At The Feets, we know how much dads love their sports, whether it’s a weekend football match, a morning run, or a round of golf. But new research reveals that many dads are overlooking a crucial part of their athletic performance and recovery: their feet.
The Sports That Put the Most Stress on Feet
Our analysis shows that football, running, and golf are the biggest culprits when it comes to foot strain. Here’s why:
- Football: A full match keeps you on your feet for nearly two hours, covering an average of 7 miles - plus the risk of tackles, twists, and turns.
- Running: A 10K race means 58 minutes of pounding the pavement (or trail), logging 6.21 miles of impact.
- Golf: A leisurely round? Not for your feet! Walking 18 holes takes 4 hours and covers 4.5 miles, often in damp conditions.
Add in the UK’s unpredictable weather, and even amateur sports can leave feet battered and bruised.
The Hidden Dangers of Ignoring Foot Care
It’s not just injuries like sprains or fractures that cause problems. Neglecting basic foot care—like treating blisters, sores, or athlete’s foot—can lead to bigger issues. When your feet hurt, you naturally adjust your stride to avoid pain, which can cause:
- Muscle strains
- Nerve irritation
- Back pain
- Hip and knee imbalances
And if left untreated, minor issues can snowball into chronic conditions.
Dads & Sports: The Stats
Our survey of 2,381 UK dads found:
- 68% play sports regularly (with golf, football, and running being the most popular).
- 64% say they experience more discomfort as they age.
- 70% take precautions to avoid injuries - but often forget their feet.
The Body Parts Dads Neglect Most
Despite feet bearing the brunt of athletic activity, they’re the most neglected body part:
- 27% admit to overlooking foot care.
- 23% neglect their back.
- 22% don’t properly care for legs, knees, or ankles.
Yet, these are the areas that cause the most post-sport pain:
- 54% feel it in their legs, knees, and ankles.
- 24% suffer from foot pain.
- 10% deal with back discomfort.
Worse still, 83% of dads regret not taking better care of their bodies when they were younger.
Expert Advice: How Dads Can Protect Their Feet
It’s great that so many dads like me stay active, but neglecting foot care can lead to unnecessary pain. Issues like blisters, athlete’s foot, and cracked heels don’t just hurt - they change how you move, increasing injury risk. Prevention is key: proper foot care before, during, and after activity keeps you moving comfortably for years to come.
3 Simple Steps for Healthier Feet
- Prevent, Don’t Just React – Use foot balms, powders, and proper socks to avoid blisters and athlete’s foot.
- Check Your Footwear – Worn-out shoes lose support, increasing strain. Replace them regularly.
- Recover Smart – After sports, wash and dry feet thoroughly, and use moisturisers to prevent cracks.
Play the Long Game
If your dad loves his sports, remind him: taking care of his feet now means more games, runs, and rounds in the future. A little TLC goes a long way!
How does your dad take care of his feet? Share your tips with us!
