PODIATRIST DISCUSSES WATERPROOF FOOTWEAR

Keeping your feet dry isn’t just about comfort. Foot health also comes into play. “If the feet become wet, toenail fungus and athlete’s foot can easily develop,” says Bruce Pinker, DPM, a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon at Progressive Foot Care. “Waterproof shoes should be well-constructed with a proper heel counter, cushioning for support and shock absorption, adequate arch support, and ample room in the toe box to prevent cramping,” says Dr. Pinker.

 

Dr. Bruce Pinker

 

To ensure the shoe can prevent water from soaking through to the foot, you have to look for the right materials. “One of the best types of waterproof footwear material is Gore-Tex—it is a sturdy and breathable construct that keeps water out,” says Pinker. “While there is a method for waterproofing footwear with the application of a silicone liquid, Gore-Tex is far superior and much longer-lasting.”

 

Source: The Daily Independent [7/31/23]