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Tire Chains For Your Boots, Anyone?

By Dr. Suzanne Levine

There are no mandatory government regulations specifying the quality of treads used on boots to make walking in the snow safer during super-hazardous conditions, but if world renowned NYC podiatrist and podiatric surgeon, Dr. Suzanne Levine had her way, there would be. "With the number of snowstorms we've a had during the first half of the winter alone, I'm already seeing a 30% increase in the number of patients coming into my office with fractures, sprains and pulled arches from snow-related incidences."

With multiple storms dumping record amounts of snow across the central and northeastern part of the United States-often mixed with perilous layers of black ice and slush, conditions are ripe for potential accidents for pedestrians of all ages.

"Pedestrians should treat their feel like tires in this kind of weather," comments Dr. Levine, " We have regulations for vehicles in treacherous weather, so we should at least establish some important standards of quality for treads used on footwear designed for winter walking. After all, our feet are our most important mode of transportation." Dr. Levine advises the following five basic tips:

1. Think of Your Foot Gear as Tires: "We buy new snow tires when the treads wear down-and the same policy should hold true for boots (and shoes) which typically become smoother and therefore less effective after three months," explains Dr. Levine. "Proper footwear is essential for protecting your feet, ankles, hips and spine during inclement weather. You can fix a car, but you can't always fix your body."

2. Don't Use Tires That are Flat: As obvious as this sounds, when it comes to snow boots, consumers typically choose something with a flat sole. "A wedge, though counter-indicative, is actually better, explains Dr. Levine, "since the forward angle of your foot allows it to dig into the snow with great proficiency."

3. Not All Treds are Created Equal: " Choose a tread with a varied pattern-one that has a different design in the front and heel of the sole. This will give you a variety of stop-gap measures when walking and climbing. through snow and ice. And galoshes don't cut it," adds Dr. Levine, "since they provide little to no support for the foot which can actually facilitate a fall."

4. A Snowstorm is Not The Time to Make The Ultimate Fashion Statement: "I love my stylish footwear as much as anyone, but treacherous conditions require serious action, " says Dr. Levine. "People who invest a lot of money into a boot that looks good, but is short on performance are less likely to want to throw them away after one season. I see kids everywhere in Uggs, but they are flat and, if the treads on them are not sharp, they have a greater likelihood of causing injuries. Ankle snow boots don't provide enough support and can easily result in sprains or even breaks when slipping and falling on snow and ice. If you shop carefully, however, you can find a boot that keeps you upright, safe and looks great at the same time."

5. Carry a Spare: "Never, ever *wear improper footgear during threatening weather and be prepared for the worst case scenario," advises Dr. Levine. "If you get caught unaware without the right pair of boots because they didn't go with your outfit, you' re not only going to ruin your shoes, but you may do permanent damage to your body as well." She further explains that it's an important practice to vary your shoes during the day anyway since this gives them a much need rest from wearing anything that challenges or restricts the natural mechanics of the foot. "If your feet are not in good shape or strong, they won't perform well in a crisis. Furthermore, Inactivity from injuries can also lead to other problems like weight gain which puts further pressure on feet and also lead to a host of other medical problems. It all starts with a healthy foot," says Dr. Levine, "if they are not protected or well cared for, you ultimately won't get very far in life."

Dr. Suzanne Levine is a Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon who has been named one of "America's Top Podiatrists" by the Consumers' Research Council of America and is among the most acclaimed podiatrists internationally. She enjoys tremendous peer recognition and has been repeatedly voted one of the most influential podiatrists in the United States by her colleagues. Over the past 20 years, Dr. Levine has revolutionized podiatric surgery from her Park Avenue practice. She is also a highly regarded instructor and teacher and co-chairs the International Aesthetic Foot Society. She has authored six books about the foot and also created a best-selling line of proprietary foot, face, and body care products that are available for purchase on both the Institute Beauté websitehttp://www.institutebeaute.com/shop.phpand the IAFS website <http://www.iafs.com/>.

Dr. Levine is featured frequently as NBC's foot care expert on The Today Show and WNBC's Today in New York. Her past television credits include Oprah, Entertainment Tonight, Extra, 20/20, The View, and Nightline. She has also appeared in the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times Magazine, Vogue and Departures Magazine.*

Dr. Levine's guiding principle is that that if you fix your feet, you will have a better life. Her goal is to help her patients get where they want to go in life-even if it's in a pair of stilettos!

For further information, please visit: www.institutebeaute.com