5 Essential Tips for Protecting Your Child’s Feet This Summer

Barefoot Fun Can Come with a Hidden Cost

Summer is a time for kids to explore—running through parks, playing in paddling pools, and shedding their shoes at every opportunity. But while barefoot adventures may feel natural, they can expose your child’s feet to all sorts of issues, especially fungal infections like athlete’s foot and verrucas.

Children’s feet are still developing, and summer heat, humidity, and increased activity can create the perfect environment for problems to arise. In this blog, we’ll share five practical, parent-friendly tips to help keep your child’s feet healthy, happy, and free from infection this summer.

1. Choose Breathable, Supportive Footwear 👟

Kids often wear whatever’s nearest the door—flip-flops, sliders, or worn-out trainers. But these don’t always provide the right protection.

What to look for:

• Breathable mesh or leather

• Closed-toe shoes for active play

• Supportive soles with arch structure

Avoid non-breathable materials that trap sweat and raise the risk of fungal growth.

Bonus Tip: Let their shoes dry out overnight and alternate pairs where possible.

2. Keep Feet Dry (Especially Between the Toes) 🧦

Fungal spores love moist environments. The more your child’s feet sweat, the higher the chance of infections like athlete’s foot.

Easy ways to manage moisture:

• Change socks if they get damp

• Avoid plastic shoes (e.g., jelly sandals)

• Dry feet thoroughly after showers, especially between toes

Cotton or moisture-wicking socks work best, even in warm weather.

3. Protect Against Verrucas in Public Areas 🦶

Verrucas (a type of wart caused by the HPV virus) are commonly picked up in places like:

• Swimming pools

• Changing rooms

• Soft play centres

How to lower the risk:

• Wear flip-flops or swim socks in communal areas

• Don’t share towels or footwear

• Keep feet clean and inspect them weekly

If a verruca develops, early treatment can help stop it spreading.

4. Don’t Dismiss Foot Complaints 👂

Children might not be great at explaining discomfort, so watch for:

• Limping or altered walking patterns

• Itchy, scaly skin between the toes

• Small bumps on the sole (potential verrucas)

Early signs of fungal infections or injury are easier to manage if caught quickly. Don’t ignore small issues—they can escalate quickly with growing feet.

5. Make Foot Hygiene Part of Their Routine 🧼

Clean, healthy habits last a lifetime. Get your child into the habit of:

• Washing their feet daily

• Checking their soles and between toes

• Applying child-friendly foot cream if skin is dry

Teaching kids to care for their feet can prevent a host of problems as they grow.

Bonus Tip: See a Professional If You're Unsure 👨‍⚕️

If you notice unusual rashes, persistent odour, or a lump that doesn’t go away, a podiatrist can assess your child’s feet and provide treatment if needed.

Treatments for children might include:

• Verrutop for child-friendly verruca care

• Antifungal creams for athlete’s foot

• Footwear advice tailored to their development stage

Final Thoughts: Healthy Summer Feet Start with Simple Steps

Summer should be about fun—not fungal infections.

By choosing the right footwear, encouraging hygiene, and knowing what to look out for, you can give your child a summer full of healthy, happy steps.

And remember, catching problems early is always better than treating them late.

📞 If you need advice or treatment for your child’s feet, book with our friendly team at www.wefixfeet.co.uk or call 0115 9328832 today.