How to choose winter shoes and socks

　　In the cold winter, many people’s feet are still cold even if they wear thick clothes. In fact, "cold starts from the feet", and keeping feet warm is the key to keeping the whole body warm. Many people blindly choose shoes and socks that are too thick in order to stay warm. As a result, they become colder and even cause problems such as athlete's foot and chilblains. So, how to scientifically choose shoes and socks in winter? The answer lies in three key details.

How to choose winter shoes and socks

　　1. Shoes should be "one size larger" and don't let your feet be restricted.

　　Many people think that shoes must fit well to keep their feet warm in winter, but experts in traditional Chinese medicine point out that tight shoes and socks are one of the "culprits" of cold feet. Dr. Jiang Liangduo from Beijing Dongzhimen Hospital reminds: Shoes and socks that are too tight will compress the blood vessels in the feet and affect blood circulation, resulting in insufficient blood supply to the feet, making them naturally colder. Moreover, moisture cannot dissipate after the feet sweat, and it is easier for the feet to "make things worse" when cold and damp occurs.

　　Recommendation: When choosing shoes in winter, it is better to go up half a size to one size to ensure that the toes can move slightly and the ankle joints can bend freely. The loose space helps air circulate and forms an "insulation layer", which makes it warmer.

　　2. Don’t wear two layers of socks. Choosing the right material is more important than thickness.

　　Some people wear socks layer after layer in order to keep warm, and as a result, they get blisters when walking. Experts clearly remind you: Don’t wear double socks. The superimposition of multiple layers will squeeze the space inside the shoes, compress the feet, hinder blood circulation, and easily cause friction and blistering.

　　The correct approach is: choose a pair of high-quality single-layer thermal socks. In autumn and winter, socks made of velvet are the first choice. They have good elasticity, soft feel and strong warmth retention, far better than ordinary nylon or crystal stockings. If you are looking for a lightweight, breathable and elastic style, core-spun yarn is also a good choice.

　　3. Understand the "D number" and choose the right thickness without getting into trouble.

　　The thickness of stockings or stockings is usually represented by "D" (Denier). The larger the D number, the thicker and warmer the socks. In winter, you can choose flexibly according to the temperature:

　　-40~60D: Suitable for early winter or indoor wear, with certain warmth retention properties；

　　-60D and above: real cold protection level, suitable for cold outdoor；

　　-120D and above: usable in extremely cold weather, with strong warming effect.

　　Note: The higher the D number, the higher the price is usually. You don’t have to blindly chase the higher price when purchasing. Just choose according to the actual temperature and personal feeling.

How to maintain health in winter

　　1. A warm and nourishing diet

　　In winter, it is advisable to eat more warm and nourishing foods, such as mutton, beef, red dates, walnuts, etc., which can be combined with therapeutic recipes such as Wuhong Tang to replenish energy and nourish Yang Qi. Reduce the intake of raw and cold foods, and cook mainly by stewing, boiling, and braising, which not only protects the function of the spleen and stomach, but also enhances the body's ability to resist cold, which is in line with the health-preserving principle of "winter storage."

　　2. Regular work and rest

　　Follow the rule of "go to bed early, get up late, and wait for daylight". Go to bed before 10 o'clock every night and get up after the sun rises in the morning to ensure 7-8 hours of sleep. In winter, Yang Qi is restrained. Adequate sleep can help the essence to hide, repair body functions, avoid staying up late and depleting Yang Qi, reduce chills, fatigue and other discomforts, and maintain the balance of Yin and Yang in the body.

　　3. Moderate exercise

　　Choose gentle exercises such as indoor walking, Tai Chi, and yoga, 3-4 times a week, for about 30 minutes each time, to avoid strenuous exercise that causes Yang Qi to leak out. Keep warm during exercise and avoid wearing thin clothing. Dry sweat and change clothes promptly after exercise to prevent wind and cold invasion, promote blood circulation, and improve the problem of cold limbs in winter.

　　When choosing the right shoes and socks, thicker is not the better, but they should be loose, breathable, made of high-quality material, and of moderate thickness. Remember these points, this winter, let’s warm you up starting from your “feet”!