In preparation for another cold and wet Michigan winter, it’s good to remember that one of your best defenses against sickness—and general discomfort—is a good pair of sturdy waterproof shoes. Here at Haig Shoes, we sell Keen and Ecco shoes to Rochester Hills residents and others who come in looking for high quality waterproof footwear.
When shopping for waterproof shoes, it’s good to come in with a plan. While you may not need your new shoes for a specific winter activity, it’s always useful to have a pair of waterproof shoes around the house for when you need to venture out in inclement weather. Here are some of the factors you’ll want to consider before buying a new pair of waterproof shoes:
- Primary purpose: Waterproof shoes are available for a variety of activities, including hiking, running, walking and participating in other athletic sports. Depending on the intended activity, shoes will have a different design. Overall, the purpose of waterproof shoes will be the same: to keep your feet dry while also providing the support of regular shoes.
- Level of waterproofing necessary: One thing about waterproof shoes that isn’t ideal is that they tend to not breathe very well. It’s possible to increase breathability by foregoing a waterproof liner, as well as improve the shoes’ ability to dry, but your protection from water won’t be as great. It’s a tradeoff that you’ll need to consider.
- Keep your options open: It’s never a good idea to just buy the first pair of shoes that seem to fit okay, and it’s a really bad idea to buy shoes that you haven’t tried on at all. Visit a store with sufficient options for your needs and in your size. Give yourself enough time to try on as many pairs as possible, and if you’re able, try to approximate the activity for which you’re purchasing the shoes. For example, if there are stairs in the store, using them with a prospective pair of hiking shoes might be wise.
- Think of your shoes as an investment: You don’t want to rush into purchasing a pair of waterproof shoes. You want to be certain that you’ve chosen the right pair. After all, these are generally more expensive than other footwear, and you’ll want them to last. Ask about warranties and return policies to make sure you’ll have coverage in the event that the shoes are defective or develop a sudden, unexpected problem.
Buying a new pair of waterproof shoes requires attention to detail and a keen sense of what is best for your feet and your needs. But it should also be fun. The associates at Haig Shoes are happy to assist you in choosing a new pair of waterproof shoes, and can even make recommendations if you aren’t sure what you’re looking for. For all your winter footwear needs, remember that Haig Shoes is the place to visit for Keen and Ecco shoes in Rochester Hills. Come see us today to protect your feet against the rain and snow.