Do Your Running Shoes Cool You In Summer?

We reviewed the different foot types, the down and dirty details on midsole cushioning and understanding stability features. Now that you know more than you ever wanted to about running shoes for summer, it’s time amaze your friends with your newfound knowledge and set you loose on some running shoe stores.
　　
"If you want your feet to look and feel good in summer sandals and strappy shoes, it's important to pay attention to foot and toenail care now," says Dr. Suzanne Belyea, medical director of Foot.com, the "Foot Health Network", a website providing comprehensive information on foot health and care.
　　

Avoid toenail trauma - Avoid toenail trauma caused by sports injuries, wearing shoes that are too small, or even dropping things on your feet. Once toenails are damaged, fungus can enter, causing nails to turn thick and yellow. If an infection occurs, the toe can become red, hot and swollen, and pus might appear. See a podiatrist if this occurs.
　　
Trim toenails straight across - This offers an attractive look, and prevents toenail edges from becoming ingrown and causing infection.
　　
Apply lotion - Apply lotion to your feet regularly to avoid dry skin. When you wear sandals you are more prone to getting heel fissures (cracks in the skin). Avoid applying lotion between the toes, because it allows for a moist environment that invites fungus.
　　
Steps to test for fit, feel and function:
　　
Choose the best fit over the latest technology. A poorly fitting shoe with the greatest technology will not make you a better runner or prevent injuries. Overall, shoes should be comfortable on your feet and support your feet through the full range of the running motion. Most shoes need minimal break in. They should feel pretty good right in the store. If they don’t – keep looking.
　　
Beware of the dreaded black toe:
　　
Shoes that are too short give you black toe nails. Test for length by standing fully upright in your new shoes with equal weight on both feet. Have a friend or salesperson check to see that your longest toe has no less than 1/4 inch from the end of the shoe, the ideal space is normally a thumb nail or ½ an inch. There should be plenty of room in the toe box to wiggle those toes. Remember to wear your normal running socks when testing fit.
　　
Hint: Your feet change size during the day – they get larger. Make sure to fit test shoes at the same time that you normally run and wear your running socks.
　
Prepare for a different feel - Prepare for a different feel when you sport sandals for the first time. Sometimes wearing a closed shoe, especially if it is poor-fitting or too small for the foot, weakens foot muscles because the shoe is carrying the foot. Putting on sandals requires more use of these muscles and strengthens them. If muscle weakness is a problem, consider purchasing sandals specifically designed to build the muscles in your feet.
　　
Check for healthy feet signs - Feel free to cut off toe hair if you find it unsightly. The good news is that hair on the toes is actually a sign of healthy feet and good circulation.
　　
Hint: If you have orthotics, make sure you take them with you to test out shoes. Take out the factory sock-liner and place your orthotic in the shoe. Follow the steps above with your orthotics in the shoes to make sure you get a good fitting shoe.