Open shoes can help prevent excessive sweating and reduce the risk of sweat-borne infections, but wearing them constantly can expose your feet to dirt, pollution, and harmful sun rays.
When you join the ‘Open Footwear Club’, it’s hard to go back to shoes. From Birkenstocks (which may look ugly but feel like a breeze on your feet) to other stylish flats that perfectly complement all your looks, open shoes are much easier to work with. Just slide your feet in, and you’re really ready to go! Unlike shoes, which require you to put on socks and then lace them up or push your feet into them, which can sometimes feel like a chore.
Plus, open shoes give your feet much-needed relief, especially in hot weather.
But is it always okay to wear shoes that leave your feet open? Although it is a matter of personal preference, one cannot deny the advantages and disadvantages of wearing open shoes and closed shoes. Dr. Deepali Bhardwaj, Founder, Elska Skin Clinic, Noida, says that wearing open shoes is fine, but it also highlights a drawback.
“Yes (it’s okay to wear open shoes), but then why do men’s feet need pedicures less often? This is because wearing shoes and socks regularly protects their feet, keeping them soft at every age. This is why it is a good idea for working women to avoid wearing open shoes all the time,” says Dr Bhardwaj.
If you are one of those people whose feet look better and softer during winter, it is probably because you prefer to wear closed shoes over open shoes during that season.
On the contrary, wearing open shoes while going to office or out for a walk exposes your feet to dirt, pollution and harmful sun rays, causing the skin to become dry and cracked. However, dermatologists say that all this can be taken care of with a little care.
climate impact
The climate here also plays a major role. During summer, especially in areas where there are extreme temperatures (such as northern and western India), open shoes can help prevent excessive sweating and reduce the risk of sweat-induced infections. Similarly, wearing open shoes during monsoon and humid times of the year improves air circulation, keeps feet cool and prevents sweat accumulation.
“Due to excess exposure to wind and sun, which can remove moisture from the skin, wearing open shoes can cause dry skin on the feet. However, by promoting better air circulation, it can help prevent problems caused by sweating, such as fungal infections and bad odor,” says Dr Ruben Bhasin Pasi, consultant dermatologist, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram.
Dr. Pasi suggests wearing comfortable lightweight sneakers for outdoor activities, or breathable sandals or open-toed shoes to fight the heat during summer.
But what about the dryness and sun damage caused by wearing open shoes during summer?
“Wearing open shoes may not make the skin dry, but not taking care of your feet definitely makes the skin dry. Just like you take care of your hands and other parts of your body, it is better to pay attention to your feet as well. One has to be cautious when it comes to foot health,” says Dr Rinki Kapoor, dermatologist and skin-surgeon at The Aesthetic Clinics, Mumbai. Washing your feet properly and applying moisturizer before going to bed can help deal with this.
While in winter, it goes without saying that boots are a better option, as they keep your feet warm.
“Wear closed shoes during winter to keep feet warm and avoid slip and fall accidents. Woolen slippers will also help,” says Dr Rinki Kapoor.
During hot and humid weather, poor hygiene can be a cause for concern.
“Closed shoes or closed shoes can trap dirt and debris on your feet, which can lead to skin problems and allergies. Additionally, people experience an annoying problem called athlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedis, which is a common fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet,” explains Dr Kapoor.
To prevent such issues it is essential to wear breathable socks, wash feet properly and not share towels.
Avoid the problem of wearing open shoes
It becomes relevant to take good care of your feet when you mostly wear open shoes.
“Keep feet clean and apply moisturizer at night, apply a foot scrub once a week to remove dead skin and exfoliate the feet, trim ingrown toenails, and get regular pedicures (at reputable places) to keep feet clean. Select the option from). Dr. Kapoor says.
Daily moisturizing will keep your skin smooth and crack-free.
Meanwhile, Dr. Deepali Bhardwaj has shared a hack that she personally believes in – add 100 grams of crushed camphor in a bottle of Listerine, mix it well, and apply it on the bottom of your feet. You can use this remedy three times a month. This will help keep the skin a little younger, make it softer and delay the need for a pedicure.
Memorization…
It is also important to note that open shoes, though trouble-free, fail to provide proper arch support. Apart from climate-dependent skin care concerns, your shoes should ideally be comfortable and provide adequate support so that there is less stress on your feet, ligaments and knees.
“Open shoes may not provide adequate protection or support, increasing the chance of blisters, injuries, and foot problems. To maintain overall foot health, it is best to switch between open and closed shoes, ensuring you have adequate arch support and cushioning,” says Dr. Pasi suggests.
“If you’re wearing open shoes, try replacing it with sneakers – it’s a good idea for your overall health. As a practicing dermatologist, even though I sometimes wear open shoes to show off my pedicure, I make sure to wear sneakers when walking, let alone taking my dogs out. “I try to wear sneakers every day when I go for a walk,” says Dr. Bhardwaj.
Otherwise, avoid wearing completely flat open shoes; Make sure the shoes provide adequate arch support, padded soles for impact absorption, and comfortable straps that won’t dig into your skin during prolonged wear.
