Australian summers bring sunshine, beach trips, and outdoor adventures – but they also bring unique challenges for protecting children's feet. From scorching hot surfaces to increased risks of cuts and scrapes, summer demands thoughtful footwear choices. This guide will help you keep your children's feet safe, comfortable, and healthy throughout the warmer months while still allowing them to enjoy all the fun summer has to offer.
🔑 Key Takeaway
Australian surfaces can reach dangerous temperatures in summer – sand and pavement can exceed 60°C on hot days. Always test surfaces before letting children walk barefoot, and have protective footwear readily available.
Understanding Hot Surface Dangers
On a 35°C day – common throughout much of Australia in summer – ground surfaces can be dramatically hotter than the air temperature. Dark asphalt can reach 65°C or higher, artificial turf can exceed 70°C, and even beach sand can climb to 60°C. At these temperatures, burns can occur within seconds of contact.
Children's skin is thinner and more sensitive than adult skin, making them more vulnerable to burns. Additionally, children may not immediately recognise or communicate that a surface is too hot, potentially sustaining more significant burns before reacting.
Testing Surface Temperature
Before allowing children to walk barefoot, test the surface yourself using the back of your hand. If it's uncomfortable for you to hold your hand there for 5 seconds, it's too hot for children's feet. The "if it's too hot for you, it's too hot for them" rule is a reliable guide.
Timing matters too. Surfaces are coolest in early morning and late evening. Midday to late afternoon typically sees the highest temperatures. Planning beach trips or outdoor activities for morning or evening hours reduces burn risk.
⚠️ High-Risk Surfaces
Be especially cautious with dark-coloured surfaces (absorb more heat), metal surfaces (playground equipment, car park areas), artificial turf and rubber playground surfaces, pool surrounds and paving, and beach sand between high tide line and dunes.
Choosing Summer Footwear
Sandals and Thongs
Sandals are the quintessential Australian summer footwear, offering breathability while providing some protection. When choosing sandals for children, look for supportive soles that provide cushioning and arch support. Secure straps that keep the foot stable and prevent the sandal from flying off during active play are essential. Non-slip soles that provide traction on wet surfaces are important for pool and beach areas. Durable construction that can withstand water exposure and active use will last the summer.
Traditional thongs (flip-flops) are convenient but provide minimal support and protection. They're suitable for quick trips from car to pool or brief beach walks, but shouldn't be worn for extended periods or active play. The lack of heel strap means children must grip with their toes to keep thongs on, which can cause fatigue and doesn't allow natural walking motion.
Water Shoes
For beach days, creek exploring, and water parks, water shoes are invaluable. These lightweight shoes protect against hot sand, sharp shells, rocks, and hidden hazards in the water. They drain quickly and dry fast, remaining comfortable even when wet.
Look for water shoes with good sole grip for slippery surfaces, secure closures that won't come off in water, mesh or neoprene uppers that allow water to drain, and toe protection for rocky areas. Many water shoes can also be worn as casual summer shoes, making them versatile additions to your child's wardrobe.
Breathable Sneakers
For active summer days, breathable sneakers are often more appropriate than sandals. Mesh uppers allow airflow to keep feet cool while providing full foot protection. These are ideal for playground visits, sports activities, and situations where more support is needed.
Light-coloured shoes stay cooler than dark colours in summer sun. Look for options specifically designed for warm weather, with moisture-wicking linings and ventilated construction.
✅ Summer Footwear Checklist
Supportive sandals for everyday wear, water shoes for beach and pool, breathable sneakers for active play, and slip-on options for quick protection on hot surfaces.
Beach Safety
The beach presents multiple foot hazards that proper footwear helps address.
Hidden Dangers in Sand
Beyond temperature, beach sand can hide broken glass, sharp shells, discarded fishing hooks, bluebottle tentacles, and other hazards. Water shoes protect against these hidden dangers while still allowing children to enjoy sand play and paddling.
Rocky beaches add the risk of cuts from shells and barnacles, as well as slips on wet rocks. Sturdy water shoes with good grip and toe protection are essential for exploring rock pools.
Hot Sand Navigation
Even with protective footwear available, children sometimes end up on hot sand unexpectedly. Teach them to look for shaded areas where sand will be cooler, to find wet sand near the water's edge (it's significantly cooler), and to move quickly if they find themselves on hot sand rather than standing still. Keeping shoes nearby rather than leaving them at the towel setup ensures protection is always within reach.
Pool and Water Park Safety
Wet surfaces around pools and water parks create slip hazards. Summer footwear for these environments needs excellent wet grip. Pool surrounds made of concrete or tiles become slippery when wet, and running children (despite rules against it) are at high risk of falls.
Choose sandals or water shoes with non-slip rubber soles designed for wet conditions. Test grip before allowing children to move at speed. Even with appropriate footwear, reinforce walking rules around pools.
Note that some facilities don't allow regular footwear in pool areas due to hygiene rules. Water shoes designed for pool use are usually permitted – check facility rules in advance.
Preventing Summer Foot Problems
Sweat and Moisture
Feet sweat more in summer heat, creating an environment where bacteria and fungi thrive. This can lead to athlete's foot, foot odour, and skin irritation. Choose breathable footwear that allows air circulation, and avoid wearing closed shoes for extended periods in hot weather.
Encourage your children to go barefoot when safe to do so – this allows feet to dry and air out. If children must wear closed shoes, choose moisture-wicking socks and allow shoes to dry completely between wears. Using more than one pair of everyday shoes and alternating allows each pair to dry thoroughly.
Blisters
New summer footwear combined with active outdoor play can lead to blisters. Break in new sandals and shoes before wearing them for extended periods. Ensure proper fit – too loose and the foot slides causing friction; too tight and pressure points develop.
For known trouble spots, preventive application of blister prevention products or moleskin padding can help. If blisters develop, keep them clean and covered. Don't pop blisters – intact skin provides the best protection against infection.
Cuts and Scrapes
Summer's barefoot tendencies mean more exposure to cuts and scrapes. Clean any foot wounds thoroughly with soap and water, and watch for signs of infection: increased pain, redness, swelling, or discharge. Dirty or deep wounds may need medical attention, especially if your child isn't up to date on tetanus vaccination.
🩹 Summer First Aid Kit
Keep these items handy for summer foot issues: antiseptic wipes, adhesive bandages in various sizes, blister pads, tweezers for splinters, and after-sun gel for minor heat exposure.
Sunburn and Foot Protection
The tops of feet are often forgotten during sunscreen application but are highly susceptible to sunburn, especially with sandal wear. Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen to all exposed foot areas, reapplying every two hours and after swimming.
Sunburned feet are not only painful but make wearing shoes difficult, potentially affecting activities for days afterward. Closed-toe water shoes eliminate this concern while still keeping feet cool in the water.
Activity-Appropriate Choices
Different summer activities call for different footwear.
Beach day: Water shoes for protection, thongs for car-to-beach transfer only.
Playground visit: Supportive sandals with heel straps, or breathable sneakers for climbing.
Bush walking: Closed-toe shoes with good grip for uneven terrain and protection from snakes.
Pool party: Non-slip sandals or water shoes, plus dry shoes for after swimming.
Backyard play: Sandals or bare feet in safe, checked areas. Have shoes ready for hot surfaces.
Summer sports: Activity-appropriate athletic shoes with breathable construction.
Teaching Children About Foot Safety
Empowering children with knowledge helps them make safe choices. Teach them to test surfaces before walking barefoot with a quick toe touch, to never walk barefoot on roads or car parks, to wear appropriate footwear for each activity, to tell an adult if their feet hurt or feel too hot, and to look where they're walking, especially at the beach.
Make safety gear like water shoes easily accessible so children can protect themselves without adult help. Establishing summer routines – shoes on for the walk to the beach, water shoes for rock pools – builds habits that keep feet safe.
Get Summer-Ready
Prepare your children for a safe, fun Australian summer with our selection of quality summer footwear including sandals, water shoes, and breathable sneakers.
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