Transitioning into Cold Weather: How Proper Foot Support Can Make a Difference
When the weather starts to change, obviously our footwear changes with it. We can’t wear flip flops in the winter (well, unless you’re a teenager). But warmer footwear doesn’t just keep our feet toasty during the cold months, proper foot support will help protect our feet and bodies from injury or pain so we can enjoy walking in a winter wonderland.
Let’s take a look at how proper foot support can keep you feeling merry all through the cold weather months.
Prevent Foot Fatigue
Whether you’re out sledding, hiking, or searching stores for the best deal or the right meal fixings, your feet deserve support for all the adventures they’ll take you on. You might be walking across uneven terrain, or walking along hard and unforgiving concrete so make sure your shoes are going to absorb any extra impact so your body doesn’t have to. As soon as your feet start to feel tired, you’ll begin to feel it in the rest of your body. Your knees might ache or your lower back could get sore.
But proper foot support distributes the weight of the body evenly across the foot, leading to reduced foot fatigue. If you're out and about shopping for the holidays or participating in winter activities, supportive footwear can help your feet, and the rest of your body, feel more comfortable throughout the day.
Hint: An insole added to the right shoe for the activity can help absorb impact and distribute weight even more effectively than even some of the more supportive shoes.
Seasonal Foot Changes
The weather isn’t the only thing that changes with the seasons. Believe it or not, your feet can change slightly as the temperatures dip. Colder weather can cause feet to contract a bit, and this might affect the fit of your shoes. That means those cute slip-on boots you wore in the fall might not provide the support you need in the winter. Your winter shoes should provide good adjustability, like laces or Velcro closures, to help adapt to these changes and ensure continuous support.
Before you head out, you want to make sure to tighten your shoes to the point where your feet don’t rub or shift but not so tight you cut off circulation. Adding an Orange Insole can help keep feet secure in a shoe and prevent rubbing or too much movement by locking your foot into place with a deep heel cup.
Temperature Regulation for Your Feet
A big part of cold weather support is regulating the temperature of your feet. Cold weather can lead to decreased circulation in the extremities, particularly the feet. But, if you add too many layers, your feet could sweat and rub against your shoe, causing blisters. To toe this fine line, wear warm but moisture-wicking socks with your favorite winter shoes. Your feet will stay warm but won’t sweat and rub (or make your shoes all stinky!). Orange Insoles also have an absorbent layer that can help keep potentially sweaty feet from ruining your favorite shoes.
If you’re out and about, make sure your shoes are well insulated and will keep your feet warm while letting the blood circulate!
Slip Prevention
Sometimes the right support starts at the very, very bottom…of your shoe. Colder weather often brings with it slippery conditions due to rain, snow, and ice. Proper foot support can help improve traction and stability, reducing the risk of falls. This is especially true if the footwear has a specially-designed sole for slippery conditions. Your favorite dress boots might not have any traction at all so make sure to check the bottom of your shoes before stepping outside this winter. High ankle boots can also help support your ankles and keep you upright if you hit an unexpected ice patch.
Ankle Support
As you’re trekking through the deep snow and over slush and even piles of shoveled snow, your feet are going to be working hard to keep you steady. Any uneven surface can catch you off guard and present the possibility of an ankle injury if you’re not prepared. Make sure any boots you’re wearing through the snow and ice are properly secured around the ankle…this means you might need to avoid those higher heels if you’re out and about outside.
Hint: Take a change of shoes if you’ll be inside most of the day, that way you’ll be prepared for any scenario!
The right support can make all the difference, so don’t let the beauty of freshly fallen snow fool you. As soon as the weather starts to change, make sure you can support your feet through the long winter!
