6 Tips for Traveling with Feet

“Feet Don't Fail me Now” is an expression everyone traveling and touring says at some point during a day of travel. Whether running from one gate to another at an airport, strolling along a plaza, deep in a museum or ambling along the waterfront, your feet carry you.

To make your travel experience unforgettable (in the most positive way), you should think about how to properly treat your feet. Keeping them happy is an important way to make sure you enjoy your trip.

Here are six tips for travel this summer.

1. Wear comfortable shoes: Pick comfortable shoes with proper arch support and cushioned soles, especially if you will be doing a lot of walking. This will add energy to your feet and provide support so that you do not have achy feet at the end of the day. Consider wearing a different pair of shoes every other day – not due to fashion but to let your shoes air out. Doing so reduces the likelihood of developing blisters from the same shoe rubbing your foot in the same place. Also, when walking a lot, don’t wear flip flops; wear a shoe with an ankle strap, which makes it easier to walk long distances.
2. Know your itinerary: Touring can be hard on your feet. If you can estimate how long you will be on your feet and how far you will be walking, you can plan for pleasant stops. As a rule of thumb (or toe), every mile walked averages 2,000 steps; for example, if you were to walk from the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum to the Lincoln Memorial, 1.7 mile away, you will walk approximately 3,400 steps. Also, always be ready to make surprise stops like sitting down for coffee, ice cream or a healthy snack. When you stop to eat, do so sitting down to give your feet a break.
3. Use Talc Powder: No one likes smelly feet or footwear, and if you are traveling in warmer climes, your feet will sweat. To mitigate smells emanating from shoes and sandals sprinkle powders like talc into your shoes after you take them off at night and before you put them on in the morning. Not only will your feet thank you, but so will anyone else traveling with you. Travel-size bottles are available in most pharmacies.
4. Pack a small first aid kit: Constant pressure on your feet might create blisters, bunions and scratched skin or other foot maladies. To preventively alleviate any pain, consider using adhesive bandages to fend off pain on your toes, back of your heels or any other places where blisters may appear. Bring foot cream for rubbing into your dryer skin to restore lost moisture. Also make sure that you have toenail clippers to get rid of dryer skin and take care of your toenails.
5. Remember to stretch: Whether taking a long flight or after a long day of walking, be sure to stretch. When flying several hours, get up from your seat, and walk up and down to stretch your legs, feet and ankles. When relaxing after a long day, consider elevating your feet when resting. Don't be afraid to pick up feet over the knees; it might look funny, but this enhances blood circulation and improves your feet's health.
6. Take off your shoes when able: Let your feet relax by taking off your shoes if you are on a plane, train or in a car you are not driving. As long as the smell does not bother you nor your neighbors, go ahead and give your feet more air. It feels great and does wonders for your feet.

Travel-related foot hazards include cuts and scrapes, sunburn, twisted or sprained ankles. But if you take proper precautions, which require minimal effort, your trip can be footloose and fancy free.

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Joanna G. Shuman, DPM, PC, is a podiatrist in private practice in Sterling, VA. You can learn more at https://shumanpodiatry.com/ or call for more information at (703) 421-1900.