We've all had at least one Monica from Friends situation, when you spend all your savings on a pair of "perfect boots" that you plan to wear every day, but struggle to wear until lunch time. So how do you save yourself from hobbling through November? We spoke to podiatrist Dina Gohilabout new boots doesn't have to mean new blisters...
1. 'Look for soft leathers and suedes. Pay attention to where the seams are inside the boot and if they will rub across the sides of your toes. Preferably you want no seams.'
2. 'DON'T buy shoes to wear them in. If they aren't comfortable when you try them on, don't think you can wear them in to be comfortable.'
3. 'Opt for a boot that supports your natural arch and doesn't feel too flat. The more support you receive in your boot, the longer you will be able to walk.'
4. 'Look at the shape of the boots in the front, if it's narrow and shallow in depth it can squeeze the front of your feet and your toes. This can cause corns and blisters. So test the boot by moving your toes to see if they are too restricted.'
5. 'Blisters are caused by friction, so it is important to keep your feet dry, clean and reduce friction as much as possible. Initial assessment should be focused towards your walking footwear. Make sure no aspects are rubbing or too tight. Approximately a thumbs width will be sufficient at the end of your shoe. Make sure to allow sufficient space for the height of the front of your shoe; this is called the toe box.'
6. 'Secondly, sock layering in two can help to prevent blisters. Also wearing polypropylene and other synthetic wicking fabrics can help reduce moisture.'
7. 'Avoid cotton socks, as they can be abrasive when moisture is absorbed. Nylon socks, also reduce friction.'
8. 'We can try and toughen your skin up, try walking barefoot around your home and outdoors where safe. I'd say the garden. This will toughen your soles. Application of surgical spirit can help toughen skin too.'
9. 'To keep your feet dry, powders like talcum and corn-starch are effective. There are also tapes you can apply like moleskin and zinc oxide tape to prone areas.'