Better Boot Buying, part II

So last blog we looked at different types of boots and the up and down sides of each. This week we’re going to give you some tips of what to look for when you go shopping this winter.

• Look for a boot with plenty of toe room, a firm heel counter, and good traction to ensure stability.

• Remember as with any shoes you buy, have both your feet measured. They change throughout our whole life. Many people can’t remember the last time they stepped on a Brannock device, the metal scale used at some foot stores to measure your feet.

• Be aware that brands and boot styles vary greatly. So while you may wear a 9 in those wide Uggs, it may be a 10 in the narrow cowboy boots.

• Try on your boots in the afternoon. Feet tend to swell during the day so you want the boots to fit at their most swollen point.

• No two feet are the same exact size, so keep the longer foot in mind when you settle on a style and size.

• Carry a set of insoles or your custom orthotics when you go try on boots. The level of cushioning can change as you go from a hiking boot to a rain boot.

• Be aware of the type of boot you need. If looking for a waterproof boot with the Gore-Tex liner, watch out for excessive perspiration of the feet which could lead to an Athlete’s foot.

• A boot made of natural materials such as leather, will keep feet dry during the winter months.

These are just a few tips to keep in mind this winter. For any questions about footwear to accommodate your own feet, see Dr.Grimm or Dr.Pattison of Foot Associates of Central Texas.