Heatwave, scorching sidewalks, panicking thermometer… and feet that swell to the point of transforming your favorite sandals into a real vice. In a few hours, the straps mark, the stuck toes heat up and the blisters ruin the end of the day. The good news is that the problem is often more with the shoe than with your feet.
When temperatures rise, some styles become impossible to wear while others remain surprisingly soft against the skin, while remaining ultra desirable. Between comfortable sandals, stylish mules and little anti-chafing tips, there is a winning combo for getting through the heatwave without ending up barefoot on the way home.
Feet that swell in the heat: what’s really happening
Heat causes blood vessels to dilate to help the body cool down. This reaction sometimes promotes slight water retention in the feet and ankles; they swell, shoes tighten more, sweating increases and friction follows. When you walk a lot or stand for a long time, the feeling gets even worse at the end of the day.
Models that are too tight compress the toes and ankles, the foot breathes poorly and the discomfort quickly increases. Pointed toes, sandals with very thin straps or Spartan style, rigid ballerinas, thick sneakers and synthetic materials that are not very breathable accentuate this phenomenon. A pattern may seem bearable in the morning, then become downright painful after several hours in the heat.
Which sandals to avoid and which to wear during the heatwave
For feet that swell with heat, the key word remains space. Better to leave aside, especially in the middle of a heatwave:
- pointed-toe shoes that compress the toes;
- sandals with multiple thin straps or gladiators;
- rigid ballet flats and very thick sneakers;
- synthetic materials that are not very breathable.
Good allies are sandals with one or two wide straps, in the Birkenstock spirit, which leave room at the front of the foot while offering good support. They clear the foot sufficiently, follow the walk and work just as well with a long dress, linen shorts as light jeans. Flat mules or with a small stable heel, in soft leather and slightly wide, instantly dress up a silhouette while remaining tolerant when the foot swells. And then, for the beach or a very hot day, Havaianas type flip-flops remain practical, provided you avoid long walks because of the strap between the toes.
Tips for Keeping Sandals Comfortable and Stylish Despite Swelling
With heat and humidity, the foot swells, slips in the shoe, the skin always rubs in the same places and the blister forms. Anti-chafing creams create a protective film that limits this friction, just like anti-chafing sticks. Megababe’s Thigh Rescue stick, sold every 30 seconds worldwide, has become a reference. The user opinions relayed by Cosmopolitan speak for themselves: one tells, another confides; we also read or else.
To really benefit from them, apply them to clean, dry skin, just before putting on your summer sandals, to areas at risk: heel, Achilles tendon, sides of the little toe, sole, between the toes for flip-flops. The sticks slip easily into the bag for touch-ups. You can also bring a mini “foot” kit with an anti-chafing cream or a stick, some hydrocolloid dressings and gel pads to support the heel or forefoot, in addition to open, flexible sandals with adjustable straps and a suitable size, especially at the end of the day.
Why do my feet swell in the heat in summer?
The heat dilates the blood vessels, which promotes slight water retention in the feet and ankles. They swell, compress the shoes and become more sensitive to friction.
What comfortable sandals should I choose when my feet swell?
Choose sandals with wide straps such as Birkenstocks, flat mules or small heels in soft leather, wide enough at the front and with a flexible and stable sole.
What shoes should I avoid during a heatwave if my feet swell?
Avoid pointed toes, sandals with thin or gladiator straps, rigid ballet flats, thick sneakers and all synthetic materials that are not very breathable and compress the foot.
How to avoid blisters with summer sandals?
Apply an anti-chafing cream or stick to dry skin before putting on shoes, target sensitive areas and keep hydrocolloid dressings and gel pads in your bag.
Sources
- Grazia
“Feet swell heat comfortable sandals more stylish to wear during heatwave”
- Beauty Test
“Before my summer sandals I apply this product and I no longer have any blisters”
