Keeping Your Feet Dry on Winter Adventures
When it comes to adventuring in the winter, one of the biggest mistakes I see people making is not keeping their feet dry. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen someone hiking in fashionable winter boots, or in running shoes in the middle of winter.
When you don’t keep your feet dry, not only will your feet be cold in winter conditions and you’re not going to be having a good time, but you also risk frostbite and hypothermia.
Hypothermia happens when your body gets cold and loses heat faster than it can make it. Wet clothing increases heat loss. Frostbite happens when your skin and the underlying tissue freezes.
And the last thing you want is to get either and ruin a fun adventure when they’re preventable by wearing the right clothing and keeping yourself and your feet dry on your cold-weather adventures.
In partnership with Injinji, we’re going to chat about how to keep your feet specifically dry on winter adventures.
Pick the Right Socks
First, it starts with the very basics and wearing the right socks! You need to wear insulated socks that are going to keep your feet warm and ones that are moisture-wicking and that are going to keep your feet dry!
My biggest advice is to avoid cotton socks. They hold onto moisture which makes your feet colder and keeps them wet! Plus they’re not insulated at all! Which as you already know, is the last thing you want in the middle of winter. Or really ever because then it makes your feet more prone to blisters. If you’re worried about blisters, read through this blog post.
Wear wool socks like Injinji’s NuWool ones (which are my personal favorite for hiking) or Injinji’s snow socks (which are my go-to for activities like snowboarding).
If you are allergic to wool or just don’t feel comfortable in it, you can also wear Injinji’s trail socks which are made from synthetic moisture-wicking fabrics.
Pro Tip – Always carry an extra pair of socks with you in case your feet get wet!
Wear Waterproof Shoes
In the winter, always wear waterproof hiking boots. Not just the fashionable leather ones you wear in the city. Those might be cute and all, but they’re not suitable for winter adventures in the backcountry.
Of course, if you’re skiing or snowboarding, wear appropriate footwear for those activities. And if you’re planning on hiking or snowshoeing, wear hiking boots. At the very least, these should be made of waterproof material. To really keep your feet comfortable and warm, get insulated hiking boots. If you’re not sure what kind of hiking boots to wear depending on the season, read through this blog.
Don’t Forget Gaiters
Gaiters go over your hiking boots and prevent snow from getting into your shoe over the top and making your feet wet. These are essential on any winter hike. Even if you think you don’t need them, wear a pair.
The snow might not look deep, or might look solid, until you step into it and sink to your knees and then end up with wet feet.
Pro Tip – Make sure to wear microspikes, crampons, or snowshoes on winter hikes in addition to the tips above. They will help you gain traction on snowy and icy trails and prevent dangerous falls. Not sure if you need crampons or microspikes, go through this blog.