Songkran Warning: How to Prevent and Handle “Shoe Suction” Injuries During Water Festival Celebrations

As Thailand celebrates Songkran, many festival-goers are enjoying water splashing in the streets, but one surprisingly common issue keeps returning every year, the so-called “shoe suction” problem, when wet slip-on sandals or rubber shoes become stuck tightly to the foot or ankle after prolonged exposure to water.

While often joked about as a funny Songkran experience, the problem can cause real discomfort and even injury. In some cases, people may experience swelling, redness, pain, blisters, or skin abrasions if the shoe is removed improperly.

Why does this happen?

The condition is most often seen with sandals or slip-on footwear made from rubber, EVA foam, or plastic materials. After being soaked in water for a long time, especially when mixed with powder, dirt, and friction from walking, the footwear may:

๐ absorb water and expand slightly

๐ increase friction against softened skin

๐ create a suction effect between the foot and the shoe

๐ become tighter if the foot or ankle swells after long periods of walking or standing

As a result, the shoe may feel unusually tight and difficult to remove.

What should you do if it happens?

Health advice recommends staying calm and avoiding forcefully pulling the shoe off, as this may worsen swelling, tear the skin, or cause infection Instead, the following steps are recommended:

๐ Sit down and raise the affected leg for about one minute to reduce swelling

๐ Gently try to remove the shoe

๐ Pour soapy water over the foot and shoe to reduce friction

๐ If the shoe still cannot be removed, carefully cut it off rather than pulling hard

๐ Keep the leg and foot as straight as possible while removing the footwear

If skin injury occurs afterward, such as abrasions, blisters, or bleeding, the area should be cleaned immediately with clean water or saline, dried gently, and protected with antiseptic or a dressing to prevent infection.

How to prevent “shoe suction” during Songkran

To reduce the risk, people joining Songkran activities are advised to choose footwear that is:

๐ not too tight around the foot or ankle

๐ made from quick-drying materials

๐ non-absorbent

๐ slip-resistant

๐ secure enough to prevent shifting or twisting while walking

Shoes with straps or closed-toe water-friendly designs may offer better protection than tight-fitting slip-on sandals, especially in crowded festival areas where feet may also be stepped on.

A small problem that can turn into a painful one

Although “shoe suction” may sound humorous, improper handling can lead to skin damage and infection, especially when feet are exposed to dirty water during festival activities. As Songkran celebrations continue, choosing the right footwear and knowing basic first aid can help keep the holiday both fun and safe.

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