Summer is here, and for many of us, that means stepping out in open-toed shoes. As the weather warms up, our feet finally get a chance to breathe. While sandals and thongs are a staple of the Australian summer, they also expose our feet to new challenges. From cracked heels to painful blisters, the shift in footwear can take a toll.
This guide will help you prepare your feet for their summer ‘showing’. We’ll cover everything from essential daily care to choosing the right thongs or sandals. We’ll walk you through how to prevent common issues like sunburn and fungal infections, ensuring your feet stay healthy, comfortable, and beautiful all season long.
Why Summer Demands Special Foot Care
During winter, your feet are usually protected inside socks and enclosed shoes. This environment keeps them relatively moist and shielded from the elements. When summer arrives, this changes dramatically. Your feet are suddenly exposed to heat, sun, and friction from different types of footwear.
This exposure can lead to several problems. The open design of sandals means your skin loses moisture more quickly, resulting in dryness and cracked heels. Walking on hot pavement can be harsh, and the straps on new sandals can cause painful blisters. It’s also easier for your feet to pick up dirt and bacteria, increasing the risk of infections. By understanding these risks, you can take simple, proactive steps to keep your feet in top condition.
Building Your Summer Foot Care Routine
A little daily attention goes a long way in preventing common summer foot problems. Integrating a few simple habits into your routine can make a significant difference in how your feet look and feel.
Moisturise Daily to Prevent Dryness
The key to soft, supple feet is consistent moisturising. The sun and open air can quickly dehydrate the skin on your feet, particularly your heels, which can lead to painful cracking.
To prevent this, apply a high-quality moisturiser every day. Look for creams that contain ingredients like urea, which is excellent for hydrating and softening thick skin. The best time to moisturise is right after a shower when your skin is clean and better able to absorb the cream. Pay special attention to your heels and any other areas prone to dryness.
At Foot Health Solutions, we stock a range of podiatrist-recommended creams that are specifically formulated for feet.
Don’t Forget the Sunscreen
You probably remember to apply sunscreen to your face, arms, and legs, but what about your feet? The skin on the tops of your feet is thin and highly susceptible to sunburn. A painful burn here can make wearing any shoes uncomfortable and increases your long-term risk of skin cancer.
Make it a habit to apply a broad-spectrum, SPF 30+ sunscreen to the tops and sides of your feet whenever they are exposed to the sun. Remember to reapply every two hours, or more often if you’ve been swimming or sweating. This simple step is one of the most effective ways to protect your feet during the summer months.
Wash and Dry Thoroughly
Warm, humid conditions are the perfect breeding ground for fungus. Conditions like athlete’s foot can thrive in the summer, causing itching, redness, and discomfort. Good hygiene is your best defence.
Wash your feet every day with soap and water, and be sure to dry them completely, especially between the toes. This is where moisture can get trapped, creating an ideal environment for fungal growth. If you’ve been at the beach or a public pool, rinse your feet as soon as possible to wash away sand, salt, and potential contaminants.
Choosing the Right Summer Footwear
Your choice of footwear plays a crucial role in your foot health. While it’s tempting to grab the cheapest pair of thongs, investing in supportive and well-fitting thongs and sandals will prevent pain and injury.
Look for Support and Cushioning
Many popular summer shoes, like flat thongs and slides, offer virtually no arch support or shock absorption. Wearing them for extended periods can lead to foot fatigue and contribute to conditions like plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot.
When shopping for thongs and sandals, look for features that support your foot’s natural structure:
- A supportive arch: This helps distribute pressure evenly across your foot.
- A cushioned footbed: This absorbs impact when you walk, reducing stress on your joints.
- A slight heel lift: A small elevation (around 1-2 cm) can help reduce strain on your Achilles tendon.
At Foot Health Solutions we stock Archies Arch Support Thongs. Podiatrist and physiotherapist-approved, they’re designed to keep you comfortable and aligned from the ground up, while promoting better foot posture. They look just like a regular thong but provide the same amount of support as a typical orthotic.
Ensure a Proper Fit
Ill-fitting shoes are a primary cause of blisters, corns, and calluses. Your thongs or sandals should fit correctly from the moment you try them on. Your heel should sit comfortably within the back of the shoe, and your toes shouldn’t hang over the front.
Straps are another important consideration. They should be snug enough to hold your foot securely in place without digging into your skin. Adjustable straps are a great feature, as they allow you to customise the fit. Avoid sandals that are too loose, as this can cause your foot to slide around, leading to friction and blisters.
Preventing Common Summer Foot Problems
Even with the best care, issues can sometimes arise. Knowing how to prevent and treat the most common summer foot ailments will help you handle them quickly and effectively.
How to Prevent Painful Blisters
Blisters are caused by friction, which is common when breaking in new sandals or walking long distances in the heat.
- Break them in slowly: Wear new sandals around the house for short periods before taking them on a long walk.
- Address hot spots: If you feel a spot starting to rub, address it immediately. Applying a blister patch can create a protective barrier. Shop our Blister Prevention patches here.
- Keep feet dry: Moisture can increase friction. If your feet tend to sweat, consider using an antiperspirant or foot powder.
If you do get a blister, avoid popping it. The fluid inside protects the underlying skin. Clean the area and cover it with a specialist blister bandage to prevent infection and promote healing.
Tackling Cracked Heels
Cracked heels, or heel fissures, occur when the skin on your heels becomes extremely dry and thick. In severe cases, these cracks can bleed and become infected.
- Exfoliate gently: Use a pumice stone or foot file on your heels 2-3 times a week after a bath or shower. This will help remove the buildup of dead, hard skin.
- Hydrate intensely: After exfoliating, apply a thick, urea-based heel balm. For an intensive overnight treatment, apply the balm and wear cotton socks to bed to lock in moisture.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.
Avoiding Fungal Infections
Public pools, gym changing rooms, and hotel showers are common places to pick up fungal infections.
- Wear protective footwear: Always wear thongs or shower shoes in communal wet areas.
- Alternate your shoes: Avoid wearing the same pair of shoes two days in a row. This gives them time to dry out completely, reducing the chance of fungal growth.
- Choose breathable materials: Shoes made from natural materials like leather or canvas allow air to circulate, keeping your feet drier.
Dr.’s Remedy Fearless Foot Finisher is one of our top choices for foot care. This nourishing balm is formulated with sunflower, eucalyptus, and peppermint oils to soothe aches and pains. It also contains a powerful combination of tea tree oil, eucalyptus, and Freshstat™ Preservative to combat odours and heal common ailments like athlete’s foot. Ingredients like shea butter, cocoa seed, and mango provide moisturising and anti-ageing properties. Add this superstar balm to your daily routine for happy and healthy feet.
Your Feet Deserve Professional Care
While these tips can help you maintain healthy feet throughout the summer, some issues require professional attention. If you experience persistent foot pain, notice changes in the colour or texture of your toenails, or have a wound that isn’t healing, it’s important to see a podiatrist.
People with underlying health conditions, such as diabetes, should be particularly vigilant about foot care and schedule regular check-ups with a podiatry professional.
Embrace the warm weather and enjoy sandal season with confidence. By giving your feet a little extra care, you can ensure they stay comfortable, healthy, and ready for all your summer adventures.
As always, if you have any serious concerns about your feet or lower limbs we encourage you to visit your podiatrist. If you are based on the Gold Coast, we highly recommend our friends at ProMed Podiatry for their holistic approach to foot health.
