Will Samantha Brown's Tips Actually Help Relieve Your Travel-Weary Feet? A Doctor Weighs In
Samantha Brown has won over audiences with her hosting gigs on the Travel Channel and the Emmy Award-winning PBS series "Samantha Brown's Places to Love." Unsurprisingly, the adoration has translated over on social media, too. Brown has earned over 170,000 followers on TikTok, where she shares insider tips and advice on everything travel-related.
One of the travel expert's viral videos has racked up nearly 125,000 "likes" to date, and it's not about how to snag great deals on flights or where to go for a romantic honeymoon. Nope, the clip is actually about feet — or, more specifically, how to revive your tired tootsies after a long day of sightseeing or standing in lines at attractions. The hack is simple: Pack a pair of flip-flops, some clean socks, and foot powder in your day bag. When your feet need a break, find a place to sit and tear off those hot and sweaty sneakers you've been wearing. Then, sprinkle the powder on the flip-flops and slip them on for some sweet relief. When you're ready to get moving again, put on the clean socks and powder your sneakers before placing them back on your feet.
While Brown's tips sound simple enough, we reached out exclusively to Dr. Jason Gold, DPM, FACFAS, and Board Certified Podiatrist at Foot, Ankle & Leg Vein Center, to find out if they really work. As the expert tells Explore, there might be better ways to protect your feet.
Foot powder doesn't always work for sweat
If tired, sweaty feet are a common problem during your travels, some of Samantha Brown's tips might help, Dr. Jason Gold tells us exclusively. "I love the idea of letting your feet breathe and wearing flip-flops after walking during the day," the podiatrist shares, adding that a change of socks can also keep your tootsies fresh.
However, not every part of Brown's feet-reviving routine earned the doctor's approval. "I do not recommend using baby powder on top of your flip-flops, especially if your feet are sweaty, because it will become pasty and ruin the shoes," Dr. Gold explains. "I recommend using a cleansing wipe on your feet and letting them cool off."
Moreover, you shouldn't grab any old pair of flip-flops for the hack. Dr. Gold suggests wearing flip-flops with a built-in arch for extra support, even if you only sport the shoes while sitting. "Wearing a flimsy flop will not give your muscles a rest, creating more foot and leg fatigue," he notes.
Prevent pain before it strikes
Samantha Brown's tips are intended to eliminate discomfort just as much as they do sweat. However, as Dr. Jason Gold reveals, there are ways to prevent foot pain before it even has a chance to slow you down. "It's important to wear wide, supportive shoes with a good arch to avoid pain while traveling. Wearing good, supportive shoes with an arch will help reduce the chances of plantar fasciitis [inflammation of the tissue that runs from the heel to the front of the foot, per Johns Hopkins Medicine] and stress fractures," the doctor shares with us, adding that wide, well-fitting shoes can also keep blisters at bay.
Dr. Gold notes that you don't have to skimp on style when choosing feet-friendly shoes, and even designer sneakers can be upgraded with supportive inserts. It's also A-OK to wear less supportive shoes, as long as you don't overdo it. "I believe [it isn't harmful] if you wear more functional shoes when you know that you are going to be doing a lot of walking; then at night, wear the more fashionable shoes," Dr. Gold says. "Try to keep an 80/20 balance between wearing functional and fashionable."
Finally, don't overlook your choice of footwear when at your accommodation. The podiatrist recommends wearing flip-flops in hostels, hotel rooms, showers, or any other environment where you may be tempted to go barefoot. That way, you can avoid contagious warts or objects that may cause injuries.