Ian Coleman

Seconding this - in AZ evaporation is your enemy. If your current cream is more of a gel-lotion and try switching to a thicker, occlusive-heavy one (petrolatum, shea, dimethicone, squalane, ceramides) and apply within a minute of washing while skin is still damp. A small bedside humidifier and skipping formulas with fragrance or essential oils can also reduce that tight, dry feeling.

Given your tight couple of months and the shoes coming up, I’d go hybrid: set aside enough for the shoes and keep a small $200 buffer then throw the rest at the card. That slashes most of the interest while lowering the chance you’ll swipe again and once insurance clears, set an automatic $25–$50 per week to rebuild the emergency fund and finish the card if anything remains.

If I actually had to boil it down for that model feet on wet sidewalks go for a true extra that model box and a rubber outsole with grooves that move water. Keep the shoe light so he does not tire out and avoid overly squishy foam underfoot. Try them on late afternoon and walk a few steps on a damp area while holding a rail, you will know right away if the grip feels secure. Replace them when the tread looks shiny or flat since that is when slips start happening.