Wearing sandals and going barefoot may feel great in the heat—but for many people, it leads to one frustrating symptom: back of heel pain in summer. If your Achilles tendon or the skin around your heel starts acting up once warm weather arrives, you’re not alone.

This type of pain is commonly caused by Achilles tendonitis, a condition that results from overuse or stress on the tendon that connects your calf muscles to your heel. Long walks on hard surfaces, poor shoe support, and increased activity levels during summer can all contribute to inflammation. Switching from supportive winter footwear to flat sandals or flip-flops often removes the heel support your feet rely on—putting even more tension on the tendon.

Another potential culprit? Haglund’s deformity, often called “pump bump.” This condition involves a bony enlargement on the back of the heel that can rub painfully against stiff shoes or sandals with straps. It’s especially common in women and athletes, and summer footwear often makes the symptoms worse.

At Gauld Foot and Ankle, we take heel pain seriously. We perform a full evaluation to rule out stress fractures, bursitis, or other structural problems. Treatment might include rest, heel lifts, custom orthotics, or a stretching program tailored to your activity level. If your pain persists, we may recommend diagnostic imaging or advanced therapies to reduce inflammation.

Don’t let heel pain keep you from enjoying your summer. Book your appointment at Gauld Foot and Ankle for lasting relief and expert care.