Winter is coming!
or has it already been winter.... i'm not sure.
Regardless, with May progressing at a ridiculous pace and the wintry conditions we experienced around Easter, most of us are transitioning back into closed- in footwear.
Keep reading for some tips and tricks to keep your feet comfortable in closed- in footwear
Summer and winter shoes pose different challenges for the feet.
Summer shoes are more often associated with reduced support, sweat- related conditions such as tinea pedis and injuries like sunburn or plantar fasciitis. There are, however a variety of good quality summer shoes on offer that can help mitigate most of these problems!
Winter shoes are often more closed in, can be less flexible in the toes and generally heavier.
We find that footwear often worn in winter are generally more supportive than summer shoes, have better non- slip soles and more intrinsic support than their summer counterparts.
Features of a shoe that makes it a good winter walker:
waterproof/water resistant
firm heel counter (cannot press the back of the heel down easily)
solid midsole (piece between the top and bottom of the shoe) that cannot be bent like a banana or "wrung out to dry."
fixation such as lacers, velcro or a buckle
deep enough in the heel and toe area to accommodate the foot properly
non- slip sole for safety
Quick tip! Ugg boots or slippers should also have features of a good walking shoe! Look out for something that can be snug on your feet, with a firm, non- slip sole that fits correctly. Long- term slipper use can result in conditions such as tinea, fungal nails or muscle injuries, so change your shoes regularly!
BE CAREFUL of shoes which are very flexible or have lots of "soft cushioning" as they can be less supportive than a more solid shoe. Additionally, shoes which are slightly heavier can be longer lasting and more supportive than a lighter shoe, however a lighter shoe can be beneficial especially for older people who have some leg weakness.
There are a variety of good quality winter shoes available. Speak to your Podiatrist or come in- store and enquire about the best shoes for your feet for winter!
Preparing your feet for winter is of utmost importance. Good quality shoes are the keystone to reducing problems with your feet in winter.
Other considerations when preparing your feet for winter include:
BLISTERS which are common in winter with additional moisture being trapped around the feet
TINEA PEDIS or FUNGAL NAILS where fungus within the environment can harbour with excessive moisture or using the same shoes or slippers every day
CORNS/CALLOUSES if the toe- box in your shoes is not deep or wide enough
INGROWN TOENAILS are common in winter if compression from socks or shoes is too great. Nails can be driven into the flesh which can cause an infection or severe pain
PLANTAR FASCIITIS/ACHILLES TENDINOPATHY or other muscle pains if shoes are not supportive
NEUROMA can present if shoes are too narrow, this is a compression of a nerve in the front of the foot that can cause shooting- type symptoms into the toes
ANKLE SPRAINS are common in less- supportive shoes or when participating in winter sports. Additionally, ankle sprains are common if it is slippery outside and shoes do not have appropriate grip
BUNIONS may be exacerbated by tighter fitting footwear. It is vital that good support and a wide toe- box is present in shoes for people with bunions
CHILLBLAINS can become present and may break out into small wounds if the toes remain cold
TIPS FOR KEEPING YOUR FEET HEALTHY IN WINTER
Sweating can be caused by a post- exercise moisture trap, if the feet get wet or if they are in front of a heater for too long! easy tip is to let your feet breathe, change your socks regularly and rotate your shoes between uses!
You can use some Methylated Spirits or Tea Tree spray to keep your shoes fresh between uses. Leave them in an airy place at home and open them up to let them breathe
Toe devices such as separators and sleeves can be your best friend for blisters, callouses and corns! See your Podiatrist for the best ones for your feet
Keep your socks not too tight with minimal seams in the toes and wear nice and wide footwear to reduce forefoot and nail pathologies
Ensure your shoes don't wear out! Even great shoes lose their support. If you regularly use your runners, consider changing them at least once per year to reduce the chances of injury and keep non- slip soles healthy.
Keep your toes nice and warm. You can use a fatty cream or a Chillblains specific cream to promote blood flow and keep heat in the skin. Often, a pair of socks and a pair of slippers used together are fantastic at keeping heat in.
Keep a check on your feet for any itching or peeling, this may be fungus. Get your Podiatrist to check for you!
Ensure your shoes fit correctly. Many problems with the feet in Winter can be remedied by a change in footwear.
If you have any further concerns about your feet in Winter, check in with us in Podiatry at Foot Body Sole: 108 Bridport st Albert Park or send us a message! Additionally, our fully trained front of service footwear fitters are happy to assist you in finding the best shoe for your foot.
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