Even though winter is a beautiful season, it can do some damage — this is particularly true when it comes to your feet. Continue reading to learn more about what you should look for when purchasing new winter footwear.
Getting Arch Support
Soon enough, the streets are going to be covered with snow. The problem with that is snow makes the ground uneven and difficult to walk on. If you suffer from foot conditions like or plantar fasciitis, walking on uneven surfaces can be extremely uncomfortable. This is because walking on uneven ground can cause the arch of your foot to flex awkwardly, making the symptoms of your condition even worse.
To minimize the risk of harming your feet, you should purchase a pair of custom orthotics. These insoles offer ample arch support while reducing the amount of strain and tension in your feet. By purchasing these insoles, you’ll be able to spend more of your time enjoying your walk through a winter wonderland.
Keeping Your Feet Warm and Dry
Unless you want to dry those cold feet after every trip outside, you’ll want to pick up footwear that’s water-resistant.
You don’t want to walk around with damp feet. For one, moisture breeds foot odour. It can lead to painful and embarrassing problems like blisters, toenail fungus and athlete’s foot. And in the winter, moisture can raise your chances of developing frostbite — so keep your toes safe and warm.
Another way to ensure that your feet stay warm is to wear compression stockings. These fantastic socks can improve circulation throughout your body, including your legs and feet. So, you can stay warmer for longer. Not to mention, compression stockings can help you improve your balance — this is extremely beneficial when you need to walk over slippery patches of ice.
Finding the Correct Size
Lastly, when picking footwear for winter, you need to ensure that your boots and shoes fit correctly. You want to make sure that they aren’t too small or too big.
Although it isn’t common knowledge, there are serious consequences to wearing shoes that are too small:
On the other hand, wearing large shoes is just as risky. When you wear shoes that are too big, you have less control. If you walk over ice or snow, you’ll have a higher chance of slipping and injuring yourself.
If you don’t know what your true foot size is, get your foot measured before you buy a new pair. Check to see if there’s enough room for your toes to wiggle in the toe box. Test to see if the heels slip and slide when you walk. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Come to Feet First
Thankfully, choosing the right shoes for the season is easier than you’d think — especially with some help from the foot care experts at Feet First Clinic. Our team of experienced chiropodists provides professional services and customizable products that can get you through the toughest winter days, even if you suffer from painful foot care conditions.
Wearing your fall boots or running shoes in the winter is never a good idea. Other than ruining your perfectly good shoes, you put your health and safety at risk. You’re better off putting those other shoes in the closet and getting new footwear for the winter.
