Feet Feeling More Tired Than Usual? Your Sandals Might Be To Blame.

Next time you're shopping for sandals, follow these do's and don'ts from podiatrists.

If you’re experiencing more foot pain than usual this summer, the problem could be your sandals.

According to podiatrist Dr. Gregory Alvarez, if you’re experiencing foot or arch pain, blisters, calluses, instability or overall fatigue, the construction and fit of your sandals may be to blame. “Many patients report that their feet feel tired or achy after wearing unsupportive sandals for extended periods,” he said.

Our carefree summer attitudes can contribute to these problems. “People expect to be able to go barefoot during the summer to keep their feet cool, but often they don’t have a clue that summer is the time when most soft tissue issues in the feet show up,” said podiatrist Dr. Ebonie Vincent, who appears on the TLC show “My Feet Are Killing Me.” “Even with no injury, long days of walking around the beach or at a summer concert in your cute sandals can cause months’ worth of foot pain.”

How to go sandal shopping the right way.

For the best possible fit, the experts we spoke with mentioned the importance of finding a brick-and-mortar store with excellent customer service, so you can be sized correctly. Another pro tip? Go shopping at the end of the day, since your feet are at their most swollen then, and you can avoid buying shoes that are too small.