Regardless of your thoughts about winter weather here in Pennsylvania, it’s important to prepare yourself with the right type of winter boots for your lifestyle. By not wearing the correct footwear for your environment and your daily activities, you can inadvertently create unsafe conditions for your feet. Today, Dr. Eric Ricefield, Dr. Mark Yagodich, and Dr. Aliza V. Eisen of greater Philadelphia’s Your Next Step Foot and Ankle Care Center share 4 things you need to consider when choosing the perfect winter boots for you.
- Traction: If you slip on packed snow or ice, it can result in sprains or fractures. If you wear winter boots designed to prevent slipping, you can help avoid these problems. Choose boots that have large, deep tread on the sole. A heel brake, designed to stand out from the rest of the sole, can provide even more protection when walking on slippery surfaces.
- Insulation: It’s essential you keep your feet warm, especially when you’ll be outside for a lengthy period. Boots that have proper insulation will help keep your feet toasty, and your body heat will remain inside your boots where it belongs. If you aren’t out in the cold for too long, neoprene can be an excellent choice because it’s lightweight, durable, and holds its insulating properties over time.
- Comfort: Even if your winter boots have the best qualities to protect against winter weather, it won’t mean too much if the boot isn’t comfortable. So always be sure to try on boots before buying them when you’re wearing the type of socks and/or orthotics that you will be wearing with them. If you spend a lot of time in uncomfortable boots, your feet will suffer from blisters, heel pain, and other painful conditions.
- Waterproofing: This is important to look for when shopping for the perfect winter boots. Being out in the cold with wet feet in the winter weather can be particularly dangerous. Many manufactured winter boots use special waterproofing materials, but you still need to ensure that the literature that accompanies any pair of boots confirms that they are waterproof.
If you need additional advice regarding the best footwear for your seasonal needs, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with one of the experts at greater Philadelphia’s Your Next Step Foot and Ankle Care Center. Click here to find the office nearest you.