All You Need to Know About Buying Boots
Colder weather - and winter boots season - is around the corner. And, whether you prefer to shop online or in person for your new winter boots, we want you to balance fashion preferences with protecting your feet. So, today we’re sharing our tips for scoring cute boots that feel great, whether you want to visit the store or add them to your cart from the comfort of your home.
High Heeled, Pointy-Toed Boots
Buying women’s winter boots often means sacrificing comfort for style. But if you plan to spend more than a few hours each day in your boots, there are certain design features you need to avoid. First, watch out for pointed toes. This unnatural boot shape causes major problems for your feet. Pointy-toed boots squeeze your toes, and that can cause changes in your foot shape over time. Many boot-lovers wind up with hammertoes and bunions and it’s because of all the pressure on your toes and delicate foot bones!
The problems get worse if you add a stiletto heel to your boot. When you wear high heels, you change your body’s center of gravity, making trips and falls more likely. Plus, you shorten and tighten your Achilles tendon and calf muscles and increase your risk for heel pain and inflammation in your tendons (Achilles tendinitis.) In other words, you should limit the time you spend in these women’s boots styles. To be on the safe side, Dr. Sullivan recommends keeping heel heights to no more than 1 ½ inches. But what about rain boots and winter boots? Let’s explore the best options for cold weather women’s boots.
Choosing Rain and Snow Boots
Popular brands like UGG boots are always in demand. But this style of flat boot is terrible for your feet:UGG boots offer no arch support. You may experience sore feet after a long day in your UGGS. Plus, they aren’t waterproof boots, so they won’t stand up to our snowy winters or the slush that comes afterward. In fact, they can absorb water and grow damp, creating an environment inside your boot that ups your risk for fungal foot infections.
Looking for a better choice? Buy waterproof styles like Sorel boots. They keep your feet dry and have enough of a rise to protect your arches from heel pain. Plus, they have proper traction on their soles, so you won’t slip and fall on icy sidewalks.
Now you know the women’s winter boots that will protect your feet this year! And we’d love for you to pick them out in person, since every brand of shoes fits differently. Ideally, you’d shop for boots at the end of the day, when your feet have swelled slightly. This ensures that your shoes won’t start pinching you at the end of a long day, once you tale them out into the real world/
Still, we know that everyone is busier than ever these days and online shopping provides a time-saving option when you’re seeking out new winter boots. So, with reality in mind, let’s talk about finding that perfect pair of boots online. Just in case you feel like shopping from your couch.
Tips for Online Shoe Shopping
When shopping online for boots, read product descriptions carefully. Make sure your boots are insulated and waterproof. If you choose a rubber boot, look for a pair that's fully lined. Otherwise, your feet will sweat, and you’ll be more likely to get a foot fungus such as Athlete’s foot.
We do like rubber soles on your winter boots. Just make sure they also have deep grooves, so you get plenty of traction when you walk. Once your boots arrive, wait to try your online purchase on until later in the day since your feet tend to swell as the day wears on and you want boots to fit your largest foot size. Your winter boots should also feel comfortable right away. If they don’t, return them. Because boots that don’t fit well will only leave you with foot pain.
Already struggling with sore feet? We’re here for you. Make an appointment at our Westfield, Ind. podiatry practice, also serving Carmel, Noblesville, Fishers & Zionsville. We can help you find the perfect winter boots and get your feet feeling great, no matter what shoes you’re wearing this winter!