By Dr. Christopher R.D. Menke, DPM, FACFAS — Double Board-Certified Foot & Ankle Surgeon, Founder of 26 Apothecary
This content is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reading this content does not create a physician-patient relationship between you and Dr. Menke or any healthcare provider affiliated with 26 Apothecary. Individual foot and ankle conditions vary significantly. Consult a qualified healthcare provider for evaluation and treatment of your specific condition.
Summer Foot Care: What a Foot Surgeon Recommends Before the Season Gets Away from You
Every summer, I see the same things. Patients who developed toenail fungus at the pool in June and are only noticing the discoloration in September. Runners who transitioned to sandals and flip-flops for casual wear between training runs and developed plantar fasciitis from the lack of support. These are not unpredictable events. They are the expected consequences of seasonal footwear and activity changes without adequate protective measures.
Dr. Christopher R.D. Menke, DPM, FACFAS — double board-certified in foot surgery and rearfoot and ankle reconstruction, founder of 26 Apothecary — walks through the most clinically significant summer foot health risks and what conservative measures address them.
The Toenail Fungus Risk at Pools and Locker Rooms
Dermatophytes — the fungi responsible for onychomycosis — thrive in warm, moist environments. Public pool decks, locker room floors, and shared shower areas are recognized transmission environments. Protective footwear worn specifically in shared wet areas significantly reduces this transmission risk. After pool or beach exposure, thoroughly drying the feet — including between the toes — reduces the moisture environment that supports fungal colonization.
Ingrown Nail Risk from Athletic Activity and Tight Footwear
Athletic shoes that are correctly sized provide adequate length that prevents the longest toe from impacting the upper during push-off. The standard fitting guideline is a thumb-width of space between the longest toe and the front of the shoe. Trim nails straight across at a length flush with the end of the toe before any extended athletic activity.
Sandals and Flip-Flops: Managing the Support Deficit
Flat sandals and flip-flops provide no heel counter, no arch support, and minimal midsole cushioning. For people who transition to these styles for casual summer use, the sudden reduction in plantar support can trigger or worsen plantar fasciitis, arch fatigue, and Achilles tendon loading. Sandals are appropriate for brief casual use. For any activity requiring more than 20 minutes of continuous walking, supportive footwear with orthotics remains the appropriate choice.
Blister and Skin Care in Summer Heat
Heat and moisture increase friction between the foot and footwear. People who develop blisters on summer hikes can reduce friction with moisture-wicking socks, gel toe separators in interdigital friction zones, and by ensuring footwear is properly sized. Any blister that is large, painful, or shows signs of infection should be evaluated — in people with diabetes, blisters represent an immediate foot care priority.
When to See a Foot and Ankle Specialist
- Toenail discoloration, thickening, or separation that develops or worsens over the summer months
- Ingrown toenail with signs of infection — redness, warmth, drainage — particularly after athletic events
- New onset heel or arch pain developing after increased summer activity or sandal use
- Any open blister, wound, or skin breakdown in a person with diabetes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best footwear for summer beach walking?
For brief beach walking on soft sand, well-fitted sandals are appropriate. For extended beach walking, a supportive athletic shoe or walking sandal with a contoured footbed and firm midsole is preferable. People managing plantar fasciitis or arch conditions should maintain their orthotics and supportive footwear even in casual summer settings.
How do I prevent blisters on summer hikes?
Moisture-wicking socks reduce friction compared to cotton socks. For people with known friction points — hallux valgus medial prominences, hammertoe dorsal joints — gel sleeves or cushioning over those areas before activity provides a mechanical barrier. Starting with shorter hikes and gradually increasing distance allows the skin to adapt.
Is sunscreen on the feet necessary?
Yes — the dorsum of the foot is a significant site for skin cancer development, particularly in people who wear open footwear in sun exposure regularly. Sunscreen applied to the top of the foot and ankle is appropriate wherever the skin is exposed to UV during outdoor activity.
About the Author
Dr. Christopher R.D. Menke, DPM, FACFAS is a double board-certified foot and ankle surgeon — board-certified in both foot surgery and rearfoot and ankle reconstruction. He completed his podiatric medical training at Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine in 2005 and his residency at Northlake Medical Center and DeKalb Medical in Georgia, completing in 2008. He is the founder of 26 Foot and Ankle and 26 Apothecary, and the founder of Surgeons of Service, a Georgia-based humanitarian surgical nonprofit. Every product in the 26 Apothecary catalog was selected through the same clinical lens Dr. Menke applies in the exam room and the operating room.
Disclosure: I am the founder and owner of 26 Apothecary. When I reference products available on this site, I have a financial interest in those recommendations. Products are physician-curated based on my clinical experience; that relationship should be understood when considering my product commentary.