4 tips for keeping your feet festival fit

With summer on the not-too-distant horizon, so too is a fun-filled festival season. If you’re spending a weekend camping out and watching your favourite bands this year, you’ll no doubt want to make the most of this, and the best way to do so is to make sure you feel fighting fit, from your head to your toes. In fact, you may want to pay extra attention to the toes, as being stood up in a muddy field all day can take its toll on your feet.

So, how can you protect your feet to ensure you can dance your way through your favourite acts? Here the footwear experts Charles Clinkard share their advice and top tips for looking after your feet at festivals to help you enjoy the weekend to the fullest.

Bring the right shoes

Festival foot care starts before you even step foot on the field. When creating your packing list for the weekend, take some time to make sure you’re bringing the most appropriate footwear. This of course largely depends on the weather you’ll be facing. For any festival in the Great British summertime, it’s always best to be prepared for a downfall and bring a good quality pair of wellies. You may also want to invest in a pair of cushioned insoles for them to make them as comfortable as possible for standing around all day. 

It’s also a good idea to pack a pair of breathable walking boots. Designed to keep your feet comfortable all day long, walking boots are ideal for navigating various terrains, making them a great option to wear in a field. There are also plenty of waterproof walking boots available, as well as pairs with additional ankle support ideal for those who are more prone to sprains and twisted ankles.

When it comes to packing your shoes, maximise the space in your suitcase or backpack by wearing the largest and bulkiest footwear so they don’t take up too much space. You can also make a little extra room by packing some smaller items inside your shoes. However, avoid overfilling the shoes or packing them too tightly as this can alter the shape of the footwear, and never put any liquids inside to avoid spillages. 

Avoid wearing brand new-shoes

If you’re updating your festival wardrobe, you want to treat yourself to a new pair of shoes or wellies before the event. This is a good way to ensure you have the best quality footwear for the occasion, but remember to avoid leaving your shopping trip until the last minute. It’s important to wear in your footwear as much as possible before the event. Not only does this allow the material to soften making the pair more comfortable, but it also means you can ensure your shoes or wellies are the perfect fit.

When shopping for festival shoes, it’s a good idea to have your feet measured so you know which pairs will be best for you. For example, you may need a pair of narrow-fitting or wide-fitting footwear to get the most comfortable and supportive fit. Wear the footwear around the house first to get an idea of how they fit. This means that if the fit isn’t as good as you first thought it was, you will be able to return them.

Choose your socks carefully

It isn’t just your footwear that can have a big impact on how comfortable you are at the festival — choosing the right pair of socks is just as vital. It’s important to pair wellies with welly socks, as these will prevent the material from rubbing and causing discomfort. Ensure that the welly socks you choose come up higher than the top of the welly to prevent rubbing on the shin.

The right pair of socks can also keep your feet comfortable in damp, muddy conditions. Opting for waterproof and windproof socks will provide extra protection from the elements. Just make sure that you choose breathable pairs to keep your feet dry and at the right temperature. For extra comfort, you may also want to opt for cushioned socks. These will be an especially welcome addition when you’ve been standing around, queuing for the loo, and dancing all day!

While the right footwear and socks are the best defences when it comes to protecting your feet from becoming damp, sometimes there’s simply no way around it. However, you can prepare for this eventuality by packing extra pairs of socks. As soon as the pair you’re wearing becomes damp, change into a clean, dry pair to prevent friction and blisters from developing.

Give your feet some TLC when you get home

After a weekend of late nights and camping, you’ll likely be craving a pampering session. This is a great opportunity to pay some attention to your feet to help them recover from the festival fun. A good place to start with your feet pampering session is a classic foot soak. Fill a foot bath or basin with warm water and let them soak for about 15 minutes. You can add other ingredients to your foot soak to make the experience even more soothing, such as coconut oil which is ideal for those with dry feet, or Epsom salt, which is especially beneficial for aching feet. Make the experience an especially relaxing one by adding a few drops of your favourite scented essential oil.

You may also want to get a foot massage, or simply do your own at home. This is a great way to ease any discomfort, as well as an effective way to unwind after a busy weekend away. You can also use this as an opportunity to pay closer attention to your feet and look out for any issues you may not have spotted which have arisen since the festival, such as corns or blisters. Speaking of blisters, if any have popped up over the weekend, the best way to let them heal is to keep them clean and covered. Always avoid popping them, as this can lead to more damage, such as an infection.

“From dancing to simply walking around the campsite, the fun of festivals can take its toll on our feet. To prepare for an action-packed weekend, it’s important to think ahead by deciding which footwear to pack in advance. This will give you ample time to find the right pairs, as well as invest in new ones and wear them in.

“Whichever pairs you choose, always ensure you opt for closed-toe footwear. While open-toe sandals can be tempting on sunny days, they will leave your feet exposed to harm, whether this is stubbing a toe on something or someone dancing like nobody’s watching and stepping on your foot in the process. The good news is that there are plenty of pairs of comfortable and breathable walking boots which should leave your feet feeling dry and as cool as possible.”

• Rachel Clinkard, Ecommerce Director at Charles Clinkard