Wellies are your best friend when the snow is melting or when rain is coming down. But while wellies are designed to provide good traction against slippery and muddy surfaces, they can cause discomfort when our feet start to slide inside the boot.
Why do our feet sweat so much in wellies? Are there effective ways to stop feet sweating in rubber boots? For all the details on how to keep your feet dry while wearing wellies, you’ll want to check out our little guide below.
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Causes of feet sweating in wellies
Lack of airflow
Wellies are made of an impermeable material called isoprene. Isoprene’s high-tensile strength is what makes this type of footwear ideal for inclement weather since water or air won’t pass through and reach your feet.
Wearing wellies for extended periods of time can cause your feet to sweat. One of the reasons for this is lack of airflow. Without proper circulation, your feet can become damp and uncomfortable, leading to fungal infections and other foot-related issues.
However, it’s for the same reason that it can cause excess sweating in your feet. Wellies easily trap moisture and retain heat. As moisture continues to build up, your feet will start to smell due to bacteria feeding on your feet sweat.
Plantar hyperhidrosis
Plantar hyperhidrosis is the term given to excessive and uncontrollable sweating of the feet. If you’ve noticed that you start to sweat excessively since puberty, it may be the reason behind your problem. These foot conditions are often hereditary, and it is a lot more common than you may think.
9 tips to stop feet sweating in wellies
Wellies, also known as rubber boots or rain boots, are a popular choice for wet and muddy conditions. However, wearing wellies for extended periods of time can lead to sweaty feet, which can be uncomfortable and even lead to foot odor. If you’re looking for ways to prevent sweating in the feet as you wear wellies, here are nine tips to consider:
Choose the right wellies for your feet
This tip might sound rather cliche, but many people fail to see how crucial it is to pick the right wellies based on their feet size and intended purpose. Choosing the right wellies for your feet is an important thing to consider if you sweat a lot in them. Look for wellies with maximum airflow, proper circulation, and made of waterproof materials to keep your feet cool and dry.
Wearing ill-fitting wellies not only makes you sweat excessively but also causes rubbing and chafing. Unfortunately, different shoe brands can have different sizing and even the shoe lines within a brand can vary in sizing, too. While you can buy wellies online, it would be best to get them from a brick-and-mortar store to make sure you get the right size.
When going fishing or walking your dog 10 miles in the rain, you’ll need breathable boots that offer ample arch support and allow your feet to move freely as you walk. A well-constructed but more affordable pair will do nicely when it comes to simpler tasks, like tending the backyard garden.
Use antiperspirant spray on your feet
Using antiperspirants is one of the most effective ways to stop feet sweating in wellies. Antiperspirants are designed to block sweat ducts, hence preventing them from perspiring. Don’t confuse them with deodorants as the latter only mask the bad odor.
You can use a regular foot antiperspirant, or better yet, choose one with a prescription-strength formula like Certain Dri.
Try foot powder
If you struggle with wet feet and all that sweat while working on a construction site during the summer months, consider using foot powder to prevent moisture buildup. This inexpensive solution can be used in combination with a boot dryer and a thinner pair of socks to keep your feet fully dry.
The best thing about foot powders is that you can pile it on and actually see how much you’re using. You can also use the powder to deodorize your socks and boots.
So if you prefer a powder format, I highly recommend Foot Sense Natural Foot and Odor Eliminator. A regular talcum powder may work just fine, but it doesn’t protect your feet from bacteria.
Wear absorbent socks
Don’t we all dislike wet socks? Sock moisture in wellies is just the worst! Not only will your feet stink, you will be more prone to rashes, blisters, and foot fungus infections, as well.
When choosing socks, you’ll want to go for a cotton socks blend, such as Dickies Men’s Dri-tech Moisture Control Crew Socks. These socks provide a snug fit and excellent absorbency, as well as the right length to prevent the interiors of the boots chafing against your legs.
For colder months, socks crafted from a blend of Merino wool and stretchy synthetic fibers. A good example is Alvada Thermal Socks. Additionally, wearing merino wool socks or Bama socks that absorb moisture and wick moisture away can prevent fungal infections and keep your feet free from dampness.
These socks should feel incredibly warm and cozy, but not uncomfortably thick or tight. Most importantly, you can expect these socks to wick sweat every time you wear them. This kind of balance can be difficult to find in a pair of winter socks.
Last but not least, don’t forget to free your feet from the sock prison and let the feet breathe! If you suffer from plantar hyperhidrosis, it would be best to change socks after every few hours or between walks.
Try shoe insoles
If you think shoe insoles aren’t a big deal, think again. Replacing the insoles of your wellies can help a lot in addressing discomfort and excessive sweating. Boots often don’t come with ultra-absorbent inserts treated with antimicrobials that could otherwise help you with your problem.
A good cheat code is to wear insoles like Dr. Scholl’s ULTRACOOL, which offers odor protection, ventilation, and supportive cushioning. These insoles, combined with good-quality moisture-wicking socks, will help keep sweat and odor at bay.
Buy two different boots for hot and cold weather
This tip links in nicely with our first point. When it comes to choosing boots for different weather conditions, you’ll want to look into the lining.
Nowadays, most wellies use neoprene as the insulating material since it is highly proficient in heat retention and breathability. These boots are ideal for gamekeeping, working on the field, rough shooting, etc. The thicker the lining, the more effective the insulation is against cold temperatures.
For leisure walks through the autumn woods and across crisp winter fields, wool- and fleece-lined wellies would suffice. But if you are planning to walk great distances, wellies with luxury leather lining might be for you.
Leather lining is often considered luxurious and costs considerably more. But for the price you pay, you’ll get hard-wearing, general-purpose boots that offer strong thermal insulation and comfort. Your feet will stay warm in the winter and cozy in the summer.
Keep your work boots clean
Cleaning the insoles and the interior of your boots is just as important as keeping your boots looking spick and span from the outside. Otherwise, the insides of your wellies can easily become a breeding ground for bacteria that could lead to an athlete’s foot.
Spray a 50/50 solution of water and vinegar inside and leave it to dry naturally. You may also sprinkle baking soda to neutralize odors.
Foot hygiene with antibacterial soap
Although you may skip showering, you’ll definitely want to get into a routine of washing your feet at least once a day, especially before going to bed. Experts advise washing your feet with a bar of antibacterial soap, especially between the toes, and drying them thoroughly afterward.
Our feet are naturally covered with bacteria that feed on waste products coming from our sweat glands. When bacteria feed, they produce certain acids that give sweaty feet their funky odor. By washing your feet, you can cut down their numbers and slough off mounds of dead skin cells from building up.
Seek medical advice
If your feet tend to be sweatier than the average person’s to the point that it hampers work and daily living, then it would be wise to see a podiatrist. If you have hyperhidrosis, your doctor may suggest iontophoresis.
FAQ
How do you keep rubber boots dry inside fast?
To hasten the drying process, you can stuff your wellies with a hair towel. It also helps your boots maintain their shape. Avoid using a hair dryer or exposing your boots to direct sunlight as this can weaken the rubber.
How do I permanently get rid of hyperhidrosis?
There is no cure for hyperhidrosis, but there are ways to manage the condition. Methods like iontophoresis can also offer a temporary solution.
Can wearing wellies damage your feet?
When you’re wearing shoes closed from all sides, the accumulated heat consequently causes your feet to become slick. This puts you more prone to conditions like athlete’s foot and fungal nail infections.
Final thoughts
Are there ways to stop feet from sweating in wellies? You bet! Choose a pair of boots that work best for you, wear moisture-wicking socks, and take advantage of those amazing products we mentioned earlier. Give the insides of your wellies attention, too! If you follow our advice, you’ll see that sweaty feet could be a thing of the past and you’ll enjoy comfortable walks.