The weather has changed so drastically – do you even remember what winter felt like? Something along the lines of, “it was a bit colder,” right? Along with the change in weather comes a change in the way you should care for your feet.

Now that we are smack dab in the middle of the summer, you probably find yourself thinking about ways to keep cooler. This may include wearing tank tops, shorts, and some flip flops or sandals. But we want to warn you, don’t forget about foot care just because it’s summer!

Your feet in the summer are prone to getting hot, sweaty, burned, cut, and/or injured. The following are some tips to address these consequences in order to best care for your feet as you try to beat the heat!

• Hot: You’ll be leaning towards wearing shoes that do not fully enclose your feet. This usually means flip-flops and sandals. While they can be great for staying cool, it can also mean that you risk leaving your feet unsupported. To prevent foot issues, it’s best to have good cushioning, arch support, and heel cupping. Many flip-flops, sandals, and even flats do not always have these qualities. Look for sandals that have more of the qualities that keep them stable and supported.
• Sweaty: If you choose to stay supported by wearing sneakers or custom orthotic shoes, make sure you carry around extra socks to change into in case they become soaked (especially if you have hyperhidrosis)
• Burned: The summer sun can leave your skin, including the skin on your feet, with a burn. If you’ll be out in the sun and your feet will be exposed, make sure to use sunblock all the way down to your feet.
• Cut and/or Injured: It’s tempting to take off your shoes and walk around on the grass or other surface while barefoot, but it exposes you to other possible problems. You can get cut from broken shards of glass. You can get bruised or injured from small pebbles you may not see. You can even get bitten by a colony of feisty ants if you accidentally step on an anthill! Additionally, going barefoot exposes you to infection, especially on shared floors, like at community pools and locker room showers.

Also, don’t forget to stay hydrated! The summer heat and sun can get pretty brutal, so if you plan to be out for a long time, bring some water with you. If you get dry cracked heels from wearing sandals, it may be a sign that you need more hydration and moisturizing!

Do you have additional concerns about summer foot care tips? Come see our podiatrist, Dr. Jonathan M. Kletz of Texas Foot Works. Make an appointment today at any of our Abrams (Dallas), Athens, and Gun Barrell City, TX offices.