messed up.
      By: Valua Vitaly
      Pedicure slippers can keep the toes apart and prevent the polish from being messed up.
    • Pedicure slippers can be used following a foot bath.
      By: Boyan Dimitrov
      Pedicure slippers can be used following a foot bath.
    • Pedicure slippers enable clients to walk around a spa without marring their new pedicure.
      By: gofasadi
      Pedicure slippers enable clients to walk around a spa without marring their new pedicure.
    • It is not a requirement to wear pedicure slippers after receiving a pedicure.
      By: Gennadiy Poznyakov
      It is not a requirement to wear pedicure slippers after receiving a pedicure.
    • Wearing open-toed footwear may be a good idea for the first few hours following a pedicure.
      By: Matthew Cole
      Wearing open-toed footwear may be a good idea for the first few hours following a pedicure.