Summer is the perfect time to get out and about to enjoy the warmer weather and longer evenings, but have you considered how you can look after your feet while you’re exploring? The British summertime brings plenty of opportunities to get out into the sunshine and makes days out much more enticing than the winter weather.
Just as we need to stay hydrated and remember to protect our skin from the sun, we need to take care of our feet throughout the hotter weather too. Here, the footwear experts at Charles Clinkard go through some simple ways you can support your feet throughout this season.
Wear the right footwear
It’s tempting to ditch our shoes and supportive sandals when the sun appears and opt for flip flops, but these aren’t the best choice if you need to walk a lot. Try to wear shoes that are appropriate for the activity you’re doing: if you are getting active, go for supportive trainers with cushioning soles and wear them with trainer socks. Choosing breathable yet supportive footwear can help to keep your feet well cushioned whilst also remaining as cool as possible.
Choose sports socks made for activities too, as these have sweat-wicking properties that will keep your feet cool throughout the day and prevent uncomfortable blisters. Often, these will be made from synthetic materials as these fibres are better at keeping you cool than natural materials like wool.
Apply sunscreen to your feet
It’s easy to forget to apply sun cream to your feet, but they can burn just as easily as any other skin that’s exposed to the sunlight. So, take the time to apply sunscreen if you’re going to be wearing sandals that expose your feet, and make sure to apply sunscreen to your ankles or lower legs if they are exposed to the sunshine too. This will prevent any uncomfortable burning.
You’ll need to reapply your sunscreen throughout the day, too; while we’re used to doing this for our faces, arms, and shoulders, it might be more unfamiliar doing this for our feet. So, take note of its importance and remember to top up the sun cream on your feet every few hours. Make sure to reapply if you go swimming and wash the sunscreen off too.
Exfoliate and moisturise your feet
It might seem a little indulgent to exfoliate and moisturise your feet, but having a good routine to care for your feet during the summer can keep them looking their best in sandals, and more importantly, will help to avoid rubbing and blisters from shoes or sandals. So, find a gentle exfoliator that works for your skin: this might be a chemical or a physical exfoliator, and you can use it every couple of days to clear away the dead skin cells and make sure your feet look their best in sandals.
Then, find a moisturiser that hydrates your skin and sinks into your feet quickly. Apply it to your feet either every morning or evening, whichever is most convenient, and enjoy the way it keeps your skin feeling softer and healthier. If you have any particular skin concerns, such as redness or irritation, these can often improve with regular application of cleansing and moisturising products. Combined with regular sunscreen usage, this can keep your feet comfortable throughout the warmer months.
Give your feet a pedicure
The summer is the perfect time to build a pedicure into your usual self-care routine. Keep your toenails neatly trimmed and follow this up with either polishing the nails themselves or adding a nail polish for a pop of colour and extra glamour. You might want to paint them in a colour that matches your outfit or coordinates with your sandals or open toe shoes, but even if you don’t paint the toenails, take the time to keep your toenails clean and trimmed regularly.
A pedicure is also a good time to ensure that your feet are healthy by checking your nails for any discolouration or differences that could illustrate health issues with your feet, such as fungus. As well as improving the look of your summer sandals, you might also find that a pedicure provides a much-needed moment of relaxation in your busy week. As an additional step to your foot care routine, if your feet swell due to heat, soaking them in cold water can relieve any overheating and provide some cooling relaxation at the end of a balmy day.
“Getting ready for summer is always fun, and it’s a great time to bring some new outfits and shoe combinations together. However, you should always ensure that you are wearing appropriate footwear for the activities you are taking part in despite the heat, and when you purchase any new shoes or bring old ones out of the closet, try them on to be sure they fit correctly.
“When the temperature is hotter, your feet can rub or chafe more easily on your shoes, so it’s important that they fit correctly to prevent discomfort. Try any new shoes on in-store to be sure they fit you, and try procuring insoles and heel grips for any pairs that don’t fit perfectly. Take good care of your shoes and you can keep them looking great for many summers to come. Leather shoes or sandals will benefit from a polish, and shoes worn last summer and then put away for winter will usually benefit from a clean.”
— Rachel Clinkard, Ecommerce Director at Charles Clinkard
About the brand:
In 1924, the first Charles Clinkard shop was opened in Middlesborough, and since then the brand has gone from strength to strength. They provide high-quality shoes and a first-rate customer experience, values which have been sustained over the years in their business. In 2004 the company launched their online store, and now reaches even more customers internationally. To find out more, visit: https://www.charlesclinkard.
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