April showers bring May flowers and with that in mind, it is important to wear the proper shoes in wet conditions. Wearing the proper rain boot can prevent you from walking around in what seems like a swimming pool in your shoes. An effective pair of rain boots should protect your feet and the lower portion of your legs from being soaked by the rain, mud, and sleet among a variety of other conditions. Most importantly, a good pair of rain boots can save you from a face plant into the mud.
Today, there are a variety of colors and style of rain boots and we can thank the Duke of Wellington for that! Rain boots first made their debut on the feet of Arthur Wellesley in Britain in the early 19th century. Hessian boots, standard issue in the military, were made out of leather, had a semi-pointed toe, reached up to the knee and had a tassel on the top. Thinking he could improve on them, Wellesley commissioned his personal shoemaker to make a variation just for him. He asked him to do away with the trim around the calf, shorten the heel and cut the boot closer around the leg. The result, known as Wellingtons, quickly took hold among the British aristocracy, and the name wellies endures to this day.
Aside from keeping you warm, dry and cozy, rain boots boast unique benefits because of the sheer nature of their design and function. From men’s and women’s rain boots to children’s rain shoes, there are multiple advantages to consider as you seek out your ideal selection of rain-focused footwear. Protection, style, and traction reflect three particular benefits of owning a pair of boots that has been specifically created to help you properly prepare for and weather a variety of natural elements.
Aside from being funky colors, rain boots top priority should be protecting you. Rain boots should be at least water resistant, if not waterproof. Water-resistant means it should repel or block some moisture, but may not completely keep the feet dry. Waterproof is better for those torrential downpours as these should protect the feet completely. Additionally, during rainstorms, the ground may be muddy and slippery. The rain boot should have a good tread to prevent the wearer from skidding and sliding across the ground. Overall, rain boots should be comfortable and not cause pain to the wearer. Ill proper fitting rain boots can lead to pain in your feet and if the boots are too loose, they may cause the person to trip and become injured. From protection to style to traction and safety, rain boots function to provide you with a footwear solution full of unique advantages. Before you make an impulsive purchase, take the time to weigh the benefits of a particular pair of rain boots. If you purchase rain boots and find yourself in discomfort, or worse, an injury, then schedule an appointment with Cornerstone Foot and Ankle.