State fairs are jam-packed full of fun for everyone. Where else can you see – cows, horses, and pigs, or the largest pumpkin or watermelon grown, or handmade quilts, homemade baked goods, or other arts and crafts? Then there’s all the amusement rides for kids of all ages – the ferris wheel, the merry-go-round, and all the fast, spinning ones that make you wish you hadn’t eaten before getting on them. And, of course, what would a fair be without food? Roasted corn on the cob, elephant ears, cotton candy, and all the various fried concoctions they can think of. Just thinking about it, I’m sure you’re ready to go.
But how many times have you left previous state fairs with sore feet from all the walking? So this year, be prepared. By following the tips below, you’ll have a great time, and your feet will thank you.
1. Agree to a to-do list.
Ask everyone in your family or group what they most want to do, see, or eat. Then plan the best route to complete your list. This should eliminate any unnecessary trips back and forth across the fairgrounds.
2. Dress appropriately.
This summer, since several states are having record high temperatures, dress in comfortable, light-weight clothing that will help keep you cool.
Wear walking shoes that fit well, but leave enough room for your feet to expand during the course of the day. You don’t want to wear shoes that are too tight since they may cause blisters or calluses. Although it’s summer, the state fair is not a good place to wear flip-flops or sandals. These types of shoes can be thin and flimsy with little to no padding between your feet and the ground. Plus, they provide little to no arch support for your feet. By walking on hard, flat surfaces for a long time in flip-flops and sandals, you can cause an abnormal strain on the bottom of your feet, resulting in pain. And there is no protection from injury if something is dropped on your foot or if you should trip.
3. Pack light.
But remember to take sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, refillable water bottles, and wet wipes. In case of blisters, you may want to pack Band-Aids and/or moleskin. If it’s hot, take a spray bottle filled with water to mist yourself and the kids from time to time to cool down. If it might rain, take an umbrella or rain ponchos.
4. Make travel and/or parking easy.
The parking lots at many state fairs are free or inexpensive, so park as closely as you can to save on walking. Or, you may want to take advantage of park-and-ride options. Also, take advantage of any onsite transportation, like tractor shuttles, to get around the fair.
Plus, remember the little ones, their feet get tired and sore, too. So, take a wagon or stroller with you. Or, rent one inside the gate if you don’t want to schlep
your own.
5. Sit down often. 
Give your feet a rest from all the walking by sitting down whenever you eat, or when you’re in air-conditioned buildings to cool down a bit. Although the rides are often short, they, too, can give your feet a little break.
6. Drink plenty of water.
Your body uses water to help keep it at a normal temperature and to cool your muscles, so drink water throughout your visit at the fair. If the weather is especially hot, you may want to look for fitness drinks that replenish your electrolytes as well.
7. Don’t overdo it.
Remember, you don’t have to do it all. Listen to your body. If you find that your feet and legs are starting to get sore, it may be time to go home before you cause any serious injury. Also, in hot weather, you can tire quickly, so pay attention to your heart rate, breathing, and body temperature.
8. Have fun!
Above all, have fun at the state fair, but use common sense to keep your day enjoyable. And if you really want to know how much you walked at the fair, wear a pedometer. You may be surprised by how many steps you made.
9. Consider wearing ezWalker® Performance Insoles.
If you suffer from any foot conditions, like corns, bunions, heel or arch pain, you may want to wear ezWalker® Performance Insoles in your shoes. ezWalker® insoles are ultra thin and ¾ in length, so they easily fit into any footwear, including athletic or casual shoes. The ezWalker® insole is customized to each of your feet – providing you with the exact support your feet need. With proactive use of performance insoles, every step you take at the state fair will be biomechanically correct – reducing your risk of foot pain and protecting your feet from possible injury. Order your ezWalker® Performance Insoles today.
Don’t let foot pain ruin your time at the state fair. Put an ezWalker® in your shoes and put a smile on your face. Because … when you feet feel good, you feel good.
