Tennessee may not be known for harsh winters full of ice and snow that require heavy-duty winter boots, but it’s also far from sandal season. And the truth is, there are still plenty of days with freezing rain, ice, and snow. If you want to keep your feet warm and dry, while also protecting yourself against slip and falls, winter shoes are a must-have.
At Neuhaus Foot and Ankle, the highly experienced podiatry team partners with patients for optimal foot health, which includes finding the right footwear for every season.
As winter approaches, here are five great tips to keep in mind when you go out to find your perfect winter shoe.
If you’re buying your winter shoes while the weather is still on the warmer side, you may be heading to the store without any socks, or just a thin pair. Before you head out, grab a pair of thicker socks so that you can make sure that your winter shoes accommodate the added size.
If you’re shopping online, take this into consideration and research whether you should buy a half-size up. Most online shopping outlets contain reviews that often address these types of topics.
No matter the season, you want footwear that fits snugly, but not tightly. That is especially true in winter. Shoes that are too tight can cut off your blood supply, leading to far colder feet. If you want your feet to stay warm during the winter months, get shoes that encourage good circulation. That means leaving about one-quarter to one-half inches between your toes and the end of the shoe.
This tip applies to both your winter shoes and your winter socks. There are new, synthetic materials used by manufacturers that are much lighter than traditional materials, yet hold up just as well.
Not only are these materials lighter, but they also wick away moisture so that your feet don’t overheat inside your winter shoes.
One of the most important things you can do for your feet is to keep them dry during the colder months. When you shop for winter shoes, it's important they have a good waterproof rating. Walking around in wet shoes in the winter is an experience that’s best avoided.
This last tip is one that’s near and dear to us — even if your winter shoes meet all of the criteria above, if they don’t have good traction, they’re not a great shoe for winter. Whether you’re slogging through the rain, sleet, or snow, traction is key and will help you avoid serious injury.
If you follow these simple tips and ensure that your winter shoes offer comfort, support, and good traction, you’ll traverse through the colder months with ease.
If you have any questions about which winter shoes are best for you, contact one of our locations in Hermitage, Brentwood, Nashville, Mount Juliet, Waverly, Smyrna, Gallatin, Murfreesboro, or Lebanon, Tennessee.
