As the sun shines brighter and temperatures rise, summer often brings an increase in outdoor activity. Whether you’re logging extra miles running, exploring hiking trails, or simply enjoying long walks, it’s easy to overlook one essential part of your body that works hardest: your feet.

Here’s why summer foot care matters — and how you can keep your feet healthy, comfortable, and odor-free all season long.

1. Exposure to the Elements

In summer, your feet are more exposed to the environment than any other time of year. Whether you’re barefoot on hot sand, walking through grassy parks, or hiking rugged trails, your feet take a beating. Prolonged exposure to heat can lead to sunburn, and barefoot walking increases the risk of cuts, scrapes, and infections.

Pro Tip: Apply sunscreen to your feet, wear breathable and protective footwear, and clean your feet thoroughly after every outdoor adventure. If you’re unsure what kind of footwear to choose, check out our guide to breathable running shoes for hot weather.

2. Increased Sweating = Bacteria and Odour

Warm weather and physical activity naturally lead to sweaty feet — which creates the perfect environment for bacteria and fungi to thrive. This often results in unpleasant foot odor, athlete’s foot, or fungal infections.

To combat this, it’s important to keep your feet clean and dry. Opt for moisture-wicking socks and shoes made from breathable materials.

Want to stop sweaty shoes from turning into a breeding ground for bacteria?

The Save Our Soles Atacama is the perfect post-run solution. Designed to dry your shoes quickly and effectively, it eliminates moisture and odor, helping you stay fresh run after run.

3. Nail Care Is More Important Than Ever

With flip-flops and sandals making a comeback, summer is the season your toenails are most visible. Regularly trimming and cleaning your toenails helps prevent ingrown nails, fungal infections, and painful buildup under the nail bed.

A simple pedicure, even at home, keeps your feet healthy and photo-ready. Plus, properly maintained nails reduce the chances of pressure discomfort inside running shoes.

4. Preventing Blisters Before They Start

New footwear or long walks in hot weather can lead to one of the most frustrating summer problems: blisters. These painful pockets of skin irritation are often caused by heat, sweat, and friction from poorly fitted shoes.

Tips for prevention:

• Break in new shoes gradually

• Choose socks designed for athletic performance

• Use anti-friction balm or learn how to tape your toes properly — a lesser-known trick that can make a big difference

5. Stay Hydrated — Feet Included

Just like your body, your skin needs hydration — and your feet are no exception. Dehydrated skin on your soles can lead to cracking, irritation, and even infection if left untreated.

Regularly moisturizing your feet with a high-quality, hydrating foot cream helps keep the skin soft, resilient, and protected against the dry summer heat.

6. Foot Health = Full-Body Health

Your feet form the foundation of your movement. Neglecting them can lead to issues like poor posture, knee pain, hip misalignment, or lower back discomfort. By taking care of your feet, you’re also taking care of your overall mobility and performance — whether you’re training for a race or just enjoying the outdoors.

Step into Summer with Confidence

This season, make summer foot care a priority. From protecting your skin from the sun to drying your shoes with Atacama and keeping your nails clean and trimmed, a little effort goes a long way. Your feet carry you through every sunny run, hike, and adventure — treat them with the care they deserve.

Discover how the Save Our Soles Atacama can become your go-to gear this summer and say goodbye to sweaty, smelly shoes for good.