10 Tips to Prepare Your Feet for Summer

As the weather warms up and you start eyeing those sandals in the back of your closet, it is time to give your feet some much-needed attention. After months of being tucked away in heavy boots and thick socks, your feet might need a little TLC to handle the heat, sand, and sun.

Here are ten essential ways to get your feet summer-ready and keep them healthy, courtesy of us at Goldsmith Podiatry.

1. Exfoliate Away the Winter Layers

During the winter, thick calluses often build up on your heels and the balls of your feet. Use a pumice stone or a foot file once or twice a week after your shower when the skin is soft. This removes dead skin cells and prevents the painful cracking that often happens when you switch to open-backed shoes.

2. Master Moisturizing

Summer air and salt water can dry out your skin fast. Apply a thick foot cream every night before bed, focusing on your heels. However, here is a pro-tip: never put lotion between your toes. That area stays naturally moist, and adding lotion can create a breeding ground for fungal infections.

3. Don’t Forget Sunscreen for Your Toes

The tops of your feet are one of the most common places for a painful sunburn. The skin there is thin and sensitive, and it is often directly exposed to the sun when you wear sandals. Make sure you apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher to your feet and ankles every time you head outside.

4. Limit Your Barefoot Time

It is tempting to walk barefoot around the pool or at the park, but this increases your risk of injuries and infections. Public pool decks and locker rooms are hotspots for plantar warts and athlete’s foot. Always keep a pair of flip-flops or water shoes handy to act as a barrier between your skin and the ground.

5. Keep Your Nails Trimmed Properly

To avoid painful ingrown toenails, always trim your nails straight across rather than rounding the corners. Keep them at a sensible length, because if they are too long, the friction from your shoes can cause trauma to the nail bed, leading to bruising or even fungal growth.

6. Rotate Your Summer Footwear

Don’t wear the same pair of shoes two days in a row. Summer heat means your feet sweat more, and your shoes need at least 24 hours to fully dry out. Rotating your footwear prevents bacteria from building up inside your shoes, which keeps your feet smelling fresh and infection-free.

7. Prepare a Summer Foot First-Aid Kit

Be ready for minor mishaps by packing a small kit with blister pads, moleskin, antibiotic ointment, and sterile bandages. Having these on hand means a small scrape or a rubbing strap won't ruin your vacation.

If you’re looking for more foot care tips, give us a call at (212) 877-1002 so Dr. Howard Goldsmith, Dr. Rosanna Troia, and Dr. Kristina T. Ruff at Goldsmith Podiatry can help guide you in the right direction.