Ultimate Guide to Protecting your Feet at the Beach

Are you always excited about the summer season to come? Perhaps, you may have already prepared an itinerary for your next beach getaway trip. 

As part of your preparation, not only are your new bikinis and clothes packed. You’ve also included sunglasses and sunscreen for your eye and skin protection. But what about your feet? Are they ready, as well, to endure the hotness of the sand and the scorching heat of the sun? 

We often forget that our feet can be exposed to health hazards when going to the beach. Usually, we just settle with wearing slippers as our means of protection, but it should not be just like that. Our feet also deserve to be protected. 

If you don’t know how to do this, don’t worry because we’ve got you! That’s why we’re here! We’ll share the ultimate guide to protecting your feet at the beach.  

1. Wear sunscreen

cropped photo of a woman’s feet with sun-shaped sun cream with a tropical beach background

If there’s one skincare product that is directly associated with the beach, it’s sunscreen. Imagine being completely exposed to the sun’s harmful rays. You would surely need to apply sunscreen to your whole body. 

However, as common as this information may seem, many people still forget to include their feet as an area where sunscreen is most needed as they receive the most direct hit of UV radiation and is mostly in contact with the hot sand. Remember, you’ll often find yourself walking barefooted because, let’s admit, it’s one way to have an authentic beach experience. Therefore, to ensure that your feet won’t be susceptible to sunburns, apply sufficient amounts of sunscreen that contains at least SPF 30. 

You’ll surely thank us after your beach trip if you do this because you won’t be dealing with peeling and burning sensations when you go home. 

2. Avoid going barefoot at the beach

cropped photo of a woman’s sun-burned feet

Yes, this is another important thing to consider. Going barefoot at the beach, especially when the sun is shining, won’t give you the authentic beach experience. Instead, you’ll probably spend the rest of the day soaking your feet in cool water after burning them. 

If you really can’t resist swimming or walk on the shore, wear something to protect them, like flip-flops. However, if you want to engage in vigorous beach activities like beach volleyball or seaside jogging, don’t forget to bring your water shoes or aqua sneakers. That way, you can save yourself from experiencing sunburn, plantar fasciitis, and sprains. 

3. Wear water shoes when going into the water

a kayak wearing water shoes

Aside from being used in performing activities on the sand, water shoes, as the name suggests, are mainly needed when doing water activities like swimming, kayaking, paddling, boating, and fishing. 

When swimming, you won’t possibly know the things or creatures you might be stepping into, right? You might stumble across sharp and pointy rocks and shells, which might cause cuts and scrapes if you’re not wearing water shoes. 

On the other hand, if you’re engaging in other water activities that require getting into a boat, water shoes can help provide optimal traction on slippery surfaces, give a better grip for safer walking, and allow you to move comfortably even when onboard. 

4. Remove sand on your feet before wearing shoes

a little boy washing sand off his feet

When it’s time to go home, always ensure that your feet are free from sand particles before wearing your shoes. While you may think that simply brushing them off with your hands may work, washing them with soap and water is the best way to do this. That way, you can ensure that they’re really clean. 

Trust us. You don’t want sand particles inside your shoes as this will not be just super uncomfortable when walking, but it may also cause cuts, wounds, sores, and blisters. Also, remove sand particles stuck between your toes, as this may become a breeding ground for infection. 

5. Moisturize your feet after leaving the beach

Cropped photo of a woman moisturizing feet

Did you know that sand can act as an exfoliant? Its coarse texture contributes to removing dead skin and calluses on your feet after too much contact. While this is not necessarily bad, too much exfoliating can cause intense drying of the skin on your feet. Therefore you must pack a good moisturizer to apply after your beach activities. 

However, avoid putting moisturizer between your toes, as this may cause infection. Also, for the same reason, allow the moisturizer to sink completely into your skin before wearing shoes or socks. 

Bonus: Pack vinegar and baking soda in your beach bag

Cropped photo of a person’s feet getting in close contact with a jellyfish 

This may seem like a weird addition to your beach essentials; however, bringing these two with you on your next beach trip will totally save your feet and other body parts in case you step on or get in contact with a jellyfish. 

Vinegar and baking soda are the common first-aid remedies done on victims of jellyfish stings. Vinegar is applied directly on the affected area to stop stinging cells from the jellyfish’s tentacles from producing venom. On the other hand, baking soda needs to be mixed with saltwater and used as a rinsing solution to neutralize the venom of a jellyfish sting. 

Close up face of a young tanned woman with closed eyes enjoying the breeze at a seaside

Indeed, vacations, such as going to the beach, can greatly improve one’s psychological well-being because what’s a perfect summer without it, right? 

Almost everyone is excited about the sunny season because it gives us the perfect way to relax and escape the feelings of stress brought about by the loud and messy city life. However, may we not forget that while we’re enjoying the moment, we also need to take care of our physical health. If you do, you’ll go back home refreshed and unharmed.