Summer in the UK means lighter evenings, holidays, days out, long walks, trips to the beach, BBQs, and finally swapping boots and trainers for sandals and open-toed shoes.

But after months tucked away in socks and shoes, your feet can suddenly find themselves exposed — and often in footwear that isn’t quite as supportive.

Dry or cracked heels, hard skin, sore arches, aching forefeet and tired feet can all become more noticeable during the summer months.

The good news? A little attention now can help keep your feet comfortable throughout the season.

Let’s walk through — pun totally intended! — how to get your feet ready, so you can enjoy everything a UK summer has to offer.

1. Start with the basics: Look after your heels

After months hidden away in socks and shoes, it’s not unusual for heels to become dry and develop areas of hard skin.

Once you start wearing sandals and open-backed shoes, those dry, cracked heels can become much more noticeable — and uncomfortable.

Cracked heels aren't just a cosmetic concern. Deep cracks can become painful, bleed and may increase the risk of infection.

Here's how to get ahead of it:

• Use a moisturiser or heel balm containing 25% urea to soften and reduce hard skin.

• Apply it after a shower while your skin is warm.

• Consider wearing cotton socks afterwards to help the moisturiser absorb.

• Avoid picking, cutting or shaving hard skin yourself.

If you have stubborn, thick or painful cracks, a podiatrist can safely assess and treat the hard skin. Many people are surprised by just how much more comfortable their feet feel after professional treatment.

2. Smooth out dry skin safely

Dry skin and hard skin can build up on your feet throughout the year, particularly around the heels and balls of the feet.

t can be tempting to attack it with a foot file, pumice stone or other tool, but over-filing can irritate the skin, while friction and repeated pressure can contribute to hard skin returning.

Instead:

• Use a gentle foot file once or twice a week, if appropriate.

• Don't over-file the skin.

• Follow with a moisturiser containing urea.

• Avoid cutting hard skin yourself.

If you're unsure what your feet need, or you have diabetes, reduced sensation or circulation concerns, it's best to have them assessed professionally.

3. Don't forget sunscreen… on your feet!

You probably remember to apply sunscreen to your face, shoulders and arms, but your feet can easily get forgotten.

The tops of your feet are particularly exposed when you're wearing sandals, flip-flops or going barefoot.

So make sunscreen part of your summer foot-care routine:

• Apply SPF 50+ to the tops of your feet, toes and ankles.

• Reapply after swimming or excessive sweating.

• Remember that sandal straps don't protect the skin underneath or around them.

• Check your feet regularly for any new or changing marks.

4. Choose summer footwear that actually supports you

Let's talk sandals.

They're perfect for warm summer days, holidays and trips to the beach, but not all sandals are created equal.

Very flat, flimsy or unsupportive footwear can contribute to problems such as:

• Heel pain

• Arch pain

• Plantar fasciitis

• Forefoot pain

• Aching feet

• Increased fatigue after walking

• Lower limb discomfort

If you're going to be spending hours on your feet, look for summer footwear with good support, cushioning and a secure fit.

Supportive sandals or structured flip-flops can be a much better choice than completely flat, floppy footwear.

And remember — just because a pair of shoes looks great doesn't necessarily mean your feet will love them!

5. Rotate your footwear — your feet will thank you!

It's tempting to find one comfortable pair of summer shoes and wear them everywhere.

But your feet can benefit from having a little variety.

Try rotating between:

• Supportive sandals

• Comfortable trainers

• Walking shoes

• Well-fitting casual shoes

• Supportive footwear for longer days out

Different shoes place slightly different demands on your feet, which can help reduce repetitive strain.

Think of your footwear like tools — different shoes are suited to different jobs.

6. Going on holiday? Look after your feet before you go

Summer is one of the busiest times of year for holidays, whether you're heading abroad or enjoying a staycation here in the UK.

If you're planning lots of sightseeing, walking around a city, exploring the countryside or spending days on your feet, don't wait until your holiday starts to think about your feet.

Before you go:

• Make sure your walking shoes are comfortable and properly broken in.

• Don't wear brand-new shoes for a full day of sightseeing.

• Pack blister plasters just in case.

• Take a couple of different pairs of supportive footwear.

• Keep your toenails trimmed appropriately.

• Address any existing foot pain before your trip.

If you're flying, remember that long periods of sitting can also cause temporary swelling in the feet and ankles. Staying hydrated and regularly moving your feet and ankles can help.

7. Don't ignore foot pain during the summer

Summer often means doing more than usual — more walking, more days out, more gardening, more exercise and more time on your feet.

It's easy to put a niggle down to "doing too much" and hope it disappears.

But persistent foot pain shouldn't simply be ignored.

Look out for:

• Sharp heel pain, particularly with your first steps in the morning

• Burning or tingling in the balls of your feet

• Pain through the arch

• Sore or stiff big toe joints

• Persistent ankle swelling

• Pain around the Achilles tendon

• Forefoot pain after wearing certain shoes

• Pain that gets worse the more you walk

If something doesn't feel right, getting it checked early may help prevent a small problem from becoming a bigger one.

8. When should you see a podiatrist?

Consider booking an appointment if:

• Your heels are cracked, painful or bleeding

• You're experiencing regular foot or arch pain

• Your toenails have changed colour, thickness or shape

• You have persistent hard skin or corns

• Your feet or ankles are regularly swollen

• You're experiencing burning, tingling or numbness

• You're preparing for a holiday involving lots of walking

• You want advice about suitable footwear

• Your feet are constantly tired or uncomfortable

A professional assessment can help identify what's causing your symptoms and provide the right treatment and advice for your feet.

Your feet carry you through all the best parts of summer — from beach walks and holidays to days out, gardening, shopping trips and long walks in the sunshine.

So don't wait until your feet start causing you problems.

A little care now can go a long way towards keeping them comfortable.

If your feet need some professional attention, our podiatry team is here to help.

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