Choose the wrong footwear and you'll fall flat in the rains... literally. Your normal footwear can't bear the brunt of slippery floors, dirty mud pools or lashing rains day after day. However, this doesn't mean donning ugly gumboots or drab black chappals to work. Monsoon footwear has got really stylish, so we list out some options for you:

Boots
"Stylish boots are in this season. Men can opt for ones in dry mild leather while women can get Lycra ones," says Farid Kinariwala, store manager, Metro shoes. They come in colours like black, tan, red, blue and beige. Boots look great with khakis and chinos. Women can sport them with knee length skirts, dresses or formal trousers. 
Mud factor: You won't get any mud on your feet
Comfort factor: Though protective, boots can be uncomfortable especially when your feet start sweating due to humidity
Style quotient: Semi-formal
Washability: They can be wiped clean with a damp cloth. Ones made from lycra or synthetic blends can be washed

Shoes
Ones made from dry mild or patent leather can be better options. "Shoes with polyurethane soles are good as they are lightweight and don't skid on slippery surfaces," suggests Farid. Waterproof leather slip-ons are hugely in demand. Canvas shoes are another good option.
Mud factor: It covers 99 per cent of your foot but you can get a little dirty above your ankles
Comfort factor: Slip-ons are more comfortable than lace ups as you can remove them easily to let your feet dry Style quotient: Formal
Washability: You can clean them with a damp cloth. Wait for the dirt to dry so that you can dust it off

Rubber footwear
"For those who don't mind going casual, there is a variety of footwear in rubber and other materials that work well in the rains. From flip flops to ballets or sneakers, they come in different forms. Closed sandals with holes in them are quite a craze; the straps provide the grip while the holes allow the feet to breathe," says Shruti. These are waterproof by nature and dry fast
Mud factor: Your feet get dirty depending on how exposed they are
Comfort factor: They are lightweight and comfortable but the grip can be inconsistent
Style quotient: Casual to super casual
Washability: Can be washed with soap water and cleaned with a brush

Floaters
"They are an excellent option as they have sturdy soles, synthetic linings and straps for better grip," says Shruti Bagri, senior manager, marketing and brand development, Hi-Tec Shoes. Floaters allow your feet to dry fast as the material doesn't absorb water
Mud factor: Your toes, heels and the upper part of the foot can get dirty
Comfort factor: The sturdy grip makes it very comfortable, especially for those who have field jobs
Style quotient: Casual
Washability: Can be washed with soap water and cleaned with a brush

Sandals
You can get closed sandals as well as open ones like flip flops or loafers. They are made of leather, rubber or synthetic materials. You can get sandals in other waterproof materials too. Most sandals allow the feet to breathe which can prevent the smelly feet problem. You can wear sandals with your casual trousers, jeans, skirts, dresses, etc. Sandals offer different levels of protection
Mud factor: Your heels and your toes can get muddied Comfort factor: Truly comfy as you can take them off as and when you please
Style quotient: Semi-formal to very casual
Washability: Leather ones can be wiped with a wet cloth while you can clean rubber or synthetic sandals with soap water and a brush

Tips for healthy feet
* Put 5 drops of peppermint oil in a tub of lukewarm water with handful of neem leaves and soak your feet for 10 minutes
* Pat dry your feet after washing and put some antiseptic powder on it before wearing your shoes 
* To keep infections like tinea pedis and nail infections at bay, mix powdered camphor in your talcum and spray it on your feet
* Wear cotton socks in monsoons and be sure to change your socks every day 
* Expose your shoes to fresh air at least twice a week   
* If you are a diabetic you should cover your feet as much as possible in the monsoons as they are more prone to infection in this weather. Sesame massage oil is good for your feet in the monsoons 
* Use an antiseptic soap to clean your feet if you have waded through mucky waters
* In case you have long toe nails, make sure that you clean the area between your toe and nails

urmimala.banerjee@mid-day.com