As temperatures drop over winter, most people are more likely to wear closed shoes for extended periods. While this is necessary for keeping warm, it can become problematic if foot health isn’t considered.
“Winter is when we tend to see an increase in dry skin, cracked heels, and fungal infections caused by insufficient airing of the feet and poor footwear choices,” says Lynsey Hammond, Managing Director of Kroko, trusted South African manufacturer of skincare and footcare products. “Prevention starts with understanding your feet’s unique needs, and taking care of them in the winter months as well.”
Winter Footcare Issues
From sore soles to cracked skin, winter footwear often traps heat and moisture, a combination that can cause problems if not managed properly. At the same time, cold, dry air and artificial heating remove the skin’s moisture, leading to flaky, painful heels and overall foot discomfort. Some common footcare issues include:
- Chilblains from rapid temperature changes
- Dry, cracking skin, especially in the heel area
- Bunion pain from tight boots
- Blisters from wearing ill-fitting or unfamiliar footwear
Footcare Tips for South Africans This Winter
Hammond says the best way to address winter footcare issues is preventative treatment. She’s shared her top 3 tips for keeping feet healthy this winter.
1. Choose the Right Footwear
Whether it’s walking long distances or simply wearing closed shoes to keep feet warm in winter, proper footwear is the first way to protect feet. Comfort and practicality should be chosen over aesthetics, particularly when wearing shoes for an extended time.
Some factors to consider when choosing the right pair of shoes are:
- Ensuring soft soles, especially when walking on hard surfaces
- Choosing lace-up boots for alignment without restriction of ankle movement
- Custom inserts if extra support is needed
- Limiting high-heeled shoes and those with narrow toe boxes, as they can impact posture and circulation
- Choosing the right-sized stockings and socks so that feet and toes aren’t compressed
Wearing ill-fitting shoes can lead to corns and calluses, which are a result of friction, rubbing or irritation and pressure on your skin. These can be treated with Kroko Corn and Callus Remover, Kroko CornFix, Kroko Medicated Corn Plasters, and Kroko Corn Protectors.
2. Practice Good Hygiene
With closed winter shoes, wearing breathable socks made from natural fibres like cotton or bamboo will reduce sweat build-up that can lead to fungal infections. Feet must be washed with warm, soapy water and dried thoroughly, particularly between the toes where fungal infections can thrive. To prevent foot odour, it’s worth placing some Kroko foot powder in the shoes or using Kroko Shoe & Foot Odour Spray. It’s also necessary to cut toenails straight and avoid trimming them too short.
3. Moisturise Daily
A major footcare challenge in winter is dryness, which can lead to painful cracks, risking infections. After cleaning and drying feet, a moisturiser must be administered to prevent painful dryness. If dry heels are a regular problem, it’s worth using Kroko Heel Balm in the mornings and evenings. However, if cracked heels develop, then Kroko HeelFix provide the necessary protection if applied 2 to 3 times a day.
To find out more about Kroko products, visit www.kroko.co.za or email info@kroko.co.za.
Keep updated on all Kroko news by following Krokofootcare on Facebook or kroko_footcare on Instagram.
