Autumn Foot Care: Preparing Your Feet for the Colder Months

The days are getting shorter, the weather is cooling down, and the transition from sandals to shoes has begun. Autumn can bring both challenges and opportunities for your feet, so this is the perfect time to focus on foot health.

Let’s take a look at why seasonal changes matter and how you can keep your feet comfortable and healthy over the coming months.

Why Autumn Foot Care Matters

Why is foot care particularly important at this time of year? Cooler weather can reduce circulation, which may leave your feet feeling achy. Central heating and lower temperatures can also cause skin to become dry and uncomfortable.

Closed-in shoes bring their own issues too. If feet are not cared for properly, they can increase the risk of ingrown toenails, hard skin, and fungal infections. Building a good foot care routine now will help prevent problems before winter sets in.

The Pros and Cons of Closed-In Shoes

Wearing enclosed footwear for long periods has both drawbacks and benefits. Let’s look at both sides.

Cons:

• Ingrown toenails: narrow toe boxes can press against the nails.

• Dry skin and callus: reduced air circulation can cause sweating, followed by dryness.

• Out of sight, out of mind: when feet are covered, nail and skin care are often forgotten.

• Fungal infections: warm, damp shoes are an ideal environment for athlete’s foot and nail fungus.

Pros:

• Nail recovery: gives toenails a break from polish, allowing them to stay strong and free from discolouration.

• Better support: autumn and winter shoes are often sturdier than summer sandals, improving alignment and protection.

• Space for insoles: closed shoes make it easier to wear supportive orthotics every day.

• Added protection: feet are shielded from knocks, wet weather, and uneven terrain.

How to Counteract the Cons

Keep Skin and Nails Healthy

Moisturise your feet daily and gently exfoliate once a week to prevent hard skin. When trimming toenails, cut them straight across rather than curving the edges, which reduces the risk of ingrown nails. Autumn is also a great time to give nails a rest from polish so they can stay strong and healthy.

Choose the Right Footwear for Autumn

Make sure your shoes fit well, with enough room for your toes to move freely, and without rubbing or pinching. Supportive soles are essential, and breathable materials will help prevent fungal problems. On wet days, waterproof shoes are a must to keep feet dry and protected.

Support with Insoles and Exercises

Closed shoes are an excellent opportunity to wear orthotics daily if you need extra support. Autumn is a good time to book an assessment with our Biomechanics expert and have custom-made insoles fitted before winter. This way you can enjoy the benefits of wearing them consistently in the months ahead.

Gentle exercises that improve strength and balance can also boost circulation, helping to keep feet warm and comfortable in colder weather.

When to See a Foot Health Professional

If you notice pain, swelling, discolouration or any unusual changes in your feet or nails, do

not ignore them. Covering up your feet until spring may seem like an easy solution, but problems such as corns, hard skin, or ingrown nails will only worsen if left untreated. Seeking help sooner will save you pain and make treatment much easier.

Our team is always happy to advise, answer questions, or book you in for a foot health appointment.

Conclusion

Autumn is a season of change, making it the ideal time to give your feet the care they need. With the right balance of daily attention, well-chosen footwear, and professional support, your feet will stay healthy and ready for winter. If you would like advice or to book an appointment, please get in touch.

Contact us: hello@comfootzone.co.uk | 01903 532159