5 Tips for Keeping Your Feet Happy at Music Festivals
Although Lollapalooza 2024 is behind us, the Chicago summer music festival scene is far from over. With ARC right around the corner, house lovers of all ages, shapes, and sizes will flood Union Park to dance and sing to the genre’s best artists.
And while this sounds good and fun to the mind, the feet are mentally preparing for a potential whirlwind of a time. Long hours of standing, jumping, dancing, and walking on hard, uneven, unforgiving terrain notoriously take a toll at festivals.
So, if your feet were hurting at Lollapalooza, don’t make the same mistake again. Let us at My Chicago Foot Expert walk you through how to keep your feet happy and healthy while enjoying the next round of sonic bliss.
Footwear is Key
Choosing the right footwear is going to be the game changer for this festival. ARC’s website has a list of prohibited items to bring, and it’s not looking good for anyone not willing to get their steps in. Chairs (of any kind, apparently), coolers, bikes, scooters, rollerblades, and skateboards (all useful forms of transportation) are prohibited. The venue also doesn’t want you to wear furry boots (sorry, FloRida).
Evidently, ARC is discouraging sitting and transportation for crowd-flow purposes, which means your footwear will have to bear the brunt. Opt for closed-toe shoes with good support and cushioning. Avoid sandals or flip-flops, as they offer little protection. And consider bringing a spare pair of shoes in case your primary footwear gets wet or damaged (lockers are available).
Protect Your Feet
Ankle sprains, infections, blisters, and foot fatigue are right around the corner if you aren’t safe enough. So, in addition to footwear, here are our top tips to keep your feet feeling as good as the music:
- Wear moisture-wicking socks: This helps keep your feet dry and reduce the risk of blisters. And whatever you do, do not walk around barefoot!
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps maintain healthy skin and prevent dry, cracked feet.
- Bring a first-aid kit: Although there are multiple first-aid stations on site, you can still carry moleskin, band-aids, and antiseptic wipes to treat injuries promptly.
- Say no to drugs: This goes without saying, but being under the influence puts your feet and ankles in danger of injury and infection.
Reach out to the tenured team at My Chicago Foot Expert by calling (773) 561-8100 or by clicking here to book an appointment with Cook County podiatrist Stavros O. Alexopoulos, DPM, in our modern, comfortable Ravenswood office today.
