Ah, summer in Australia — endless days at the beach, backyard barbies, and plenty of opportunities to let your feet breathe in your favourite thongs or sandals. But are your feet actually ready to come out of hibernation after being tucked away in shoes and socks all winter?
Neglecting your foot health can quickly turn your sunny stroll into a painful shuffle. Cracked heels, fungal infections, and ingrown toenails can all sneak up on you if you’re not paying attention. Don’t worry, though! We’ve rounded up 8 podiatrist-approved tips to get your feet in tip-top shape before you hit the sand.
Let’s dive in!
1. Exfoliate Like a Pro
First thing’s first: say goodbye to dry, dead skin. Over the cooler months, your heels and soles often become rough and calloused. Regular exfoliation is the key to revealing the soft, smooth skin beneath.
Grab a pumice stone or foot file and gently buff away hardened skin 2-3 times a week. Bonus tip: taking a long walk along the shoreline is not only good for the soul, but the sand acts as a natural exfoliant too!
Pro Tip: Avoid over-scrubbing — being too aggressive can lead to irritation and even small cuts, opening the door to infection.
2. Treat Your Feet to Soothing Soaks
There’s nothing more relaxing than a foot soak, and it also happens to do wonders for your skin. Prepare a warm soak with sea salt, a splash of olive oil, and a few drops of tea tree and peppermint essential oils. This combo not only softens rough skin but also has natural antibacterial properties.
No essential oils on hand? No worries! A trusty Epsom salt soak works wonders too, helping to soothe tired muscles and reduce inflammation.
3. Moisturise, Moisturise, Moisturise!
After exfoliating and soaking, lock in all that hydration with a quality foot cream. Look for thick, emollient formulas packed with ingredients like urea, shea butter, or coconut oil to deeply nourish dry skin.
Top Aussie Hack: Apply your moisturiser before bed and slip on a pair of cotton socks overnight. You’ll wake up with noticeably softer, supple feet. This simple step can make all the difference in keeping cracks and calluses at bay.
4. Nail Care Matters
It’s easy to overlook your toenails when you’re focused on the skin, but proper nail care is just as essential. Trim your toenails straight across to prevent ingrown nails, which can quickly turn painful if neglected.
Also, keep an eye out for discolouration, thickening, or brittleness — these could be signs of a fungal nail infection. If something looks off, it’s best to see a podiatrist before it worsens.
5. Give Your Nails a Break from Polish
Nothing beats a bright pop of colour on your toes during summer. But did you know that constantly wearing nail polish can suffocate your nails and lead to damage?
Here’s a simple rule: give your nails a breather every month. Aim for 10 polish-free days to let them recover. Always apply a base coat when using darker shades to avoid staining, and if you’re battling nail fungus, resist the urge to cover it up with polish — this only worsens the issue.
6. Be Cautious with Pedicures
We all love a pampering session at the nail salon, but not all salons prioritise hygiene. The industry in Australia is largely unregulated, meaning sterilisation standards can vary.
Avoid “cheap and cheerful” spots where tools may not be properly disinfected. Sharing nail tools or footbaths that aren’t cleaned thoroughly can expose you to fungal or bacterial infections.
For peace of mind, opt for clinics or salons that meet medical-grade sterilisation protocols — or better yet, visit a podiatrist for a medical pedicure.
7. Protect Your Feet in Public Areas
Heading to the pool, gym, or public showers this summer? Always wear thongs or slides to protect your feet from nasty infections like athlete’s foot or plantar warts, which thrive in damp, communal spaces.
It’s a simple habit that can save you from dealing with months of discomfort and treatment.
8. Don’t Ignore Persistent Problems
Summer’s fun can quickly be overshadowed if you’re hobbling around with untreated foot pain or skin issues. Whether it’s cracked heels that keep splitting, a suspicious-looking nail, or stubborn warts, don’t delay in seeking professional help.
A podiatrist can provide tailored treatments — from fungal nail laser therapy to orthotic advice — ensuring your feet stay happy and healthy all summer long.
Final Thoughts: Your Summer-Ready Feet Checklist
✅ Exfoliate regularly
✅ Soak with salts & oils
✅ Moisturise daily
✅ Keep nails trimmed & fungus-free
✅ Give your nails polish breaks
✅ Be picky about pedicure salons
✅ Wear thongs in public areas
✅ See a podiatrist for any lingering concerns
Your feet carry you through life — treat them well, especially when they’re on full display during the Aussie summer months!
