Columbia, IL, Podiatrist Discusses Shoe Support for the Summer

Summer is practically synonymous with fun-filled activities like picnics, pool parties and trips to the beach; to enjoy all that, you’ll need a happy, healthy set of feet. Before you toss on a pair of flip-flops and fly out the door, you may want to know what your Columbia, IL, podiatrist has to say about the ideal summertime footwear. The bottom line? It’s all about support.

Columbia, IL, Podiatrist Shares The Truth About Flip-Flops

Flip-flops may well be the most popular kind of summer footwear and for good reason: they’re affordable, they’re lightweight and easy to stow in your carry-on or beach bag and they’re versatile enough to pair with shorts, pants, a swimsuit or even a dress. What flip-flops lack though is support. The thin foam soles aren’t suitable for anyone with a very low or very high arch and the basic Y-strap makes it easy for people to slip or trip. That doesn’t mean flip-flops are all bad, though. Your podiatrist in Columbia, IL understands that flip-flops are perfect for protecting your feet while you pad around the pool deck or your spa’s shower room.

A Second Look at Sandals

There are plenty of flip-flop alternatives that will still allow you to feel cool and comfortable while protecting against any last-minute visits to our Columbia podiatry office. To score the ideal amount of support, look for sandals with:

• Proper arch support
• A contoured and cushioned footbed
• Multiple adjustable straps across both the toes and ankle
• Design features suitable for your specific needs – if you have bunions or plantar fasciitis, for instance, you may want to look for a bigger toe box or extra heel padding

Full-Support Footwear

If you’re going to spend your summer sightseeing or running marathons, obviously you’ll be trading in your sandals for walking or running shoes. Those options offer lots of arch support and comfortable construction – you can even add your own custom orthotics if you prefer – you’ll just want to rotate pairs and wear moisture-wicking socks to make sure your feet stay nice and dry.

To get the lowdown on our favorite summer footwear recommendations or just get a little pre-summer checkup, make an appointment to visit our podiatry office in Columbia, IL by calling 618.277.9533 today!

Award-winning Columbia, IL, Podiatrist for Proper Summer Footwear – Serving Belleville, Fairview Heights, O’Fallon, Shiloh, Swansea, Columbia, Smithton, Columbia, Okawville, Mascoutah, Freeburg, Trenton, and Waterloo