5 Tips for Choosing Winter Boots that Won't Wreck Your Feet

The right winter boots mean you can navigate cold weather comfortably and safely. The wrong ones mean blisters, frozen toes, and a number of other discomforts. 

That’s tricky because winter boots can be pricey. You don’t necessarily want to spend hundreds of dollars trying different pairs until you find the right ones for your feet. 

We want to help. Christopher Vittori, DPM, Ameet Thakrar, DPM, and our team compiled these tips using our podiatric expertise. 

We also offer orthotics here at Vittori Foot & Ankle Specialist in Homer Glen and New Lenox, Illinois. These personalized inserts can make a basic pair of boots much more effective for your unique feet.

As you shop for your next pair of winter boots, keep these tips, including orthotics, in mind.

#1: Think through why you’ll wear them

The boots you need depend on where and when you wear them. If you’re going to be walking through deep snow, for example, you might want pac boots, which have a rubber shell. Or if you’ll be working in them, you might need a pair with a safety toe.

Knowing your requirements before you shop helps you narrow down your options. 

#2: Wiggle your toes

Once you find a pair of boots that you think might work, try them on. When you do, pay special attention to your toes. They should have room to move around a little bit. 

If they don’t, the boots are probably too small. That could mean blisters, ingrown toenails, and other issues. 

#3: Leave room for socks

Wear or bring a pair of thick socks with you to the store for trying on your boots. The try-on socks most stores offer tend to be thin. Most people choose bulkier options for fending off the winter chill, so you need to make sure your preferred sock thickness will fit.

If you forgot socks and the try-on pair is thin, leave a little extra room in the pair you choose.  

#4: Consider orthotics

A lot of winter boots sacrifice internal support for the outer protection feet need. If the boots you like don’t offer what you need inside (e.g., arch support, cushioning), we can help.

With customized orthotics, you can insert what the boot’s lacking. 

#5: Check the tread

You want boots that will help you avoid slipping on any slick surfaces this winter. Before you try on a boot, turn it over and check the bottom. The more texture you see there, the better the boot will do at helping you navigate any icy patches you encounter. 

You don’t have to choose the right pair of winter boots on your own. For recommendations or to talk about orthotics, call us at Vittori Foot & Ankle Specialist, or schedule an appointment online today.