When temperatures drop, it’s tempting to grab the warmest boots you can find, but not all winter footwear supports your feet the way it should. The wrong pair can lead to foot pain, blisters, and even long-term problems like plantar fasciitis or bunion flare-ups.
Don’t let winter sneak up on you unprepared. Take a moment as our team at Manhattan Podiatry Associates in Midtown and Downtown Manhattan, New York City, shares five tips for choosing the best boots for winter.
A well-fitting boot should feel snug (but not too tight) around your heel and midfoot, but roomy in your toe box.
Tight boots restrict circulation and can exacerbate conditions such as neuromas or hammertoes. Loose boots, on the other hand, can cause friction and blisters. Also, avoid pointed-toe boots. Narrow shoes can cram your toes together.
Shoe shopping tip: Most people try on boots while wearing their everyday socks, but winter socks are usually thicker. This can make your new boots feel too tight once the cold weather hits. To avoid discomfort, always try on winter boots with the socks you’ll actually wear, and make sure your toes have enough room to move comfortably.
Many fashion-forward boots lack adequate arch support, which means you may be stuck with foot pain after just a few hours. Choose boots with built-in support or add custom orthotics for extra comfort.
At Manhattan Podiatry Associates, we can create custom orthotics that fit your favorite boots perfectly, so style never has to come at the cost of comfort.
The best winter boots keep your feet warm and dry. Look for:
Check the insulation quality of your boots, and read reviews to see how well they’ve kept other people’s feet warm. Some brands even list a temperature rating, showing the lowest degree their insulation is designed to handle. Avoid fabrics that are stiff or don’t allow airflow, as they can lead to skin irritation and uncomfortable pressure spots.
What about steel-toed boots? Steel-toed boots are required for certain work environments but not ideal for commuting or spending time outdoors in cold, wet conditions.
If you’re required to wear steel-toed boots for work, absolutely do so, but skip them for long walks through snowy New York City streets. Your toes are most vulnerable to frostbite, and steel-toed boots can lower the temperature of your feet.
If you do need to wear steel-toed boots for work, wear thicker socks. This can increase your foot temperature by 2.3 times.
Ice and snow increase your risk of slips and falls. Choose boots with non-slip, rubber soles and good tread. A low, stable heel and firm ankle support can make a big difference in keeping you steady on your feet.
Even the best boots wear out after a few winters of heavy use. When soles flatten, insoles lose cushioning, or treads smooth out, it’s time to replace them.
Continuing to wear worn boots can lead to joint strain and foot fatigue. Even worse, no treads can increase your risk of slipping on ice.
While the ideal winter boots may not match your work attire, that doesn’t mean you should skip wearing boots. Winter boots can help avoid slips on ice and keep your feet warm during cold commutes.
Stick a pair of office-friendly shoes into your bag and switch shoes once you get to work.
Now that you’ve picked out the best boots for winter, let’s talk about socks. You need to wear boot socks with your winter boots. Wearing short socks can cause your ankles to rub against the top of your boots.
Ideally, choose boot socks made with wool rather than 100% cotton. Studies show that cotton fibers retain up to 14 times more moisture than synthetic fibers like CoolMax®, which means your feet stay damp and cold much longer in cotton socks.
Wool (or wool blends) naturally wicks away moisture while still providing insulation, even when wet. Unlike cotton, wool helps regulate temperature, reduce friction, and prevent blisters. Wool blended with CoolMax can dramatically help prevent blisters.
Winter foot health starts with the right footwear. If you’re experiencing foot pain or aren’t sure which boots are best for your needs, our team of expert podiatrists can help.
Call the Manhattan Podiatry Associates location closest to you or book an appointment online to prepare your feet for winter the healthy way.
