While You're Outside, Building A Snowman....

Whether you're outside building a snowman, or Winter camping in the woods , keeping your feet warm and dry is the key to enjoying your time outdoors. 

12 ways to keep your feet warm

• Avoid cotton, as this fabric gets wet easily and does not hold heat when it is wet.


• Look for merino wool footwear as the best fabric, since it naturally regulates heat and moisture wicking, is itch free, and will keep your feet warm even if it does get damp.


• Wool socks, in general, are the best choice as they both attract and repel water at the same time. This means that when your foot perspires, the sock will pull away the water vapour before it turns to moisture, then allow it to evaporate into the air. You can double down and wear a sweat wicking polypropylene sock under a wool sock.


• Wear proper sized socks and sock combinations for your footwear, avoiding socks or layers of socks which are too tight and may cut off circulation to your toes.


• If you're wearing big boots, opt for thinner socks.


• If you're wearing a shoe, opt for thicker socks.


• Put a foot bed ( insole) in your boot or shoe, to act as an insulating layer between your foot and the ground.


• If you have room in your boot, a mesh insole under your insole will help venitlate your boot with some air flow, which in turn helps keep your insoles and boot liners dry. You can also wrap some newspaper or paper towel around your toes, for added insulation that can be recycled later.


• Always remove your liners and insoles at night, to let them and the boots dry properly.


• If your boots are really wet inside, when you dry them at night, soak up some of the moisture with crumpled newspaper. Don't forget to take out the newspaper after a few hours, to allow some air flow into the boot and help finish the drying process.


• Carry extra socks with you, so you can change in to them if necessary.


• Avoid, coffee, tea and tobacco products, which all constrict blood vessels and may lead to cold extremeties. 

One thing not mentioned yet, but is a proven foot warming tool, are the self adhering and air activated  'Toe Warmers". These handy items start to work once the package is open and will last for several hours, which could be the difference between being uncomfortable or enjoying your time outdoors!