Flaunt Your Feet: 10 Must-Try Tips for a Truly Feet Summer-Ready

With the rising temperature, it's time to shed and let your feet bask in the warmth of summer. Getting your feet summer-ready isn't just about aesthetics; it's also about comfort and maintaining good foot health. Whether planning a beach getaway, a poolside party or simply walking around in your favorite sandals, having summer ready feet is necessary.

As you prepare to enjoy the sun, it's important to be aware of common foot problems that can arise, including blisters, fungus, calluses, cracked heels, and ingrown toenails. To ensure your feet are in their best condition, take a moment to explore our article on common foot problems.

Why get your feet summer ready?

Ensuring your feet are summer-ready brings a host of advantages that go beyond just aesthetics. Let's explore the wonderful benefits of preparing your feet for the sunny season.

1. Healthier Feet: Your feet are the foundation of your body, and taking care of them translates to better overall foot health. Exfoliation, moisturization, and proper nail care contribute to preventing issues like cracked heels, ingrown toenails, and fungal infections. 

2. Unleash Your Style: Summer is about expressing yourself through vibrant fashion choices, and your feet play a big role. With summer-ready feet, you can explore various footwear options, from stylish flat sandals to trendy wedge sandals. Your feet become the canvas to showcase your unique style and personality.

3. Radiant Skin: The warm weather requires skin exposure, including your feet. Summer-ready feet boast soft, smooth skin that enhances your overall radiance. Regular exfoliation and moisturization allow you to confidently show off your feet without worrying about dryness or rough patches.

10 tips to have summer ready feet

1. Exfoliation: Start with a Blank Canvas

Creating a smooth canvas is important before showcasing your feet in those stylish sandals. Begin your summer foot care routine with exfoliation. Exfoliating removes dead skin cells, leaving your feet feeling soft and vibrant. You can use a gentle foot scrub or a pumice stone to slough off any rough patches gently. Concentrate on areas like your heels and the balls of your feet, which tend to accumulate more calluses.

2. Soak and Relax: Pamper Your Feet

A foot soak is a great way to relax and rejuvenate after a long day. Fill a wide bowel with warm water and add a few drops of essential oil. You can even add Epsom salt to reduce swelling and relieve muscle tension. This is a great way to soften the skin, making removing any remaining dead skin cells easier.

3. Nail Care: Shape and Polish with Precision

Neatly trimmed and polished nails are essential for summer-ready feet. Start by cutting your nails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails. Then, gently file the edges to shape them. Avoid cutting the corners too deeply, as this can lead to painful ingrown nails. Once your nails are properly shaped, apply a vibrant nail polish color that complements your summer outfits. Don't forget to use a base coat and top coat to make your polish last longer and prevent chipping.

4. Moisturize: Lock in Hydration

Hydration is key to maintaining healthy, supple skin on your feet. Once you are done with exfoliation, apply a rich foot cream. Look for products containing ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or glycerin. Massage the moisturizer into your feet, paying extra attention to your heels and areas prone to dryness. Regular moisturization keeps your feet looking their best and helps prevent cracked heels.

5. Sun Protection: Shield Your Feet

While you might be diligent about applying sunscreen to your face and body, your feet deserve protection too. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen to your feet before heading out. If you're wearing open-toed sandals, don't forget to apply sunscreen to the tops of your feet and even between your toes. This step prevents sunburn and helps maintain your skin’s youthful appearance.

6. Footwear Choices: Opt for Comfort and Style

Summer is the perfect time to flaunt your favorite sandals and flip-flops, but remember that comfort should always be a priority. Choose footwear with proper arch support and cushioning to prevent discomfort and potential foot problems. Avoid wearing tight shoes, which can lead to blisters and calluses. Rotate your footwear to allow your shoes to air out and reduce the risk of fungal infections.

7. Regular Pedicures: Treat Yourself

Treating yourself to a professional pedicure can be a great way to protect your feet during summer. Pedicures provide aesthetic benefits and ensure your feet receive expert care. A trained technician can expertly trim and shape your nails, address any calluses, and massage your feet and lower legs. Additionally, the experience of a pedicure can be incredibly relaxing and rejuvenating.

8. Hygiene: Keep Feet Clean and Dry

Maintaining good foot hygiene is crucial, especially during the summer when your feet are exposed to more sweat and moisture. Wash your feet daily with mild soap and water, and dry them thoroughly, including the spaces between your toes. Moist environments can lead to fungal infections like athlete's foot, so using a foot powder or antifungal spray can help keep your feet dry and healthy.

9. Stay Hydrated: Nourish from Within

Healthy feet start from the inside out. Drinking plenty of water keeps your skin hydrated and can contribute to the overall health of your feet. Proper hydration helps prevent dry skin and maintains the skin’s elasticity on your feet. So, stay hydrated throughout the day, especially during the hot summer months.

10. Foot Exercises: Keep Them Strong

Incorporate simple foot exercises into your routine to keep your feet strong and flexible. Toe stretches, toe curls, and rolling a small ball under your foot can help improve circulation and prevent stiffness. Strong feet are less prone to injuries and can better support you during long walks or outdoor activities.

With these tips, you'll be well on getting your feet summer-ready and feeling confident every step. Remember, taking care of your feet isn't just a seasonal concern – it's a year-round commitment to your overall well-being. So, exfoliate, moisturize, protect, and pamper your feet to ensure they're ready to shine all summer long. 

For those moments when you're breaking in new shoes for your summer endeavors, our article on how to break in new sandals  without pain offers five effective approaches to ensure your feet stay comfortable and pain-free as you embark on your adventures.

FAQs

1. Why are my feet hot at night in summer?

Hot feet at night in summer can be attributed to several factors. One common reason is that your body temperature tends to be higher in the evening, and when combined with the warm ambient temperature of summer, it can lead to the sensation of hot feet. Additionally, the increased blood flow to your extremities, including your feet, can contribute to the feeling of warmth. Wearing tight or non-breathable footwear and having poor circulation can also make your feet feel hotter at night.

2. Why do my feet peel in the summer?

Peeling skin on the feet during summer could be due to a combination of factors. Excessive sun exposure can cause the skin to become dry and eventually peel. Sweating more than usual in hot weather can also contribute to the skin's natural exfoliation process.

3. How to fix peeling skin on feet?

If you're experiencing peeling skin on your feet, consider the following steps to address the issue:

• Hydration: Drink plenty of water to keep your body and skin adequately hydrated.

• Moisturize: Apply a thick, hydrating foot cream or lotion daily to prevent excessive dryness and peeling.

• Gentle Exfoliation: Use a pumice stone or a gentle foot scrub to remove dead skin cells, but avoid over-exfoliating, as this can worsen the problem.

• Protect from Sun: Apply sunscreen to your feet if they're exposed to the sun to prevent sunburn and dryness.

• Proper Footwear: Wear breathable shoes that provide proper support to prevent friction and calluses.

• Avoid Harsh Soaps: Use mild, moisturizing soaps to avoid further drying out your skin.

4. Why do my feet get so hot in the summer?

Your feet can feel hotter in the summer due to a combination of factors:

• Increased Blood Flow: Your body naturally directs more blood flow to your extremities, including your feet, in order to regulate body temperature.

• Ambient Temperature: High temperatures in the environment can contribute to your feet feeling hotter.

• Sweating: Your body sweats to cool down, and when sweat evaporates from your skin, it can leave your feet feeling hot.

• Footwear Choice: Wearing shoes made of non-breathable materials can trap heat and lead to hot feet.

• Physical Activity: Increased physical activity can raise your overall body temperature, causing your feet to feel hotter.