Warmer weather is approaching, which means it’s time to get your body “ready” for summer. Of course, while getting “bikini-ready” comes to mind, there’s another important consideration: preparing your feet for summer sandal season.
Kendall Jenner, Emma Roberts, and Behati Prinsloo show off their stylish summer looks and sandal-ready feet, perfect for embracing the warmer weather in comfort and style (Credit: WENN / Michael Wright / Alberto Reyes / WENNCHELLA / FayesVision)
In the hotter months of the summer, it’s not just our arms and legs that are exposed to the elements — our feet also take a beating.
Learning how to prepare your feet for the dry and hot summer and how to keep them happy throughout can make for a much more enjoyable and beautiful swim, sand, and sun season.
Nothing ruins a cute summer outfit like dry, cracked feet, so follow these simple tips to maintain optimal foot health this summer.
1. Step into Summer: How to Choose Comfortable and Supportive Sandals
Sandals, flip-flops, flats, bare feet — most go-to summer footwear styles don’t offer much in the way of arch support. Don’t worry, no one’s trying to make a case for wearing comfortable tennis shoes with insoles at the beach, but there are ways to choose your summer shoes wisely.
When shopping for your new summer shoes, always opt for a pair that feels comfortable immediately, rather than a style that may require breaking in. Strappy sandals and flip-flops are great when they’re comfortable, but the break-in process can be painful, leaving your tender feet filled with blisters and raw spots.
Lily Collins keeps it casual in vibrant purple leggings and classic black Birkenstock sandals while leaving Body by Simone in Los Angeles on May 8, 2015
Although it may be tempting to opt for a flat and simple pair of sandals or flip-flops, always consider choosing a pair of shoes with at least some support if you plan on wearing them for extended periods.
The flat and thin bottoms of many summer-style shoes can cause stress fractures, hammertoes, heel pain, and tendonitis.
Investing in even one supportive pair of summer sandals to give your feet a break from the constant pounding of flip-flops or flats can do wonders for your feet this summer.
Add a pair of comfortable and supportive Birkenstock sandals to your summer collection. The new EVA collection is affordable, bright, and perfect for a day at the beach or pool.
The Birkenstock Essentials EVA Collection offers lightweight, waterproof comfort in a range of vibrant colors
2. How to Prevent Dry, Cracked Heels and Sweaty Feet This Summer
The constant wear of shoes with open backs can cause your heels to become flattened and cracked over time.
Maintaining a daily moisturizing routine can help slow or stop this process from occurring! Try treating your feet and heels to an exfoliating moisturizer or lotion before bed.
Holly Madison and Elizabeth Banks highlight the importance of foot care as they show visible cracked heels while wearing glamorous high-heeled sandals
If you notice your heels are looking very dry, try applying moisturizer and wearing socks to bed a couple of times a week to achieve a deeper level of care.
Nourish and repair dry, cracked feet with O’Keeffe’s for Healthy Feet Foot Cream, available on Amazon
Sometimes, heels can become so dry that they crack, leaving painful and often bloody gashes in the skin. In this case, be sure to use antibiotic ointment and protect the area with bandages to trap in the moisture.
You can also try using a pumice stone in the shower to rub off some extra dead skin. Be sure to rub lightly and in only one direction, as you don’t want to cause further harm.
Though a nice foot soak might sound like the perfect treatment for your dry feet, it can be more damaging. Instead of drying out your skin further, opt for an exfoliating and moisturizing treatment.
In addition to dry feet during the summer, the heat can sometimes cause the opposite problem: excessive sweating. Embarrassing odor and discomfort aren’t the only problems associated with overly-moist feet, they can also leave you prone to infections or fungus.
Be sure to grab some moisture-blocking socks for the summer months and replace damp socks with dry ones immediately to prevent harmful infections.
Stay cool and dry all summer with FILA Moisture-Reducing No-Show Athletic Socks, designed to wick away sweat and prevent odor and irritation
3. Protect Your Feet from Sun Damage: Sunscreen Tips You Shouldn’t Ignore
Going out in the sun without protection is a serious health risk. While applying sunscreen or wearing a hat is second nature for many, it’s easy to forget about protecting your feet!
Every part of the body is susceptible to sun damage, including the feet and toes. While toenails, made of keratin, aren’t sensitive to the sun in the same way skin is, prolonged sun exposure can cause them to become discolored or brittle, so it’s still important to be thorough when applying sunblock.
Don’t forget your feet—protect them from sunburn by applying sunscreen before hitting the pool or beach this summer
Make sure to seek shady places when possible, and always apply a layer of sunscreen to your feet to help avoid sunburn and skin irritation. Because your feet are used more often and more heavily than other parts of your body, a painful sunburn can be really debilitating.
Stay healthy and foot-focused by applying the same principles of sun care to your feet as you do to your body. But there’s no need to be boring about it. How about highlighting your inner unicorn with a one-of-a-kind sunscreen that keeps that gorgeous skin protected with a lightweight sparkle?
This glittering sunscreen is available in gold, pink, or aqua blue on Amazon, each with 30 SPF coverage and safe for both your feet and face.
Add some sparkle to your sun protection routine with Unicorn Snot Glitter Sunscreen SPF 30, a fun and colorful way to stay safe in the sun
4. Is Going Barefoot Safe? Summer Risks and How to Protect Your Feet
Bare feet are a summertime staple. Even though they’re cute and summery, walking around barefoot can often cause many problems for your feet.
Fungus, bacteria, and viruses often live in moist and warm places like public pools or wet grass, and these can easily be transferred to your bare feet. Washing your feet thoroughly after swimming or walking through a moist area can help reduce your risk of infection.
Barefoot and carefree, Kaley Cuoco gives her feet a break from high heels while leaving Joel Silver’s Memorial Day party in Los Angeles on May 26, 2014
If you’re at the beach or a barbecue and you decide to kick off your shoes for a while, watch your step! Be cautious of sharp objects, such as glass or cans, that could damage your feet and pose further health risks.
Remember, your feet are essential, and constant summer exposure can leave them dry, damaged, and vulnerable if you don’t take proper care!
5. Summer-Ready Toes: How to Get a Safe, Healthy Pedicure
Who doesn’t love a shining set of newly-polished toes in the summertime? This is undoubtedly the season to show off your bright, pedicured feet, but even our beloved nail salons come with their potential hazards.
Like most things involving feet, nail salons — and the tools they use — often harbor a multitude of harmful bacteria and germs.
Amanda Seyfried relaxes with a pedicure at a salon in East Village, New York City, enjoying a little self-care time
While most salons thoroughly clean their tools, the summer’s high traffic increases the likelihood of infection. If you can’t slow down your pedicure obsession, consider bringing some of your home-sterilized tools.
Otherwise, you could try cutting back on one or two professional pedis for some at-home grooming with clean tools you can trust.
In addition to avoiding potential encounters with bacteria, giving your toes a break from polish now and then can save your toenails from embarrassing discoloration and keep them growing healthily. Try taking a day or two off a week from polish, and give your toes some time to breathe!
Taking care of your feet ensures they’re always ready for sandal season — and you’re not alone in prioritizing foot health and fabulous pedicures. Celebrities also recognize the importance of maintaining their feet in top shape, whether they’re walking the red carpet or enjoying a casual day out.
More on Celebrity Feet & Pedicure Style
Take a look at how some of your favorite stars show off their stylish, sandal-ready feet:
Jennifer Garner’s Red-Hot Pedicure at the ‘Peppermint’ Premiere
- Event: ‘Peppermint’ Movie Premiere
- Outfit: Jennifer Garner dazzled in a Narciso Rodriguez duchess satin cocktail dress.
- Footwear: She completed her look with crystal-embellished Giuseppe Zanotti heels, highlighting her red-hot pedicure.
- Read more: Jennifer Garner’s stunning red pedicure at the ‘Peppermint’ premiere
Gemma Arterton’s Bold Jimmy Choo Heels & Pedicure
- Event: ‘Gemma Bovery’ Premiere
- Outfit: Gemma Arterton turned heads in a chic Saloni two-piece set.
- Footwear: She showcased her flawless pedicure in green Jimmy Choo ‘Lottie’ sandals.
- Discover more: Gemma Arterton’s bold Jimmy Choo heels and pedicure
Holly Madison’s Cracked Feet in Poodle Heels
- Event: The Animal Foundation’s ‘Best in Show’
- Outfit: Holly Madison wore a jewel-collared Alice + Olivia dress.
- Footwear: She donned Charlotte Olympia’s ‘Cherie’ sandals, revealing her need for a moisturizing pedicure.
- See more: Holly Madison’s cracked feet in poodle heels
Karlie Kloss’s Pedicure Mishap at the Time 100 Gala
- Event: 2016 Time 100 Gala
- Outfit: Karlie Kloss honored Prince in a purple Victoria Beckham maxi dress.
- Footwear: She wore black Manolo Blahnik sandals, drawing attention to her unpolished toes.
- Read more: Karlie Kloss’s pedicure mishap at the Time 100 Gala
Haley Bennett Shows Off Pedicure in Chloé Open-Toe Wedges
- Event: ‘Thank You For Your Service’ Premiere
- Outfit: Haley Bennett wore a custom asymmetric silk dress from Chloé.
- Footwear: She highlighted her pedicure in Chloé’s ‘River’ open-toe wedges.
- Discover more: Haley Bennett’s pedicure in Chloé open-toe wedges