How To Choose Winter Boots

Winter is approaching, fast. For better or for worse, cooler temperatures and shorter days are on the horizon. Winter doesn’t have to be a season of dread. Proper preparation starts with your feet. Investing in proper winter boots for harsh conditions is essential for a healthy body.

Here in Canada, there’s no shortage of harsh winter weather. Your footwear should do it all: protect against the cold, be waterproof, yet be stylish. Above all else, your winter boots should be comfortable. After all, you’ll be wearing your boots for 3-4 months, sometimes for hours on end. We’re here to make your life easier. That’s why we’ve put together this complete winter boot guide. Below you’ll find how to recognize the signs of needing new winter boots, how to choose the right pair, and what’s actually available.

Signs You Need New Winter Boots

There are a number of signs to look for when considering whether you should buy new winter boots. To start, if you develop any sort of foot pain or condition like blisters, calluses, or aggravated bunions, consider new boots.

Beyond the immediate discomfort, look for signs of muscle soreness or fatigue. These may be signs that your body is compensating for improper footwear, and may lead to problems down the road. Look for these signs that you need new winter boots:

• Experience Blisters and calluses often.
• Develop foot pain.
• Trip or slip more often.
• Have sore muscles after walking in your shoes.
• Visual wear and tear on the boots itself.
• Holes in the sole.

If you experience any of these conditions or problems, book an appointment with one of our licensed chiropodists for a thorough assessment.

Tips for Buying Winter Boots

There are many variables to consider when buying winter boots. After all, you’ll likely want to mix fashion and function. Follow these tried and true tips for choosing the right winter boot for your feet.

• Arch support: Choose a boot with proper arch cushioning and support to prevent conditions like plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and Morton’s neuroma.
• Avoid high heels: High heels can put strain on your hips and feet, as well as be unstable given winter footing conditions.
• Tread: depending on the climate and your needs, certain treads are more suitable for uneven grounds, more rugged footing, or for walking flat
• Waterproof: keeping moisture away from your feet is essential in winter. Dark and moist places are a ground for athlete’s foot, blisters, and frostbite.
• Fit: Be sure your boots have plenty of toe space, especially if you wear thicker socks in the winter or suffer from a foot condition like Bunions, Hallux Rigidus, or hallux limitus.
• Buying: Did you know our feet are larger in the second half of the day? Our body retains water and our feet expand slightly. Trying shoes on at the end of the day accommodates for sizing.
• Cost: This is the elephant in the room. Choose a boot that’s within your price range. However, consider winter boots an investment. These boots could last you multiple years depending on the quality of the product.
• Warmth: If you live in an extreme cold climate, find boots with proper insulation to avoid frostbite.

OK, But What’s Available?

Our clinic take a preventative approach to foot care in which the patient is empowered to be an active participant in his or her treatment. Our on-site shoe store provides patients with therapeutic tools and resources including orthopaedic footwear, insoles, medical devices, and over-the-counter solutions.

We carry a selection of top winter boots from the following:

• Sorel
• MEPHISTO
• Clarks
• Ara

Below you’ll find a few of our favourites from Sorel, MEPHISTO, Clarks, and Ara. These brands are a mix of fashion and function. Sorel are more rugged and tougher in Canadian winter while MEPHISTO are more stylish and better for everyday occasions.

Sorel Caribou Boot

MEPHISTO Agatha

Clarks Batcombe Alp Gore-Tex

Ara Aubrey Boot

Visit the clinic to get a feel for each boot and to try on a pair. The clinic is open six days a week including on Saturday to accommodate your schedule.

Avoid The Winter Blues—Visit Feet First Clinic For Your Winter Boots Needs

If you’re looking for tips on how to prepare for winter, book an appointment with one of our Licensed Chiropodists for a thorough assessment or visit the clinic to browse our wide range of footwear options.

From leading brands to Shoe Fitting to Custom Foot Orthotics, we’re your one-stop shop for your footwear needs. Call us at 416-769-3338 or Book Your Assessment Today!