If you have ever gone to a trade show as an exhibitor you know what I am talking about when I mention “Trade show feet “. Manning the booth for hours can kill your feet. Choosing the wrong shoes can exacerbate the condition too (read our trade show floor style guide to find out more about comfy shoes). With all that being said here are some tips on minimizing the problem.
Move!
Standing in one place for a long time will cause leg fatigue and swollen ankles. Moving is essential to prevent further damage. Exercising your knees, and flexing and extending can provide a lot of relief. Or take a short walk every so often even if it is just going to the bathroom. Try toe rises as well as ankle twirling ten to fifteen times each. If you have the opportunity platform heel drops are ideal. Also, practice your balance by raising one foot, and bending at the knee with the other.
Hydrate
We can’t stress this enough, get your water people! It is essential to have 8 to 10 glasses of water. It does sound odd, but getting enough to drink will stop your ankles from swelling. A well-hydrated body doesn’t need to hold on to fluids. If you are not a water fan other means of staying hydrated are eating ice chips, eating foods that have high water content, or drinking other fluids. Also, it is of great help if you opt for low sodium foods. Supplement your meal with potassium and magnesium-rich foods like bananas and nuts.
The socks, the shoes, the feet.
Completions socks are widely available and can do a lot of good especially combined with the right shoes. And let’s not forget the magical power of a hot Epson salt soak. Be nice to your feet, share with us how you combat trade show feet.
Happy Exhibiting,
