Good footwear crucial to coping with ice

I bought new boots. Now ordinarily this would not be a newsworthy event. But after what happened the first time I wore them in the snow, I feel compelled to alert and warn you about boot treads and what to look for.

I purchased hiking boots, which in retrospect was a mistake. They may grip the ground on a wilderness trail, but they hate snowy surfaces. They are warm, semi-stylish and sport deep treads and thick rubber soles. But the actual rubber itself is as smooth as glass. Alas, all rubber soles are not created equal. At the time, I didn’t know this and made my decision to buy based on the impressive treads.

Confident, I stepped out my door after a light dusting of snow. As my left foot went one way and the right started the other way, I realized something was terribly wrong. I didn’t fall, but did the “penguin walk” to my car. Being a slow learner, I wore them again during snow. Surely the first time was a fluke. Not so. I again gingerly made my way to the car. After my third and final attempt to wear these boots in snow, I caved and bought another pair, this time with a new respect for what makes good snow treads.

If you are contemplating new boots, take heed. This advice is based strictly on my own experience, but I have found that the rubber soles should be somewhat textured, not completely smooth. If possible, put a little water on the floor to see how the boots will be on a wet surface before you buy. I did this with my brand new ones and while they slipped a tiny bit on the linoleum, it was nothing like the sliding of the hiking boots.

And look for the term “all weather” in the description of the footwear.

Not even the most perfect boot is a match for ice. After cursing walkways and parking lots that were inadequately sanded and salted, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I keep a bag of rock salt and a scoop in my car on the floor of the passenger side. If I go somewhere that looks iffy, I salt it myself. I also have an empty 20-ounce soda bottle filled with the white pellets, calcium chloride. It fits in my tote bag, is lightweight, easy to pour and will melt ‘most any ice I encounter. I may look silly, but at least, one hopes, I will remain upright.

Investing in Yak Trax, which slip on over boots or shoes and have metal coils on the bottom that provide traction on ice, is also a good idea. These come highly recommended by my favorite physical therapist, Donna Sargent at Healthsouth, and are available in most sporting goods stores for around $20.

And lastly, be especially careful getting in and out of the car. Your balance may be off because of standing on one leg and bending. One wrong move and you could find yourself under the car, so take your time and hang on while entering or exiting your vehicle.

Be sure to tune into WVOM, The Voice of Maine, 103.9 FM at 6:30 a.m. Saturday mornings for “Senior Talk” with Carol Higgins. It is a show for and about seniors, covering topics from Medicare and Social Security to osteoporosis and volunteering. Not an early riser? Don’t worry. The show re-airs at 9 a.m. Wednesday on WABI AM 910, right after George Hale. I’d love to have you join me.

We have some spaces left for the AARP Driver Safety class, Jan. 20 and 21. The class is $10 to cover the cost of materials, and upon completion you will receive a certificate that will save you money on your car insurance. It is a great course with good, solid information that can help keep you safe on the road. Sylvia Smith is the instructor. Call EAA at 941-2865 to reserve your place at the table. You’ll be glad you did.

Carol Higgins is director of communications at Eastern Agency on Aging. For information on EAA, call 941-2865 or email info@eaaa.org.