By: Brody McGrail, Podimetrics
Summer invites us outdoors. Beach walks, backyard barbecues, pool days, and long strolls in sandals. But all that activity, warmth, and barefoot freedom comes with additional potential risk. For people living with diabetes, the season also brings added risks that are easy to overlook until a small problem becomes a serious one.
The good news: a handful of simple habits can keep your feet healthy all summer long. As Dr. Gary Rothenberg, Podiatrist and Podimetrics Medical Director, puts it:
“Summer is the season when we ask more of our feet and often give them less support. A few small habits like good footwear, sun protection, and keeping skin dry go a long way toward keeping you active and pain-free.”
Here’s what you need to know and do to protect your feet this summer.
Why Summer Is Tougher on Feet for People with Diabetes
Before sharing some advice, it helps to understand what makes the warmer months riskier:
Heat and moisture invite infection. As Physicians Footcare explains, higher temperatures mean more sweat, and that extra moisture between your toes creates the perfect environment for bacterial and fungal infections to take hold.
Barefoot time means more exposure. Whether it’s hot sand at the beach, a pool deck, or the floor of a locker room, going barefoot exposes your feet to bacteria, cuts, and burns. As the American Podiatric Medical Association points out, even a minor break in the skin can become a gateway to infection for people with diabetes.
Neuropathy hides the warning signs. Diabetes-related nerve damage (neuropathy) can reduce or eliminate sensation in your feet. That means you might not feel hot pavement burning your soles, a sharp object underfoot, or a blister forming until it’s already a problem. This is one of the most important reasons summer foot care matters so much for people with diabetes.
Smart Summer Foot Care Habits
Here are the practical, everyday steps that make the biggest difference:
Wear shoes inside and out. It’s tempting to kick off your shoes on a warm day, but protecting your feet from injury starts with keeping them covered, even at home.
Choose support over flimsy. Not all summer footwear is created equal. Look for shoes and sandals with sturdy insoles and real support rather than thin, flat styles that leave your feet vulnerable.
Dr. Rothenberg notes:
“Flip-flops are fine for the beach or pool, but they’re not built for miles of walking. Your feet still need support in the summer, even when the rest of you is in vacation mode.”
Check your shoes before you put them on. Debris, small stones, or rough spots inside your shoes can create irritation or wounds you may not feel. A quick check protects you.
Pick the right socks. Choose moisture-wicking socks made from natural, breathable fibers to help keep your feet dry throughout the day.
Change socks when they get damp. Wet socks trap moisture against your skin and increase the risk of irritation and infection. Keep a spare pair handy on active days.
Let your shoes breathe. Avoid wearing the same pair two days in a row. Airing them out between wears helps prevent moisture buildup.
Don’t forget sunscreen on your feet. According to South Shore Health, the tops of your feet are one of the most commonly sunburned and most overlooked spots in summer.
Dr. Rothenberg sees this constantly:
“We remember sunscreen for our shoulders and noses, but the tops of the feet are one of the most forgotten and most sunburned spots in the summer.”
The Non-Negotiable: Daily Foot Checks
If there’s one habit to commit to this summer, it’s inspecting your feet every single day. The American Diabetes Association recommends checking for early signs of trouble; cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, or anything that looks different. Use a mirror to see the bottoms of your feet, or ask someone to help.
Why does this matter so much? Because catching a small issue early is far easier than treating a serious one later. Dr. Rothenberg is emphatic on this point:
“If you live with diabetes or neuropathy, summer foot checks are non-negotiable. Limited feeling in the feet means small blisters, burns, or cuts can become serious problems faster than you think.”
When to Seek Care
Don’t wait if something seems off. Contact your foot care specialist if you notice a wound that isn’t healing, increasing redness or swelling, warmth, drainage, or any sign of infection. With diabetes, these things can escalate quickly so early action is your best protection.
Dr. Rothenberg reminds his patients:
“As a podiatrist, I’d much rather help you prevent a problem than treat a crisis. If something about your feet doesn’t seem right this summer, seek care from your foot care specialist.”
Enjoy the Season on Healthy Feet
Summer is meant to be enjoyed. With a few smart habits; supportive footwear, sun protection, avoiding excess skin moisture, and daily foot checks you can stay active and protected all season long. Your feet carry you through every adventure. Give them the care they deserve, and they’ll keep you moving.
