Autumn has arrived, bringing cooler days, crisp air, and a change in how we wear and care for our feet. As we swap sandals for enclosed shoes and prepare for the cooler months ahead, your feet deserve a little extra attention this season.
At Queensland Foot Centres, we’re here to help you stay comfortable, healthy, and active throughout autumn. In this edition, we’ll be sharing expert advice, practical tips, and our top product picks to keep your feet nourished, supported, and protected as the seasons change.
So step confidently into autumn, whether you’re back at school, on the sports field, or enjoying brisk walks. Let us help you keep your feet in top shape this season!
Summer to Autumn
Preventing blisters & strain
While this seasonal change is exciting, it’s also a common time for blisters, sore arches, and tired legs to pop up.
After months in open footwear, your feet may need time to adjust to firmer materials, extra support, and closed toes. Jumping straight into new shoes for long days can lead to rubbing, hot spots, and unnecessary strain on the feet and lower legs.
To keep your feet comfortable this autumn:
- Break in new shoes gradually (even if you wore them last year)
- Choose supportive footwear with cushioning and a good fit
- Wear socks to reduce friction
- Address rubbing early before blisters form
If foot pain or blisters linger, a quick footwear check can help prevent small issues from becoming bigger ones. A smooth shoe transition now means happier feet all season long!
Lydia Cunnington
Post-Summer
Skin & heel repair
As summer leaves us many people have changes in their skin and nails. Sun exposure, heat, and sandals can leave the skin and nails dry. At worse our heels and nails (sometimes even the surrounding skin) can become cracked. Thankfully it is a simple matter to resolve these issues going into autumn.
Start with hydration. Regularly apply a moisturiser to feet, with products containing urea being especially helpful for softening the thick, dry skin. Applying moisturiser after a shower can improve the effectiveness of this routine foot care.
If the skin is thickened or cracked, gentle exfoliation is crucial. Using a pumicestone or foot file after a shower or foot soak (when skin is softer) removes the superficial layers of this troublesome callus. Deep or painful fissures may need professional care to avoid infection and heal them in a timely manner.
If you have been applying nail polish throughout summer, now is the perfect time to give them a break from polish, especially if they appear weak or discoloured.
Even without polish, nails often suffer after months of sun and sand. Keep nails trimmed and clean while moisturising the cuticles and avoiding tight autumn footwear can also reduce nail trauma.
Thomas Hall
What to look for in supportive enlosed shoes
As the weather turns cooler and the morning dew settles in, the thought of damp shoes and socks can make walks and runs far less appealing. Fortunately, the footwear industry has made major improvements in trail shoe technology. Many models now feature waterproof linings, such as Gore-Tex, along with more rugged, lugged soles for better grip and protection.
Most brands offer a trail shoe that pairs well with its road-running counterpart, but navigating the different models can be tricky. To ensure you choose the right match, reach out to us for guidance.
William Henneken
Back-to-School
Foot Prep
As kids return to class and sport, make sure their shoes support healthy, comfortable movement. Always measure both feet, allow a thumb’s width at the toe, check width as well as length, choose a snug heel, and look for flexible soles. If they’re not comfy from the first step, they’re not the right pair.
The Australian Podiatry Association endorses quality school shoes for fit and durability, there’s an option for every age and activity. Visit their website for the full list of endorsed styles.
Book a check-up at QFC if your child has:
- Ongoing foot, ankle, knee or leg pain
- Toe-walking, in-toeing, or frequent tripping
- Ingrown nails, warts, or fungal issues
- Recurrent sports injuries
Early advice keeps kids active, confident, and pain-free. Pop into QFC with any questions about fit, footwear, or growing feet.
Kellie Kalan
Recent Highlights
One of our podiatrists, Nathan, recently met with two players, James (pictured left) and Priscilla (pictured right) ahead of the Australian Open to assess their foot health and optimise performance.
Meanwhile, one of our other podiatrists, Will, caught up with Massimo (middle) from the Queensland Reds to provide targeted support and help keep him in top form for the season.
Autumn Prep
For sport & training
As summer winds down and many Australians return to sports and gym routines, autumn often marks an increase in injuries—usually from jumping back into activity too quickly after a break.
Common injuries we see include:
- Ankle sprains
- Heel, Achilles, and calf pain
- Knee pain related to running, jumping, or sudden changes in direction
Simple ways to stay injury-free:
- Build up gradually: Ease back into training and increase intensity over several weeks.
- Warm up well: A 10-minute warm-up prepares muscles and joints for activity.
- Add basic strength: Incorporating strength work 1–2 times per week supports the feet, ankles, knees, and hips.
- Check your footwear: Worn-out or unsuitable shoes increase your risk of injury.
- Don’t ignore pain: Ongoing or worsening pain should be addressed early.
Heading back to the gym?
Start with lighter weights, focus on proper technique, and increase loads progressively.
When to seek help:
See a podiatrist or physiotherapist if you experience persistent foot, ankle, or lower-limb pain, or if injuries frequently occur. Early treatment is key to staying active and enjoying sport throughout autumn.
Mitchell Brown
Protecting Diabetic Feet
this Autumn
As summer slowly retreats and slightly cooler days commence, covered shoes or sandals become more appealing. A few simple rules can help you maintain your foot health and hygiene. It is important for diabetics to be aware of some simple rules in order to optimise foot health and reduce risk of developing any skin breaks and infections.
-
A proper fitting shoe is important to minimise friction and blistering. Allow a thumb width at the end of your longest toe and allow for the relevant width.
-
Low irritant seams are important for any high risk diabetics i.e. peripheral neuropathy or compromised blood flow. This may include a single upper unit that has no to minimal stitching or diabetic friendly shoes like Dr comfort Brian or Carter or the Instride Aeorstride.
-
Wearing a well fitting sock that’s dry and clean with shoes is important. No socks with shoes increases blister and tinea risk.
-
Dry between your shoes thoroughly after showering or more often if you have been active or the day is humid. Reducing moisture between your toes reduces Tinea (atheletes foot) from developing which reduces potential skin breaks.
-
Finally, a daily check underneath your feet and between your toes is the best way to reduce any unnoticed cuts, scratches or foreign bodies.
Your Podiatrist can help address any of these issues if they arise.
Jamie Walker
Autumn Shoe Shifts & Orthotics
When you suddenly change footwear types, your muscles and ligaments must adapt quickly. Using orthotics during these transitions can make a significant difference in comfort, stability, and injury prevention.
Orthotics come in different styles for various seasonal shoes:
- Full length orthotics - used for sneakers, boots and athletic footwear.
- Slimline or ¾ length orthotics - used for dress and lighter footwear.
- Sandals with built in orthotics - used for summer months to help keep the feet cool.
Orthotics can assist by reducing joint and soft tissue stress, assisting with shock absorption and reducing injury risk. When transitioning between seasons, it’s helpful to rotate shoes gradually rather than switching all at once. If you need assistance on the best shoes for the season, reach out to your local podiatrist.
Elliot Miller
Healthy Toenails in
Autumn Weather
As the weather cools and we transition into enclosed shoes and socks more often, it’s important to look after your feet, especially your nails. Proper moisture control, footwear, and nail care can help prevent dryness, infections, and nail complications throughout autumn.
1. Moisture Management
- Keep feet dry, especially after showering.
- Change damp or cold socks promptly to prevent fungal growth.
- Make sure the spaces between your toes are completely dry before putting on socks or shoes.
2. Nail Care
- Trim toenails straight across to prevent ingrown nails.
- Avoid cutting nails too short.
- Maintain a regular cleaning routine.
- Give your nails a break from polish—polish can trap moisture, weaken the nail, and increase fungal risk.
- For thickened, painful, or hard-to-manage nails, schedule regular podiatry appointments.
3. Skin Hydration
- Apply an emollient-based cream daily.
- A 25% urea-based moisturiser is recommended for optimal hydration.
- Apply cream to nails, cuticles, and heels.
- These products are available at all of our podiatry clinics across Brisbane and Toowoomba.
4. Footwear Recommendations
- Choose enclosed shoes with adequate width and depth to prevent nail damage.
- Ensure proper fit to avoid:
- Irritation
- Rubbing or blisters
- Callus formation
- Ingrown toenails
