While our feet are treated to pedicures and pampering during summer sandal season, we admit that in the winter, they are occasionally subjected to such indignities as chipped polish, old socks and moisture when encased in cute (but not waterproof) boots. According to James McGuire, D.P.M., a podiatrist at Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine in Philadelphia, nerves conduct pain impulses more slowly in cold temperatures, putting wearers of tight shoes or ski boots at risk for nail hemorrhage or loss. Other common winter foot problems include blisters from cold damage and even frostbite.

One of our favorite ways to keep our feet dry — and fashionable — is to put them in Hunter Wellington Boots, made by a Scottish company that has been in the footwear business since 1856. (Though Hunter doesn’t ship online orders to the United States, the boots are available starting from $115 from e-tailers such as Zappos.com and Smith & Hawken.) The boots come in an array of colors, including green, yellow, red, dolphin and silver. Fleece Welly Socks in complementary and contrasting tones are available for extra warmth in the winter, though we think the boots are just fine on their own. Plus we can wear them in warmer weather as well — whether we’re stepping off a city sidewalk or squishing through mud in the garden.

Do you have a favorite pair of winter boots? Or do you need to treat your feet to a new pair?

Tags: Blister, blisters, Boots, e-tailers, Footwear, Frostbite, Hunter, James McGuire, Medicine, Mountaineering, pain, podiatrist, Podiatry, ship online orders, Sock, Temple University School, Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine in Philadelphia, United States, USD, Wellington boot, Wellington Boots