Wet shoes: for most of us, they’re an inconvenience, a minor discomfort that we’d rather avoid. But the truth is, the consequences of getting stuck in wet shoes or going back into them can be more severe than you might think. In this blog, the team at North Texas Foot & Ankle explores two significant reasons why you should steer clear of wet footwear: trench foot and an increased risk of frostbite.

Trench Foot: A Painful Reminder of Neglect

Imagine this: you’re on an outdoor adventure, and you step into a puddle. It seems harmless enough, and it’ll dry eventually right? However, your soggy shoes and socks become a breeding ground for bacteria. The longer you ignore the situation, the worse it gets. Your feet become swollen, discolored, and incredibly painful. 

You’ve likely become a victim of trench foot. 

Trench foot, also known as immersion foot, may sound like a relic from the past. It’s often associated with the muddy trenches of World War I. However, it’s a very real condition even in 2023. Trench foot occurs when your feet are exposed to wet, cold conditions for extended periods. Prolonged moisture softens the skin, making it more susceptible to infection. If left untreated, trench foot can cause severe pain, blisters, and even tissue damage.

This condition is preventable, but it’s essential to stay vigilant, change into dry footwear, and keep your feet clean and dry to avoid the unpleasant experience of trench foot. If you suspect you’ve got trench foot, give our team at North Texas Foot & Ankle a call immediately.

Frostbite: A Chilling Consequence

Wet shoes not only expose you to the dangers of trench foot but also significantly increase your risk of frostbite. When your feet are wet, your body loses heat much faster. In cold conditions, this can be a recipe for disaster. While year-round snowy conditions aren’t a problem for us in Texas, they can be an issue for those who love traveling to colder climates for hiking, climbing, skiing, snowboarding and other wintery events. Frostbite occurs when the skin and underlying tissues freeze due to exposure to extreme cold.

Let’s say you’ve been hiking in wet shoes in below freezing temperatures. Your feet become increasingly cold and numb, and you might not even realize the extent of the damage until it’s too late. Frostbitten skin turns pale, hard, and can even blister or become black and dead. The consequences can be long-lasting, with potential damage to nerves, blood vessels, and even amputation in severe cases.

The key takeaway here is that the risk of frostbite significantly increases when your feet are wet. If you want to stay safe during your winter adventures, make sure your footwear is dry and insulated!

The perils of wet shoes extend beyond mere discomfort. Trench foot and frostbite are serious consequences that can arise when you neglect the importance of keeping your feet dry and warm. 

If you’re out in wet conditions and you know you’ll be out there for a while, always have a backup plan – extra socks and dry shoes – and take the time to change if your footwear becomes wet. Your feet will thank you, and you’ll avoid the painful, potentially life-altering consequences that come with the territory of wet shoes. The team at North Texas Foot and Ankle can help prevent your adventure from becoming a misadventure! If you struggle with foot and ankle health, book an appointment with us by visiting our appointment form or by giving us a call at 214-574-WALK (9255).