Foot Care For Travel

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Your feet are often your primary vehicle when traveling. That means proper foot care is vitally important to ensure a happy and memorable trip.

Shoe Selection

Favor shoe comfort over style and look for lightweight but supportive footwear specifically designed for walking or for the activities you have planned for your trip. Ensure that all your footwear is broken in. Never take new shoes on a trip.

Try to limit yourself to only 2 pairs of shoes, if possible. With 2 pairs, you can rotate between them; since it takes about 24 hours to dry out the moisture created from a full day of wear.

Pre-Travel Foot Care

You may want to pay for a professional pedicure before your trip. Making sure toenails are trimmed properly and dead skin is exfoliated and then moisturized will go a long way to keeping your feet happy and healthy wherever you wander.

When Traveling By Air

To minimize your hassle at the airport, wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off but that also provide support and comfort. Since some travelers experience painful leg and foot swelling, especially during long flights, here are some easy preventative measures you can take.

  • Avoid salt, since this tends to cause water retention and exacerbate swelling
  • Wear mild compression socks
  • Take the time to get up and move around to keep circulation going
  • Flex and extend your feet and ankles and, if possible, raise your knees

Daily Foot Care On The Road

  • Wash your feet daily with lukewarm water and mild soap; dry them well, especially between the toes
  • Massage your feet to relax and relieve discomfort from long days of walking or hiking
  • Rest if you need to, especially if you’re experiencing pain or have blisters that could use a little time to heal

Foot Care Travel Kit

A foot emergency kit can be a lifesaver, should you run into any issues while on the road. Here are some suggested items to include.

  • Nail clippers
  • Emery board in case of broken nails or rough edges
  • Emollient-enriched moisturizer to keep feet hydrated
  • Sterile bandages to cover minor cuts and scrapes
  • Antibiotic cream to treat minor skin injuries
  • Blister pads or moleskins to prevent blisters and protect sore feet if blisters do occur

So, make foot care a priority when you travel. You’ll save yourself from hours of discomfort—and potentially even worse— with these simple tips. And you’ll be glad you did!