September always brings a big shift. For children, it’s back-to-school routines. For adults, it’s the return to work shoes after weeks of sandals, sliders, or going barefoot. And every year, we see the same pattern in our clinics — sore feet, aching legs, and niggling pains that seem to appear out of nowhere.
But why does this happen, and what can you do to help?
The Summer Foot Effect
During the summer, our feet often get a “holiday” from structure. Whether it’s flip flops, sandals, or barefoot on the beach, our muscles, tendons, and skin adapt to a freer style of movement.
Then suddenly, September arrives, and our feet are back in structured shoes. For children, this means school shoes worn all day. For adults, it’s work shoes or trainers for autumn sports. That sudden change is one of the main reasons problems flare up.
Common Problems We See in September
- Blisters and rubbing from stiff new school shoes.
- Heel pain(particularly in active children) as feet adjust back to full-time shoes.
- Arch pain or shin splints when adults return to running in structured trainers.
- Ingrowing toenails from tight-fitting shoes or sudden changes in footwear.
- Corns and hard skin on pressure points build up again after a summer in sandals.
- Lower back or hip aches from poor shoe support after weeks in flip-flops.
How to Help Children Adjust
- Break in school shoes gradually– let children wear them for short bursts before term starts.
- Check the fit properly– growth spurts over summer often mean shoes that seemed fine in July no longer fit in September.
- Look out for red marks– they can be an early sign of rubbing, pressure, or the start of an ingrowing toenail.
Tips for Adults
- Ease back into structured shoes– alternate between sandals and shoes in the first weeks of September if you can.
- Check your trainers– if you’re restarting a fitness routine, worn-out trainers may make aches worse.
- Keep nails trimmed (but not too short!)– to help prevent ingrowing toenails.
- Moisturise and check for corns– addressing small issues early stops them from becoming painful.
When to Seek Help
If foot or leg pain doesn’t settle within a couple of weeks, it’s worth getting checked. Often, a simple tweak in footwear, stretches, or insoles can make a huge difference.
At The Foot Room, our podiatry team supports both children and adults with post-summer foot problems. Whether it’s a blister that won’t heal, an ingrowing toenail that’s making PE miserable, corns causing pain in work shoes, or back pain linked to footwear, we can help get you moving comfortably again.
If September has brought more than just new routines — and your feet aren’t happy about it — don’t ignore the signs. Your feet carry you everywhere, and a little care now can prevent bigger problems later.
Book your podiatry appointment today at The Foot Room and step into autumn feeling comfortable and supported.
Disclaimer: This post is based on our clinical observations and professional opinion. We are not medical doctors and this blog is not intended to replace medical advice. Always consult your GP, Podiatrist or a medical professional if you have concerns about your health.
