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Few things are more relaxing on vacation than kicking off your footwear and basking in the sun by the pool, but if you then get up and walk around barefoot, you could be putting yourself in danger. One foot expert said the practice might leave you in a "distressing nightmare."
Gabriel Miller told The Mirror that the warm, moist areas around pools can be breeding grounds for all sorts of nasty things like bacteria, viruses and fungi. He stated, "Walking barefoot exposes you to pathogens like plantar warts, athlete's foot, and ringworm, which thrive in these conditions. These organisms can easily invade small cuts or abrasions on unprotected feet, leading to uncomfortable and sometimes serious infections."
Along with those painful possibilities, without the friction from flip-flops, sandals or shoes, you put yourself at risk for a fall on the slippery wet surfaces. There's another hazard too, per Miller, "Unexpected sharp edges on pool decks can easily cut skin, making you more susceptible to infections in a high-bacteria environment."
The easiest solution is, of course, to have on footwear as you walk near a pool, taking it off when you get in the water or when you sit, however, that footwear should then be considered contaminated and not be worn elsewhere. Because of all the pathogens on a pool deck that you step in, you risk spreading them around with your shoes. Also, your footwear shouldn't be made of cloth or mesh. Per Gabriel, "Opt for materials that do not retain moisture and are easy to clean."