How to Protect Your Feet This Summer: 3 Smart Strategies

Feet relaxing in a swimming pool, highlighting summer foot care and exposure to water and public surfaces

The moment you can ditch the bulky shoes and boots of winter, it’s natural to want to give your feet some freedom.

While getting outside and airing everything out feels great, it’s still important to protect your feet. Our experienced team of podiatry specialists at Neuhaus Foot and Ankle recommends keeping a few key strategies in mind. We help patients throughout Mount Juliet and Middle Tennessee keep their feet healthy all summer long.

Going Barefoot: When It’s Safe and When It’s Not

One of the biggest joys of summer is going barefoot. Whether you’re walking on the beach or enjoying soft grass, letting your feet connect directly with the ground can feel great.

However, going barefoot isn’t ideal for everyone.

For the 38.4 million Americans with diabetes and the 12 million Americans with peripheral artery disease (PAD), even small cuts can lead to slow-healing wounds and serious infections. For these individuals, we recommend avoiding barefoot activities altogether.

If you’re dealing with a foot condition such as plantar fasciitis or Morton’s neuroma, supportive footwear is also important until the issue improves.

Additionally, if you’re immunocompromised or older, your feet may be more vulnerable to infections like warts or toenail fungus.

Even if you’re otherwise healthy, public spaces like pools, locker rooms, and shared outdoor areas can expose your feet to bacteria and viruses. Wearing flip-flops or sandals in these environments is a smart precaution.

If you’re not at increased risk, you can still enjoy going barefoot, just be mindful of your surroundings and take steps to protect your feet.

Choose Shoes That Support Your Feet

When you do wear shoes, make sure they’re working for your feet, not against them.

Some footwear prioritizes style over support, which can contribute to issues like bunions, hammertoes, and general foot discomfort. Shoes that crowd your toes, such as high heels or narrow styles, can worsen these problems.

Instead, look for shoes that allow your toes to spread naturally and provide proper support for your arches.

You can take this a step further with custom orthotics, which are designed to support your unique foot structure and improve alignment in whatever shoes you wear.

Don’t Forget Sunscreen on Your Feet

It’s easy to overlook your feet when applying sunscreen, but they’re just as exposed as the rest of your body during the summer.

Sunburn on the tops of your feet can be surprisingly painful and uncomfortable. Make sure to apply sunscreen to your feet whenever you’re wearing sandals or going barefoot outdoors.

Keep Your Feet Healthy All Summer Long

With just a little extra attention, you can enjoy everything summer has to offer while keeping your feet safe and comfortable.

If you have questions about foot care or are dealing with a foot issue, our team at Neuhaus Foot and Ankle is here to help. We provide expert care for patients across Shelbyville, surrounding communities, and throughout Middle Tennessee.