When summer arrives, your feet are the first to feel it. The body reacts to hot temperatures by retaining water. Because of gravity, the result can be swelling in the legs, ankles and feet, often worsening during and after exercise. The water the feet can’t retain presents itself in the form of hot and sweaty socks, which aren’t only uncomfortable and irritating, but, if left unchecked, smell funkier than a Whole Foods cheesemonger.
For many athletes, the first line of defense against these woes is foot powder. Some are simply equipped with essential oils, including menthol and eucalyptus, that soothe and dry your steaming feet; others even help curb fungal infections associated with athlete’s foot. If you think you have a serious health problem, it’s recommended to see a doctor before self-medicating. But in most cases, a little bit of foot powder goes a long way. Sprinkle on a bit of the goodness and put your feet up. If you like it, you might even be tempted to dose it a little farther north. These are the five to try now.
Our Picks: Lush T for Toes $22 | Mexsana Medicated Powder $10 | Gold Bond Medicated Foot Powder Spray $7 | Zeasorb AF Antifungal Powder $9 | Dr. Scholl’s OdorX All Day Deod Powder $15 for 3-Pack