Brisbane Summer Survival Guide: How to Keep Your Feet Happy When It Is 37°C and 70 Percent Humidity

Brisbane summer 2025 to 26 is forecast to be hotter and wetter than usual, with the Bureau of Meteorology predicting repeated 37 degree days and humidity sitting between 65 and 70 percent. For many people in North Brisbane, this combination quickly turns into foot swelling, cracked heels, fungal infections, blisters and general discomfort. If your feet are already tired from work, walking or running, the hot weather will highlight every weak point.

This guide explains why Brisbane’s climate is so tough on your feet and what you can do to stay comfortable. From Albany Creek to the riverwalk, the goal is simple. Enjoy summer without painful feet slowing you down.

Why Brisbane Summers Are Uniquely Brutal on Your Feet

Queensland heat is different to what people experience in the southern states. We get high temperatures, high humidity and intense UV all at once. This combination affects the skin and soft tissues of the feet more than many people realise.

The Brisbane climate creates a perfect storm

Heat increases swelling. Humidity stops sweat from evaporating. UV exposure damages skin. Storm season brings wet and dry cycles that irritate cracked heels and fungal prone skin.

The lifestyle factor

Brisbane people are active. We walk, run, swim and spend time outdoors. Many people switch to thongs or sandals for comfort, but these offer little support and expose the skin to heat and friction.

Albany Creek microclimate

Inland suburbs like Albany Creek often feel hotter than bayside areas because they receive less breeze. Hard pavements, backyard pavers and warm nights all increase the stress placed on the feet.

Why your feet swell

Feet naturally expand in hot weather as blood vessels widen. With humidity reducing sweat evaporation, fluid retention becomes even more noticeable. For some people, this is mild. For others, it becomes painful.

The 5 Summer Foot Disasters We See Every Year And How to Avoid Them

1. The Swelling Epidemic

Brisbane heat is the perfect trigger for enlarged, heavy and uncomfortable feet. When blood vessels open to release heat, extra fluid enters the tissues. This makes footwear tight and walking difficult.

When swelling is serious Persistent swelling, especially on one side, needs medical attention.

Prevention Hydrate, elevate your feet when possible, use compression socks for long days and choose supportive shoes that allow for natural expansion.

Treatment Cool water immersion, clockwise and anticlockwise circles with your feet to keep the ankle moving, performing calf raises to activate the calf muscle and move fluid. Or if none of these are helping, an assessment at My Family Podiatry if swelling becomes painful or unusual.

2. Cracked Heel Season Is Upon Us

Open shoes such as thongs and sandals, hot surfaces and long dry days lead to cracked heels across Brisbane. Once the skin splits, it can bleed and become infected.

Brisbane’s concrete footpaths and hot tiles, weekend trips to the beach or days back and forth between air conditioning and hot weather contribute to this common summer problem.

Prevention A daily moisturising routine with a medical grade heel balm - we recommend Revive Daily (www.revivedaily.com.au) and avoiding prolonged barefoot walking.

Treatment If the heel callus becomes thick and cracked, it may need professional debridement. Our podiatrists can remove the hard callus and advise on a structured home care plan to keep those heels under control.

3. The Fungal Paradise

Warm, damp skin is the ideal environment for fungal infections. Public pools, shared wet areas and sweat trapped between the toes all increase risk.

Athlete’s foot thrives in Brisbane summers and toenail fungus is much easier to prevent than to treat.

Prevention Dry thoroughly between toes, wear footwear in public spaces (particularly communal showers, change rooms, anywhere damp) and begin treatment immediately if you start to notice any odd changes.

Treatment Early assessment is crucial before the infection spreads. The team at My Family Podiatry can assess your concerns and provide advice on the best way to treat your skin or nail infections.

4. The Blister Betrayal

New summer shoes, sweaty feet and swelling are the perfect recipe for blisters. Sandals can rub across friction points and even enclosed shoes can irritate if the feet become swollen.

Prevention Choose correctly fitted footwear, use blister tape before long walks and break in new shoes gradually.

Treatment Do not pop painful blisters. If they become red or inflamed, book an appointment.

5. Sunburn on Feet

The tops of the feet are one of the most commonly forgotten areas when applying sunscreen. Queensland UV can cause serious burns and repeated damage increases skin cancer risk.

Prevention SPF 50 applied and re applied every two hours, especially around pools and beaches.

Treatment Monitor for unusual spots and seek medical assessment when needed.

Your Brisbane Summer Foot Kit

Prepare for the season by keeping these essentials at home, in your bag and in your car.

Essential Products

• Revive Daily (www.revivedaily.com.au)

• Antifungal powder

• Blister prevention tape

• SPF suitable for the feet

Smart Footwear Strategy

• Supportive sandals with proper footbeds

• Breathable closed shoes for long days

• Barefoot only when safe and on cool surfaces

Useful Items to Keep in Your Car

• Backup supportive shoes

• Foot wipes

• Band aids

  
  

Daily Summer Foot Routine That Takes Three Minutes

Morning Check for swelling, apply sunscreen if heading outdoors with feet uncovered and choose footwear wisely.

Midday Reassess if outdoors, cool your feet when possible and change socks if damp.

Evening Wash and dry thoroughly, moisturise the heels, elevate your feet and inspect for signs of irritation.

When Brisbane Heat Becomes a Medical Issue

Seek care when you notice any of the following:

• Significant swelling

• Colour changes

• Bleeding cracks

• Signs of infection

• Sudden changes in diabetic feet

People with diabetes or circulatory problems are more vulnerable to heat related complications. If you live in Albany Creek or surrounding areas, My Family Podiatry provides prompt assessment during summer.

Surviving Specific Brisbane Summer Scenarios

Flooding during storm season

With a number of flooding events in recent years, we have seen some awful infections coming into the clinic after exposure to flood water. Flood water can pick up bacteria, fungus and other nasty germs on its way to your backyard so be careful exposing your bare feet to it. 

Make sure to wear enclosed shoes, ideally waterproof to protect your feet from flood waters.

Heatwave days

Avoid barefoot exposure to hot surfaces. Your feet can become rapidly burned and if you have any sensation issues, you could severely damage your feet without even knowing it. 

Christmas and New Year beach trips

Interstate visitors often underestimate Queensland heat. The sand can become extremely hot and the sun is fierce. Pack some shoes to walk along the sand with and make sure to use sunscreen regularly.

The Climate Reality

Brisbane summers are becoming hotter and more unpredictable. Preparing your feet for prolonged heat exposure is an important part of long term health.

Sustainable choices such as breathable footwear and moisture wicking socks will help reduce irritation and keep your feet comfortable.

FAQs: Your Brisbane Summer Foot Questions

Why do my feet smell worse in summer? Your feet tend to sweat more and the increased moisture allows bacteria to multiply. Breathable shoes and daily cleaning help.

Can I exercise in 37 degree heat? It is safer to train early or later in the day. Stay hydrated and choose appropriate footwear.

Are thongs bad for my feet?Thongs are not good for your feet. They offer very little support and often encourage the toes to claw. If you do want to wear thongs, look at supportive options such as the range from Cheeki.

How often should I see a podiatrist in summer?We often see patients more regularly in summer for management of their dry skin and cracked heels.

What if I am diabetic?Diabetics should be regularly seeing a podiatrist to ensure good foot health. If there are no current concerns, this may only be once a year. But if there are issues, this should be more regular.

Conclusion

Brisbane summer does not have to be uncomfortable or painful for your feet. A small amount of preparation can make a huge difference during the hottest months of the year. If you live in Albany Creek or North Brisbane, My Family Podiatry is here throughout the summer period to help you stay active and pain free.

Get your feet summer ready before December arrives. Book an appointment with our team today.

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