I have limited systemic scleroderma and this autumn I have bad chilblains on one of my big toes, the first time for 20 years and it hasn't even been cold. I have heard that some people find Ugg boots helpful but they are expensive and I wanted to know what other people thought of them. Do you wear thick socks with them and do you buy your regular shoe size or a size bigger (I live in a remote part of Wales so would have to buy online as no-one stocks them within a 70mile radius)? I currently wear leather Cosyfeet shoes with Astec insoles plus 12% silver socks and either mohair ski socks or very thick Smartwool socks. The Cosyfeet shoes are so that I can wear very thick socks. In previous years my feet have been fine but not this year. The chilblains are mainly on the underside of my toe (presumably in contact with the cold ground), they are distinct purple areas about 0.5cm across as opposed to a general reddening and they hurt as opposed to itch. It is painful to walk so any information on Ugg boots or anything else which may help would be gratefully appreciated.
Ugg Boots / chilblains.: I have limited... - Scleroderma & Ray...
Ugg Boots / chilblains.
Lynntregaron,
I’m an advocate of UGG boots, got mine last Christmas from my daughter, Great present, made my feet so much more comfortable, cannot feel the lumps and bumps (Scleroderma). I wear normal ankle socks with soft tops and I think the boots are size 7 and I’m a 6.
The UGG web site has some great sizing information and there are lots of sales on now, House of Fraser, John Lewis etc..
I have always worn much cheaper boots over the years, but they are so comfortable and really help my feet and they will last forever.
I'm not sure about sizing but Ugg recommend you wear them with no socks at all. I tried it and it was so comfy. My only issue is that they don't have the support of ordinary shoes or boots.
Hi,
Ugg sheepskin is great but you're right, they're very expensive. They have several different styles and the style you see most people wearing, although warm, doesn't have any structure to support your arches.
I'd be tempted to shop around a bit as there's lots of different alternatives. There's Emu sheepskin, Kiwi sheepskin, Celtic sheepskin (Cornish) and several small companies making sheepskin footwear in Wales eg Susie's sheepskin. You may have one down the road from you.
I bought a pair of long (12") kiwi boots a couple of years ago and they've been utterly fantastic. They look slightly tatty - but I don't wear them out so it doesn't matter. Where they score is that they're so, so very warm. They recommend wearing them a little big without any socks, which sometimes I do or sometimes with thin wool socks. They have a better, thicker footbed than many of the uggs and going for a longer boot has made a huge difference.
Try to make sure that you've got sheepskin underneath your foot - many sheepskin boots only have it going up the sides. You can alternatively buy sheepskin inserts, which I do every year for my wellies.
Also try to give your toes room to wriggle with some air space around them. Cramped toes will get cold quicker. You'll need extra room this year if you've got chilblains to allow room for them swelling up, which unfortunately they will 
I never, ever go barefoot unless it's August and hot and a beach and personally I have to take precautions and wear thermal footwear from the start of September to prevent chilblains at all costs.
Watch out for putting dead toes into a slightly too hot bath - one of the quickest ways to get chilblains there is.
Sadly, once I've got chilblains I find it impossible to get rid of them for the cold season - which is why I go to extreme lengths to prevent them. And yes, they do hurt like hell but never ever scratch them as they will then swell & itch a million times worse.
Have fun shopping!
Thank you for your detailed reply. Having looked at the websites and read the reviews which indicate that Ugg boots are not as well made as they used to be, I decided to buy a pair of Kiwi boots. The pictures show that many boots don't have a deep toe bed which I definitely need. I e-mailed Kiwi boots regarding size and I received a reply that night (very quick considering the time difference) and ordered the next day. They were shipped that night so I eagerly await their arrival. In the meantime I am trying battery heated socks (my GP's suggestion) but too soon to say how effective they are. We've had severe frosts here for the past 2 days so am taking great care of my extremities. Thanks once again to everyone who responded to my post.
I always despised those UGGly over-sized slippers with a vengeance... and any boots that look decent are well past the £200 mark...but suffereing from numb and painful toes last winter, I finally gave in. I still loathe the "slippers", but I found a nice looking pair second hand on EBay and paid only half of the original price for a pair of decent bootswhich was almost new. The best purchase I have ever made! My toes are cosy warm and I am not afraid to brave the cold weather anymore! 😊
The decision to buy the bootscame after being given a pair of sheepskin mittens by my aunt. My fingers are much worse than my toes and I didn't manage to find any gloves that keep them warm enough. The mittens are the only gloves that allow me to stay outdoors for a little while longer.
And while I still find the cold winter temperatures a real challenge which definitely makes increases my suffering, at least I feel now fully equipped to brave the outdoors.
Seriously, get a pair! You will wonder afterwards why you even waited so long! 😊
Check EBay! While I'm not too keen on buying used shoes, the boots are a bit different in so far that they are such good quality and will really last you. A serious seller will post lots of pictures and a detailed description. And I saw plenty theat looked in really goid almost new condition.
Happy shopping - and happy feet!
Ugh boots are great. I wear them without socks. My feet and toes stay super toasty. And the sheep lining is super comfortable around my feet and toes.
Hi. I have never bought Ugg boots but I have bought sheepskin boots from Celtic & Co (they do have an online shop). I bought them in my regular size and have had my current pair for over 5 years. I get raynauds pretty bad so I wear two pairs of thin socks to trap as much heat as possible.
Celtic do offer a repair service on their boots that are made in Britain but I've never had to use this. The boots are expensive but I consider it an investment piece and essential for my health. I've not been hospitalised for raynauds attacks since wearing them (and the numerous layers of clothes).
Have you ever seen a podiatrist or spoken to your rheumatologist about your feet?
I don't get chilblains now, but did when young, although not severe. I used to relieve them by putting my feet in v hot water & then immediately into v cold water.
Lynne another question about kiwi sheepskin boots. Do they have zips. I can't use my fingers that easily to pull boots up due to the arthritis of course. I assume they have zips. Can't think how you would get the long ones on otherwise. Which model did you buy please. I like the look of the Tall Ultimate Sheepskin Boot Full Calf
Look forward to your reply
xx
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