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By Crofton Podiatry
March 01, 2017
Category: Footwear
Tags: Orthotics   Uggs   wide toe box  

The Good:

Uggs and other fur-lined boots have become a staple winter item for many living in colder winter climates. Originally developed for surfers to keep feet warm after hitting the waves, the warm and cozy footwear has grown in popularity to everyday wearers. For the most part, the large roomy toe box, plush lining, and grippy outer soles make it seem like comfortable and safe shoes for the winter. However, from a podiatric standpoint, there are some red flags. 

The Bad:

While fur-lined boots are great for warmth, it may be too good at retaining heat. For anyone who easily overheats (or has hyperhidrosis), Uggs can be a sweat trap. This makes for a damp and dark environment in which bacteria can flourish. It can lead to foot odor and if you have cuts or scrapes, can raise the risk of infection. There are many who do not wear socks with these boots, further increasing the chance of smelly bacterial growth.

The Uggly:

While there are features that seem to be great for feet, like comfort and a wide toebox, there are othe

r features that many fur-lined boots lack. The lack of arch support, heel cupping, breathability, and a toebox that is too wide makes for poor stability in the feet and ankles. They are not structurally helpful for correcting pronation issues and alter peoples’ gait; we often see teenagers dragging their feet in Uggs. As the feet struggle to have proper form and support, the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia can be strained.

Quick fixes:

  • Always wear socks when wearing fur-lined shoes, even if you don’t feel like you need the additional warmth. Not only do they help with the sweat issue, a little bit of thickness added to your feet can help fit your feet into the shoes better and prevent issues of sliding around inside the shoe. If your feet overheat, try to air them out. Also, do not wear the shoes every day or get another pair to rotate with.
  • Orthotic inserts can help where the shoes lack support. Custom orthotics from your podiatrist are best for specific foot support needs you may have (flat foot or plantar fasciitis). It will provide arch support, cup the heels properly, prevent sliding around in the shoe, assist with pronation issues, and give proper cushioning for the bottom of your feet.

Our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brad Toll, can help you with custom orthotic inserts. Make an appointment today at Crofton Podiatry by calling (410) 721-4505 so that we can help you save the Uggs. Our team is ready to assist you at our Crofton, MD office, which also serves the surrounding Gambrills, Odenton, and Bowie areas.

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2411 Crofton Lane, Suite 25
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Podiatrist - Crofton, Crofton Podiatry, 2411 Crofton Lane, Suite 25, Crofton MD, 21114 (410) 721-4505