Prepping Your Feet for a Holiday with Lots of Walking

We all love a good holiday—new places, beautiful views, lots of walking... and then suddenly, sore feet. Sound familiar? Whether you're wandering around a city, hitting the theme parks, or exploring coastal towns, holidays can be surprisingly hard on your feet. The last thing you want is to spend your break limping or searching for a pharmacy.

Let’s look at how to get your feet holiday-ready so they can keep up with your adventures.

Why holidays can be tough on your feet

You might walk more on holiday than you do in a typical week at home. The pavements are unfamiliar, you’re standing in queues, climbing stairs, or taking on hilly terrain. Often, this increase in activity catches people out—and their feet pay the price.

Add in new shoes or sandals, hot weather, and maybe not enough breaks… and you’ve got a recipe for blisters, swelling, aches, and sore heels.

Start with a foot check-up

If you’re already dealing with any niggles—like heel pain, arch discomfort, or that persistent corn—it’s a good idea to get seen before you go. A visit to a chiropodist Dublin 9 or podiatrist Dublin 9 can help spot anything that might flare up when you're walking more than usual.

A quick visit can sort out things like:

• Hard skin or calluses that could become blisters

• Ingrown toenails that might get irritated in shoes

• Foot alignment issues that cause pain with extra walking

Trust me, it’s easier to fix now than to deal with it abroad!

Footwear: comfort first, always

Holiday shoes need to work hard. That doesn’t mean they have to look awful—but they do need to feel good after 10,000 steps.

Top tips:

• Break in new shoes before your trip. Wear them for short walks to check for rubbing or pressure spots.

• Go for shoes with cushioning and arch support. Even for sandals, make sure the sole isn’t paper-thin.

• Avoid wearing flip-flops for long walks. They're great for the pool but not for full-day exploring.

• Pack at least two pairs so you can rotate if one causes irritation.

If you wear orthotics, don’t forget to pack them!

A mini holiday foot-care kit

You don’t need much, but having a small foot-care kit in your bag can be a lifesaver:

• Blister plasters and a few normal plasters

• A travel-sized moisturiser to stop skin cracking

• Nail clippers (but don’t cut them too short just before your trip)

• A cooling foot gel or spray if you're going somewhere hot

And don’t forget comfy socks—avoid seams that rub or materials that hold onto sweat.

Stretch and rest your feet

Walking all day is a workout for your feet. A bit of daily TLC helps stop problems building up.

Simple ways to keep your feet happy on holiday:

• Roll a water bottle under your arches at the end of the day (freeze it if you're somewhere warm)

• Stretch your calves and feet before heading out and after you’re back

• Elevate your legs in the evening if they feel swollen or heavy

• Don’t push through pain—rest if your feet start complaining

These little habits make a big difference by day three or four.

What if foot pain starts during your trip?

If you get sudden pain in your heel, arch, or ankle, don’t ignore it. You might be developing plantar fasciitis or a strained tendon—especially if your shoes aren’t giving you enough support.

Ease off the walking for a day, apply ice if needed, and see if rest helps. Once you're back, it’s worth following up with foot pain treatment Dublin so the issue doesn’t drag on.

Conclusion

Holidays should be about memories—not sore feet. A bit of prep, good shoes, and simple care can keep you moving pain-free so you can enjoy every minute of your trip.

And if you want peace of mind before you go, we’re always happy to give your feet a quick check at the clinic. Safe travels and happy walking!