Monthly Archives: November 2011

Protect Your Feet This Winter

By | November 11, 2011

Jack Frost is Here, Time to Bundle Up!

“Bundling up” typically conjures up images of hats and gloves, puffy coats and furry blankets– not socks and shoes. But our often overlooked appendages need some winter TLC too! The dry winter air and cold temperatures are hard on feet.  For those of us who tend to go stir crazy if forced to stay indoors, and thus brave the freezing temperatures to ski or skate, winter’s even tougher. Never fear! No need to hide from Mother Nature for three months, just take follow these simple tricks to protect your feet from the cold temperatures.

 

Make sure the shoe fits

While this rule should apply all year round, making the switch from flip-flops to winter boots is tough. Don’t make it any harder than it has to be by shoving your feet into too-small boots. Be sure you have winter footwear in the correct sizes to prevent crowding and discomfort.

Keep your feet warm AND dry

This is especially important for us “stir-crazy” folk. Staying active outdoors during the cold winter months creates quite a predicament. Our feet need to stay warm, but trapping heat can lead to moisture build-up.

Podiatrists recommend wearing a light synthetic sock to wick moisture away from the to a thicker wool outer sock where moisture is absorbed and evaporated to the outside. This is especially important for winter sports like skiing, snowboarding and ice skating because the stiff boots will not allow evaporation. Double-up socks so that moisture doesn’t get trapped at your skin within the thin synthetic sock.

Moisturize

Feet tend to become dry and cracked in the winter. Avoid painful toes by moisturizing daily. Look for creams and lotions with rich ingredients like Shea Butter, Coconut Oil or Rosemary and Peppermint extracts. See our section on foot care for more tips!

Keep your feet pretty

Just because you’ve packed the sandals away and shoved your feet into boots, doesn’t mean that you should ignore your lower limbs for a season. Keep your toenails trimmed to avoid ingrown toenails. Exfoliate to remove excess skin and again, don’t forget to moisturize daily! Check out the foot grooming section to for more ideas.

Whether you plan the winter months on the slopes or in front of a fire, don’t forget to pamper your ever-so-important feet!