Sandal Season: Keep Feet Fresh, Safe & Stylish This Summer

Open-toe weather is here! Are your feet ready?

Summer brings heat, humidity, and a whole lot of time spent in open footwear. While sandals can feel freeing, they also leave your feet more exposed to dryness, sunburn, sweat, and injury. As podiatrists, we often see a rise in cracked heels, fungal infections, and sore arches this time of year, many of which can be prevented with a few simple habits.

Here’s how to keep your feet healthy, clean, and comfortable through sandal season, without sacrificing style or support.

6 Summer Footcare Tips for Sandal Wearers

1. Hydrate and exfoliate regularly
Open shoes mean dry air, dust, and sun exposure directly on your skin. Keep heels smooth and soft with a simple routine: exfoliate with a pumice stone once or twice a week, then follow up with a urea-based foot cream. Try Hydra20 Heel Balm for daily hydration or Urebalm40 for tougher calluses and cracked skin.

2. Don’t skip sunscreen
Feet are often forgotten when applying SPF, but the tops of your feet are just as prone to sunburn as your shoulders. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen before heading out in sandals or thongs, especially during peak UV hours.

3. Choose sandals with structure
Flat sandals may look good, but they often offer little to no arch support. For longer walks or daily wear, look for sandals with a contoured footbed, adjustable straps, and some cushioning under the heel. You can also use PodiMe Orthotic Innersoles in sandals with removable insoles, or add a Podi Poron Heel Pad for extra comfort.

4. Keep fungal infections at bay
Sweaty feet, shared pool areas, and barefoot time on hot surfaces can lead to tinea and other infections. Dry your feet thoroughly (especially between the toes), wear clean socks when closed shoes are needed, and use an antifungal spray or powder if you’re prone to issues.

5. Avoid walking barefoot outdoors
It might feel nice, but hot pavement, sharp stones, or glass can easily injure the foot. For diabetics or those with sensitive skin, these small injuries can quickly turn into bigger issues. Lightweight, closed-toe sandals or breathable mesh shoes are a safer compromise.

6. Choose the right socks when needed
If you’re alternating between sandals and closed shoes, go for moisture-wicking socks like Soles Diabetic Socks. These socks offer a breathable bamboo-cotton blend that reduces friction and keeps your feet cool and dry in summer heat.

Shop Smart for Summer Footcare

Looking for clinically-backed products to support your feet this summer? Podime has a curated range of foot balms, orthotic insoles, and diabetic-safe socks, designed to help your feet stay fresh, supported, and protected all season long.

This summer, let your feet enjoy the season too.
Healthy feet don’t just look better in sandals, they feel better too. With a little daily care, the right footwear, and a few smart habits, you can enjoy open-shoe season without discomfort, cracks, or infections slowing you down.