On average we all take about 10,000 steps a day, but our feet are often one of the most neglected parts of our bodies. They can suffer particularly badly in the hot summer months, especially when they are kept cocooned in shoes.
Closed shoes and high temperatures can at best make feet uncomfortable and at worst leave them prone to dry skin, blisters and infections.
Podiatrist Emma Supple said: "While enjoying the benefits of the summer months be mindful about your feet.
"Try to go barefoot whenever you can to give your feet some fresh air and freedom from your shoes."
So to make sure your feet are ready to be bared in flip flops and gladiator sandals this summer, here's our guide to keeping your feet looking and feeling great on hot sunny days.
Skin
Rough, hard and discolored skin on the balls and heels of the feet, caused by wearing shoes and sandals that rub, is common during the summer months.
Simply use a pedi-file or pumice stone to remove hardened patches, wash with warm soapy water and then apply a rich moisturizer to help soften and hydrate the skin such as Boots' Botanics Overnight Foot Rescue Cream (pounds 5.86).
Fallen Arches
Low arches affect 20 percent of the population. Some people have naturally low arches but they can also fall due to injury or arthritis causing pain in the feet, legs and back. Wearing high heels for long periods of time can also lead to lowering of the arches, so make sure you vary your heel height and, if you can, keep stilettos for those special occasions.
Shoes with laces or sandals with straps are more supportive than slip-ons. Exercise can help strengthen arches or try Boots' Arch Supports (pounds 2.99) for pressure and relief. BlistersUsually caused by rubbing and friction from tight fitting shoes, blisters can be avoided by wearing footwear that fits right. If you do get a blister, don't pop it. Simply apply a protective plaster such as Savlon's Blister Plasters (pounds 3.52) to aid healing and reduce scarring. If it bursts then make sure you wash it with mild soap and water, apply an antiseptic and cover with a gel-type dressing to halt infection. Fungal InfectionsThe fungal infection, commonly known as Athlete's Foot, can cause itchy, blistered, swollen and red skin. The warm, dark and sweaty environment of feet cramped in boots, shoes or trainers can provide the ideal ground for fungus to grow. Letting feet breathe and thoroughly washing and drying them are preventative measures. You can also ask your pharmacist for an anti-fungal treatment such as Lamisil Once (pounds 9.78) a single dose treatment which helps prevent infection for up to three months. Foot FactsDuring a lifetime it is estimated that the average person has taken enough steps to walk around the world more than four times, which is approximately 115,000 miles. Women walk, on average, more than three miles further than men every day. Your feet contain 52 bones, which is around 25 percent of all the bones found in the human body. The feet contain around 250,000 sweat glands that excrete as much as half a pint of moisture every day. Shopping for shoes is best done in the afternoon when your feet have swollen a little. Then you can be sure your new shoes will fit your feet at all times. Around 87 percent of women find unattractive feet a real turn off and more than 50 percent factor feet into how attractive they find someone. Only 25 percent of men spend any time and money on any kind of foot care at all.
