As your family goes on its next adventure to a water park, make sure you pack (or purchase if you haven’t already) everyone’s water shoes. They may not always be the best looking footwear that you purchase, but they can be very useful for protecting your children’s feet at a water park

Consider the many people, hot weather, and different terrains that those little feet will encounter. They pose dangers to your children’s feet because they are exposed to different bacteria and fungi, possibly very hot and rough pavement, as well as slippery surfaces. Why risk the possibilities of infection, blisters, or slips that could lead to other bodily harm?

So what should you look for in water shoes?

• Good arch supports for a long day of walking.
• Secured heel supports to prevent the foot from sliding around in the shoe.
• Closed toes to prevent sunburn or scraped toes.
• Some mesh to allow for airflow.
• Good grip to prevent slips.
• Material that won’t chafe the skin or cause blisters when wet.

Additional tips at the water park: rest, drink lots of water, apply sunscreen to your entire body – including the feet and toes, bring extra socks, bring adhesive bandages or blister covering product for any part of the shoes that may be chafing the skin.

If you would like specific recommendations for shoes to wear at a water park, please make an appointment with our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brandon Macy of Clark Podiatry Center. He will work with you to provide the best care for your family’s podiatric needs.