The holiday season is filled with fun—but also a lot of time on your feet. From marathon shopping days to hours of standing at parties or cooking big meals, your feet can take a real beating in December. At Roadrunner Foot and Ankle in Peoria, Arizona, we often see an increase in foot and ankle complaints during the holidays—and most of them are preventable.

If you want to make it through the season without aching arches or sore heels, here are some simple tips to keep your feet happy and healthy.

1. Choose Shoes That Fit the Occasion—and Your Feet

We get it—you want to look your best at holiday parties. But fashion doesn’t have to come at the cost of foot pain. If you’ll be on your feet for a long time, wear shoes with good arch support, a cushioned sole, and a wide toe box. Save the heels for short appearances and bring a backup pair of flats just in case.

2. Don’t Shop ‘Til Your Feet Drop

Holiday shopping often means walking for hours on hard surfaces at malls or big box stores. Wear athletic shoes with shock absorption and support. Take breaks every 45–60 minutes, stretch your feet and calves, and avoid carrying too many heavy bags at once.

3. Support Your Feet at Home, Too

Cooking, cleaning, and entertaining often mean long hours standing on tile or hardwood floors. Avoid going barefoot or wearing flat slippers. Instead, wear supportive indoor shoes or house shoes with arch support.

4. Stay Ahead of Pain

If you start to feel soreness or swelling in your feet or ankles, don’t ignore it. Ice, elevate, and rest your feet after a long day. Persistent pain may be a sign of plantar fasciitis, neuromas, or tendon strain—all of which we treat at our office.

5. Know When to Call a Podiatrist

If foot pain lingers for more than a few days, gets worse, or interferes with your daily routine, it’s time to get checked so call and make an appointment with Dr. Margaret Withrow or Dr. Dylan Kaumaya. At Roadrunner Foot and Ankle, we offer expert care and personalized treatment plans to help you stay on your feet and enjoy the season.