Should You Wear Shoes at the Beach?

Self-isolation is getting really old. You’re thinking about escaping to the beach. In your mind’s eye, you see the sun warming your bare skin as you twirl your ankles in the cooling water. A fresh breeze blows off the water, flipping your hair in all directions. Emitting a contented sigh, you stroll back to your blanket, step on a piece of glass, tear the sole of your foot and, shout out for all to hear, “Augh! I should have worn shoes!”
Well, yes, you probably should have. While we can’t be prepared for all of life’s foibles, it’s not so difficult to prevent foot injuries at the beach. Wearing shoes is a great place to start. Shoes help prevent foot wounds, burns, and injuries.
So, what kinds of shoes are good to wear to the beach?
- Water shoes have thick rubber bottoms that provide solid support and protection. They also have mesh tops that breathe easily and dry quickly. They provide a firm base for walking in rocky areas, protect your feet from sharp objects, and help prevent injuries from slipping and falling. Water shoes come in various styles and weights for swimming, kayaking, climbing over wet rocks, and even running on the beach.
- Flip-flops are a great choice for the beach because they’re easy to slip on. They protect you from hot sand and burning pavement. Also, they’re perfect for wearing in communal shower areas where you can pick up a fungal infection. Just remember to switch to more supportive shoes once you’ve left the shoreline.
At Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland, we subscribe to the adage, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” So if you’re dreaming of a quiet day at the beach, a cold drink close at hand, and the scent of potato chips wafting through your masked nostrils – go for it. Just remember to wear appropriate protection on your feet. If fun in the sun does cause foot problems, make an appointment with our expert podiatrists, Dr. Craig B. Frey and Dr. Megan L. Oltmann. We treat puncture wounds, ankle sprains, and broken bones and perform foot and ankle surgery for patients in Summit, Portage, Geauga, and Cuyahoga Counties. Call us in Solon, Ohio at (440) 903-1041 or contact us online.