Summer Foot Care 101: Common Problems & How to Keep Your Feet Happy

Dr. Correa
Jun 6
3 min read

Summer is here—and that means sunshine, sandals, vacations, and more time spent on your feet. But with the fun also comes a few sneaky risks to your foot health. At Select Foot and Ankle Specialist, we want you to enjoy the season without pain or problems slowing you down. Here are some of the most common summer foot issues and how to prevent them.

🩴 1. Flip-Flop Fallout

We get it—flip-flops are convenient and cool. But in the setting of summer foot care they offer little to no support which may be ok for sitting around pool side but can cause real problems when walking long distance. Prolonged wear can lead to:

Arch and heel pain
Tendon strain
Toe cramps

Try this instead: Choose sandals with contoured footbeds, adjustable straps, and proper heel cushioning. Brands like Vionic, HOKA, Birkenstock, and OOFOS can offer the breezy feel without the fallout. For the budget minded individuals consider the recovery slides from GPOS found on Amazon.

👣 2. Summer Fungal Foot Care

Hot, damp environments like pools, locker rooms, and sweaty shoes are a playground for fungal infections like athlete’s foot and toenail fungus.

Prevention tips:

Dry your feet thoroughly—especially between the toes
Wear moisture-wicking socks and breathable shoes
Never share towels or footwear
Use antifungal powders or sprays if you're prone to infections

🏖️ 3. Summer Barefoot Hazards

Walking barefoot at the beach or on pavement can lead to:

Cuts, splinters, or burns from hot surfaces
Plantar warts from public showers
Foreign objects getting lodged in the foot

On a 95°F day, pavement and asphalt can reach 150°F or higher, and at that temperature, a second-degree burn can occur in as little as 15 to 30 seconds of direct skin contact.

Protect yourself: Always wear water shoes or sandals with a sturdy sole, even at the beach or pool. Remember to protect your pet's feet too!

🧦 4. Swelling in the Heat

Summer heat often causes feet and ankles to swell—especially if you’re traveling or spending long hours standing or walking.

Combat swelling by:

Elevating your feet when resting
Drinking plenty of water
Wearing compression socks if flying
Choosing supportive footwear over flat sandals

🩺 5. Diabetic Foot Risks

For patients with diabetes, foot care during the summer can mean a higher risk of unnoticed cuts, burns, or infections.

Smart summer care includes:

Daily foot checks
Properly fitting shoes (no barefoot walks!)
Sunscreen on the tops of your feet
Prompt attention to any blisters, redness, or changes in skin

🧴 6. Sunburned Feet

It’s easy to forget that your feet need SPF too—until they’re red, blistered, and painful.

Tip: Apply sunscreen to the tops and sides of your feet, especially when wearing sandals or going barefoot. Pay attention to the strength (SPF) of the sun screen and make sure your reapply as needed. Spending time near large bodies of water can lead faster rates of sun burn due to reflection of UV rays off of the water.

🧳 7. Foot Pain While Traveling

Exploring new places often means miles of walking on unfamiliar terrain.

Pack smart:

Break in new shoes before the trip
Bring blister pads and an extra pair of socks
Stretch your feet and calves daily
Don’t push through pain—get help early if issues arise

✅ Final Thoughts

Your feet are your foundation—don’t let summer sideline them. With just a few proactive steps, you can avoid common seasonal foot problems and keep moving pain-free. At Select Foot and Ankle Specialist, we’re here all summer long to help you stay active, healthy, and comfortable. Whether it’s persistent foot pain, a suspicious toenail, or a sprain from a beach volleyball game—we’ve got your back (and your feet!).

📞 Call us today at (832) 743 0508 or click the link to schedule an appointment or consultation. Let’s keep your feet summer-ready all season long!