'slow-footed' originates from Modern English as a compound of 'slow' and 'foot' with the adjectival suffix '-ed'. 'slow' traces back to Old English 'slaw' (meaning 'not quick'), and 'foot' comes from Old English 'fōt' (meaning 'foot').

'slow' changed from Old English 'slaw' and 'foot' from Old English 'fōt'; the adjective form using '-ed' (as in 'footed') developed in later English to form compound descriptors such as 'slow-footed'.

Initially it referred plainly to 'having slow feet'; over time it has retained that basic sense and is used figuratively to describe slowness in movement or reaction.