After months of wool socks and insulated boots, summer sandals are one of summer’s most-enjoyed delights. It feels great to wear those lightweight shoes and allow toes and feet to breathe. Unfortunately, they’re also footwear that comes with some drawbacks. The risk of illness and injury increases when you’re wearing sandals, but those risks can be mitigated with careful choices. Here are some tips from Dr. Stavros O. Alexopoulos to keep you safe:
- Foot size changes over our lifetimes. Be sure you’re buying sandals in the proper size. If it’s been more than a year since your feet were professionally measured, skip the online shopping in favor of a trip to a store with professional assistance. Ask the salesperson to check the current length and width of your feet before trying on.
- Choose sandals with adjustable straps for the most customizable fit.
- Make sure that your new sandals have a strap around the back of your heel to keep them in place and reduce the possibility of a fall that could lead to a foot or ankle injury.
- Skip the flip-flops or, at the least, save them for special occasions. These sandals typically offer little or no cushioning and/or arch support. Frequent use can exacerbate plantar fasciitis and can contribute to stress fractures.
- If you wear your sandals daily, select a pair made of leather or breathable fabric. Synthetics can trap moisture and contribute to a variety of fungal infections.
No matter what sandals you choose, the best way to enjoy them is with healthy feet and ankles and the best way to ensure foot health is with regular visits to a board-certified podiatrist like Stavros O. Alexopoulos, DPM. With years of specialized training and experience, your foot doctor is the best-qualified medical professional to care for this part of your body. Call our friendly staff at (773) 561-8100 or click here to schedule a convenient appointment in our modern, comfortable Chicago office today.