Don’t Overlook the Importance of Proper Winter Footwear

The right winter shoes will keep your feet safe, warm, and supported. Here’s everything you need to know about choosing and wearing proper winter footwear.

It’s absolutely critical to wear the right shoes and boots in the wintertime. Here’s why proper winter footwear is so important, and how you can choose the right shoes for safe walking in winter conditions. 

Winter Shoes 101

Wearing the right footwear in the winter helps keep you and your feet safe. Shoes that fit properly offer support for your ankles, feet, and shins to prevent spasms, heel spurs, bunions or other conditions from forming. Winter shoes that fit well can also stop current foot pain and additional issues from worsening. 

Proper winter footwear helps you retain balance in slippery conditions, reducing the risk of a slip and fall injury. Good winter shoes also keep your feet warm during cold and wet winter weather, which stops your body temperature from lowering. In short, wearing the right footwear during the winter contributes to the safety of your entire body.

Top 3 Things to Consider when Choosing Winter Footwear

Size and comfort. Of course, you want winter shoes that are comfortable and fit your feet well! They shouldn’t be too snug — leave one-quarter to one-half inches between your toe and the end of the boot. Consider that different shoes may have different sizing and that you will probably be wearing thick socks with your winter footwear.

Your individual lifestyle, daily activities, and specific winter-related endeavors influence how much arch and ankle support you’ll need from winter shoes. Even for everyday winter walking, comfortably-fitting shoes ensure you won’t lose balance and hurt yourself.

Waterproofing and insulation. Because rain and snow are more common in the winter, your winter shoes must prevent your feet from getting wet and cold. Freezing, wet feet lower your body’s internal temperature, which could potentially lead to illnesses like the common cold or even pneumonia.

It’s best to find winter footwear that is well-insulated and has built-in water protection but also allows moisture to escape. This helps your feet trap in body heat while keeping them dry. You should also note that some insulated shoes are heavier than others, which could inhibit certain winter activities.

Tread and traction. During the winter, slippery conditions like ice, rain, and snow make it far more likely that you will slip and fall — even when performing everyday tasks like walking to your mailbox or shoveling the driveway. 

High-quality tread on winter footwear — having grooves and crevices on the bottom of your shoes — provides traction, which helps you plant your feet firmly on the ground and walk without slipping. The more tread you have, the better! 

You should also check on the tread of your old winter footwear. When tread becomes worn-down over time, it doesn’t offer as much traction or grip.

Preparing Your Feet for Winter Beyond Footwear

The right winter shoes will keep your feet warm and dry, support your ankles and legs, and prevent you from slipping and related injuries. Choosing the right footwear for the winter helps protect your body from head to toe! For more guidance, schedule a consultation with Alamitos-Seal Beach Podiatry Group today.