Winter Foot Care: Essential tips from a podiatrist to keep your feet healthy this season

As the weather cools down and winter sets in, most of us naturally switch out our wardrobes for heavy coats, cosy scarves, and thick boots. While we focus on wrapping up warm to protect ourselves from the cold, our feet often get overlooked.

During winter, feet are subject to unique stresses - cold temperatures, damp environments, restricted airflow inside heavy footwear, and central heating that dries out our skin. To keep your feet feeling great, comfortable, and pain-free through the cold months, here are top expert winter footcare tips from the team at Podiatry & Wellness Clinic in Polegate, East Sussex.

1. Ditch the Damp: Keep your feet dry & warm

Cold, damp feet are not only uncomfortable, but they can also lead to issues like fungal skin and nail infections, or uncomfortable chilblains.

• Choose the right socks: Opt for moisture-wicking materials like merino wool or breathable technical fabrics rather than cotton, which absorbs and holds onto sweat.

• Dry shoes thoroughly: If your boots get wet from rain or slush, give them time to dry completely before wearing them again. Take out the insoles if possible to allow proper airflow.

  
  

2. Fight Winter Dryness: Hydrate & moisturise daily

Central heating and cold winds can strip moisture from your skin, leading to cracked heels and dry, itchy feet.

• Apply a Rich Foot Cream: Standard body lotions often aren't heavy enough for foot skin. Look for a foot cream containing urea (10% to 25%), which helps bind moisture and gently soften calluses. We offer a great selection of creams at our Polegate clinic.

• Timing is Key: Apply cream daily right after your shower or bath to lock in moisture, but avoid applying cream between your toes, as excess moisture there can lead to fungal infections (Athlete's foot).

  
  

3. Choose the Right Winter Footwear

Winter boots should offer warmth, support, and protection from the elements, but poor fit can lead to painful corn formation, ingrown toenails, or blisters.

• Check the fit with socks: Make sure your winter shoes have enough room to comfortably accommodate thicker winter socks without squeezing your toes.

• Look for good traction: Slippery icy paths require shoes with sturdy, non-slip rubber soles to prevent falls and awkward twists that can strain foot joints and tendons.

  
  

4. Protect Against Chilblains

Chilblains are small, itchy, red or purple swellings on the skin that occur when small blood vessels react to sudden changes in temperature.

• Avoid direct heat sources: If your feet are freezing, do not place them directly against a hot radiator or hot water bottle, and avoid stepping straight into a scorching hot bath. Rapid rewarming causes blood vessels to expand too quickly, exacerbating chilblains.

• Warm up gradually: Let your feet warm up slowly in a cosy room or with thick dry socks before applying gentle heat.

  
  

5. Keep Up with Regular Nail & Skin Care

Even though your feet might be hidden away in boots for the next few months, don't let basic foot hygiene slip!

• Trim nails correctly: Cut your toenails straight across and file down any sharp edges to prevent painful ingrown toenails inside tight footwear.

• Don't ignore discomfort: If you notice persistent heel pain, thick calluses, painful corns, or changes to your toenails, address them early before they affect your mobility.

  
  

Professional Care When You Need It

Taking preventive steps at home goes a long way, but routine visits to a qualified podiatrist ensure your feet remain healthy and active all year round. Whether you need help managing hard skin, tackling chilblains, or getting bespoke footwear advice, we’re here to help!

Contact our clinic today to book an appointment with one of our expert podiatrists / chiropodists.