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Introduction
One of the most important factors that affect the lives of all human beings is the weather. The weather dictates our planting seasons, our physical outlook (the hotter the sun, the darker the skin), and even our movement in some cases. When it is snowing or a heavy downpour, we cannot move around as we would want during that period. Another major aspect of our lives that is consciously or unconsciously dictated by the weather is our outfit. If you live in a hot or warm environment, then wearing cardigans or heavy clothing will leave you very uncomfortable. If you attempt to wear light clothes during winter, then you might be opening yourself up to a comprehensive list of medical issues. It is important to understand how the weather affects our outfits. In this article, we will be taking a look at how cold weather affects our shoes. Enjoy!
History of Shoes in Colder Climates
Shoes were first made over 8,000BC. At that time, people used shoes to protect their legs from rocks and injuries. It wasn’t until thousands of years later that shoes the first standard shoes were created. These shoes looked like footbags, and they were made with leather and leaves. This leather turned out to be a good option because it also protected their feet from cold. As human beings evolved over the centuries, the focus shifted from making shoes for protection to making shoes for fashion. Many designs were invented at the time, and the shoe business eventually became a full-scale production by the 18th century. Men and women were known to wear thick stockings with their shoes around this period, and it can be deduced that they did not need their shoes for warmth. Towards the middle of the 20th century, shoe manufacturers began to produce boots and shoes specifically designed to handle cold. They have been improving their designs to fit the needs of people.
Effects of Cold Climate on Shoes
If you step outside when the weather is cold, you will notice your skin and your hair become stiffer, and you would generally be more reluctant to remain in that condition. According to the threes’ survival rule, humans can only survive harsh weather conditions for 3 hours. Cold weather doesn’t just affect us, it affects everything around us, and that includes our shoes. Shoes (especially running shoes) are designed with insoles and midsoles that are flexible and designed to comfortably accommodate your feet. However, when the weather is cold, your shoes’ insoles and midsoles will become stiff, which will make the shoe more uncomfortable for you. When your shoes are exposed to a colder climate, the EVA foam is the most affected. The EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) foam makes up the shoe’s midsole and insole, and it helps with cushioning and shock absorption. When the weather is cold, the foam cannot absorb the ground’s vibration, and it becomes stiff. This means the cushioning effect is gone, and your leg will feel more discomfort.
Furthermore, this will lead to increased pressure on your soles, and the leg will take all the load as you step on the ground. Cold climates do not affect all shoes. If you are looking to buy a pair of shoes specifically for colder climates, you might want to check out the factors below.
Factors that indicate your shoe is built for colder climates
- Rubber Soles
Cold climates are generally caused by rain or winter. These weather conditions involve water, and walking around in heels or a leather shoe might be the wrong choice. At this period, your shoes or boots should have rubber soles. Rubber is a natural insulator, and it is resistant to water. A good shoe with solid rubber soles will always be the number choice in a cold climate.
- Firm structure and fit
When the weather is cold, your shoes become stiffer and more uncomfortable. If you happen to be wearing a shoe that has a loose structure and doesn’t fit perfectly, your feet will need some care when you take off the shoes. Where most shoes have their issues is at the ankle arch. It would be best to buy shoes with good in-built arch support for your feet to sit comfortably. Another very important factor is the fit of the shoe. Your shoe must be tight enough to prevent cold air from entering, and it must also be spacy enough to allow space for all your feet. It would help if you didn’t have to bend any part of your feet (the big toe, especially) to fit your leg in the shoe.
- Breathable waterproof material
Your shoe is supposed to protect you from cold, but it should also be designed with materials that allow oxygen to get to your feet. When oxygen doesn’t get to your feet, you begin to sweat there, which will inevitably lead to smelling feet. Your shoes should also be waterproof. Colder climates mean that you can easily end up under the rain or have to walk around in the snow at any time. Wearing shoes that are not waterproof might damage those shoes.
- Solid traction
If your shoe doesn’t have a firm grip, then you shouldn’t get it. Luckily, giving your shoe better traction is an easy process Non-Slip for Shoe Tips. When your shoe is solid on the ground, you no longer have to worry about falling or slipping by mistake
- Comfort
Comfort is the ultimate desire of all of us. Your shoes should be comfortable so that your feet do not hurt when you take them off. Cold climates might stiff up your shoe and make it uncomfortable, and that is why you have to buy shoes that feel naturally comfortable for you. If the shoe is good and it possesses other necessary attributes, you can easily wear it out during cold weather.
Conclusion
Shoes are an important part of our outfit, and it has been for a very long time. Since you cannot dress without shoes (or footwear at least), you must wear them correctly and agree with the weather. This article has shown you how climate can affect your choice of shoes. Cheers!