Hot Foot! Sandals Need Sole in Phoenix
There's more to wearing sandals than just slipping a little something on your foot. With temperatures already climbing into triple-digits, however, you might want something more substantial, at least underfoot.
It's not just that area roadways and pathways have become excellent examples of large-scale applications of radiant heat. Everything in Phoenix - the plants, the animals, even the ground - bites, stings or cuts. Some of the more hazardous residents, such as scorpions, cacti and rattlesnakes, are widely recognized and, for the most part, avoidable. What many people don't realize from the images of lush resorts and golf courses, is that xeriscape is a popular landscaping technique throughout that is also being heavily promoted during current drought conditions. In Phoenix, xeriscape means rocks, gravel, and boulders surround native plants and trees such as bougainvillea, palo verde and acacia trees, which are very capable of defending themselves.
Obviously, going barefoot is not the most confortable option. In fact, podiatrists at the UCLA Medical Group, advise not going barefoot as a means of preventing injury and infection. Sandals are a good choice, since unlike closed shoes, they allow air to circulate freely around your feet helping to keep them cooler. The American Academy of Dermatology reports that wearing sandals, both in and out of locker rooms and public bathing facilities, is a good way to avoid athlete's foot. Several sandals have been Approved/Accepted by the American Podiatric Medical Association's (APMA) for being good for your feet. These include Chaco's Andale, Flipside, Headwaters, and Cross Currents sandals, Ecco's Cosmo Sandals and Wolky's Ultra-Light, Zen and Provence Collections. Although they are not on the APMA list, many people prefer and experts recommend Birkenstock, MBT and Teva sandals. Personally, I have been wearing MBT sandals for two years now and love them almost as much as I love going barefoot. They are the best, and ugliest, lower-body workout I've ever worn!
Some Do's and Don't's to keep in mind when purchasing or packing sandals for comfort and proper fit include:
- Don't buy/bring sandals that need to be "broken in". You're more likely to end up with aching feet and blisters than comfortable shoes.
- Do buy/bring shoes that are comfortable. You will be spending significant periods of time in your shoes and potentially walking considerable distances. Your shoes should be comfortable when you put them on and after you have been wearing them for a while.
- Don't be a slave to size. Environmental and personal conditions, as well as the brand, style and materials used, can affect the size of sandals and shoes.
- Do try sandals on late in the day when feet have swollen to their normal size and wear them for 15 minutes or more, if possible.
- Don't choose fashion over function. Heels that are too high, or too slender, as well styles like platforms and flip-flops, are not designed for extensive walking. They are often unstable and unbalanced, putting you at risk for falls and sprains.
- Do limit the wearing of flip-flops to the beach, pool, locker room and shower. They put excessive pressure on your feet and lack arch support, according to the APMA.
- Don't wear sandals made of synthetic materials. They can restrict airflow around your foot as well as trapping moisture and heat around your feet.
- Do choose sandals made of natural materials, such as soft and supple leather or cotton canvas, than reduce rubbing, especially in between-the-toe styles and help wick moisture away from your skin.
- Don't forget strap placement. Straps are not as mobile as you might think in sandals that fit properly. Make sure they don't hit sensitive, sore or just uncomfortable places whether you are in motion or standing still.
- Do bring sandals whose straps hit in different places and/or are adjustable. In the event you do get a blister, or even just the start of one, having sandals whose straps don't hit that spot can be a life-saver. Lace-up and velcro straps are more adjustable than elastic or buckled straps, increasing the likelihood they will be comfortable.
- Don't bring only one pair of shoes. Even if one pair looks good with every outfit and is comfortable, a back-up pair or two is a good idea. Fortunately, sandals take up far less luggage space than traditional closed shoes.
- Do change your shoes everyday. Alternating shoes, including sandals, allows them to dry out completely between wearings leading to healthier feet.
Unfortunately, many of this summer's sandals have a very thin sole. Thin soles might tempt those who prefer going barefoot but don't really want to go unshod in airports, restaurants, stores or other public locations. They are not, however, a good choice for anyone who will be walking over hot concrete or rocky surfaces. Shoes with cushioned soles help absorb the shock from hard surfaces, according to the Mayo Clinic and even the earth in and around Phoenix is hard. It is often referred to as "desert concrete".
Sandal-wearers should also keep the sun in mind. Remember to put sunscreen on your feet and reapply it every couple of hours or after getting your feet wet to prevent sunburn. Wearing colored nail polish is a good way to prevent you toe-nail (and finger-nail) beds from sunburn as well. Since some sunscreens can clog pores or attract and hold soil and perspiration, you will want to wash and dry your feet thoroughly each night. Applying a moisturizing lotion or cream after washing and before bed will help keep your feet hydrated. It is, after all, a dry heat, and visitors used to more humid climates will find their skin dries out fast without the frequent application of moisturizers.
Perhaps Dr. Richard Scher, a dermatologist and nail-specialist at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center sums it up best, telling patients to wear shoes that are well-cushioned, substantially soled and comfortable.
