When the sun comes out, so do our feet! After months of being cocooned in socks and shoes, we can’t wait to slip into sandals and enjoy the warm weather. But summer can also bring a rise in foot problems — from painful blisters and fungal infections to swelling and sunburn.
To help you keep your feet healthy and happy all summer long, here are our expert tips to avoid the most common seasonal foot issues.
1. Don’t Skip Sunscreen on Your Feet
Most of us know to slather sunscreen on our faces and shoulders — but feet are often forgotten. Yet they’re just as vulnerable to harmful UV rays, especially when exposed for hours on sunny days. Always apply sunscreen to the tops of your feet, around your toes, and even the soles if you’re lying out or walking barefoot. Use at least SPF 30 and reapply regularly.
Top tip: Got sunburned feet? Try cooling aloe vera gel or a soothing foot soak with chamomile tea to reduce inflammation.
2. Keep Feet Cool and Swelling Down
Warm weather and humidity can cause uncomfortable foot swelling. This happens when blood vessels expand and fluid builds up in the tissues.
To reduce swelling:
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Choose breathable footwear (leather or mesh panels work well)
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Elevate your legs when resting
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Stay hydrated and limit salty snacks
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Take regular walks or ankle circles to keep circulation moving
Compression socks (yes, even in summer) can also help if swelling is a frequent issue.
3. Ditch Flimsy Footwear
Thin-soled sandals and flip-flops may be summer staples, but they offer little support — especially for long walks. This can lead to plantar fasciitis, heel pain, and joint strain.
Choose sandals with:
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Arch support
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Cushioned soles
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Adjustable straps to prevent rubbing
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Shock absorption (especially important on harder pavements)
If you have existing foot pain or flat feet, talk to your podiatrist about custom orthotics for additional support in summer shoes.
4. Watch Where You Walk
Hot pavements, broken glass, and sharp shells pose real risks when barefoot. Even on the beach or in your garden, it’s wise to protect your feet.
Safety tips:
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Always wear shoes or sandals outdoors
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If you have diabetes, avoid walking barefoot altogether
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Clean and dress even small cuts immediately to prevent infection
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Carry antiseptic wipes or spray in your beach bag or rucksack
Find out how to care for common foot wounds here. Deep or slow-healing wounds should be checked by a medical professional as soon as possible.
5. Tackle Sweat and Odour
Feet sweat more in the heat — it’s natural. But trapped moisture can lead to bacterial and fungal infections, or just plain unpleasant odour.
Try this routine:
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Wash feet daily with antibacterial soap like Hibiscrub
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Dry carefully between your toes
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Use a foot powder or anti-fungal spray if prone to athlete’s foot
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Rotate your shoes to give them time to dry out
Wearing socks with moisture-wicking fibres can also help reduce sweat and friction.
6. Don’t Ignore Nail Discolouration
Summer is peak sandal season, but if you’re hiding your toes due to discoloured nails, now’s the time to act. Yellow or crumbly toenails may be a sign of a fungal infection, which won’t go away on its own.
Good news: Our podiatrists offer modern fungal nail treatments that are much more effective than over-the-counter remedies. Early treatment prevents the spread and restores nail health faster.
7. Prevent Blisters from New Sandals
New sandals can rub in all the wrong places, leading to painful blisters. The mix of heat, sweat and friction makes it worse.
Prevent blisters by:
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Breaking in shoes at home with socks
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Using anti-friction sticks or blister plasters
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Choosing shoes with padded straps or smooth seams
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Keeping feet dry — moisture = friction!
If you get a blister, cover it loosely with a sterile plaster and avoid popping it unless it bursts on its own.
8. Protect Against Poolside Infections
Swimming pools and communal showers are breeding grounds for infections like verrucae and athlete’s foot, both of which are more common in summer.
Protect yourself by:
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Wearing flip-flops or pool shoes
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Drying feet thoroughly after swimming
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Never sharing towels, socks or shoes
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Treating any signs of infection early (itching, peeling skin or thickened nails)
Verrucae can be stubborn – if you notice any growths on the soles of your feet, book in with your podiatrist for a professional diagnosis and treatment.
9. Book in for a Summer Foot Health Check
Whether you’re heading off on holiday, spending days exploring the city, or just want to show off your feet in confidence, a podiatry check-up can help prevent minor problems from becoming major ones.
Our London podiatry clinics offer:
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Routine foot health checks
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Nail care and hard skin removal
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Fungal nail and verruca treatment
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Custom orthotics and footwear advice
Keep Your Feet Happy All Summer Long
Enjoy the season without being sidelined by foot pain, infections or discomfort. With a little care – and expert support if you need it – your feet can stay healthy, strong and summer-ready.
Call Feet By Pody today on 0207 099 6657 or book your appointment online for expert foot care this summer.