The 5-step guide to keeping your tootsies healthy and odour-free

Our feet are the pillars of our foundation. They’ve walked us countless miles, and probably endured a lot more than was necessary. Although they seem to work the hardest, taking on the most impact day in and day out, they’re often the most neglected of all our fleshy appendages. Whether you’re guilty of unsupportive foot ware, the wrong type of socks, improper nail care or lazy hygiene rituals, there’s always some way you can better care for your tootsies.

Follow these steps as your quick guide to the happiest feet you’ve ever felt!

Happy Feet Nº1

Foot ware

No matter if you’re heading out on a relatively short grocery run, or preparing for another day at work, choosing the right shoes will make a huge difference in the short and long run. Quite simply, the supportiveness of your shoes determine how well you walk, and what posture you acquire. With each step you take, there is an impact that travels up the legs and into the vertebrae. Ensuring these vibrations are beneficial for the body, particularly the back, is vital for holistic care.

The key points to look out for when buying new shoes start with how they make you feel when wearing them, and end with these next tips:

• Sufficient arch support. The arch of the foot is a mechanical marvel that acts as both a shock absorber and balancing mechanism, keeping it properly supported will help maintain its health, reducing foot fatigue and pain.
• Soft soles. Hard, rigid shoes that offer little or no bounce are actually making things worse. Opt for quiet, lighter shoes with insoles that pillow the foot.
• Have your feet measured. For a never better fit, have your feet measured at a trusted shoe store, and buy shoes from their own company line. This way you’re getting quality and consistency, and it’s definitely worth the money for shoes you’ll be wearing on the reg.

Happy Feet Nº2

Prevention

The feet are subjected to large amounts of sweat, bacteria and fungus, and then left for it all to fester in an often non-breathable environment. It’s fairly easy to catch a toe fungus, or god forbid a verucca, from a public area. The best way to avoid contagion without getting too paranoid, is simply to be mindful of where you’re treading. If you have to share facilities, or end up in a low-star hotel with dodgy looking showers, sparing 5-10 bucks for some wet shoes is totally worth not catching any nasties.

I recently got these online, and have had to use them more often that I originally thought. They’re actually pretty handy, lightweight, and dry super fast. I can proudly say I am fungus-free! Don’t risk it people…

Purchase link here.

Happy Feet Nº3

The professionals

Speaking of fungus, there are certain indications to watch out for. If you notice your nails are thickening, changing colour or emitting a less than pleasant odour, you could be harbouring some unwanted guests. Don’t panic, because the treatment is pretty easy and pain-free. Book an appointment with your local GP or podiatrist/chiropodist if you’re not sure, as they’ll be able to identify any issues instantly. The smart thing about involving the medical professionals is that they can prescribe the correct treatment based on your specific situation.

Usually, all that’s involved is a fungus-zapping nail polish that you pick up at the pharmacy and apply daily. In more severe cases, it can involve oral medication to help fight the problem from the inside out. The good news is that in every case it is treatable! So, don’t let anything fester. Spot it, catch it, sort it!

Happy Feet Nº4

Pampering

In my opinion, pedicures should be mandatory. Not only do they make your feet feel great and look great, they also serve as a health purpose. During a quality pedicure you will have the millions of hardening dead skin cells removed, hang nails sorted, cuticles tidied and cleared of obstructions, and the nail beds tended to. A nail technician will often be able to spot any abnormalities and alert you to any issues that need to be checked out.

When booking a pedicure appointment, make sure the salon has high hygiene standards and uses quality products. Often, this will be reflected in the price, but it doesn’t hurt to ask what their process is to ensure you’re not walking away with more than you bargained for.

Happy Feet Nº5

Sock policy

Usually it’s cheap shoes that will cause a real stink when you take them off at the end of the day. The other worst offender however, is the type of socks you wear. Cheap, synthetic materials are really not helping the matter. To ensure you’re getting the right type of socks, look for the following:

• Made from 100% natural fibres
• A high thread count
• Takes the shape of your foot

These points are often advertised as cotton rich, breathable and comfortable. Remember that a good quality pair of socks can last a lifetime (if you don’t manage to lose them in the mystery of the laundry process), so don’t feel bad for spending more than you usually would. Your feet really do deserve the best.

With the right type of socks you will greatly reduce the amount of accumulated sweat, bacteria and festering of potential diseases from taking hold. Maintaining dry feet throughout the day is vital in cases of athletes foot for example. Keeping the feet as dry as possible also means a massive decrease in foul smelling odours. Now that’s happy feet!