Keeping Your Feet Looking and Feeling Great This Summer

**Collaborative Post**

Summer is the season to let your feet shine! Whether you’re hitting the beach, lounging by the pool, or simply enjoying the warm weather, keeping your feet looking and feeling their best is essential. Lots of people shy away from wearing pretty sandals or going barefoot in the summer as they dislike how their feet look, but if you start preparing now your feet will be summer-ready in no time.

From pampering and heel support to invisible socks, here are some tips to ensure your feet are summer-ready so you can get your feet out with confidence this summer! 

1. Exfoliate Regularly

In the colder months, we hide our feet in trainers, boots, and wellies and tend not to pay much attention to them. But over time all the walking we do in these heavy shoes can cause a build-up of quite tough skin which needs to be exfoliated. Not only that but summer sandals can leave your feet exposed to dirt and rough surfaces too. To keep them soft and smooth, exfoliate regularly. Use a pumice stone or a foot scrub to remove dead skin cells. For an at-home remedy, mix sugar with olive oil and gently scrub your feet. This will leave them feeling refreshed and smooth. The key is to do this regularly so that the skin doesn't build up. 

2. Moisturise Daily

Just like the rest of your skin, your feet need hydration. Apply a rich, hydrating foot cream daily, preferably after a shower when your skin is still damp. Look for creams containing ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or urea, which are excellent for locking in moisture. If your feet are particularly dry or you want them to feel pampered you could also try a moisturising foot mask! These are usually disposable plastic booties that contain a special moisturising solution inside, you slip your foot inside, leave for 20 minutes then just remove. You can even get some masks that offer a foot " peel" Just don't use these too close to your holiday as the skin continues peeling for up to 2 weeks! 

3. Protect Your Soles

Walking barefoot might feel freeing, but it can lead to dry, cracked heels and exposure to harmful bacteria. Always wear shoes or flip-flops when walking outside, especially in communal areas like pools and locker rooms. This will also help prevent athlete’s foot and other fungal infections. If you are going to be wearing things like heels, pumps or wedges why not consider using an insert for heels, these simply attach to the sole of your shoe but provide extra protection and cushioning for the feet or the ball of the foot meaning you can look and feet great without any foot pain. These inserts can even be used on your sandals if they are hurting your feet and you are looking for a bit of extra cushioning when walking! 

4. Nail Care Essentials

Summer is the perfect time for bright and bold nail colours. Keep your toenails trimmed and filed to avoid breakage.If you have let them get a little unkept over the winter why not treat yourself to a pedicure at the start of summer. Once someone has them looking great they can be much easier to then maintain. Regularly change your nail polish and give your nails a breather between applications to prevent discoloration and damage. Don’t forget to apply a base coat to protect your nails from staining and a top coat to keep the polish chip-free. If you are on holiday don't forget to take the bottle of polish with you if you can so you can top up any chips etc that might happen. 

5. Stay Cool and Dry

Feet can sweat more in the summer, leading to odour and discomfort. Choose breathable footwear made from natural materials like leather or canvas. Also, consider using foot powder or antiperspirant sprays specifically designed for feet to keep them dry and fresh throughout the day. You can also get deodorising sprays for your shoes if you are finding they also smell after a long day of wear. 

6. The Invisible Socks Advantage

Invisible socks, also known as no-show socks, are a summer essential. They provide the comfort and hygiene of regular socks without being visible in your shoes. They are perfect for helping the above situation too such as suffering from hot or sweaty feet as invisible socks can help wick away any sweat from your foot. This makes them perfect for wearing with loafers, sneakers, or any low-cut footwear.

Benefits of Invisible Socks:

• Prevents Blisters: By providing a barrier between your feet and shoes, invisible socks help reduce friction and prevent blisters.
• Maintains Hygiene: They absorb sweat and reduce odour, keeping your feet fresh even on the hottest days.
• Comfort: Made from breathable materials, invisible socks ensure your feet stay cool and comfortable.
• Style: They allow you to maintain a sleek, sockless look without compromising on comfort or hygiene.

When choosing invisible socks, look for ones with silicone grips at the heel to prevent slipping. Opt for materials like cotton or bamboo for breathability and comfort and to help prevent odours.

7. Pamper Your Feet

Treat your feet to a little extra love with occasional pampering sessions. Soak them in warm water with Epsom salts for a relaxing and detoxifying experience. Follow up with a foot massage to improve circulation and relieve any tension. If you can find time why not treat yourself to a pedicure with a friend or on your own for some relaxing me time, your feet will definitely thank you for it. 

8. Sun Protection

Don’t forget that your feet need sun protection too! Lots of us forget our feet when it comes to applying sunscreen, that is until we take off our shoes or sandals and find the questionable sandal tan lines on our feet, or worse case.. burns! Burning your feet is super painful and can make putting any other shoes etc on the following day almost impossible without a lot of pain. Apply sunscreen to the tops of your feet, especially when wearing open-toed sandals. This will help prevent painful sunburns and protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

Conclusion

Keeping your feet looking and feeling great this summer is all about consistent care and a few smart choices. From exfoliation and moisturising to protecting your soles and embracing the comfort of invisible socks, these tips will ensure your feet are ready to take on the summer in style. So go ahead, show off those fabulous feet and enjoy the sunshine!

Happy summer!

xXx