Finding motivation to exercise outside in the winter is not as easy as jumping out of your car at the gym, but it’s a great way to get fresh air and Vitamin D. You don’t need to go into hibernation just because the temperature drops. You can stay warm and toasty and still go for walks outside as long as you are properly equipped. Think of the old saying by Alfred Wainwright, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.”
Don’t let the cold scare you away from getting in your 10,000 steps a day. If you find that your toes always feel like they are frostbitten while you’re walking, then try some of the tips below to help insulate them.
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Choose Shoes Made of Thicker Materials
On a cold day, leave your mesh running shoes behind and opt for something a little more substantial. Wool clogs and leather boots are great options if you are looking for added warmth as these materials are thick and insulating without being too heavy.
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Wear Waterproof Shoes
In addition to letting the cold in, mesh and canvas sneakers are also not waterproof. You might not notice it, but you could be stepping in small puddles or getting your shoes wet from standing on snow and ice, which undoubtedly sinks into non-waterproof shoes. It’s really important to buy shoes that are waterproof with durable rubber soles in the winter so that you can protect your feet from the elements.
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Make Sure You Have Thick Shoe Soles
If you don’t have thick, rubber outsoles on the bottoms of your shoes, it’s possible for the cold to seep in through the bottom and bring a chill to your toes. It’s best to buy proper boots or walking shoes that have a thick outsole, however, you can also add a thick insole as an alternative. A thick insole will elevate the sole of your foot further off the ground and provide more cushioning and support.
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Avoid Cotton Socks
Cotton socks are the worst for walking in the winter because breathable, lightweight cotton does nothing to provide insulation. It also is a very absorbent material, meaning that it will soak up any sweat or moisture and hold it for hours within your shoe. Avoid cotton at all costs.
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Wear Wool Socks
Instead, try wool! Wool is one of the best fabrics for keeping your feet warm. It is also antimicrobial and water repelling, so even if your feet sweat while you are walking, your socks won’t retain the moisture.
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Layer Your Socks
If even a wooly pair of socks isn’t keeping your feet warm, then consider wearing two pairs of socks. You can wear a thinner liner pair of socks underneath and layer the wool socks on top. Just make sure your liner isn’t cotton.
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Keep Moving
It will come at no surprise that you stay warmer when you are walking than when you are standing still outside. Getting your blood circulation moving throughout the body will help you stay warmer, whether you are running or strolling along.
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Use Toe Warmers
For really cold days, you can insert some toe warmers into your shoes that will heat up and last for up to six hours. The little packets can be placed above your toes as long as there is room in your shoes for them. These are absolute lifesavers when you are skiing or doing other snow sports.
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Let Your Shoes Fully Dry Before Wear
Always remember to let your shoes rest for at least a day in between wears to make sure they are fully dry before slipping them back on. It’s really important that they be dry for both warmth and the health of your feet. Lingering wetness can cause a build up of bacteria that can lead to odors and the degradation of your shoes. It’s best to dry your shoes in a cool, dry room rather than outside or by a heater.
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Drink a Hot Beverage
Drinking a hot drink like hot chocolate, coffee, or tea while you walk can actually warm your whole body, including your toes. When you drink something warm, it raises the temperature of your body, making you feel warmer from the inside out!
Featured image courtesy of iStockPhoto.
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