Cold Feet

Prevention and Treatment of Cold Feet

The key to keeping your feet warm in cold weather is to keep your entire body warm.

Dress in layers. Layers insulate your body, helping you retain your “natural” heat and they can be removed as needed if you become too warm.
Wear a hat, preferably one that covers your ears, because body heat escapes through the head.
Wear good, insulating gloves to keep your hands warm and dry.
If you get wet, your body loses heat more rapidly; stay as dry as possible.
If you are in snow, wear an outer layer of water-resistant clothing and wear footwear with water-resistant soles and uppers.
Choose shoes or boots that provide insulation and protection, such as those made from leather and synthetic materials.
Wear padded socks made from insulating materials. These can be blends of wool and man-made fibers.
Use an insert or orthotic that can provide space for the feet to expand and spread, thus promoting good blood flow to help the feet stay warm.
To ensure your feet are optimally protected, IPFH suggests wearing properly selected and fitted, as part of an integrated approach, padded socks with shoes with non-slip outsoles and any inserts or orthotics prescribed or recommended by a doctor or foot health professional.