Snow and wet feet

Short answer: Snow is dry until it melts. The problem starts when snow meets a warm shoe and the water gets in through seams and laces, so a spare pair of socks in your bag is the most reliable fix.

Snow is dry until it melts

Dry snow on a cold day can be brushed off without leaving much water behind. It becomes a problem when it stays on the shoe and meets warmth. Then it melts slowly, and the water finds its way in where the shoe is weakest. That is why your feet can get wet from walking in snow alone.

Snow turns to water in the shoe

As soon as snow meets the warmth of your foot, it melts and seeps in. This happens most in deep snow that reaches above the edge of the shoe. Pull your trousers down over the top so snow does not fall straight in. See bamboo sweatpants for women as a soft layer to change into afterwards.

Water gets in through the seams

Even a waterproof sole does not help if water gets in by the laces. The tongue and the upper seams are where snow gathers and melts. Brush the snow off your shoes when you come inside instead of letting it melt. See most popular for women.

Wet socks turn cold quickly

A wet sock no longer holds warmth. It draws warmth away from the foot, and soon the whole foot feels cold. The longer you walk in it, the colder it gets. So waiting for the sock to dry in the shoe is not enough. It needs changing.

A spare pair of socks solves it

A dry pair in your bag is the only real fix on a snowy day. Change as soon as you arrive, and put the wet pair in a bag. It takes a minute and makes the rest of the day far more comfortable. Bring something dry and soft to pull on too. See bamboo sweatshirt for women.

Shoes need to dry fully

Wet shoes need to dry completely by the next day, or your feet start out damp. Take out the insoles and stuff the shoes with newspaper to soak up the water. Place them somewhere airy, but not directly on a hot radiator.

Choose shoes for the weather

On days with wet snow and sleet, a shoe with few seams and a high edge is better than a low shoe with many openings. Lace it well so there are as few gaps as possible. It will not stop all moisture, but it reduces how much water gets in.

Think the whole day through

A snowy day needs a little more planning than other days. Check the forecast, pack a spare pair of socks, and have somewhere to hang wet clothes when you arrive. That way wet feet do not spoil the day before it has properly started.

Frequently asked questions

Why do your feet get wet in snow

Because snow melts when it meets the warmth of the shoe, and the water gets in through seams and laces, even when the sole stays sealed.

Do waterproof shoes help

Partly. The sole keeps water out, but it often gets in from above by the laces instead, especially when the snow reaches over the edge.

What is the best fix

A spare pair of socks in your bag. It is the one thing that really saves a day of snow and sleet, because a wet sock does not hold warmth.