Vacation Foot Pain Relief Guide

It’s one of life’s cruel ironies that summer vacations have a way leaving you feeling sore, exhausted or in pain by the time you get back home. Though you may be hoping the trip will help you relax and recharge your batteries, it’s not uncommon for the opposite to happen.

And that should be no surprise: while the average person takes between 5,000 and 7,000 steps per day, that number can easily double or triple while on vacation, which can take a serious toll on your feet. And because foot issues can lead to pain in the legs, lower back, neck and shoulders if left unresolved, it’s easy how to see how vacations can be anything but relaxing.

To help keep your vacation relaxing and free from foot pain, here are four things to include in your summer vacation survival guide.

1. Invest in Quality Shoes

Perhaps the most important vacation upgrade you can make has nothing to do with hotel suites, ocean views or five-star restaurants – it’s your shoes. Improper footwear can cause conditions like blisters, shin splints, Achilles tendinitis or plantar fasciitis to rear their ugly heads in the short term, while lower back pain and stiffness in the shoulders and neck can flare up over time.

To help prevent these issues, we recommend a pair of our  Performance Athletic Sneakers. Available in men’s or women’s sizes, they’re designed to provide maximum support through increased levels of exertion, all while keeping feet cool, comfortable and dry.

2. Don't Forget about Socks

Here’s the deal: not all socks are created equal. And, if you’re going to invest in a comfortable pair of shoes for your vacation, you might as well pair them with a quality pair of socks. Our Copper Cloud socks are designed to improve circulation in the foot while wicking away moisture to prevent foot odor and soften the skin. We’ve also infused these socks with generous amounts of anti-fungal, antimicrobial copper fibers to further protect your feet. No more smelly, rough feet!

3. Take Advantage of the Mornings

Mornings on vacation are the best, plain and simple. Your energy is at its highest level, your body is well rested, the weather is friendlier and, hopefully, you've just had one of those big, "I'm on vacation" breakfasts. As the day goes on, however, temperatures rise, you start losing the pep in your step and fatigue can set in.

That's why you should plan the activities that require lots of walking or standing for the morning, leaving the afternoons open for relaxation or low-impact activities like seeing shows or kicking back by the pool.

4. Stay on Schedule

An easy way to make sure you stay well-rested and refreshed on vacation is to try to maintain your normal daily schedule. If you wake up around 6:30 am while at home, do the same on vacation. And if you normally start winding down and getting ready for bed by 8:00 pm, you should try to maintain that, too.

While it may be tempting to get your day started earlier or stay out much later on vacation, doing so can throw off your sleep schedule and keep you from getting a full night of rest. Without a full night of restful sleep, your body can’t effectively recover from the day’s activities, meaning you’re more likely to wake up the next day feeling sore and exhausted.

Enjoy a Pain-Free Vacation

Following these four tips can help you avoid foot pain and have a relaxing and enjoyable summer vacation. By investing in quality shoes and socks, planning your activities wisely, and staying on schedule, you can keep your feet happy and healthy while you're away from home.

So what are you waiting for? Start planning your summer vacation today! And don't forget to take footwear fit for travel with you.