With snow arriving, we need to make sure we have the correct footwear on. This means waterproof boots that will keep your feet warm and dry when walking outside through the snow. However, any waterproof boot is not good enough. Your boots need to fit well to ensure that foot problems do not arise. To do this, have your foot measured by a knowledgable sales person or a professional. The best time of the day to be measured and try on any shoe is in the afternoon as your feet tend to swell later in the day. Feet should be measured every year, because the size can always change. Also a good tip to remember is that different brands of  boots may fit differently so when looking for boots, keep in mind that you should have a thumb length between the tip of your toes and the tip of the shoe. This will allow some room for your foot to expand when walking without being jammed as well as prevent blisters. When being measured, you may notice your feet are not the same size. ALWAYS go with the bigger size. One foot may have more room, but you do not want to create pain for the larger foot by cramming it into a smaller size.

Your new boot should be comfortable when trying it on in the store. Do not settle for a cute boot and say “I will break it in”. The best material for a boot is a natural material such as leather, which will keep your feet dry and comfortable during these winter months. Another good tip when looking for a boot is to make sure it has good traction; you do not want to be slipping when walking to your car or shoveling that drive way. The most common winter injuries are ankle sprains and fractures as a result to a slip, usually on ice, in addition to winter sport injuries.

One last tip: Check for spiders in the winter boots that you may have had packed away all summer.