Do you have trouble keeping your feet comfortable when the
weather gets warmer? I do. My feet start to get more blisters as the
temperature outside rises, and it’s not fun. Since some of my shoes are
synthetic, I have even more trouble with my footwear, because they sometimes
hold odor and moisture without completely drying/airing out in-between wears.
Need some steps for hot-weather footwear? Here’s what I do
to increase my comfort.
Step 1: I make sure that I apply petroleum jelly to
my heels. When synthetic-upper shoes heat up, they can cause friction burns and
blisters in a flash. The sweatier your feet are, the worse your feet feel as
the day progresses. Stave off the pain by making sure your feet are lubricated
on common friction points before you leave.
Step 2: I try to add a dust of unscented powder in
shoes that can be washed and dried, or at least wiped out. You may see
suggestions to add talcum powder in every pair of shoes you own, but this can
be a problem in pairs that cannot be thoroughly washed after wearing. Only add
a little powder to shoes that can be washed out properly after.
Step 3: I use tricks of the eye to stay cooler at
work. If closed-toe shoes are a must, try a pair of shoes with a slingback
design to give your feet some air. Look for shoes with small perforated details
punched into them for style or ones with small cutouts along the side instead
of at the toe.
Step 4: I try to invest in summer shoes with a dark
lining, especially sandals and strappy types. Look for ones that won’t show
marks from sweat stains and dirt, and they can even last more than one season
when you find a pair with a navy or black lining. Dark brown leather lining and
cushioning also work well.
Step 5: I look for shoes with hot-weather friendly
closures. Elastic closures are good when they are slim, but they definitely
aren’t when they are in the form of a thick cross-foot band that traps sweat!
Metal buckles are okay if they aren’t too large or heavy, and button closures
are even better because they don’t trap heat.
What style shoes do you wear when it gets hot? Do you make
any major changes to your wardrobe when you choose work shoes for summer?