Are you ready for summer? How about your feet? Are they summer ready?

Not only do our feet get us from point A to point B, but they’re on display a lot this time of year. Have you picked out the perfect summer nail polish color?

More important than how they look, make sure you keep your feet healthy.

Here are a few suggestions to keep your feet in good condition. 

• Wear Comfortable Shoes: Do you remember trying on new shoes when you were a kid and lifting your big toe to see how much room there was before the end of the shoe? Wasn’t it always a thumb’s worth to grow? During the summer, too much wiggle room can make for uncomfortable feet. The right shoes are key to pain-free feet.
  • Not too loose –  to avoid blisters
  • Too tight – stretch them by wearing them with socks around the house
  • Avoid flats – arch support is essential
  • Add cushioning – if you’re planning to walk a lot, pamper your feet and add some extra cushion
• Apply Sunscreen: Like your stomach, which hasn’t seen the light of day in months, your feet haven’t either. Make sure to slather the tender skin with sunscreen. If you take a walk in the water, reapply sunscreen. Don’t forget that the bottom of your feet can burn, too.
• Avoid Walking Barefoot: Raise your hand if you’re looking forward to a swim in the pool? There are no street shoes allowed in the pool, but definitely wear them when walking around. The wet, dark surface of a locker room floor is a prime hiding place for foot fungus. Other things you want to avoid stepping on are:
  • Broken glass
  • Splinters
  • Bees or wasps
  • Hot roads or sidewalks 
  • Broken seashells
  • Dog poop
  • Sharp rocks
• Prevent Blisters: Friction = Blisters. It does not take long for your feet to blister, especially in the summer when they are sweatier. To keep them healthy:
  • Wear moisture-wicking socks
  • Keep your shoes and socks dry
  • Make sure your shoes fit properly
  • Wear socks with the correct shoes – athletic shoes without socks is a recipe for a blister
  • Avoid swollen feet – an increase in activity level combined with high heat and humidity can lead to some puffy feet. Simple natural ways to reduce swelling:
    • Elevate your feet
    • Drink water
    • Ice packs
    • Cool water foot soaks with Epsom salts
  • If you find yourself with a blister, use First Aid Blister Care.
• Clean Your Feet: Do you take your shoes off when you walk into your home? You might want to. According to a study by the University of Arizona, an average of 421,000 different bacteria was found on shoes, and the transfer of the bacteria from the shoes to floors ranged from 90% to 99%. Since you can’t take off your feet, washing them right when you get home is a fantastic idea!
• Air Them Out: Take some time to kick off your shoes and socks and let your feet breathe.
• Exfoliate and Moisturize: Do you want to wear cute sandals or flip-flops, but you’re embarrassed about your dry, cracked heels? Check out some home remedies to help manage the skin on your feet.
• Hydrate: Remember to drink water. Moisturizing starts from the inside. Drink water! Lots of it!
• Pedicures: Of course, some pampering is always nice! Grab a friend and hit a salon or pick up some bright colors and DIY.

 Now that you’re all set with ideas for healthy feet, kick back, put them up, and enjoy your summer!