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Warm weather finally rolling in means it’s time for those long-awaited beach trips we look forward to all year round. But, just because you’re going on vacation doesn’t mean you can take a break from caring for your feet! Those beautiful destinations still have the potential to cause some serious foot pain if you’re not careful. How can you protect your feet at the beach? Here are our provider’s top three tips for keeping your feet happy and healthy, no matter your vacation spot!

Dr. Freels: Wear your tennis shoes as long as you can

Dr. Freels always recommends that you wear tennis shoes as much as possible! She usually wears hers while walking to the beach and then switches to sandals once she reaches the sand. Although we typically suggest staying away from flip flops, anything is better than going completely barefoot! It’s especially important to protect your feet during those heavy weight bearing times so you can get away with wearing your less supportive, lighter weight options for a reasonable amount of time.

Dr. Carter: Put sunscreen on your feet

Sunburns can make or break your vacation. We’ve all been that person who doesn’t apply enough sunscreen the first day and then suffers the consequences for the rest of vacation. Even the most dedicated sun screeners miss a spot now and then!

Even though it can be easy to forget, applying sunscreen to the top of your feet is SO important. If you’ve ever burnt the top of your feet (we know we have) you know how excruciatingly painful it can be. A severe burn can lead to infection if not treated properly, not to mention, it makes wearing shoes really difficult! All it takes is a quick spray (and reapplication, of course) to keep your feet burn-free.

Dr. Barko: Don’t go for a beach walk barefoot

If you’re travelling to the beach, chances are, you’re spending your vacation kicking back on the sand soaking up some vitamin C. If you’re anything like us, you love taking long walks up and down the beach while taking in the view, but extensive walks while barefoot can really do a number on your feet.

When you’re walking on sand, you’re walking on a soft and unstable surface. This causes your feet and body to work harder than if you were walking on the pavement or level ground. It’s easy for your feet to become inflamed after taking a gentle stroll on the beach, so if you plan on taking a nice long walk, be sure you wear a supportive shoe. We know it’s tempting to go barefoot and feel the sand between your toes, but your feet will thank you in the long run!

Although protecting your feet might seem like a hassle in the moment, your feet will definitely thank you later. Following these three easy tips will make a huge difference in your foot health, giving you the freedom to enjoy your well-deserved vacation!