Wyndham Wisdom

Happy Feet

You should be kind to your feet when you travel. Here are some simple steps

It's easy to abuse your feet when you're on vacation-say, by wearing too-tight shoes or sightseeing for hours on cobblestone streets. We asked podiatrist Dr. Stuart Mogul, author of the book Perfect Feet: Caring and Pampering, to tell us how to stay on our toes.

Preventive Care

• See a podiatrist before you travel if you have any foot problems - corns, an ingrown nail, unexplained pain - especially if you're headed to a spot where medical care might be difficult to find. (Go to footphysicians.com to locate a podiatrist in your area.)
• Pack appropriate footwear, such as running shoes if you'll be doing lots of walking and hiking. (See EV's top picks for comfortable and supportive shoes - in Shoe Therapy below.) Some people, particularly those with flat feet, require more support than others, says Mogul.
• Bring a first-aid kit that includes a lubricant such as Vaseline or Aquaphor, moleskin and nail clippers (be sure to clip nails straight across, reminds Mogul). Spread lubricant on your heels, your big toes and anywhere else your shoes might give you friction.

* Consult your physician before taking any medication, and use all medications as directed.

Treatment

• Soak your feet: Give yourself a pedicure at the hotel using a product like Kneipp's new rosemary-calendula Foot Bath Crystals (kneippus.com; $21). Afterward, massage your feet with a cooling gel like Kneipp's rosemary, calendula and almond oil.
• Moisturize: Dry and cracked skin, common in cold climates, can lead to infections. Rule out athlete's foot, then treat with raw shea butter cream - such as the one made by Queen Bee Sauce. (queenbeesauce.com; $26 for 4.5 oz.).
• Ice any injuries: If you twist an ankle or stub your toe, ice it for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off. Take Advil to reduce swelling.*
• Stretch: For sore calves or feet, Mogul recommends the Achilles stretch, in which you lean your hands against a wall and put one foot behind you and the other forward. To get irritating lactic acid out of your foot muscles, roll them over a small rubber ball.

Shoe Therapy

Shop for new shoes late in the day, when your feet are at their most swollen, advises Mogul, and "don't wear anything new on a trip." Here are some good choices:

Masai Barefoot Technology Swiss-made, with a negative heel to simulate walking barefoot on sand. The design reduces back stress and can tone glutes and legs. (swissmasaius.com)

Mephisto From leather sandals to chic slides, these shoes come with shock-absorbing heels. The Rush model provides a four-point airbag system. (mephistowebstore.com)

Merrell The new WaterPro Maipo, a fast-drying mesh sneaker, is perfect for amphibious adventures like canyoneering. (merrell.com)

Aerosoles Stylish, affordable and extremely comfortable. The new AeroSport line features light, flexible soles. (aerosoles.com)

Cole Haan Those who simply must wear pumps should try Cole Haan's Nike Air collection, which uses Nike Zoom airbag technology for cushioning. (colehaan.com)

* Consult your physician before taking any medication, and use all medications as directed.
Prop styling: Molly Fitzsimons

Published: Endless Vacation July/August 2008 Issue