Sandal season is in full swing, and while you may enjoy the warmth of the sun on your toes, your feet sometimes get the short end of the stick during the summer. That’s because sandals rarely offer your foot much arch support, which can lead to pain and discomfort.
Recently, the American Podiatric Medical Association put together some tips for buying sandals and protecting your feet during the summer. Today, we’re going to share some of the dos and don’ts so your feet can stay pain-free throughout these warm summer months.
Sandal Buying Tips
Here’s a look at some of the things you should do when buying and wearing sandals this summer.
- Do shop for high-quality sandals. Shoes made with better material are less likely to lead to blisters or foot irritation.
- Do test the flexibility of the sandal. The shoe should bend a little at the ball of the foot, but it shouldn’t be so flexible that you can bend the sandal in half.
- Do make sure you have a good fit. If your heel is hanging off the edge of the shoe, your arch is going to be overworked because you’ll be flexing your toes each step to keep the sandal on.
- Do wear a sturdy pair of sandals in wet areas like pools and locker rooms. This will help prevent slips, as well as foot conditions like plantar warts and athlete’s foot.
Things To Avoid
Here’s a look at some things you should avoid when buying and wearing sandals this season.
- Don’t hold onto old flip flops. If your old pair are worn, lacking tread or are overly flexible, invest in a new pair.
- Don’t ignore rashes or irritation between your toes where the strap connects. Doing so can lead to blisters or infections.
- Don’t wear flip flops if you’re going to be crossing rough terrain or walking long distances.
- Don’t wear flip flops while doing yard work. Always wear a shoe with a protective covering when mowing, weed whacking or gardening.
- Don’t wear sandals when exercising or playing sports, as they don’t support your foot like they should for these activities.
For more information on buying and wearing flip flops, check out this blog and feel free to submit a question to Dr. Silverman below.
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