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After the weekend saw UK records announce the hottest day of the year so far, it certainly feels like summer is on its way. But the warmer weather can cause havoc for some, especially those that suffer with swelling, too-tight socks and other issues with their feet. But don’t despair! Here are our 5 top tips on how you can take care of your feet in the summer heat….
1. Switch Your Shoes Up
Don't just change your socks every day, consider changing your shoes up and avoid wearing the same pair every day. This will help to reduce your chances of blisters and will allow your shoes (and the bacteria) to dry properly in-between wears.
And whilst we’re talking about summer shoes, if you’re a sandal lover make sure that you’re balancing time between wearing backless ‘flip flop’ styles (which can leave heels and the sides of your feet exposed), with wearing more supporting and protective shoes, especially when you're walking for long periods of time.
2. Feet Friendly Fabrics
Throughout summer it’s inevitable that your feet will be sweating more, and some people's feet are more prone to blisters and infections, making the heat a real issue for them. To keep your feet fresh all summer, stick to fabrics and materials that are better for breathability, like natural cotton socks or bamboo socks which wick moisture away from the foot naturally.
It’s also very important to take proper care of your socks, washing them after each use and drying thoroughly. If you’re prone to Athlete’s Foot or other types of infection, you may want to consider antibacterial socks, which have the benefit of a special treatment which helps to combat the formation and multiplication of bacteria, as well as reducing unpleasant odours. The technology keeps working around the clock and even after washing, aiding hygiene and reducing the risk of infection.
3. Stay Hydrated
This is an easy one, but vitally important and will give you so many more health benefits than just keeping swelling at bay - aim to drink 6 to 8 cups or glasses of fluid a day. Water, lower-fat milk and sugar-free drinks, including tea and coffee, all count towards your daily target, and will help you from becoming dehydrated in the summer months.
When you drink more water, you increase blood flow. Since our extremities are the furthest part of our bodies from our heart, blood circulation is vital to flush toxins out. In addition, drinking enough water reduces swelling, good news for those of us who suffer with swollen, uncomfortable feet.
4. Treat Those Feet
Use the summer as an excuse to give your feet a bit of a makeover. You don’t have to go to an expensive salon to give your feet a fresh feeling, Indulge in an Epsom Salt foot soak at home, give those toenails a trim, buff and polish then pull on a pair of our Beauty Feet socks. These innovative socks contain a patented nourishing formula together with a closely guarded Chinese herbal recipe and Nano-Silver, so you can care for rough and dry feet as you wear them, in fact 92% of wearers saw an improvement.
5. Don’t Scrimp On The Suncream
Everyone knows that wearing SPF is so important, as is keeping it topped up throughout the day, especially after swimming or excessive sweating. But what about our feet? The truth is that feet are often forgotten, even though the tops of our feet directly face the sun as we walk around in sandals, so applying sunscreen to your feet when we leave the house is essential. You also have a better chance of avoiding those dodgy tan lines. Dermatologists recommend using sunscreen with at least 30 SPF and is classified as “Broad Spectrum.”
In addition to this, make sure you check your feet and soles regularly for anormal freckles or moles and speak to your doctor if you have any concerns.
BONUS TIP - if you suffer from swollen feet and legs and are looking for wide and extra wide stretch socks with a non-binding leg, take a look at our cushion foot diabetic socks or our widest stretch oedema socks.