Party season is upon us: cocktail dresses, high heels, long standing and cold nights. As fun as it is, this time of year can be tough on your feet. At Dulwich Podiatry Ltd, we know that looking after your feet isn’t just about appearances, it’s about health too. Without comfortable, pain free feet our day to day mobility can become difficult. Here’s our expert, podiatry-backed guide to keeping your feet in tip-top shape this festive season.
Choose heels wisely
Whilst stilettos can look fabulous, they put a lot of pressure on your toes and ball of your foot which increase the risk of blisters, corns and sore spots.
- Try to stick to a lower heel (around 2–2.5 inches) or a platform that reduces the foot’s angle.
- Use gel pads under the ball of your foot for cushion, and felt or “fleecy web” bandages around toes where rubbing occurs.
- Make sure shoes fit properly — inspect the insides for seams or rough areas that could rub when dancing.
Protect against the cold
Winter weather dries out skin and constricts circulation, which can make your feet uncomfortable and in extreme cases cause serious foot problems.
- Wear warm, breathable socks (natural fibres like wool or cotton work well) and swap out damp ones as soon as possible.
- Avoid exposing your feet to direct sources of heat (like radiators) — they may feel comforting, but can worsen dryness and aggravate chilblains.
- Do gentle foot exercises when you’re sitting or standing to promote circulation.
Keep skin hydrated and smooth
Dry, cracked heels are common in colder months — and long nights out can leave your skin even more vulnerable.
- Wash your feet daily with mild soap and warm (not hot) water, then dry thoroughly — especially between the toes.
- Apply a rich foot cream every evening, focusing on the heels and soles to lock in moisture.
- Once or twice a week, gently exfoliate using a pumice stone or foot scrub to get rid of dead skin.
Prep for long nights out
When you’re on your feet for hours — queueing for drinks, mingling, dancing — friction is inevitable.
- Pack blister plasters in your clutch or coat pocket: they can be a lifesaver for patching up sore feet on the go.
- Before putting on your shoes, check the inside for grit or rough patches that could irritate your skin.
- If you are prone to blisters, consider pre-treating areas with surgical spirit for a week or two to toughen skin.
Night-time recovery
After a big night, your feet deserve some serious aftercare:
- Change out of party shoes into warm socks as soon as you can.
- Apply another layer of moisturiser, maybe even a richer overnight balm, and wear cotton socks to lock in hydration.
- Inspect your feet for any redness, soreness or blisters. Cover any irritated area with a clean dressing, and don’t burst new blisters — keep them clean and dry.
Know when to get professional help
If you notice persistent pain, deep cracks, blisters that don’t heal or anything else that is causing you concern it’s worth booking in with a podiatrist. At Dulwich Podiatry Ltd, we can assess and treat your foot worries and help you find ways to prevent further issues — because happy feet make for a merrier season.
