It’s that time of year again. Our foot clinic in downtown Toronto is seeing an uptick in patients getting ready for the cold weather. Our team has many years of experience. Chris Hastings has even served as a consultant in provincial hospitals. Everything comes together when they ask us about how to go about buying winter boots.
Here’s a few things we suggest.
Look For Warmth
Being practical is important. That means being aware of the fact that we lose most of our body heat through our feet, hands and head. Before you buy any winter boots, check out the material the linings are made from. If you’re looking for heavy duty boot liners for the winter, some suggestions include multilayer foam and Thinsulate.
This material keeps its shape and the same density for long periods of time. It’s the best way to keep your feet warm for as long as possible. Other options include Zylex that is layered and has a thermal foil covering that acts as a defense against the cold.
Look For Grip
Choose the boots that have rubber soles with a good tread. You’ll be walking through snow and over hidden icy patches in the winter. Our foot clinic in downtown Toronto sees a spike in ankle sprains due to slips and falls under these conditions.
Here’s another helpful tip. If you’re unsure about the boot’s ability to provide good traction, by a pair of strap-on crampons or ice cleats. Some boots now have picks that flip out from the sole.
Get The Right Fit
Finding a boot that is the right size will make all of the difference. It’s best to try on any new ones with the socks you will be wearing.
Here are a few more things that you should consider to get the right fit:
- Winter boots need to fit comfortably. They need to supply insulation and support but hug your foot at the same time. Watch out for loose fitting boots. They might provide a little extra warmth but you’ll have issues when trying to walk in them for long distances.
- Try the kick test. Put your new snow boots on and gently kick a wall. If you feel your toes hitting the end of the boot, they might rub and irritate your toes when walking.
The experts at our Foot Clinic in Downtown Toronto suggest that you should be able to wiggle your toes in the boots without hitting any pressure points.
