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Original poster

Any ideas on how to keep DS's feet dry while working as a lifeguard?

33 replies

eleflump · 21/10/2019 09:55

My DS is working as a lifeguard and has to wear trainers on the poolside. The shifts are quite long and he is spending a lot of time in wet shoes - the soles of his feet are becoming sore and starting to crack and peel.

I have searched for some sort of waterproof sock but not had any luck - does anyone know of anything that might help please?

OP posts:
AmIThough · 21/10/2019 09:59

Can he wear some of those shoes you get with wetsuits?
Or flip flops?

Why are his shoes wet anyway?

ColdRainAgain · 21/10/2019 09:59

Trouble with waterproof socks would be any sweat would sit next to the skin.... veruca socks spring to mind tho!

Have you tried waterproof trainers? Assuming this is splashes, not wading through water, it might help.

BuzzShitbagBobbly · 21/10/2019 10:02

I hardly dare say it, but something like Crocs?
(On the basis it's not the water per se, but the fact his feet are in hot, sweaty, enclosed trainers for a long time)

If not those then the wetsuit shoes pp mentions?

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RosieposiePuddingandPi · 21/10/2019 10:02

I think Sealskinz still do waterproof socks that are good. DH uses them in winter for fell walking and they keep him dry.
Maybe those and some good moisturiser for afterwards.

Bofster37 · 21/10/2019 10:04

Sealskins waterproof socks are brilliant.

Lellochip · 21/10/2019 10:04

Sealskinz waterproof socks are great, but I tended to wear mine for an hour or two so don't know how much of a problem sweat would be after all day. I'd say they were worth trying though?

Limer · 21/10/2019 10:05

Yes, Sealskinz do waterproof socks, they're very good.

Grafittiqueen · 21/10/2019 10:05

Goretex socks?

megletthesecond · 21/10/2019 10:05

Crocs or slides?

EdithWeston · 21/10/2019 10:08

Does it really have to be trainers? The ones at our pool all seem to wear slides?

Has he talked to his colleagues about what they do?

Trewser · 21/10/2019 10:09

Trainers? Ew! No outside shoes allowed at our pool. Slides.

Mominatrix · 21/10/2019 10:11

You can get Goretex trainers from all the major brands if he must wear trainers. I would have thought that slides or crocs would be more in keeping with poolside footwear.

Original poster
eleflump · 21/10/2019 10:11

Hi - yes - the rule is trainers - seems odd to me and they have asked many times to be allowed to wear slides but it's been refused.

His feet are wet because they stand on on the poolside with water washing over the edges and also have to clean in the wet changing rooms.

OP posts:
Original poster
eleflump · 21/10/2019 10:12

Will have a look at Goretex trainers - thank you.

OP posts:
CMOTDibbler · 21/10/2019 10:13

Goretex trainers and merino socks would be best - the goretex keeps the water out while being breathable, and the merino will let his feet breathe so any dampness comes away from his skin

Original poster
eleflump · 21/10/2019 10:14

Will check out the Sealskinz socks as well - thank you.

OP posts:
sashh · 21/10/2019 10:16

Why are his shoes wet anyway?

Swimming pools tend to be wet.

WomensRightsAreContraversial · 21/10/2019 11:27

@sashh GrinGrinGrin

@Trewser you can wear trainers indoors (or poolside) only 😉

I'm sure you can buy goretex trainers, or I would experiment with treating a pair of his existing ones with a fabric waterproofing treatment.

ErrolTheDragon · 21/10/2019 11:32

Goretex trainers are great, though not cheap. I couldn't find any in my local sports shops when DD appropriated mine (which came from a specialist running shop) but outdoors shops had a good selection.

sashh · 24/10/2019 06:06

WomensRightsAreContraversial

At last I amuse someone that is not just me. OP sorry, I have nothing constructive to add.

I did find these
www.amazon.co.uk/Womens-Barefoot-Swimming-Boating-Surfing/dp/B07MYYKDCN/ref=cts_sh_3_vtp?tag=mumsnetforu03-21

CTRL · 24/10/2019 06:22

How about those stick on feet protectors like these OP

rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F123751249091

reefedsail · 24/10/2019 06:23

He could try sailing shoes. They are meant to let the water in and out, so at least the water wouldn't be held against his skin and his feet would dry off when possible.

Like this. There are loads of different ones. Musto do a number.

adaline · 24/10/2019 07:32

I will say that the problem with Goretex shoes is that they don't breathe very well. He will get sweaty feet especially in a hot humid environment like a swimming pool (I sell outdoor gear for a living and would never recommend Goretex for warm environments as you will just sweat and sweat.

BikeRunSki · 24/10/2019 07:40

Something like these water shoes? Decathlon, Lands End and Regatta do cheaper versions in the summer.

Goretex trainers will make his feet really sweaty. Also, the fabric may be waterproof, but splashes will still get in the tops and around the laces and tongue. I think you need ventilation rather than encapsulation.

Original poster
eleflump · 24/10/2019 08:39

Thanks everyone - I have ordered him some goretex trainers but worried a bit about the sweating issue now that some posters have mentioned. It has to be trainers that they wear - I will look at the goretex ones when they arrive and then maybe try a waterproofing treatment on his current trainers if they're no good.

I need to try and get something sorted before he ends up with the modern day version of trench foot!!!

OP posts: