Summer is one of the best times of year to get outside and stay active. Whether you're exploring local trails, heading to the pool, taking a family vacation, or simply enjoying longer days outdoors, your feet are likely working harder than usual.
Unfortunately, summer can also bring unique challenges for foot health. Increased activity, warmer temperatures, and different footwear choices can all contribute to discomfort and injury. Here are a few simple ways to keep your feet healthy, comfortable, and ready for summer adventures.
Choose Summer Footwear Wisely
Summer often means swapping supportive shoes for sandals, but not all footwear provides the support your feet need.
When shopping for summer shoes, look for features such as arch support, cushioning, adjustable straps, and a stable sole. Shoes that keep your foot secure and provide adequate support can help prevent fatigue and discomfort during long days of walking.
For activities such as sightseeing, festivals, outdoor events, walking trails, and trips to the zoo, supportive sport sandals or athletic walking shoes are often the best choice. These options provide stability while helping keep your feet cool in warmer weather.
Flip-Flops Have Their Place
Many people live in flip-flops during the summer, but they are best reserved for short periods of wear.
Flip-flops are ideal around pools, locker rooms, beaches, and for quick trips outside. However, because they offer very little support, wearing them for extended periods can contribute to heel pain, arch pain, tendon strain, and overall foot fatigue.
If you're planning a day that involves a significant amount of walking, a supportive sandal or athletic shoe will typically be a much better choice.
Don't Forget Sunscreen on Your Feet
Most people remember to apply sunscreen to their face, shoulders, and arms but often overlook their feet.
The tops of the feet, toes, ankles, and exposed heels receive significant sun exposure during the summer, especially when wearing sandals. Because these areas are frequently forgotten, they can be particularly vulnerable to sunburn and long-term sun damage.
Repeated sun exposure can increase the risk of premature skin aging and skin cancer. Before heading outdoors, take a few extra moments to apply sunscreen to all exposed areas of your feet.
How Summer Heat Affects Your Feet
Warmer temperatures can change how your feet feel and function.
During the summer months, we commonly see an increase in sweating, blisters, fungal infections, irritation from sandals, and foot pain related to increased activity levels. Long walks, hikes, vacations, and outdoor events can all place additional stress on your feet.
To keep your feet healthy throughout the season, change sweaty socks after activity, allow shoes to dry completely between wears, and wear sandals in public pools and locker rooms. It's also important to pay attention to symptoms such as itching, peeling skin, or changes in your toenails, as these can be early signs of a fungal infection.
Swimming Is a Great Low-Impact Exercise
For individuals dealing with foot pain, ankle pain, arthritis, or joint problems, swimming can be an excellent way to stay active during the summer.
Because 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. Swimming can help improve circulation, maintain strength and mobility, and provide relief for individuals with arthritis and other joint conditions.
Whether you're swimming laps, participating in water aerobics, 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?
Summer should be spent enjoying your favorite activities—not sitting on the sidelines because of foot pain.
If you're experiencing persistent heel pain, arch pain, ankle pain, toenail changes, athlete's foot that won't go away, or any discomfort that is limiting your activity, it may be time to schedule an evaluation.
The team at Indy Podiatry is here to help you stay active and comfortable all summer long.
Here's to a healthy, happy summer—and happy feet every step of the way.