The winter cold is coming and, while it might be fun to wear those gorgeous sweaters and boots, the sight underneath your footwear tends to not be quite so appealing. In the freezing cold, our feet can become dehydrated and cracked. Combine this with trying to walk on snowy sidewalks, and our feet end up looking and feeling like an absolute fright. So, what’s a girl to do? Just because it isn’t sandal weather doesn’t mean you can’t have flawless feet in the winter.
Proper foot maintenance is the foundation of solving all your problems. Even though your feet are not on display, regular pedicures are just as important as they are in the summer months. You might even want to indulge in the occasional paraffin treatment to soften your feet and lock in moisture. Good at-home foot maintenance is another must for foot care in the winter. Remove callouses and accumulated dead skin with a handy foot filer. It is better to do this while your feet are dry since they can become sore it is done to wet feet. When not using the filer, soak regularly in hot water and essential oils (such as peppermint) to soothe aches and keep them moist. Though it may add some minutes onto your shower time, use a scrub to leave feet smooth and soft in the tub. To ensure you stay moist and soft, coat your feet in Vaseline or foot cream at least once a week and leave heavy socks on overnight.
Buying the correct footwear is crucial to keeping your feet warm, in good shape and staying comfortable. While heels look cute in the office and out with friends, boots are your best bet for winter wear. You should invest in boots that are not only attractive, but will keep your feet warm and dry. Looking for a boot with a solid and thick sole will keep your feet dryer and warmer. For additional comfort, adding arch supporting inserts is always a good idea. For practical reasons it is often best to wear snow boots while trudging through the ice and slush, and carry your cute shoes with you in your bag. A good pair of winter boots should be made with leather that has already been treated to repel water. You also want to ensure that they are insulated with a breathable material that allows your feet to sweat properly. If you’re searching for a footwear option that can be used anytime of the year, many rain boots are offered with removable fleece liners to keep your feet dry and toasty even on the coldest and rainiest of days. Moreover, boots with a removable lining are extremely practical since they will dry more quickly after removing the lining.
This winter, give your feet everything they deserve; not only will your cold-weathered care keep your feet healthy and feeling great, your work will also pay off when it comes time to throw on your cute flip-flops at the beach this summer.