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Most Sandals Offer Zero Foot Protection

In our clinic, we see a dramatic increase in foot injuries every summer — and sandals are the primary culprit. Standard flip-flops provide no arch support, no heel stability, and no protection from impact or sharp objects. They also force the toes to grip constantly to keep the shoe on, which strains the plantar fascia and can cause hammertoe-like contractures over time.

If you’re going to wear sandals (and most Michiganders will), choose ones with arch support, a contoured footbed, and a heel strap that secures the shoe to the foot. Brands like OOFOS, Birkenstock, and Vionic consistently produce sandals with genuine podiatric support. Reserve flat flip-flops for pool decks and showers only — never for extended walking.

The most common summer injuries from improper sandals: plantar fasciitis flare-ups from flat soles, ankle sprains from lack of lateral support, and puncture wounds from exposed feet on gravel, construction debris, and beach glass.

Foot Sunburn Causes Pain and Increases Skin Cancer Risk

The tops of the feet are one of the most commonly missed areas during sunscreen application — and one of the most vulnerable to UV damage. The skin on the dorsal foot is thin with minimal subcutaneous fat, making sunburn both more likely and more painful than on other body areas.

Melanoma on the feet accounts for 3-15% of all melanomas, and these cancers are frequently diagnosed late because people don’t examine their feet regularly. Foot melanomas have the worst prognosis of any melanoma location precisely because of delayed detection. Apply SPF 30+ to the tops and sides of your feet every time you wear open shoes, and reapply every 2 hours.

Swimming Pools and Lakes Expose Feet to Warts and Fungus

Public pool decks, splash pads, and lake beaches are the primary transmission zones for plantar warts (HPV) and athlete’s foot (tinea pedis). The warm, wet surfaces are ideal for these organisms, and barefoot contact provides direct exposure to infected skin cells shed by other swimmers.

Prevention is simple: wear water shoes or flip-flops on all pool decks, locker room floors, and public shower areas. Dry feet thoroughly — especially between the toes — immediately after swimming. Apply antifungal powder to feet and shoes if you’re prone to athlete’s foot. Children are especially vulnerable because they’re more likely to go barefoot and have developing immune systems. Check our toenail fungus treatment page for more prevention tips.

Going Barefoot Outdoors Risks Puncture Wounds and Infections

Summer is when we treat the most puncture wounds — nails, glass, wood splinters, and sharp shells embedded in the sole of the foot. What seems like a minor injury can become a serious infection if debris is left in the wound or if bacteria are pushed deep into the foot tissue.

The particular danger of foot puncture wounds is that the narrow entry point seals over quickly, trapping bacteria inside. This creates an ideal environment for deep infection, including bone infection (osteomyelitis) if the puncture reaches bone. In our clinic, any puncture wound through a shoe — especially a sneaker — gets evaluated for retained material and prophylactic antibiotics, because the foam rubber drives bacteria deep into the wound.

For diabetic patients, going barefoot outdoors is especially dangerous because reduced sensation means you may not feel a puncture wound when it happens. Always wear shoes with a protective sole when walking outside, even in your own yard.

Heat and Moisture Create Perfect Conditions for Foot Infections

Michigan summers are humid, and feet trapped in closed shoes become warm, moist breeding grounds for fungal and bacterial infections. Athlete’s foot causes itching, scaling, and cracking between the toes. Toenail fungus causes yellowed, thickened nails that can become painful. Both conditions spread easily and can take months to resolve once established.

Prevention strategy for summer: rotate between at least two pairs of shoes so each pair dries completely between wears, wear moisture-wicking socks (avoid cotton), apply antifungal powder to shoes and feet in the morning, and change socks immediately if they get wet. If you notice early signs of athlete’s foot, treat aggressively with OTC antifungal cream for the full recommended duration (usually 2-4 weeks) — stopping early leads to recurrence.

Summer Sports Bring Ankle Sprains and Stress Fractures

The surge in outdoor activity during Michigan summers — hiking, trail running, volleyball, basketball, and yard games — produces a corresponding surge in foot and ankle injuries. The most common: ankle sprains from uneven terrain, stress fractures from rapidly increased activity, and Achilles tendinitis from going from sedentary winter to active summer too quickly.

The 10% rule applies to all summer activity increases: don’t increase weekly activity volume by more than 10% per week. If you walked 5 miles a week in winter, don’t suddenly hike 15 miles in your first summer week. Build gradually and wear appropriate footwear for the activity. See our sports podiatry page and ankle sprain guide for sport-specific advice.

Recommended Summer Foot Care Products

OOFOS OOahh Recovery Slides — The best summer sandal for foot health. Impact-absorbing sole with arch support protects the plantar fascia during casual summer wear. Far superior to flat flip-flops. Check price on Amazon

Fungi-Nail Anti-Fungal Pen — Start treating toenail fungus in summer when nails grow fastest. Convenient pen applicator for daily use. Combine with proper moisture management for best results. Check price on Amazon

Compound W Freeze Off Wart Remover — At-home cryotherapy for plantar warts picked up from pools and beaches. Most effective on small, new warts. Larger warts may need professional treatment. Check price on Amazon

Eucerin Advanced Repair Foot Cream — Summer sandal wear dries out and cracks heel skin. Apply nightly to prevent painful fissures that can become infected. Essential for anyone with cracked heels or dry skin. Check price on Amazon

ASO Ankle Stabilizer — Wear during summer hiking, trail running, and court sports if you have any history of ankle instability. Lightweight enough for warm weather activity. Check price on Amazon

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Summer Foot Care

Are flip-flops bad for your feet?

Flat flip-flops without arch support are harmful for extended wear. They provide no structural support, force toes to grip unnaturally, and offer zero protection from impact. Use them only for pool decks and showers. For summer walking, choose sandals with arch support and a heel strap.

How do I prevent plantar warts at the pool?

Wear flip-flops or water shoes on all pool decks, locker room floors, and public showers. Dry feet thoroughly after swimming. Don’t share towels used on feet. If you get a wart, treat it promptly — warts spread more easily in summer conditions.

Should I put sunscreen on my feet?

Absolutely. Apply SPF 30+ to the tops and sides of your feet whenever wearing open shoes. The skin on the dorsal foot is thin and highly susceptible to UV damage. Foot melanoma has the worst prognosis of any melanoma location due to delayed detection.

What should I do if I step on something sharp?

Clean the wound immediately with soap and water. If the object was rusty or dirty, check your tetanus vaccination status (booster needed every 10 years). Watch for signs of infection over the next 48-72 hours: increasing redness, swelling, warmth, or drainage. Seek medical attention if any infection signs develop.

The Bottom Line

Summer foot care comes down to three priorities: supportive footwear (not flat flip-flops), sun protection on exposed feet, and moisture management to prevent infections. At Balance Foot & Ankle, Dr. Tom Biernacki and the team treat summer foot injuries and infections at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills, Michigan locations.

When to See a Podiatrist for Summer Foot Problems

If you’re experiencing persistent summer foot problems symptoms, our board-certified podiatrists can help. At Balance Foot & Ankle, we offer specialized care at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills offices.

Related treatments: Heel Pain · Ingrown Toenails

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a double board-certified podiatrist and foot & ankle surgeon at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has reached over one million views.