Are those sweaty feet ruining your summer? Many people are looking forward to the warm weather, so they could don their summer outfits while they attend barbecue nights, pool parties, and beach vacations. But if you have sweaty feet, you’ll have a hard time appreciating the summer heat!
In this article, I will share with you how to stop feet sweating in sandals so that even if the temperatures are rising, you’ll feel confident and worry-free!
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15 simple ways to stop feet sweating in sandals this summer
- Use a foot deodorant spray
Summertime is the perfect season to let your feet loose. But as temperatures rise, your feet sweat more, and this equals foot odor. So before you put on your flip-flops or sandals, spray a small amount of foot deodorant on your soles, in between your toes, and just right below your ankles.
A foot deodorant helps prevent embarrassing odors and keeps your feet smelling fresh. While there are many deodorant sprays on the market, we recommend Dr. Scholl’s Probiotic Foot Spray, especially if you want to steer clear of harsh chemicals.
- Use an antiperspirant
For people with plantar hyperhidrosis, a deodorant spray might not be enough to get through the day. Hyperhidrosis can only be mitigated with prescription-strength antiperspirants like Certain Dri. These products are formulated with aluminum compounds that block sweat ducts. For best results, allow the product to soak in overnight after bathing, and don’t forget to label your roll-on “feet!”
- Choose the right footwear
A good rule of thumb is to avoid footwear made of rubber or plastic during this time of the year, as these materials easily trap heat and cause extra sweaty feet. Shoes made of breathable materials, like espadrilles and Chucks, are the best kind. When choosing trainers or running shoes, opt for a pair with mesh toppers.
Ladies, it might be best to avoid wearing jellies, clogs, and mules. On the bright side, you don’t have to scratch out strappy sandals or wedges in your wardrobe planning, as long as you choose ones made of genuine leather or have fabric strapping.
- Apply foot powder
Apply a generous amount of foot powder to clean dry feet after showering. A non-caking and all-natural foot powder like Foot Sense Foot and Shoe Odor Eliminator comes with aromatics that have antibacterial properties to absorb sweat and kill odor-causing germs.
- Dust cornstarch on your feet
A cheaper alternative to store-bought foot powders is cornstarch. However, the kitchen staple doesn’t repel bacterial growth and cover odors.
- Rotate your footwear
We all have our favorite pair of shoes, but shoes need rest days, too. By rotating footwear regularly, you can give each pair ample time to dry out excess moisture. If the weather permits, you can expose your shoes to direct sunlight for a few hours to kill those nasty germs.
- Put baking soda in your shoes
After taking off your shoes, it helps to dust some baking soda inside each shoe to draw out the moisture that bacteria has been feeding on. Allow the baking soda to sit for at least 24 hours to remove the odors.
- Invest in a shoe dryer
Since not all shoes are suitable to be left outdoors for a long time, you might want to invest in a shoe dryer. Letting shoes air out can help with getting rid of odor and avoid nasty fungal problems caused by excess moisture.
- Stock up on moisture-wicking socks
Wearing closed shoes without socks is a surefire way to get sweaty, smelly feet. Pair breathable shoes with cotton-blend socks that can hold in moisture like CELERSPORT Running Socks and Dickies Men’s Dri-tech Work Socks. If you have excessively sweaty feet, it is advisable to change into a new pair once you get home or after engaging in physical activities like running or playing sports.
- Use an alcohol wipe
Once in a while, take off your flip-flops or sandals, and freshen your feet with an alcohol wipe. A product I recommend is Old South Disinfecting Alcohol Wipes. Its fragrance-free formula contains 75% ethyl alcohol to kill germs and dry sweat.
- Make a habit of washing your feet
They might be invisible to the naked eye, but there are freeloading bioforms taking up residence on your feet and they are responsible for causing the moldy cheese smells. So, lather up using an antimicrobial soap, such as ClearZal Foot Cleanser to diminish their numbers.
- Soak feet in black tea
Don’t throw your used Twinings English Breakfast Black tea bags. Black tea has astringent properties that help draw excess moisture from the skin and decrease the pH level to make it less uninhabitable for bacteria. Soak your feet for 15 minutes, rinse, and pat them dry.
- Make an apple cider vinegar foot soak
Apple cider vinegar is also a natural astringent and its highly acidic levels help eliminate fungi. But because straight vinegar can cause irritation, you’ll want to dilute a cupful to a bowl of warm water. Repeat this 15-minute treatment two or three times each week.
- Stay hydrated
When you’re having fun under the sun, it’s easy to neglect your water intake. However, drinking too little water can lead to dehydration, causing fatigue, unconsciousness, and ultimately, organ failure. Always keep a big water bottle on hand. Make sure you drink up to eight glasses of water a day or more.
- Trying iontophoresis
Iontophoresis is a treatment for a wide variety of conditions, including hyperhidrosis. It uses a medical device that passes a weak electrical current through the skin to block sweat glands temporarily.
Common problems caused by sweaty feet
Bromodosis (smelly feet)
The number one problem associated with sweaty feet is odor. Bacteria reside naturally on our feet and they proliferate as they feast on oils, dead skin cells, and odorless chemicals released in sweat. As bacteria break down sweat, they produce thioalcohols, which are responsible for the offending smell.
Fungal infections
Excessive sweating creates the ideal breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. If you don’t observe proper hygiene and take precautionary measures, that really gets them going and puts you at risk of foot fungus, fungal toenails, and athlete’s foot. Further complications, such as foot pain, open sores, and thickened toenails are also possible.
Decreased quality of life
Sweaty feet often go hand in hand with odor. Besides interrupting normal daily activities, heavy sweating on the feet can cause social anxiety and emotional consequences.
When to see a doctor
You might want to see a podiatrist if home remedies don’t seem to work for you. A podiatrist can easily diagnose whether or not you have plantar hyperhidrosis. And if you do, he can explain the most effective treatment options to address your problem, which may include iontophoresis.
FAQ
How to prevent sweaty feet in shoes?
There are several ways to prevent excessive sweating when wearing shoes, but the easiest method that is applicable to everyone is to use a foot antiperspirant with a prescription-strength formula.
Can sweaty feet cause athlete’s foot?
Having chronic sweaty feet increases your risk of developing athlete’s foot. You can also contract athlete’s foot from an infected individual or from contact with contaminated surfaces.
Does iontophoresis work permanently?
No, iontophoresis does not offer a permanent solution to hyperhidrosis. After the initial treatment period, you’re required a weekly maintenance treatment to maintain results.
Does sweat smell?
Sweat doesn’t smell, but bacteria that feed on them produce odorous by-products.
Does food make your feet sweat?
Indulging in greasy fast food and spicy dishes is a huge no-no if you tend to sweat heavily on the feet. These foods cause a rise in your body temperature and so naturally, your body responds through sweating.
Final thoughts on feet sweating in sandals
Now that you know how to stop feet sweating in sandals, you don’t have to worry that it might ruin your summer fun. The key to preventing this summer bummer is to prioritise foot care. Use the right products and observe good habits with consistency. While the tips mentioned earlier are often effective, it would be best to seek medical advice from a podiatrist if you suspect that you have hyperhidrosis.