Your feet and ankles are the unsung heroes of your New Year’s resolution list. Whether you’re training for a marathon or just trying to make it through the workday without a backache, your feet need a seat at the table. Here are 7 simple, practical resolutions to keep your foundation solid in 2026, courtesy of Syracuse Podiatry.
1. Ditch the Old Sneakers
Did you know athletic shoes have an expiration date? Most lose their structural integrity after 300 to 500 miles. If the tread is smooth or the foam feels like a pancake, they aren’t vintage—they’re a hazard. Be sure to replace your primary shoes this year to prevent stress fractures and shin splints.
2. Embrace the Leg Day Lifestyle
Strength training your legs is basically strength training your ankles. This year, commit to weight-bearing exercises like squats and lunges. Fortifying your calves and shins stabilizes your ankle joints, which makes you much less likely to roll your foot on an uneven sidewalk.
3. Actually Measure Your Feet
Most adults are wearing the wrong shoe size because our feet spread and flatten as we age. This year, go to a proper shoe store and get measured with a Brannock device. Wearing a shoe that actually fits your width can stop bunions and ingrown nails in their tracks.
4. Perform a Monthly Toenail Audit
Stop just hacking at your nails when they get long. Once a month, check for the red flags: thickening, yellowing, or white spots. Catching a fungal infection or a pincer nail in January means you won’t be hiding your feet in the sand come July.
5. Give Your Toes Some Breathing Room
Stop cramming your feet into pointy-toed heels or narrow dress shoes every single day. Try to wear shoes with a wide toe box at least three days a week. Your toes will thank you by not turning into hammertoes.
6. Hydrate for Nerve Health
Tingling toes and muscle cramps are often just your body’s way of saying it’s thirsty. This year, drink enough water to keep your blood moving and your nerves happy.
7. Never Ignore Warning Signs
If you feel a blister forming or a weird ache that doesn’t go away after a day of rest, commit to seeing a podiatrist early. Catching a problem like a fungal infection or a sprain now can prevent the need for surgery down the line.
Happy New Year to you and your feet!
For advice related to any podiatric concerns you’re facing, the expert team at Syracuse Podiatry is here to help guide you. Contact us today so Dr. Ryan L. D’Amico, Dr. Donal M. Erickson, Dr. Keith Sherman, and Dr. Nicholas Cronin can elevate your foot health and help your feet feel their best.