slipping and sliding

Here in Seattle we have been experiencing light snow and tons of black ice. This makes getting around the city dangerous both on foot and in car. Some of you that have braved the elements and gone out into this weather may have noticed your legs are sore. This is from tensing and utilising muscles differently when walking on ice. On of the nicest things you can do for yourself on these slippery days is stretch your legs at the beginning of the day and the end. A hot bath would be amiss either.

Shoes that are designed to have traction in ice are a plus, Blundstone boots work well but they don't insulate you feet very well so if you are out in the cold for long periods you will have to wear really warm socks. find them on zappos or other google them. Ugg boots, also from Australia, have good bottoms and of coarse my favorite brand of shoes, Keen work well in the snow and ice. One of the worst types of shoe you can wear in ice, beside high heels because that should just be obvious, are hiking boots. The reason is they are designed to prevent slipping in muddy conditions and have thick chunky traction that gives you no purchase on ice. They also have no flexible soles so it is hard for your foot to "feel" the surface it is walking on and you end up on your bum, or pulling your calf muscle. Powdery, non-compacted snow you can bring out the hiking boots, but resist in icy conditions.