Summer means more walking, more vacations, more sandals, and more time outdoors. While your feet may be ready for adventure, summer can bring its own set of foot health challenges. Here's how to keep your feet happy all season long.
1.Choosing the Right Summer Footwear
Summer often means trading supportive shoes for sandals, but not all footwear is created equal.
When choosing summer shoes, look for:
✔ Arch support
✔ A stable sole that doesn't easily bend in half
✔ Adjustable straps that keep your foot secure
✔ Cushioning for longer walks and activities
✔ A comfortable fit that doesn't require your toes to grip
For vacations, sightseeing, festivals, walking trails, and trips to the zoo, we often recommend supportive sport sandals or athletic walking shoes. These provide the support and stability your feet need while still keeping you comfortable in the summer heat.
2. What About Flip-Flops?
Flip-flops certainly have their place.
We recommend saving them for:
- The pool
- Locker rooms
- Quick trips outside
- The beach
However, they typically lack the support needed for all-day wear and can contribute to heel pain, arch pain, tendon strain, and fatigue when worn for extended periods.
If you're planning a full day of walking, your feet will likely be much happier in a supportive sandal or athletic shoe.
3. Don't Forget Sunscreen on Your Feet
When applying sunscreen, many people remember their face, shoulders, and arms—but forget their feet.
Be sure to apply sunscreen to:
✔ Tops of the feet
✔ Toes
✔ Between the toes
✔ Ankles
✔ Heels when exposed
The tops of the feet are one of the most commonly overlooked areas during sunscreen application. However, they receive significant sun exposure during the summer, especially when wearing sandals or spending time at the pool, beach, or outdoors.
Repeated sun exposure can increase the risk of sunburn, premature skin aging, and skin cancer. Taking a few extra seconds to apply sunscreen to your feet can help protect them all summer long.
4. Your Feet + The Heat
Hot weather changes how your feet behave.
During the summer we often see:
- More sweating
- More blisters
- More fungal infections
- More irritation from sandals
- More foot pain from increased walking and activity
Keep Your Feet Happy This Summer
✔ Change sweaty socks after activity
✔ Let shoes dry completely between wears
✔ Wear sandals in public pools and locker rooms
✔ Choose supportive footwear for long walks and hikes
✔ Don't ignore persistent itching, peeling skin, or toenail changes
5. Bonus Summer Tip: Swimming Counts as Exercise
If foot, ankle, knee, or joint pain makes walking difficult, swimming can be an excellent way to stay active during the summer. Because the water supports your body weight, swimming allows you to exercise without placing the same stress on your feet and joints as walking, running, or other high-impact activities. In addition to being low impact, swimming can help improve circulation, maintain strength and mobility, and provide relief for individuals with arthritis or other joint conditions. Whether you're swimming laps, participating in a water aerobics class, or simply enjoying time in the pool with family, water-based exercise is a great way to stay active while giving your feet a break. Just remember to wear sandals around public pools and locker rooms to help reduce your risk of athlete's foot and plantar warts.
When Should You See a Podiatrist?
Don't wait all summer hoping pain will improve on its own.
If you're experiencing:
• Heel pain
• Arch pain
• Ankle pain
• Toenail changes
• Persistent athlete's foot
• Pain that limits activity
We're here to help.
Call Indy Podiatry to schedule an appointment and enjoy your summer comfortably.
