7 Habits to Have Happy, Healthy Feet This Summer

Summer is sandal season, so your feet are finally getting some fresh air. But they can also take a beating from hot pavement, long walks, and sweaty shoes. If you want your feet to look good and feel good, a little extra care goes a long way. Healthy feet make for a more enjoyable summer.

The experienced team at Washington Foot & Ankle Sports Medicine in Kirkland, Washington, offers the following advice for how to keep your feet healthy this summer. 

1. Choose the right footwear for the weather

Flip-flops might feel like the official shoe of summer, but they’re not always the best for your feet. While they’re convenient for the beach or pool, they offer little to no arch support, which can lead to pain in your heels, arches, or even your knees. 

For everyday wear, look for sandals or shoes with built-in support, cushioned soles, and adjustable straps to keep your foot secure. Your feet will thank you later.

2. Keep them clean and dry

It might sound basic, but daily foot hygiene makes a big difference. Warm weather means more sweating, which creates the perfect environment for bacteria and fungi. Wash your feet thoroughly each day (don’t forget between the toes!), and make sure they’re completely dry before putting on socks or shoes.

Moisture leads to problems. Dryness leads to comfort.

3. Moisturize but skip between the toes

Yes, feet need moisturizing too! Sun, salt water, and sandals can leave skin cracked and dry, especially around the heels. A daily moisturizer helps restore softness and prevent painful fissures, but here’s a quick tip: avoid applying lotion between your toes. That area stays moist naturally. Extra cream can increase the risk of fungal infections like athlete’s foot.

Soft skin is excellent. Infections? Not so much.

4. Rotate your shoes and let them breathe

Wearing the same pair of shoes every day is hard on your feet and hard on the shoes. Sweat builds up fast in the summer heat, and without time to dry out, your footwear becomes a breeding ground for odor and bacteria. Try to alternate pairs every other day and give them time to air out completely. Fresh shoes make a big difference. So does fresh air.

5. Don’t ignore pain or discomfort

Summer might be all about activity, but that doesn’t mean you should push through foot pain. Blisters, swelling, arch pain, or lingering soreness are signs that something’s off. It’s better to address issues early than let them get worse. Our team can help you get to the root of the problem and recommend simple, effective treatments.

Your feet are your foundation. Treat them like it.

6. Wear sunscreen on your feet

Feet get sunburned, too. It’s easy to forget them when applying sunscreen. The tops of your feet are especially vulnerable when wearing sandals or walking barefoot outdoors. Use a broad-spectrum SPF, and be sure to reapply after swimming or sweating.

Burned feet hurt. Protect them like the rest of your skin.

7. Trim nails properly to prevent problems

Summer shoes put your toenails on full display, but it’s not just about appearances. Long or improperly trimmed nails can lead to painful conditions like ingrown toenails or fungal infections. Cut straight across and avoid trimming too short to keep nails healthy and strong.

Neat nails look good. Healthy nails feel even better.

Keep your feet strong and summer-ready

The truth is, healthy feet don’t happen by accident. They need attention, just like any other part of your body. By building a few smart habits into your summer routine, you can prevent problems before they start and enjoy every step, whether heading to the beach, exploring a trail, or just walking the dog.

Call the office or schedule an online consultation if you have any questions.