Sandals have been worn by men for a very long time – the Egyptians wore them, the Greeks wore them, the Romans wore them. As for their place in the American man’s wardrobe, American GIs in WWII brought the style home from the front lines of the Pacific. Traditional Japanese sandals evolved into what we now know as modern-day flip flops. While a nice pair of lace-ups or sneakers is great most of the time, walking during scorching hot days in a pair of wingtips is not much fun.
These days, men’s sandals come in many styles that can be worn in the summertime. However, if you are a man who loves to wear sandals, you need to pay attention to how your feet look in this popular summer footwear. So how does one look good in sandals?
Summer is the Sandal Season
What does sandal season mean for men? It means that men must bring out presentable versions of their feet for the hot months. It’s simply not okay to stride into public places displaying feet with cracked heels, or thick and jagged yellow toenails. Ugly feet are unpleasant to look at, and crusty and fungus-filled toenails might cost you a blossoming romantic relationship or may cause folks to sit farther away from you at your son’s baseball game. Men, if you are going to wear summer sandals, then your man-feet need to be properly groomed, healthy and free of fungus.
How do Feet Get Fungus?
Moist warm conditions are like a petri dish for fungus. You can easily pick up fungus at public pools, fitness centers, changing rooms, hot tubs, and saunas. Plus, sweaty feet and wearing the same socks and shoes over and over makes fungus very happy.
What are the Signs of Foot Fungus?
Foot fungus damages the hard keratin that makes up your toenails, and the affected areas start to look dull and discolored. Often toenails turn a yellow-grey color, though they may just get darker. Affected toenails may become thickened and distorted in shape, and their edges may appear crumbly or ragged. Sometimes the nail may even separate from the nail bed, and then debris can get trapped under the nail.
How do I Prevent Foot Fungus?
You can avoid getting infected with fungus by following a few simple steps.
- Wash your feet every day with soap to eliminate old grime on your skin. Then dry your feet thoroughly paying extra attention to the areas around your nails and between your toes. Don’t forget to keep your toenails trimmed to a reasonable length (but not too short).
- Wear fresh, clean socks every day, preferably ones made from moisture-wicking material. Give shoes a chance to completely dry out by not wearing the same pair every day.
- Avoid walking about barefoot in places that have a high risk for fungus exposure.
How do I Treat Foot Fungus?
Before you take your feet public in sandals, give them the once-over. If you think your man-feet are infected by fungus, walk them to a podiatrist. Treatment depends on how bad the fungal infection is and may include topical, oral medications or laser treatment. Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle sees a lot of men’s feet that could look nicer. A fungal infection can be challenging to eliminate, and the best way to deal with it is to it catch it early. So, to keep your feet looking good in summer sandals, bring them to us as soon as possible.
Do You Or A Family Member Need The Help Of An Experienced Podiatrist In The Caldwell Or Meridian, Idaho Area?
If you're seeking the help of an experienced podiatrist you owe it to yourself to speak with our doctors as soon as possible. Please feel free to contact us online or call our office directly at 208.855.5955 to schedule your appointment. We service all areas surrounding Meridian, Idaho as well as all areas in the Caldwell, Idaho area. We look forward to helping you!
