Winter has finally approached us in Victoria, Australia. Whether you're walking through the snow in the mountains (Hello Mt Bulla!) or braving the damp and chilly Melbourne weather, it’s imperative that you take the time out to look after your feet. Here are our tips:

On The Snow

The restrictions in most states are now starting to ease which means you may be hitting the slopes for the skiing and snowboarding season. Follow these tips when out on the mountain

• Never snowboard or ski in footwear other than the ski boots that have been specifically designed for that purpose.

• Did you ever think that you ski/snowboard shoes need to be correctly fitted? The aim is to provide the right level of compression which allows for stability, and promotes transition of movement through the skis/snowboard. Make sure your ski boots fit you properly - you should be able to wiggle your toes, but the boots should immobilize the heel, instep and the ball of your foot.

• Be size smart. It can be rather tempting to opt for a slightly larger size of winter boot or ski boot for the little ones thinking they’ll grow into them. But, unlike other clothing, footwear must fit properly to begin with. Make sure you have the correct shoe size to prevent blisters, chafing and foot and ankle injuries.

Running in Winter

• Before you head off on that winter jog , make sure you stress. The cold weather can make you less flexible so it is even more important to warm your muscles up before running.

• You may be in for some icy conditions in your morning run during these winter months. It’s important to not change the stride of your foot strike pattern, but rather shorten your stride in order for you to maintain stability whilst running.

Everyday Winter Care

• Who doesn’t own a pair (or five) of winter boots? You may find that your feet sweat a lot in boots! A damp environment is a breeding ground for bacterial infections so it’s important to keep your feet clean and dry.

• Socks made of natural breathable material such as bamboo can help wick away moisture - even though cotton is a natural fiber, you’ll find it will absorb the sweat rather than wick moisture away.