One of the worst things we do to our feet is to put the wrong shoes on them. We often buy shoes more for their looks, style and price than we do for their fit, comfort and protective abilities.



Have you ever sat down at a sidewalk cafe on a busy city street at lunchtime and watched the people (and their shoes) go by? You would be amazed. Women are especially bad in this way.

They wear tall heels and teeter precariously as they walk across sidewalk grates. They wear designer boots that look great but you can see their ankles wobbling inside and hope they do not get a sprain.

Bad footwear choices seem to be in epidemic proportions (based on sidewalk observance sessions) with no signs of slowing. This is a sad statement for our feet.

The fact that we care more about the appearance of fashion than we do about our foot health is just one more indication that Western societies are straying farther and farther from any significant values in life at all. Fashion reigns supreme once again despite the pain and discomfort of the wearer.

Another sign of the times in this matter are the numerous foot pain clinics that seem to be popping up everywhere. There is surely one scheduled regularly at your local pharmacy.

One must wonder at the advice given at these clinics. Is it a throw away all the shoes you own and learn how to shop for shoes? Probably not. If you suffer from foot pain you should, however consider doing just that.

Foot care can include more than just what kind of shoe to wear however. For example the foot often requires different skin care than the other types of skin on your body. Often skin on the heels especially can be calloused and dry.

Most regular lotions do little for the alleviation of this kind of dry skin and products that are specifically designed for the feet may be the best ones to use.

If you have suffered from calloused dry skin on your feet for a long time, you may want to consider something as drastic as having the dry layers of skin buffed off or you can file them off with foot stones and files available at your favourite pharmacy.

After removal of all that built up dryness you have a fresh start with your feet and can moisturize them well and keep the dryness away.

For comfortable feet all day (in beautiful ill-fitting shoes or otherwise) keep your toenails trimmed regularly. Nails that have been allowed to grow too long often rub inside your shoes and create a lot of pressure on your toes.

That will accomplish nothing except making your day seem that much longer until you can get home and rip those shoes off and soak your feet in a warm tub of Epsom salts.

Soaking your feet can be one of the most relaxing and invigorating things you can do for your feet. Whether you go all out and get one of those hot wax foot machines or simply opt for the old tub with some salts or oils in it your feet might just be reminded that even after everything you have put them through, you do still love them in some way after all.

Treat your feet with the respect they deserve. Wear shoes that fit properly and are comfortable for the activities you engage in.

Keep your nails trimmed and do something about those calluses. Love your feet and base all shoe choices on that love above fashion!