Best Shoes for City Walking in Winter: How to Stay Comfortable and Safe
No matter how much you love walking around your city, there's no denying that it can be cold, wet, and unpleasant when the weather outside is less than ideal.
Suppose you regularly walk in the winter months. In that case, you know how important good shoes are to staying comfortable but what exactly makes a shoe suitable?
Today I will explain the best kinds of shoes for city walking in winter to help you stay safe and comfortable all season long.
Dress In Layers
One of the easiest ways to stay warm is wearing a good set of layers. Layering up allows you a lot of versatility with what you wear. You can either peel off some clothing or add more as needed. This will help keep your core temperature consistent throughout your time outdoors. Pay attention to moisture-wicking fabric, which helps prevent chills from keeping your body from sweating correctly, leading to hypothermia if left unchecked.
Opt for a pair of running tights with an attached wind or waterproof material layer to ensure your layers stay put. One other factor to consider is visibility. If you are walking at night or even during rush hour, you need a way to be seen by drivers, and this can be accomplished by wearing bright colors or reflective clothing.
Choose Functional Footwear
If you are taking your regular walk in winter, you need a pair of shoes to protect your feet from snow, slush, and salt. There are several things to look for in winter city walking shoes. Materials with rubber soles or lugged bottoms offer better traction than smooth leather shoes or boots. If you plan to walk over icy surfaces, avoid flimsy materials such as cloth or suede that are likely to become waterlogged or heavy with melting snow.
If you walk often, you might want a high-quality pair of winter boots with rubber soles. Boots will keep your feet warm, dry, and protected from the snow, and warmth is more important than style when choosing winter shoes.
Wear Boots Instead of Flats
Even on days when you are not planning to go out of town, wear a pair of boots with rubber soles. The rubber can keep your feet from freezing as quickly as a pair of heels. Of course, if you live in an area that sees snow or ice regularly, make sure your boots have enough treads to get you where you need to go safely. Flats tend not to have these safety features and stick with boots instead.
One of your biggest concerns will be keeping your feet dry. If you live in an area that sees regular snowfall, a pair of boots with rubber soles will also help keep your feet from getting soaked by slush or snow. However, waterproofing may still be worth investing in, even if you see no precipitation. You might spill something on yourself during your walk or accidentally step into a puddle, leading to wet shoes.
Protect Your Toes with Gaiters
Although a pair of winter boots may be enough to keep your feet warm while walking around town, you may want extra protection. Packing your shoes with extra socks won't provide enough heat, so purchasing a pair of gaiters might be worth it. These leg accessories wrap tightly around your ankles and are great at preventing snow from sneaking into your footwear.
This extra bit of protection is vital because your toes are one of your most vulnerable parts. Even though you may be wearing a pair of winter boots, they do not cover every part of your foot. This means that there is still a chance that snow could get into your shoes or socks, which can lead to frostbite and other serious injuries.
Layer With Insoles
Insoles, or arch supports, are a great way to step up comfort without breaking your budget. There are tons of different insoles available on Amazon, including gel, foam, and air-cushioned options. They are easy to insert into almost any shoe. Just buy a pair that matches your sneaker's size, peel off the paper backing and slide them inside.
They have an adhesive bottom that helps them stick to your shoes while stabilizing any arch issues you may have. You'll find that these can help make standing more comfortable or give you support as you navigate uneven city sidewalks.
Prepare Your Feet Before Going Outdoors
Cold weather is brutal on your shoes, but it is even harder on your feet. If you are heading out in winter, give your toes extra TLC. Apply lotion or Vaseline and cover them with a warm sock ( wool works well ) before stepping outside. This will help reduce cracks and calluses on your feet, leaving you limping come springtime.
Also, when you go shopping for shoes, think about more than just how they look. Ask yourself if they will be warm enough, waterproof, and suitable for inclement weather. It might be best to invest in a pair of winter boots that you can wear all year long. One last thing winter is no time to go without socks. Even though your shoes are lined with wool or fur, consider adding an extra layer over your feet when temperatures drop below freezing.
Wear Thicker Socks
It can be tempting to wear minimal socks. But thick wool or cashmere socks will help your feet stay warm without adding bulk. However, you still need shoes that fit, and healthy shoes that are too big will let cold air seep into your footbeds. Also, consider wearing layers on top of your boots; fuzzy, warm socks or booties can add extra warmth without bulking up your shoes.
When choosing what shoes to wear, look for style over comfort if you can not find both. Comfort is crucial when walking around all day, but it may not be worth sacrificing your style. Stilettos will keep your feet from sliding forward into an uncomfortable position as you walk while keeping your toes warm.
Do Not Forget About Hand Protection
While walking, try wearing a pair of thick gloves or mittens. They will keep your hands warm, but they will also provide extra protection when you need to cross streets or walk across patches of ice. Your hands are just as vulnerable as your feet when winter walking.
The average human body loses heat 25 times faster through their hands than through their head, so wearing proper hand protection is a must. Keep your fingers warm with a pair of good-quality mittens or gloves. Do not forget about waterproofing your gloves or mittens if you expect to have extended periods outside without shelter.
0 Comments