For many South Africans, the arrival of spring means one thing: shoes come off. From barefoot braais and garden picnics to beach days and walks on the lawn, our proudly South African “kaalvoet” culture is back in full swing.

But after months of being tucked into socks, boots, and closed shoes, feet may not be as ready for a sudden return to barefoot living as we think. Before kicking off your shoes this Heritage Month, a little foot check could save you from a painful spring.

We have identified a few common foot issues to expect as we step into the warmer months:

Corns and Calluses: These hardened skin patches develop from repeated friction inside tight winter shoes.

Prevention: Wear properly fitted shoes with a wide toe box and use protective cushions on high-friction joints. “Corns, in particular, shouldn't simply be ignored because they are hidden. They develop from repeated pressure and friction and can become increasingly painful,” says Lynsey Hammond, MD at Kroko. “At its worst, they can even prevent you from working optimally, especially if your job requires you to be on your feet for long periods of time,” she adds.

Cure: Soak feet in warm water, gently exfoliate with a pumice stone, and apply a salicylic acid-based ointment like Kroko to safely help remove the hardened skin. Never attempt to cut a corn out yourself.

Dry, Cracked Heels: Cold weather and indoor heating strip moisture, leaving heels prone to deep, painful fissures when suddenly exposed to the open air.

Prevention: Apply a thick layer of urea-based foot cream nightly and sleep in cotton socks to lock in hydration. Kroko’s Heel Balm has 20% Urea and Vitamin D to moisturise and provide long-lasting hydration to dry, cracked feet.

Cure: Use an intensive heel balm at night, and for added benefit, cover with socks after application to increase the benefits. Seal deep cracks with a liquid skin application or specialised plaster to help heal the skin and provide a waterproof covering.

Blisters and Abrasions: Soft winter feet are highly vulnerable to hot pavements, thorns, and sharp stones, or even just rubbing against your summer sandals.

Prevention: Toughen the soles by increasing barefoot time gradually. Always apply broad-spectrum sunscreen to the tops of your feet to prevent severe sunburn, because a sunburnt foot is as sore as you’d imagine.

Cure: Wash cuts immediately with an antiseptic. Leave blisters intact to prevent infection, covering them with a cushioned dressing until fully healed.

Plantar Warts (Verrucas): Walking barefoot in damp, communal areas increases exposure to the virus that causes warts. “We often see plantar warts between the months of January and March,” says Hammond. “Warm, summer months are when they thrive, in humid, moist conditions,” she adds.

Prevention: Wear slops or water shoes in public showers and around swimming pools.

Cure: Treat early with over-the-counter products such as Kroko’s WartFix.

Feet are often overlooked unless they bother us. Prioritising preventative care and treating existing conditions early ensures a safe, pain-free transition to barefoot walking this spring.

About KROKO
Proudly South African and established in 1936, KROKO has been trusted by generations for everyday foot and skin care. Its range includes treatments for corns and calluses, cracked heels, warts, minor cuts and scratches, foot odour, and sweaty feet.

For more information, visit www.kroko.co.za