The Best Foot Health Habits to Start This Summer

As temperatures rise and schedules fill with vacations, barbecues, and beach days, many of us trade our supportive footwear for sandals or even bare feet. And while we all love the freedom of flip-flops, your feet may not—especially after long days on hot pavement or impromptu hikes.

Warmer months come with their own unique risks for foot injury, infection, and chronic strain. Without the proper protection and care, minor summer missteps can turn into long-term problems, from fractures to plantar fasciitis flare-ups.

The good news? A few simple habits can keep your feet cool, comfortable, and injury-free all season long. Let’s break down what to watch for and how to take better care of your feet this summer.

1. Choose the Right Summer Footwear

Why it matters:

Most summer foot injuries can be traced back to wearing the wrong shoes—or none at all. Flip-flops and unsupportive sandals leave your feet exposed and vulnerable to heat, sharp objects, and uneven terrain.

What to do instead:

• Opt for sandals with arch and heel support. Look for styles with contoured footbeds, adjustable straps, and durable soles.
• Prioritize closed-toe shoes for active outings. Whether you’re heading to a fair, walking trails, or chasing kids around a park, wear supportive sneakers.
• Replace worn-out shoes. Old or flattened footbeds can lead to instability and strain on your feet and joints.

2. Protect Against the Top Summer Foot Injuries

Summer fun shouldn’t lead to downtime. Below are the most common warm-weather foot injuries—and how to prevent them.

Common Injuries:

1. Foot Lacerations: Caused by stepping on sharp objects like broken glass or hidden sprinkler heads.
2. Puncture Wounds: Nails, thorns, and tacks can lead to painful and infection-prone injuries.
3. Toe Sprains: Often a result of barefoot stubbing or improper footwear while moving heavy objects.
4. Fractures: Caused by sports injuries or impact during active play.
5. Burns: Hot pavement, campfires, or sunburns can leave feet painfully damaged.

How to Prevent Them:

• Always wear shoes outdoors. Even in your yard or at the beach, foot protection matters.
• Use sunscreen on the tops of your feet. The skin here is sensitive and burns easily.
• Wear water shoes at pools and water parks. This protects against hot surfaces, slipping, and fungal infections.
• Pack extra shoes. Have backups for changing conditions—like water-safe shoes and sneakers.

3. Keep Your Feet Clean and Dry

Summer heat means more sweating—which can lead to blisters, odor, and even fungal infections if not managed properly.

Foot Hygiene Habits:

• Wash daily with soap and water. Make sure to clean between toes.
• Dry thoroughly. Don’t let moisture linger—especially between toes, which can breed athlete’s foot.
• Change socks frequently. Especially after sweating or swimming.
• Use foot powder or moisture-wicking socks. This helps reduce sweat and prevent odor.

Tip: Always dry and air out your shoes after a day in the sun or water. Damp footwear is a breeding ground for bacteria.

4. Don’t Skip Sun Protection for Feet

The tops of your feet are among the most commonly forgotten places when it comes to sun protection—yet they’re often fully exposed in summer footwear.

What to do:

• Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ to your feet before heading outdoors.
• Reapply every 2 hours, especially if your feet are in water or you’re sweating.
• Wear UV-blocking footwear (like mesh-covered or partial-coverage sandals) when possible.

Pro Tip: Sunburned feet can make it hard to walk. Protecting them can save your whole trip.

5. Moisturize Daily to Prevent Cracks and Calluses

Summer heat, dry air, and exposure to water can leave your feet cracked, dry, and rough.

Best practices:

• Moisturize your feet every evening, especially after a shower.
• Focus on the heels, where skin thickens and cracks are most likely to form.
• Use a foot-specific cream with urea or salicylic acid to soften calluses and hydrate deeply.
• Avoid putting lotion between the toes to prevent excess moisture buildup.

6. Stretch and Strengthen Your Feet

While summer might mean more walking, swimming, and standing, most of us don’t think to prepare our feet like we would any other muscle group.

Try These Simple Habits:

• Calf and arch stretches to reduce strain on the plantar fascia.
• Toe curls and towel scrunches to build foot strength.
• Foot massages with a roller or ball to ease tight muscles and stimulate circulation.
• Ankle circles and balance exercises to improve stability and reduce fall risk.

7. Know When to Go Barefoot—and When Not To

Going barefoot can be healthy in the right context, but it can also pose risks in public or outdoor settings.

Safe Barefoot Zones:

• Inside your clean home
• On sand or grass (if hazards are cleared)
• During supervised yoga or foot therapy sessions

Avoid Barefoot Walking:

• In public restrooms or locker rooms
• On sidewalks, pavement, or pool decks
• While doing yard work, moving objects, or playing sports

Why It Matters: Going barefoot too often can increase risk of cuts, burns, infections, or long-term structural issues like flat feet—especially if your arches aren’t adequately supported.

8. Keep Nails Trimmed and Healthy

Foot pain isn’t always muscular—sometimes it starts with neglected toenails or cuticles.

Nail Care Checklist:

• Trim nails straight across to prevent ingrown toenails.
• Avoid cutting too short or rounding edges.
• Disinfect nail tools after each use.
• Don’t rip or peel hangnails. Use clean clippers instead.

Watch for: Redness, swelling, or pus around the nail could indicate an infection—especially after spending time in communal water.

9. Rotate Your Shoes

Wearing the same pair every day—especially in summer heat—can lead to odor, bacteria buildup, and flattened support.

Smart Shoe Habits:

• Rotate between 2–3 pairs of shoes each week.
• Air out each pair for at least 24 hours before re-wearing.
• Use odor-absorbing insoles or sprays to extend freshness.

Maintenance Tip: Check soles and insoles for signs of wear every few weeks. Worn-out cushioning or uneven tread can impact alignment and cause pain.

10. Stay Ahead of Chronic Conditions

Many foot issues—like plantar fasciitis, bunions, or neuropathy—can flare up with more time on your feet in summer.

How to Be Proactive:

• Wear shoes with built-in arch and heel support.
• Listen to your body. Don’t push through foot pain—it may signal overuse or injury.
• Use orthotics if needed, especially for flat feet or high arches.
• Consult a podiatrist if you notice sharp pain, numbness, or swelling that lasts longer than a few days.

Heel Better™ This Summer With KURU

Now that you’ve learned the best foot health habits to protect your feet this summer, we want to help you stay active and supported all season long.

At KURU, we exist to eliminate foot pain by engineering footwear that’s uniquely designed to hug and protect your heels—so you can explore more, worry less, and live your life without foot fatigue holding you back.

Every pair is built with our patented KURUSOLE technology, which dynamically flexes to support your natural gait and cushion your heels with every step. Combined with our dual-density insoles and arch-cradling footbeds, our shoes offer unbeatable support from the ground up.

Whether you need breathable sneakers for warm-weather walks or supportive sandals for long days on your feet, KURU has you covered. With styles for men and women, you’ll find foot pain relief—without sacrificing summer-ready style.

Step into summer with support you can feel. Step into KURU.

About Us

At KURU, we're on a mission to help you Heel Better™ with footwear technology designed to relieve foot pain, so you can live a life you love. Since launching our innovative technology in 2008, we’ve received more than 39,000 five-star reviews from thousands of customers who tell us their KURU shoes helped them get back to doing what they love.

For all media inquiries, please contact us at pr@kurufootwear.com.