As the weather warms up across South Africa, our shoes come off, making way for lazy shisanyama afternoons, poolside weekends, and days spent mostly barefoot.
But months locked away in heavy footwear take a toll, leaving behind dry heels, friction calluses, and tender skin unaccustomed to open air.
Foot care isn't just cosmetic; it is the foundation of comfort and movement.
“Foot care is often spoken about as something cosmetic, but it is really about comfort, movement and being able to show up for everyday life,” says Lynsey Hammond, MD at KROKO.
“Our feet carry us through work, family, errands and celebrations. Giving them some attention before summer gets busy can help stop a small problem from keeping us out of the moments we want to enjoy.”
Transitioning into sandal season requires a proactive approach to common skin and structural issues.
Tackling hidden corns and calluses
Corns and calluses build up where skin faces repeated pressure and friction. Closed winter footwear hides them, but long days standing or new sandal straps rubbing against delicate skin quickly make the discomfort impossible to ignore.
“Corns should not be ignored simply because they have been hidden,” says Hammond. “They can become painful enough to affect work and everyday movement, especially for people who spend long hours on their feet.”
Podiatrists recommend auditing your footwear: choose well-fitting shoes with ample toe room to minimise friction and use protective cushioning on friction-prone areas.
Restoring winter-worn heels
Dry, cracked heels are another common casualty of winter. Closed shoes combined with low humidity strip skin of moisture, causing deep fissures that can become painful if neglected.
“The skin on our heels is naturally thicker and lacks oil glands, making it uniquely vulnerable to cracking when exposed to open-backed shoes,” notes Cape Town-based podiatric consultant Dr Sarah Ndlovu.
“To restore the skin barrier, target thickened areas with daily urea-based creams, which actively break down tough keratin while binding moisture to the tissue.”
For an intensive overnight treatment, apply a rich moisturiser before bed and slip on soft cotton socks to lock in hydration.
Navigating barefoot freedom
Ditching shoes offers unmatched seasonal freedom, but sudden transitions can shock unconditioned feet. Hot paving, rough terrain and unaccustomed sandal friction present instant hazards.
While sunscreen usually goes onto faces, shoulders and arms without much thought, the tops of exposed feet also need protection.
If a friction blister develops, leave it intact. The overlaying skin acts as a sterile natural bandage that prevents infection; however, if it becomes increasingly painful, red, hot or produces pus, seek medical intervention.
Defending against poolside hazards
Warm, damp surfaces around public pools, communal showers and changing areas create ideal conditions for viral spread, specifically the strains of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) that cause plantar warts (verrucas).
Simple preventative habits, such as wearing water shoes or flip-flops in public facilities, drastically cut your risk.
Over-the-counter treatments are available, although persistent, painful, or uncertain skin changes should be assessed by an appropriate healthcare professional.
Six daily foot-care rituals
- Wash and dry thoroughly: Clean your feet daily with soap and warm water. Fungi thrive in damp areas, so dry completely, especially between the toes, before wearing shoes.
- Moisturise strategically: Apply foot cream daily to prevent cracked heels, but avoid applying moisturiser between your toes to prevent excess moisture buildup.
- Trim nails straight across: Cut toenails straight across rather than rounding the edges. This prevents painful ingrown toenails.
- Rotate your footwear: Avoid wearing the same pair of shoes two days in a row. Giving them 24 hours to air out can help shoes dry out and reduce odour.
- Elevate at the end of the day: Propping your feet up above heart level for 15 minutes in the evening may help reduce swelling and relieve pressure.
- Inspect your feet regularly: Check the soles, heels and between your toes daily for early signs of redness, cuts, peeling or fungal activity so you can address small issues before they become painful.
alyssia.birjalal@nationalmg.co.za