Summer is here and with it comes longer days, warmer weather, and plenty of opportunities to get out and about. Whether you’re heading to the beach, enjoying a summer hike, or simply making the most of the sunshine, your feet deserve a little extra care this season.
At Queensland Foot Centres, we’re here to help you stay comfortable and active all summer long. In this edition, we’ll be sharing expert advice, practical tips, and our top product picks to keep your feet cool, supported, and healthy through the warmer months.
So slip on your sandals, feel the sun on your skin, and step confidently into summer - we’ve got your feet covered!
Summer Feet
Survival guide
Ah, summer! Time for holidays, beach walks, and letting our feet feel the sand between our toes. It’s the season to relax… but even your feet need a little TLC.
If you’ve got underlying issues like arthritis, healing plantar fasciitis, or just generally grumpy feet, all that barefoot beach time can sometimes stir up trouble. So while you sip, swim, and soak up the sun, don’t forget your good habits!
Supportive thongs on the sand are totally fine - brands we love include FitFlop, Oofos, Archies, Birkenstocks, and Tevas. For longer walks or days with a bit more adventure, slip into your trusty athletic shoes and stick to the hard-packed sand near low tide - your feet will thank you later.
And yes, it’s the perfect time to relax, catch up with family, enjoy a cheeky drink… and maybe make those New Year’s resolutions once the hangover sets in.
Mitchell Brown
Preventing Fungal Nails
Preventing blisters & strain
As the temperature rises so does your risk of developing fungal infections such as athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) or toenail fungus (onychomycosis). Fungi thrive in warm and damp environments, which is exactly what sweaty feet and enclosed shoes provide.
To keep your feet healthy, start with good daily hygiene. Wash your feet thoroughly in the shower or bath, making sure to dry well (especially between the toes!) Change your socks at least once a day and choose breathable or moisture-wicking materials such as merino wool or bamboo fibre. Opt for open-toed (have a look at our senior podiatrist Mitch's Summer Feet Survival Guide) or well-ventilated shoes whenever sensible. Don't forget to rotate footwear to give each pair time to dry out between uses.
If you frequent pools, gyms, or locker rooms, always wear protective footwear such as thongs or clogs to reduce exposure to fungi. For those prone to excessive sweating, consider using an antifungal powder or spray as a preventive measure.
Finally, inspect your feet regularly for peeling skin, redness, or itching: these are all early signs of infection.
If you notice any persistent symptoms, see your podiatrist promptly.
Thomas Hall
Dry and Cracked Heels
Cracked heels and dry skin can make your feet feel rough, sore, or just plain uncomfortable. They usually happen when your skin loses moisture, often from standing too long, walking barefoot or wearing poorly fitted footwear. The good news is, with a little care, you can easily keep your heels soft and smooth.
Start by giving your feet some love every day. Wash them gently with warm water and mild soap, then pat them dry and apply a thick moisturizer or heel balm. At Queensland Foot Centres, we are big fans of Walkers Urea Cream and they can be found easily across all our clinics. A gentle scrub or pumice stone once or twice a week can help get rid of dead skin so your lotion works even better.
Keep your feet protected with comfy, closed-back shoes and soft socks. And don’t forget - a little daily care goes a long way toward happy, healthy heels!
Elliot Miller
Recent Highlights
Professional growth in action! Our team recently took part in multiple learning opportunities. We're committed to being honest about our journey of continuous learning. It's not just about having credentials - it's about genuinely caring and improving every day to help you feel your best.
Podiatrist William Henneken attended the 2025 Asics SMA Conference in October to bring the latest knowledge to our clients.
Podiatrist Thomas Hall attended the Sydney Foot & Ankle Workshop in November. Tom learnt from some of the best in Australia on refining his clinical detective skills.
Podiatrists Elliot Miller, Mitchell Brown, and Jamie Walker explored it all at the Lower Limb Conference in November. Also bringing back plenty of new inspiration!
Foot Maintenance
During summer it is advised to Slip, Slop and Slap..When it comes to your feet here at Queensland Foot Centres we advise you to Clip, Chop and Slap. Get your feet summer-ready with an appointment with one of our friendly team. We will clip your toenails, chop off unwanted corns and callus and slap on some urea-rich moisturiser.
We can assess your feet and give you advice on how to keep your feet healthy and happy! Make an appointment by calling our head office or online bookings are available by our website.
We hope to see you soon.
Janet Burns
Dress-Up
in comfort this Christmas
With the festive season approaching, many of us are swapping our runners for something a little more dressy. The good news? You can absolutely look great and feel comfortable, even if you’ve got bunions, arch pain, or other foot concerns.
There are now plenty of Australian brands making shoes that combine style and support, so you can enjoy every event in comfort and confidence:
- FRANKiE4 – designed by podiatrists, offering chic heels, loafers, and sandals with built-in arch support and cushioning.
- Ziera – known for orthotic-friendly shoes and adjustable width fittings, ideal for both narrow and wide feet.
- Revere – perfect for stylish sandals or wedges with supportive footbeds and strap adjustability.
- Klouds Silver Lining – a great range of stylish sandals and heels to show off at the office Christmas party or family lunch, with comfort and support built in.
- ECCO – offers elegant leather shoes and sandals that provide great comfort and long-lasting support.
When choosing your holiday footwear, look for a firm heel counter, good arch support, and a sole that bends only at the toes (not mid-foot). These features help keep your feet stable and supported - letting you enjoy the holidays standing, walking, and dancing pain-free.
Lydia Cunnington
When to See a Podiatrist
If your child is complaining of sore feet or legs, walking differently or struggling to keep up with physical activity it might be time for a quick check. Book a consult with us at QFC if you notice:
- Ongoing foot, ankle, knee or leg pain, especially after sport or first thing in the morning
- Irregular walking patterns like toe-walking, in-toeing or frequent tripping
- Skin or nail issues such as ingrown toenails, warts or fungal infections
- Sports injuries that keep coming back or affect movement
Early advice can help prevent ongoing problems and keep your child active, confident, and pain-free.
Got questions about fit, footwear, or growing feet? Pop in to QFC - the right fit equals healthy, happy feet.
Kellie Kalan
Hiking this Summer
There are few things more relaxing than a nice hike in nature - especially as the weather warms and everything begins to wake.
However, due to the varied terrain, the footwear requirements are quite different from walking on flat, hard surfaces.
Footwear Considerations
Uneven ground increases your risk of certain injuries, particularly around the ankles. For this reason, a hiking or trail shoe with a firmer outsole provides greater stability and support.
Don’t Forget the Socks
Socks are one of the most under-appreciated parts of your hiking kit. We all know how debilitating a simple blister can be!
The best prevention - besides a properly fitting shoe - is to avoid 100% natural fibres like cotton or bamboo, which absorb moisture and increase blister risk. Instead, opt for a blended polyester-style sock for better moisture management and comfort.
QFC’s Recommended Footwear
Trail Shoes: ASICS Gel-Trabuco, Mizuno Wave Mujin and Brooks Cascadia
Hiking Boots – Wider Foot Types: Altra Olympus, Keen Targhee and Merrell Moab
Hiking Shoes – Standard/Narrow Foot Types: Scarpa, Salomon and Vasque.
Recommended Sock Brands: Icebreaker, Balega, Injinji Crew, Danish Endurance, Zorali and Darn Tough.
Jamie Walker
Client Appreciation
As 2025 comes to a close, we want to take a moment to say a huge thank you to all of our wonderful clients for your ongoing support throughout the year. It’s been a pleasure helping you stay active, comfortable, and doing the things you love - from the court to the trails and everywhere in between.
Our team truly values the trust you place in us to care for your feet and overall wellbeing. We’re so grateful to be part of your health journey and your community.
From everyone at Queensland Foot Centres, we wish you a safe, happy, and relaxing holiday season filled with good company (and comfy shoes!). We look forward to seeing you in 2026 for another great year of keeping you on your feet.