After months of sandals, flip-flops, holidays and warmer weather, your feet can often need a little extra attention as we move into autumn and winter.
Good winter foot care starts before the colder weather really sets in. Summer can leave feet with dry skin, cracked heels, hard skin, callus or nails that have become thickened or discoloured.
As the temperature drops and we start wearing socks, boots and closed shoes again, September and October are the ideal time to give your feet a little extra care.
A few simple steps now can help keep your feet comfortable, healthy and protected throughout the colder months.
Winter Foot Care Starts With a Good Foot Check
Before you start wearing winter footwear every day, take a few minutes to look carefully at your feet.
- Dry or cracked heels
- Hard skin or callus
- Corns or sore pressure points
- Thickened or discoloured toenails
- Redness around the nails
- Changes between the toes
- Blisters, cuts or areas that are slow to heal
Small foot problems can become much more noticeable once your feet are enclosed in socks, boots and shoes for longer periods.
Treat Dry and Cracked Heels
Dry skin is common after summer, particularly if you have spent a lot of time wearing sandals, open-backed shoes or walking barefoot.
Regular use of a good-quality foot cream can help restore moisture and improve the condition of the skin.
A moisturising cream containing urea can be particularly useful for very dry or hard skin.
Apply your foot cream regularly, ideally after washing and thoroughly drying your feet.
Avoid putting moisturiser between the toes, as these areas should be kept clean and dry.
Deal With Hard Skin and Callus
Hard skin and callus can gradually build up over the summer months.
Although gentle filing may help with small amounts of hard skin, avoid using sharp blades or attempting to cut callus away yourself.
If hard skin is thick, uncomfortable or keeps returning, professional foot care can help.
A Foot Health Practitioner can safely reduce areas of callus and provide advice on ways to keep your feet comfortable.
Check Your Toenails Before Winter
Toenails are often painted for much of the summer, which can make it easy to miss changes in the nail.
Once nail varnish is removed, take a closer look.
- Thickened
- Brittle
- Crumbly
- Yellow or discoloured
- Misshapen
- Lifting away from the nail bed
These changes can sometimes occur with fungal nail infections, although not every thick or discoloured nail is fungal.
If you are unsure about a change in your toenails, it is always best to have them assessed before starting treatment.
Make Sure Your Winter Footwear Fits Properly
Shoes and boots that fitted well last winter may not feel quite the same this year.
Before wearing them for long periods, check that your footwear gives your toes enough room and does not rub or press on any part of the foot.
- Corns
- Callus
- Blisters
- Ingrown toenails
- Sore toes
- General foot discomfort
Shoes with a wider toe box can give the toes more room and reduce pressure.
Choose Comfortable Winter Socks
Warm socks are essential during the colder months, but socks that are too tight can place unnecessary pressure around the foot and ankle.
Choose socks that fit comfortably and do not leave deep marks on the skin.
Breathable or moisture-wicking materials can also help keep feet more comfortable, especially when wearing enclosed shoes for long periods.
Keep Feet Clean and Dry
During winter, feet often spend most of the day inside socks and shoes.
Wash your feet regularly and dry them thoroughly, particularly between the toes.
Warm, damp environments can encourage fungal skin infections such as athlete’s foot.
Allow shoes to dry properly between wears and, where possible, alternate your footwear rather than wearing the same pair every day.
Don’t Ignore Foot Pain
Foot pain should not simply be accepted as part of wearing winter footwear.
Corns, hard skin, ingrown toenails, thickened nails and sore areas can often be treated before they become more troublesome.
If something is uncomfortable or you notice a change in your feet, seeking advice early can make the problem easier to manage.
Winter Foot Care for People With Diabetes
People living with diabetes should pay particular attention to their feet throughout the year.
- Redness
- Swelling
- Blisters
- Cuts or breaks in the skin
- Changes in skin colour
- Areas that are not healing
If you notice anything unusual, seek professional medical advice rather than trying to treat the problem yourself.
Getting Your Feet Winter-Ready
Autumn is an ideal time for a foot health check.
After a summer of sandals, holidays and warmer weather, professional foot care can help with hard skin, corns, difficult toenails and other common foot problems before winter footwear becomes part of your daily routine.
At Heel 2 Toe, I provide professional mobile foot care in the comfort of your own home.
Heel 2 Toe provides mobile foot care across North Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire, including Riseley, Rushden as well as surrounding villages and Rickmansworth, Chorleywood, Watford and Croxley Green in Hertfordshire.
Good winter foot care now can help keep your feet comfortable and healthy throughout autumn and winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my heels become dry after summer?
Wearing sandals, open-backed shoes and walking barefoot can contribute to moisture loss from the skin and may lead to dry or cracked heels.
What is the best cream for dry feet?
A good-quality foot moisturiser can help. Creams containing urea are often particularly useful for dry or hard skin.
Should I remove hard skin myself?
Small amounts of hard skin may be gently filed, but avoid using blades or cutting tools. Thick, painful or recurring callus is best assessed and treated professionally.
Why have my toenails changed colour?
Toenail discolouration can have several causes, including trauma, footwear pressure and fungal nail infection. An assessment can help identify the likely cause.
Can winter shoes cause corns?
Yes. Shoes that are too tight or place repeated pressure on certain areas can contribute to corns and callus.
When should I book a foot health appointment?
If you have painful corns, hard skin, cracked heels, difficult toenails, an ingrown toenail or any other foot problem that is causing concern or discomfort, it is worth arranging an assessment.