By the KMW Podiatry team. Last reviewed November 2026.
Adelaide summers mean beach days at Glenelg and Semaphore, evenings in the Botanic Park and plenty of time in thongs. Our feet often do it tough in the heat. Here are the summer foot problems podiatrists commonly see, and practical ways to look after your feet until autumn.
1. Cracked heels
Dry air, open-backed shoes and walking barefoot can dry out the skin around the heel. When the skin thickens and loses its stretch, it can split. Shallow cracks are mostly a nuisance, but deep fissures can bleed and become painful or infected, especially for people with diabetes.
What helps:
- Moisturise your heels once or twice a day. A urea-based heel balm from the pharmacy is a common choice.
- Gently file thickened skin once or twice a week, but do not use blades or “cheese-grater” files.
- Choose sandals with a closed or supportive heel cup more often than thongs.
See a podiatrist if cracks are deep, bleeding or not improving after a few weeks of care. Read more about cracked heels.
2. Heel and arch pain from flat footwear
Thongs and flat sandals offer little arch support, and our toes grip to keep them on. After months in winter shoes, a sudden switch to thongs can contribute to heel pain such as plantar fasciitis, and to sore arches or shins.
What helps:
- Alternate thongs with supportive sandals that have a contoured footbed and a back strap.
- Save thongs for the beach, pool and short walks.
- Keep up calf stretches, especially if you are walking more on holidays.
If heel pain lasts more than two or three weeks, or is worst with your first steps in the morning, an assessment can help identify the cause. See our page on plantar fasciitis and heel pain.
3. Blisters and rubbing
New sandals, sweaty feet and long walks are a recipe for blisters, often on the heel or between the toes where straps rub.
What helps:
- Wear new sandals around the house before a big day out.
- Use a blister patch or tape on hot spots early.
- Leave small blisters intact and cover them. If one bursts, keep it clean and covered.
People with diabetes or reduced feeling in their feet should check their feet daily and see their GP or podiatrist about any blister that is not healing. See our page on blisters.
Heading out on a longer bushwalk this summer? Our guide to preventing hiking blisters covers boots, socks and caring for a blister on the trail.
4. Athlete’s foot (tinea) and fungal nails
Fungi like warm, damp places: sweaty shoes, pool change rooms and shared showers.
What helps:
- Dry well between your toes after swimming or showering.
- Wear thongs in public showers and change rooms.
- Change socks daily and let shoes air out between wears.
- Treat itchy, peeling skin between the toes early with a pharmacy antifungal, as healthdirect suggests.
Thick, discoloured or crumbly nails can have several causes, not only fungus. A podiatrist can assess the nail and discuss testing and treatment options. See athlete’s foot.
Pool change rooms and shared showers can also spread plantar warts. See our guide to plantar warts.
5. Burns from hot surfaces
On a 40-degree day, footpaths, sand, decking and car-park bitumen can become hot enough to burn skin. This is a particular risk for children and for anyone with reduced feeling in their feet.
What helps: keep shoes on outdoors in the heat, test sand before kids run across it, and keep a pair of thongs in the car.
6. Sunburnt feet
The tops of the feet are often forgotten when applying sunscreen. Burnt skin under sandal straps is very uncomfortable. Apply SPF 50+ sunscreen to the tops of your feet and reapply after swimming.
7. Swollen feet and ankles
Heat can make feet and ankles swell, especially after long flights or standing for hours. Elevating your legs, staying hydrated and gentle walking can help. New, one-sided or painful swelling, or swelling with breathlessness, should be checked by your GP promptly.
Choosing summer footwear
Look for sandals that have:
- a firm heel counter or back strap
- an adjustable strap across the forefoot
- a contoured footbed with some arch support
- a sole that does not bend in the middle of the arch
If you wear orthoses, some sandals have removable footbeds, or your podiatrist can talk through options.
Frequently asked questions
Are thongs bad for your feet?
Thongs are fine for the beach, the pool and short walks. Wearing them all day, every day, gives your feet little support, so many people feel better alternating them with sandals that have a back strap and a contoured footbed.
How can I stop my heels cracking in summer?
Moisturise your heels daily, file thickened skin gently once or twice a week, and wear shoes with a closed or supportive heel more often. See a podiatrist if cracks are deep, bleeding or painful.
Should I pop a blister?
It is usually best to leave a small blister intact and cover it. If it bursts, keep it clean and covered. If you have diabetes or reduced feeling in your feet, have any blister that is slow to heal checked.
Is it safe to walk barefoot at the beach?
Sand and paths can get very hot on summer days, so test the surface first and keep thongs handy. People with reduced feeling in their feet should keep footwear on.
When to see a podiatrist
Book an appointment if you have heel pain that is not settling, deep or painful cracks, a nail problem, a slow-healing blister, or diabetes and any new change in your feet. KMW Podiatry has 22 clinics across Adelaide and Gawler. Book online or call 1800 962 113.
This article is general information only and is not medical advice. Please see your GP or podiatrist about your own feet. KMW Podiatry’s podiatrists are registered with the Podiatry Board of Australia through Ahpra.