Choosing to live an active lifestyle is one of the best decisions anyone could make. However, if you’ve decided that you’d like to start being more active, whether you’re hitting the gym a few times each week, going for long jogs, or even joining sports teams, knowing how to take better care of your feet is a must. When taking proper precautionary measures, you can protect your feet and toes while preventing severe injuries and unwanted irritation from developing.

Choose the Right Shoes

Take proper care of your feet by selecting the right shoes. People often make the mistake of wearing uncomfortable footwear because they like how it looks but end up in severe pain by the end of the night. Don’t do that to yourself because it’ll only create more issues for you in the future. When selecting shoes, be sure to consider the following things:

• The Size – Always pick the right size of shoes for your feet. Don’t buy shoes that you believe will fit after breaking them in. A good pair of shoes will fit comfortably without pinching the toes or scraping against the heel. Have your feet measured at the shoe store if you don’t know your size. It’s a simple process that will only take seconds, making it easy for you to pick the right size every time you buy a new pair of sneakers, flats, boots, or anything else.
• The Support – Find out how much support the shoes you’re thinking of buying will provide. Some shoes have added insoles to increase comfort and protect the arch of your feet, while others don’t offer much support at all. If you’re not getting the support you need, you’ll experience pain by the end of the day.

In addition to choosing shoes that offer extra support in the right size for your feet, try the footwear on before you buy it. You’ll get an idea of how good the shoes feel when wearing them.

Consider Adding Insoles to Your Footwear

If you already have shoes that you like and don’t want to buy new ones, consider investing in insoles. The insoles will offer more cushion and support to keep your feet comfortable. They may also prevent blisters from forming on the edges of your toes and the back of your ankle or heel area. Most drugstores sell these products at affordable prices.

Treat Your Feet

Be good to your feet by pampering them from time to time. Give your feet a good soaking in warm water with Epsom salts and your favorite essential oils. After soaking the feet for a minimum of 15 minutes, consider applying a sugar scrub to remove dead skin, and then dry your feet before applying a moisturizing lotion to your feet and toes. Seal the cream in with a pair of comfortable socks. When you start a weekly routine of soaking your feet and applying different products to them, you can prevent dry, cracked skin and irritation.

If you plan on becoming more active, be sure to take good care of your feet. The extra steps you take will help you reduce irritation and discomfort.