Stumped By Snowboots? Doctor Weighs In On Which Styles Are Best

It's winter in Chicago, which means stepping into the frigid outdoors requires bundling up.

Most of us who've braved a Windy City winter know to invest in a puffy, down-filled coat, thick gloves and a warm hat.

But what sort of winter boots are best for your feet?

While it's common to see women wearing colorful Hunter rain boots or fur-lined Uggs, what's the perfect footwear for keeping feet warm and dry with enough traction for ice and snow?

Dr. Ryan Holmbeck, a podiatrist at Ankle N Foot Centers - which has five clinics across the city and suburbs - said the right winter footwear is essential to one's overall health.

"Keeping your feet dry in the winter months is perhaps even more important than keeping your feet dry in other seasons," Holmbeck said. "Cold, wet feet in winter months can lead to serious problems."

For one, he said, chilly, moist feet can cause frostbite -- especially in those with diabetes. In addition, the cool, damp environment inside boots is perfect for fungal growth. This can infect the skin and lead to athlete's foot, or target the nails and cause thick discoloration. These infections are often difficult, costly and time-consuming to treat. They can also lead to bacterial infections of the feet or nails.

Meanwhile, the fit of boots is also important. Poor fit can result in foot and ankle pain, heel or tendon pain -- even nerve pain. Make sure to try on the boots with the appropriate thickness of sock.

Last, but not least, does the boot have traction on ice? Are you wearing boots for fashion or function?

Here's a look at some popular boots you'll see on people's feet this season - perhaps even your own - and the pros and cons of each.

Rain boots

Sometimes dubbed "wellies," and produced in a rainbow of colors by brands such as Hunter, these boots are popular among women in Chicago - and their style is favored by celebs such as Kate Middleton and the Olsen twins.

Pros: They're waterproof, and block rain or snow from soaking into socks. You can make them warmer by adding socks or specially made boot-liners.

Cons: Be prepared to pay if you want Hunter boots, often upwards of $150. There are cheaper brands, but the cheap ones may gap, let rain or snow soak in, or cause slipping in the snow.

Shearling boots

Let's face it, Chicago gets cold. Even with socks, rain boots are no match for the next Polar Vortex.

Fur-lined Uggs or copy-cats that are knit, down-filled or fleece-lined were made to withstand the sub-zero.

Pros: Uggs will still let you feel your feet while waiting for the CTA during a cold morning commute. These boots can also repel light, powdery snow.

Cons: They're only warm as long as they're dry. Step in enough slush or a puddle, and your feet will wind up wet.

Duck boots

Made popular by companies such as L.L. Bean, the boots are part-rain boot with a waterproof rubber coating on the foot and laces criss-crossing the front of the leg.

Pros: Opt for a shearling-lined version for a boot that's both warm and waterproof.

Cons: Stripping off the shoes - especially if the laces are caked with snow and your hands are still gloved -- can be messy and cumbersome. In addition, the shape could potentially put pressure on the toes.

Snow boots

It may seem obvious, but take note of how many people trudge around town in loafers, tennis shoes - even heels. It's Chicago - winter snow is as certain as death and taxes.

We recommend visiting a retailer such as North Face or Columbia for boots that are warm and snow-proof.

Since the holidays are over, odds are good of finding boots on sale.

Pros:

There are often no laces, and many can be pulled off - meaning you often don't even have to deal with a zipper.

Cons: Sorry, you're still in Chicago - not Florida. It's going to be cold for a few more months, and you're going to need snowboots.

About Ankle N Foot Centers

For over 30 years, the team at Ankle N Foot Centers have served patients with offices in Roscoe Village, the West Loop, Ukrainian Village, Bartlett and Elmhurst.

Our doctors are board-certified or board-eligible in foot and ankle surgery and/or orthopedics.

We deal with sports medicine, injuries and medical conditions of the foot and ankle. All physicians use the latest services and technologies, in-house digital X-rays and labs to offer quick, convenient diagnosis and treatments of these problems.

We offer conservative treatment, as well as orthopedic and outpatient surgery for bunions, hammertoes and many other foot and ankle conditions.

The clinics also offer laser treatment for toenail fungus, in addition to diabetic care, sports braces, orthotics and wound care.

For more information about Ankle N Foot Center, visit our website at www.thinkfeet.com, or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ChicagoPodiatrist or on Twitter at @AnkleNFootDr.