Summer is the season of sandals, flip-flops, pool days, and barefoot walks. However, if you’ve noticed your calluses becoming thicker or more noticeable this time of year, you’re not imagining it. Many people experience worsening calluses during the warmer months, and several common summer habits are to blame.

At Syracuse Podiatry, we help patients throughout Central New York treat painful calluses and identify the underlying causes to keep their feet healthy all season long.

Why Summer Makes Calluses More Noticeable

A callus forms when your skin repeatedly experiences pressure or friction. It’s your body’s natural way of protecting the area, but excessive buildup can become uncomfortable or even painful.

During the summer, several factors can contribute to thicker calluses:

• Sandals and flip-flops: Open shoes often provide less cushioning and support, increasing pressure on the balls of your feet and heels.
• Walking barefoot: Whether you’re at the pool, on the patio, or in your backyard, going barefoot exposes your feet to more friction from hard surfaces.
• More outdoor activity: Summer often means more walking, traveling, hiking, and sightseeing, all of which increase stress on your feet.
• Dry skin: Heat, sun exposure, and frequent swimming can dry out the skin, making calluses rougher and more likely to crack.

Don’t Ignore Painful Calluses

Although calluses are common, they shouldn’t cause ongoing discomfort. Thick or recurring calluses may indicate that pressure isn’t being distributed evenly across your feet. Conditions such as bunions, hammertoes, flat feet, or abnormal gait patterns can all contribute to excessive callus formation.

Trying to shave or cut a callus yourself can also lead to injury or infection, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

How to Keep Calluses Under Control

• Wearing supportive sandals instead of completely flat flip-flops
• Moisturizing your feet daily to prevent cracking
• Avoiding walking barefoot on rough surfaces
• Wearing properly fitting shoes for long walks and outdoor activities
• Scheduling professional callus care if they become painful or continue returning

Healthy Feet All Summer Long

You don’t have to live with thick, painful calluses just because it’s summer. At Syracuse Podiatry, our experienced team can determine what’s causing your calluses and recommend personalized treatment to relieve discomfort and help prevent them from coming back. Contact us today so Dr. Ryan L. D’Amico, Dr. Donal M. Erickson, Dr. Keith Sherman, and Dr. Colin Kalabanka can elevate your foot health and help your feet feel their best.