Rain boots: Shopping Tips For Keeping Your Feet Dry & Happy

Springtime is among us, and along with warmer temperatures come spring showers. Splashing in puddles with your umbrella and rain boots seems like an iconic reverie for many of us, but rain boots aren’t typically considered the most comfortable shoes on the planet. Rain boots are a great way to keep your feet dry and clean, but there are some considerations when shopping for and wearing your wellies.

To make them waterproof, rain boots are usually made of rubber, silicone or other plastic material, which makes them great for keeping the feet dry but they’re unforgiving when it comes to movement. Buying the right size will be critical in avoiding conditions like blisters and arch pain. Make sure the tops of the toes do not rub the top of the boot, especially if you have hammertoes. The result could be painful calluses. If your foot slides in the rain boot, painful blisters could form and the arches of your feet might ache from maintaining a grip on the bottom of the insole.

Rain boots are not made with breathable material, so it’s important to wear socks when wearing them. It may be a quick fix to throw on your wellies when heading the mailbox, but your feet will sweat quickly and without socks to absorb the moisture, the shoes will become slippery inside. Naturally, rubbing wet skin against rubber is a recipe for painful blisters, and is a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus.

Rain boots are also generally made with little to no arch support, so it is not recommended to wear them for long periods of time. The insoles are usually flat and lacking any cushioning, so if you plan to wear them for extended periods, use a custom orthotic fitted specifically to your feet. Once you are out of the weather, replace your rain boots with a more supportive shoe.

Remember, the bottom of rain boots can sometimes be quite slippery! When walking on a slick surface, tread carefully as to avoid any ankle sprains or strains.

Blisters, calluses or foot and ankle injuries all warrant a visit to the podiatrist. Request an appointment with one of our podiatric specialists today for a comprehensive foot exam by clicking here or call any of our convenient office locations in the Piedmont Triad.

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