6 Traits You Want in Feet-Healthy Snow Boots

Although you can buy snow boots that look really fashionable, your first priority should be selecting a pair of boots that will help keep your feet healthy. Since podiatrists stress the importance of buying the proper footwear, there are several factors to consider when shopping for snow boots to protect your feet against wet and cold winter weather.

1. Fit. Like shoes, boots need to fit well since wearing the wrong size in any type of footwear can lead to corns, calluses, bunions, or other foot problems. Keep in mind that the size of a snow boot may not match the size you normally wear in shoes. Therefore, always try on boots before buying. When trying on different boot styles, wear the type of socks that you intend to wear with the boots for proper fit.

2. Support. To provide the most support for your foot and ankle, choose a snow boot that has a taller style. A boot that comes up to or past your ankle helps keep your foot more stable, especially in wet and slippery weather conditions. When slipping is a hazard, an over-the-ankle boot provides more support when walking on snowy and uneven ground, helping to prevent ankle sprains and torn ligaments.

3. Flexibility. Although flexibility often is a matter of comfort and what you prefer, if a tall boot style feels too stiff to wear, you can opt for a shorter-style boot. But the kinds of activities you do outdoors in the snow may influence whether you want a stiffer boot. Consider whether a particular boot will be comfortable when walking over ice, on slippery ground and hard-packed snow, or through deep snow drifts. It comes down to whether you are looking for more flexibility of movement or more protection from the snow.

4. Waterproofing. Since water-resistant boots don't offer complete protection against wet feet, buy an extra liner in case the lining of your boots gets wet. A better option is to select waterproof snow boots for optimal water-resistance, particularly if you spend a lot of time outdoors in the snow. Whether you select a pair of boots made of materials such as leather that has been waterproofed or synthetics that are water-resistant, you want a boot that will keep your feet dry in wet conditions.

Waterproof boots help keep your feet healthy because when your feet get wet and stay that way for awhile, the excess moisture can make the skin soft and more likely to blister. As your feet dry, the skin also can become itchy and crack, allowing for a bacterial or fungal infection to set in.

5. Sole Type. The type of sole you choose—flexible or rigid—depends on your outdoor activities in the wintertime. If you need a boot simply to go to and from your vehicle, a flexible rubber sole usually provides enough traction.

Rubber soles help keep snow from sticking to the bottom of a boot so that you don't slip while walking. But if you spend a lot of time outdoors in the snow whether for work or recreation, you'll need a sole with heavy tread on the bottom. The rubber soles of the boots should also be waterproofed.

6. Warmth. Choose snow boots that are designed to keep your feet warm. If you want boots to wear for winter sports or snow shoveling, they need to be breathable as well. Leather or laminate boots are practical choices for these purposes.

But if you only wear snow boots when you go out shopping or running errands, look for boots that are lined with fleece or fur. Even if you won't be trudging through several inches of snow, some research suggests that cold temperatures may lower the immune response—good enough reason to keep your feet toasty warm.

Looking for more tips on feet-friendly footwear? Contact local podiatry clinics like Family Foot Center Podiatry Group Inc to get started.