Below are some Holiday gift ideas for your loved one's feet, recommended by Foot Works Waterloo, Ontario.
- Smartwool socks (https://www.smartwool.com/default.cfm)
The resurgence of wool as a high performance outdoor material has really taken off the past several years, and at the leading edge of that trend is Smartwool. The great thing about wool is that it insulates even when wet. These socks are great for skiers, runners, cyclists, or anyone who likes to keep their feet warm and cozy regardless of the conditions outside.
- YakTrax (http://www.yaktrax.com/)
YakTrax is a rubber device with a metal coil that slips over any regular shoe. The metal on the device digs into ice or snow and is great at providing much needed traction on slippery surfaces and thus preventing slipping and falls. They have a walker model and a pro model for running. These are great for anyone who likes to venture outside when the weather is cold and the sidewalks are icy here in Waterloo.
- Winter cycling shoes or shoe covers
One of the biggest challenges for the hardcore cyclists who ride outdoors year round here in Ontario is keeping their feet warm. The Pearl Izumi Barrier GTX (www.pearlizumi.com) is one of the most advanced winter riding shoes on the market. They are lined with Gore-Tex so they are 100% waterproof as well as having Thinsulate insulation to keep you warm. Pearl Izumi, Gore Bike Wear, Castelli, and others also make shoe covers to put over regular cycling shoes to keep out wind and winter road debris.
- Winter boots
For men, you can't go wrong with the classic Sorel Caribou boot (www.sorel.com). A more modern take on this traditional winter boot is the North Face Baltoro 400 II (www.thenorthface.com). Both of these boots are good down to -40 Fahrenheit! For women, Ugg's (http://www.uggaustralia.com/) are extremely comfortable for their warmth, comfort, and style. Patagonia (www.patagonia.com) has also entered the shoe and boot market and has some trendy new styles, including the Attlee Tie boot.
- Winter running shoes
Salomon (www.salomon.com) has had a stronghold on the trail running/Gore-Tex lined shoe for quite some time and continues that trend in 2011 with the Salomon Wings 2 GTX available in men's and women's versions. Many other companies make shoes that would be good for winter running. The trail running shoes tend to have less ventilation and soles with more traction which are both important for winter. If you can afford it, go with a Gore-Tex lined shoe to keep your feet dry on those cold and wet Ontario winter days.
Thanks for reading and have a great week!
---The Foot Works Team
Posted via email from Northumberland Physiotherapy and Foot Care Centre's posterous
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