702 Walk the Talk: How to protect your feet (by podiatrist Dr Dennis Rehbock)
If you are walking the talk with us this year, having healthy feet can be the key to a good time.
Photo: Sincerely Media/Unsplash
702 and CapeTalk’s Aubrey Masango speaks with Dr Dennis Rehbock, a podiatrist.
Listen below:
The 702 Walk the Talk flagship event is back on 27 July 2025, hosted by Freedom Park in the City of Tshwane.
If you want to participate in either the 6.7 km, 8 km, or 4 km walk, it is important to practice proper foot care to prevent any injuries.
Dos and don’ts to get your feet ready
DO wear the right type of shoes
Choosing shoes for a long walk is not just about how they look, and the wrong shoes can cause all sorts of problems.
For long-distance walking or running, you’ll want to choose shoes that are specifically designed for that purpose and can protect your feet.
“You don’t need anything sophisticated… but whether you’re doing the 4 km or the 8 km, your feet are going to be comfortable and you’re not even going to know they’re there.”
- Dr Dennis Rehbock, podiatrist
DON’T wear shoes that don’t fit
If your shoes are too big or too small, your feet are going to hurt after a long walk.
A shoe that is too big or wide will allow your feet to slide around and cause blisters, while a shoe that is too small can cause bruising and nerve pain.
DO wear the right socks
A good pair of socks can be as important as a good pair of shoes for a long walk.
These should not be too loose or too tight and should be made of good materials to protect against sweating.
DON’T go barefoot when walking at home
Walking around barefoot can put your feet at a greater risk of injury or accidents.
Wearing the right, comfortable shoes, even at home, can give your feet protection, stability, and support.
DO keep your toenails trimmed
If your toenail is consistently hitting the front of your shoe because it is too long, it can cause some damage.
In some cases, you could get blood blisters under the toenail, which causes your toenail to lift and fall off.
RELATED: Excitement is building ahead of 702 Walk the Talk 2025: Get your tickets NOW!
DON’T forget to let your feet breathe
When you finish a long walk or run, your feet are going to be sweaty and will need some TLC.
Be sure to take off your socks and shoes and wash and dry your feet to prevent athlete’s foot and other foot fungi.
DO stretch your feet
Stretching is so important for our bodies, and our feet are no exception.
A good foot stretch can improve flexibility and circulation, and prevent or relieve pain.
If you want to Walk the Talk and haven’t bought your tickets yet, you can still grab them on our website.
Scroll up to the audio player for more.