As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, it’s easy to tuck your feet away in heavy boots and forget about them. However, cold temperatures can increase the risk of foot problems, making winter especially harsh on skin and circulation. Damp conditions and cold air increase the risk of chilblains, cracked heels and fungal infections.
As a Foot Health Practitioner in Huddersfield, Denby Dale, Barnsley, Wakefield, Penistone and surrounding areas, I want to share some advice to help you keep your feet warm, dry and comfortable throughout the colder months.
Introduction to Foot Care
When the colder weather sets in, it’s easy to overlook your feet as you bundle up in thick socks and sturdy boots. However, proper foot care is more important than ever during the winter months. Enclosed footwear can create a warm, damp environment that encourages the growth of bacteria and fungi, leading to infections and foot pain.
To keep your feet healthy, it’s essential to follow winter foot care tips such as maintaining good hygiene, choosing appropriate footwear, and keeping your feet warm and dry. By taking a few simple steps each day, you can prevent common winter foot problems and ensure your feet stay comfortable and protected all season long.
How To Look After Your Feet in Winter: Winter Foot Care Tips
Choose appropriate footwear
Pick waterproof, breathable shoes or boots with good grip. Choosing the right footwear for winter conditions is essential—look for shoes that provide warmth, traction, and comfort to help prevent slips and keep your feet healthy. Shoes made from leather or other breathable materials, especially those crafted from natural materials like wool or cotton, help keep feet warm, dry, and reduce the risk of bacterial or fungal infections. NHS guidance notes that properly fitting shoes should have uppers made of leather or another breathable fabric, a cushioned, flexible sole with a good tread, plenty of room for your toes and a heel no higher than 3 cm. Avoid wearing slippers outdoors or shoes that are too tight or too loose, as poorly fitting shoes can lead to cold feet, numbness, and circulation issues.
Wear the right socks. Natural fibres such as wool are great insulators and wick moisture away from the skin. Moisture-wicking socks made from materials like merino wool are especially effective at keeping feet dry and comfortable during winter. Elder’s winter foot care guide suggests wearing woollen socks to keep heat in while still allowing the skin to breath. Avoid socks that are too tight, as they can restrict circulation and impede circulation. If your feet sweat a lot, change socks during the day, avoid damp footwear, and always ensure your shoes are completely dry before wearing them again.
Keep your feet warm and dry
Avoid bare feet in cold weather.
Age UK reminds us that going barefoot on cold floors can result in cold feet, reducing circulation and potentially leading to chilblains; instead, wear socks, slippers or shoes around the house and put on socks at night to prevent cold feet. Bed wearing socks, especially heated or wool socks, helps keep feet warm during cold nights and prevents cold-related issues. Wearing warm, dry socks helps maintain a stable temperature.
Dry your feet thoroughly.
NHS foot care advice emphasises washing your feet daily using warm (not hot) water and drying them well, especially between the toes, to help prevent athlete's foot by ensuring the area is dry before putting on socks. Damp skin is more prone to fungal infections, so change out of wet socks or shoes as soon as possible. To manage sweaty feet, use foot powder or moisture-wicking socks, and let your footwear dry completely.
Warm your feet gradually
Suddenly heating icy feet can trigger chilblains. The NHS advises warming up slowly and not placing your feet directly on a radiator or in hot water, as this sudden heat can cause blood to rush to the small vessels in your toes and lead to pain or swelling. Instead, warm your whole body gently put on an extra layer, drink something warm and allow your feet to come up to temperature gradually. If you have been outside in wet or cold conditions, change into dry socks and shoes and move around indoors to improve circulation.
Keeping Feet Clean
During the winter months, keeping your feet clean is a vital part of preventing infections and maintaining healthy skin. Make it a habit to wash your feet daily with warm water and a gentle cleanser to remove sweat and bacteria that can build up inside socks and boots. After washing, dry your feet thoroughly, paying special attention to the spaces between your toes to help prevent athlete’s foot and other bacterial infections. To keep your skin smooth and free from hard skin, use a pumice stone or foot file regularly, focusing on areas that tend to become rough. Finish your routine by applying a nourishing foot cream or lotion to lock in moisture and prevent dry, cracked skin, helping your feet stay soft and comfortable throughout the winter.
Moisturise and protect the skin
Cold air and indoor heating dry out the skin, and dry skin is a common winter issue that can lead to rough, cracked heels. Applying a moisturising cream after washing your feet can help. Elder recommends using a foot cream containing urea to soften hard skin. Avoid applying too much cream between the toes, as excess moisture can encourage fungal infections. If you have thickened skin or calluses, gently buff them with a pumice stone or foot file before moisturising.
Foot Care Routine
A consistent foot care routine is key to keeping your feet healthy and comfortable during winter. Start by washing and moisturising your feet daily to maintain skin health and prevent dryness. Trim your toenails regularly, cutting straight across to reduce the risk of ingrown toenails and fungal infections.
Make it a habit to check your feet regularly for any signs of foot problems, such as cuts, sores, or changes in skin colour, so you can address any issues early. Wearing appropriate footwear that fits well and provides enough room for your toes will help prevent pressure points and discomfort. By following these simple steps, you can keep your feet healthy and avoid many common winter foot problems.
Keep moving and check your feet regularly
Cold weather can slow circulation, particularly in older adults or those with diabetes. Age UK suggests putting your feet up or keeping moving to improve blood flow and wearing thermal socks to maintain warmth. Gentle foot and ankle exercises—such as rotating your ankles and flexing your toes—can also help.
It’s also important to inspect your feet regularly. Look out for cuts, blisters or changes in skin colour, and check for any signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or discharge. The NHS advises checking your feet daily for any breaks in the skin and inspecting your nails for problems such as fungal infections. As part of your routine, keep each nail clean and trimmed to help prevent issues. Seek professional advice if you notice redness, swelling or persistent pain. If you have diabetes, neuropathy or circulation problems, daily checks are essential.
Additional considerations
- Protect against chilblains. Chilblains occur when cold skin warms up too quickly, causing painful, itchy red patches. To prevent them, keep your entire body warm, avoid prolonged exposure to cold and damp, and warm up gradually. If you develop chilblains, don’t scratch them; cover them loosely and seek medical advice if they don’t improve.
- Avoid slippery surfaces. Ice and snow increase the risk of falls. Choose footwear with good traction and consider using anti‑slip grips on the soles of your shoes. Keep paths and steps clear of ice where possible. Practicing proper walking techniques and being aware of your foot positioning can help prevent slips and injuries in winter conditions.
- Don’t ignore pain or changes. If you notice persistent pain, swelling or changes in the skin, seek help from a Foot Health Practitioner, Podiatrist or your GP. Foot Health Practitioners and Podiatrists are experts in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the feet and lower limbs. Early intervention can prevent minor issues from becoming more serious. Taking proactive steps, such as regular inspections and proper footwear, can help prevent problems during winter
Looking after your feet all year round
Winter foot care requires attention to warmth, dryness and circulation, but it doesn’t need to be complicated. Wearing tights in winter can create a warm, moist environment around the feet, so it’s important to manage moisture and maintain good hygiene when wearing them. By wearing appropriate footwear, keeping feet dry, warming up gradually, moisturising regularly and checking your feet often, you can avoid many common problems. If you’re concerned about any aspect of your foot health, particularly if you have diabetes or circulatory issues.
I offer professional, friendly foot care and home visits across Huddersfield, Denby Dale, Barnsley, Wakefield, Penistone and the surrounding areas.
Feel free to contact me for advice or to book an appointment. Stay warm and keep those feet cosy!
Conclusion and Final Foot Care Advice
Taking care of your feet during the winter months is essential for staying comfortable and preventing common foot problems. By following these winter foot care tips—keeping your feet warm, dry, and clean, wearing appropriate footwear, and checking your feet regularly—you can help prevent fungal and bacterial infections and keep your feet healthy. Don’t forget to wear cosy socks to bed for extra warmth and consider using foot powder to keep your feet dry and comfortable throughout the day. Prioritising foot care will help you keep your feet healthy and happy all winter long, so you can enjoy the season without discomfort or worry.