Winter foot care: keeping your feet in decent shape when it's cold and wet

Clive Andy Lomas

1 hour ago

2 min read

Winter on the North East coast isn't kind to feet. Cold, damp and heavy boots all take their toll. Here's what we see most at this time of year, and some sensible ways to avoid it.

Chilblains

Chilblains are itchy, sometimes painful, red or purple patches, usually on the toes. They appear after skin gets cold and is then warmed up too quickly.

Keep your feet warm and dry: decent socks, and warm footwear outdoors.
Don't put cold feet straight on a radiator, hot water bottle or in front of the fire. Let them warm up gradually.
Try not to scratch.
Most chilblains settle in one to two weeks. If they don't, if the skin breaks, or if you have diabetes or poor circulation, get them checked.

Dry, cracked heels

Central heating and thick socks dry skin out. Cracked heels can be sore and, if they split deeply, can become infected.

Use a moisturising foot cream daily (one with urea is often helpful), but not between the toes.
File hard skin gently. Don't cut it with blades.
Deep, bleeding or painful cracks are worth bringing to us.

Damp feet and fungal infections

Wet boots and sweaty socks are ideal conditions for athlete's foot and fungal nails.

Change socks daily, or more often if they get damp.
Let boots dry fully between wears, and rotate them if you can.
Dry carefully between your toes after washing.

Slips and footwear

Icy pavements cause plenty of sprains and fractures. Choose boots with good grip and a secure fastening, and take it steady.

If you have diabetes or poor circulation

Cold weather makes it harder to notice injuries. Check your feet every day for cuts, blisters, colour changes or swelling. Don't use hot water bottles or heated pads on your feet, as burns can happen without you feeling them. If you notice anything new, contact a podiatrist or your GP the same day. Annual foot checks matter.

A routine appointment covers nails, hard skin, corns and a general foot health check, and it's a good time to raise anything that's bothering you.

Book online: https://bipedpodiatry.cliniko.com/bookings

Or call: 01642 937295 (Redcar, 24a Cleveland Street, TS10 1AP, and Guisborough, 7 Westgate Road)

Biped Podiatry: HCPC-registered podiatrists. This article is general information, not a diagnosis. New patient assessment and treatment £60, routine treatment £45 (prices correct November 2026).