Although called “athlete’s” foot because of how common it is among athletes, anyone can develop this fungal infection. The condition is actually a skin problem. It’s caused by a fungus that thrives in warm, damp environments, particularly places like locker rooms, community showers, and pools. It can grow on the skin of your feet if they are frequently warm, sweaty, and enclosed in shoes. You develop the infection when your skin is exposed to the pathogen and then provides the favorable kind of atmosphere the fungus needs to survive and thrive.