This year's warmer-than-normal autumn temperatures have extended the flip-flop and sandal season, but when the weather turns wintry, students will need shoes better suited for snow and ice. With the amount of walking students deal with, durability and comfort of shoes are crucial to overall foot health, said Jon McCreary, doctor of podiatric medicine at Achilles Podiatry Group.
However, some students must adjust to walking around on campus during winter. The majority of freshman Katy Ellis' shoe collection is high heels.
The self-proclaimed "shoe-a-holic" said that the pain or discomfort of wearing high heels cannot mask their sexual appeal.
"Heels can dress anything up," she said. "Put on a pair of jeans, put on a pair of heels - BAM - glamour. It's like plastic surgery in a shoe."
Adapting to college life this fall included adjusting to flat shoes for weekday walks across campus, she said. Ellis saves her high heels for going out on the weekends, she said.
FlatsBuy these: $8.99 by Wear It Declare It at Kohl'sWhat to look for:Although trendy, flats provide little support for your feet. Look for flats with extra padding and a rubber sole. Avoid flats with pointed toes. Choose rounded toes instead.
BootsBuy these: $39.99 by London Fog at Rack Room ShoesWhat to look for:Just because the snow boots you wore during last year's snowstorm still fit doesn't mean they can't cause potential harm. McCreary suggests checking the wear pattern on the bottom of the sole. Shoe soles are like tires on a car: the less visible the pattern, the more wear on the sole, he said. A good pair of shoes will have a durable, rubber sole for traction on ice patches, McCreary said. The shoe body should be made of a waterproof material, or if the shoe is made of leather, the shoe should be breathable.
DressBuy these: $29.99 by Candie's at Kohl'sWhat to look for:High heels and pointy-toed shoes distribute foot weight unevenly, put too much pressure on the front part of the foot and pinch the toes, which can lead to hammertoes and other foot deformities. Look for dress shoes with small heels and rounded toes. Because it takes several years of continuous wear to develop serious foot ailments, women who can't part with their heels can wear them occasionally without problem.
CasualBuy these: $34.98 by New Balance at Shoe CarnivalWhat to look for: Avoid brands such as Doc Martens, Ecko and Nike's retro line. Do not use casual shoes for running, playing sports or other athletic activities because they do not have as much support as athletic shoes. However, you should look for casual shoes with laces because they keep the foot from moving around too much. Try Adidas, Brooks, Basics, New Balance, Nike, Puma and Reebok brands.
AthleticBuy these: $64.99 by Saucony at Shoe CarnivalWhat to look for:Saucony athletic shoes are the best brand for women because of their narrow widths, McCreary said. New Balance athletic shoes are the general public's best bet because they are manufactured in a variety of sizes, widths and types, McCreary said. Also try Adidas, Brooks, Basics, Nike, Puma and Reebok brands.
More shoe-buying tips
Stop aching feetIf wearing a pair of shoes causes feet to ache, it means the sole is not effectively supporting the arch. That ache will go away with a new pair of shoes, McCreary said.
When to try onThe best time to try on shoes is in the later part of the day, when feet have swelled, McCreary said. When in doubt, customers should buy shoes in a bigger size.
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