Foot Care for Guys Who Are on Their Feet All Day

Ten or twelve hours on concrete, in boots, in heat or cold, adds up. Sore arches, blisters, calluses and boots you'd rather not take off around other people are part of the job for a lot of men. They don't have to be. A few changes in socks, boots and habits make a real difference, and none of them cost much.

Start With Socks

Socks are the cheapest upgrade with the biggest payoff. Plain cotton socks soak up sweat and hold it against your skin. Wet skin softens, rubs and blisters, and it's where foot odor starts.

• Choose merino wool or synthetic blends designed for work or hiking. They move moisture away from the skin and stay comfortable warm or cold.
• Pick the right height. Socks should come up higher than your boots so the boot collar doesn't rub bare skin.
• Change socks midday on long or hot shifts. A fresh, dry pair in your lunch bag can make the second half of the day feel completely different.
• Replace socks when they get thin at the heel or toe. Worn spots mean friction.

Boots That Fit and Get to Dry

No amount of foot care fixes a boot that doesn't fit. Your toes should have room to wiggle, your heel should stay mostly in place, and nothing should pinch. Our guide to choosing quality work boots covers fit in detail.

Boots also need time to dry out. Sweat soaks into the lining and insole every shift, and a boot that never dries becomes a breeding ground for the bacteria that cause odor. If you can, keep two pairs and alternate days. At minimum, pull the insoles out at night and let the boots air out somewhere dry, away from direct heat.

Insoles and Arch Support

Most work boots come with thin, basic insoles. If your arches or heels ache by the end of the day, a supportive replacement insole is worth trying. Look for one with a firm heel cup and arch support that matches your foot. If you've had ongoing pain, a podiatrist can tell you whether you need something more specific.

Standing on hard floors all day also helps explain why your feet hurt more at work than on a hike. Anti-fatigue mats at a fixed workstation can help, if your job allows them.

Blisters

Blisters come from friction plus moisture. Dry feet and well-fitted boots prevent most of them. If you feel a hot spot starting, deal with it right away by covering it with a blister bandage or moleskin before it becomes a blister.

If you already have a blister:

• Leave small, intact blisters alone and cover them. The skin on top protects the wound underneath.
• Large, painful blisters can be drained carefully with a sterilized needle at the edge, leaving the top skin in place, then covered with a clean bandage.
• Watch for infection: increasing redness, warmth, swelling or pus means it's time to see a doctor.

Calluses

Some callus is your foot protecting itself, and that's fine. Thick, cracking calluses can become painful. After a shower, when skin is soft, use a pumice stone or foot file to gently thin them, then moisturize. Don't cut calluses with a blade. If you have diabetes or circulation problems, let a doctor or podiatrist handle callus care.

Foot Odor

Sweat itself doesn't smell. Odor comes from bacteria feeding on sweat in a warm, damp boot. Fight it on both ends:

• Wash your feet daily with soap, including between the toes, and dry them completely.
• Apply an antiperspirant to the soles of your feet at night if you sweat heavily.
• Wear moisture-wicking socks and change them when they get damp.
• Rotate boots so each pair dries fully, and pull the insoles out to dry.
• Wash or replace insoles that hold onto smell.

Itching, peeling or cracking between the toes may be athlete's foot, a common fungal infection. Over-the-counter antifungal creams or powders usually clear it up.

A Two-Minute Nightly Routine

1. Boots off, insoles out, boots somewhere dry.
2. Wash and fully dry your feet, especially between the toes.
3. Check for hot spots, blisters, cuts or anything new.
4. Moisturize the heels and soles, but not between the toes.
5. Stretch your calves and the bottoms of your feet for a minute. Tight calves add to heel and arch pain.

When to See a Doctor

See a doctor or podiatrist for heel pain that's sharpest with your first steps in the morning (a common sign of plantar fasciitis), pain that doesn't improve with better boots and rest, numbness or tingling, an ingrown toenail that's red or swollen, or any wound that isn't healing. If you have diabetes, check your feet every day, because small injuries can turn serious quickly.

New boots are a common cause of foot trouble. Our guide to breaking in work boots shows how to do it without the blisters. You can also browse all of our guides.