The number one reason for investing in waterproof overshoes is obvious: to protect your shoes against the elements. The last thing you want is to ruin expensive dress shoes by walking around in the rain, snow, and sleet without adequate protection. But did you know that overshoes offer additional benefits that have nothing to do with your shoes themselves?
A good pair of waterproof overshoes will keep your feet dry. You will come in from inclement weather with dry shoes and socks. That may not seem like such a big deal from a health perspective, but you might change your mind when you discover just how bad wet shoes and socks are for your feet.
4 Problems Caused by Wet Socks
Promoting good foot health by way of overshoes is all about keeping your socks dry. Should they get wet, not changing them right away increases the chances of developing foot problems. Unless you carry extra socks when you go out, you could end up spending hours walking around with wet socks because you decided not to use overshoes.
Here are four problems wet socks can cause:
1. Blisters and Sores
Dry socks allow the foot to move freely. When socks get wet though, they cause friction. Walking around with wet socks all day can lead to sores and blisters caused by that friction. The longer the friction continues, the more severe the sores and blisters could be.
2. Athlete's Foot
Athlete's foot is a condition caused by a fungus that grows between the toes. It turns out that wet socks can actually encourage that fungus. And even if you don't end up with athlete's foot, walking around in wet socks is an open invitation to bacteria growth that leads to rashes.
3. Frostbite
If you are walking around without overshoes in the winter, wet socks and a little bit of time can lead to frostbite. This is definitely something you want to avoid inasmuch as frostbite can actually kill tissue. At the very least, frostbite is quite painful.
4. Trench Foot
Though not as common these days, it is possible to develop trench foot by continually exposing your feet to wet and cold conditions. Trench foot can be quite serious if it's not treated. Allowing it to recur frequently isn't a good idea either.
Indirect Consequences of Wet Feet
In addition to the four conditions already addressed, there are indirect consequences from walking around with wet feet. First and foremost, it is just plain uncomfortable. Having your feet stuck in wet socks and shoes feels terrible. It can also make you feel cold.
Should you develop blisters or sores, they could interrupt your normal gait. This could cause you to walk in such a way that you put undue stress on your knees and hips, thereby causing pain. Walking with an abnormal gait increases your risk of slips, trips, and falls.
Just Keep Them Dry
So what's the lesson here? It's simple: keeping your feet dry goes a long way toward promoting good foot health. For our money, the best way to do that is to never walk outdoors in inclement weather without proper foot protection. Our waterproof overshoes are the ideal protection for all types of men's shoes.
Remember, walking around with your feet encased in wet socks isn't good for your health. Avoid potential foot health problems by ensuring that your feet do not get wet. And should your socks get wet despite your best efforts to prevent it, get them off and replace them with a dry pair as soon as possible. Your feet will thank you.
