When Your Toes Are Still Mad and the Pavement Was 100 Degrees
I just wrapped my very first pageant as a host, the inaugural Firehouse Fatales, and let me tell you, it was a flaming success in more ways than one. The vibe? Immaculate. The contestants? Absolute knockouts. The temperature? Oh, just a casual 100 degrees in late June in Wyoming.
We were out in the blazing sun all day, surrounded by vintage cars, concrete, and the kind of dry heat that sucks the hydration straight out of your skin. I wore heels basically all day, because of course I did, and I walked several blocks back and forth between venues, handled emcee duties, and made sure everyone had what they needed. I also smiled through it all like my toes weren’t actively trying to escape my body.
By the time I got home, I was sweaty, crusty (literally, I had a salt layer on my face), dehydrated despite gallons of water, and my toes… were numb. Not just a little. We’re talking weird tingles under my big toenails well into the next day.
So what was going on?
Turns out it was a perfect storm:
- Hours of walking in heels on hard concrete
- Scorching heat drawing every drop of moisture out of my body
- Swelling that I couldn’t see but absolutely felt. I couldn’t even fit into a pair of shoes the next day that normally slide right on
- Electrolyte imbalance despite drinking water and even a Gatorade
- A good ol’ dose of nerve compression in my feet
- Not to mention less that two hours of sleep the night before
I had forgotten how much your body can shout at you after the adrenaline of a big event wears off. And this time, it was shouting in Morse code through my toenails.
If this ever happens to you, here’s what to do:
Post-Heel Foot Recovery Checklist:
☐ Rehydrate, for real
Water isn’t enough if you’ve sweated out your minerals. Add in a real electrolyte (LMNT, Liquid IV, or a mix of salt, lemon, and a pinch of potassium powder or cream of tartar).
(Up next I’ll immediately post my favorite summertime electrolyte drink!)
☐ Take your magnesium
This helps with nerve repair, muscle cramps, and those middle-of-the-night Charlie horses I definitely had.
☐ Elevate your feet
Prop your legs up above your heart for 30 to 60 minutes and let gravity help out your circulation.
☐ Soak those feet
Warm Epsom salt soaks are your friend. Add a little peppermint oil if you’re feeling fancy.
☐ Gently massage and stretch
Use your hands or roll a ball under your arch. Flex your toes, roll your ankles, and gently scrub around the nail beds with a soft toothbrush to stimulate sensation.
☐ Wear forgiving shoes
Don’t shove your foot back into anything that compresses your toes. Let them breathe and decompress.
☐ Rest and watch
Numbness that improves over 24 to 48 hours is normal. But if it worsens, spreads, or sticks around too long, talk to a provider.
I’m sharing this not just because it’s helpful, but because I want you to know that even when you’re standing tall (in heels, in public, in a 100° inferno), the crash afterward is real. You can be proud of what you pulled off and take the time to recover properly.
I’m giving my feet the night off and tomorrow I’ll be back in my flats, planning the next big thing. Maybe a little wiser. Maybe a little more hydrated. Definitely with happier toes.
xoxo
-S
P.S. – This year’s Firehouse Fatales event was everything I hoped it would be. We had a full lineup of stunning contestants, a fantastic crowd, and a solid vintage car show to set the scene. From the Pin-up Pitstop to the judges’ scorecards, every little detail came together. My family helped, our sponsors showed up in a big way, and the community really showed us love. It was hot, it was a little chaotic behind the scenes, but it was beautiful. I’m so proud of what we pulled off and already excited for what next year might bring. I’ll be sharing a full recap post soon with more photos, the story behind the event, and how you can get involved next year, so keep your eyes peeled.
Diet Coke and Hair-Spray 