Our feet are often the most neglected part of our body, yet they carry us through our daily lives. It’s important to take care of our feet, not just for aesthetic reasons, but also for our overall health and well-being. Here are some ways to keep your feet soft and callus-free.
1. Make sure you’re wearing the right shoe size.
First, it’s important to check if your shoes fit properly. Shoes that are too big can cause rubbing and friction by allowing your feet to move around. At the same time, tight shoes can lead to bunions. Make sure you choose a bigger size whenever purchasing new shoes, as your feet may change in size as you get older.
2. Don’t forget your socks.
Wearing shoes with no socks can lead to friction on your feet. That’s why it’s advisable to always wear socks with your footwear; they’ll ensure that these fit properly and don’t get bunched underneath.
3. Opt for socks and shoes rather than sandals.
Wearing sandals too often can lead to calluses for two main reasons. First, they allow your feet to slide and move around, creating the type of friction that results in a dead skin buildup. And second, your feet are exposed to the open air, which can dry them out.
Therefore, it’s advisable to prefer wearing socks and shoes, as this will allow your skin to get the moisture it needs to prevent calluses. If you still want to wear sandals, moisturize and exfoliate your feet at the end of the day, and make sure to give your feet a break from this type of footwear from time to time.
4. Choose the right shoe style.
Experts recommend wearing rounded or square-toed shoes instead of pointy-toed styles, as the former can reduce friction on the toe area by providing enough room around this particular section.
5. Keep your feet exfoliated and moisturized.
Exfoliating your feet with a gentle scrubber, stone, or loofah can help your skin shed naturally. Just remember to let these foot care tools dry out and sanitize them regularly. Also, replace them after 1-2 months of use.
At the same time, moisturizing your feet can prevent roughened skin from thickening and help skin cells loosen up and shed.
6. Wear protective foot pads.
Check whether your shoes have proper insole padding. If you notice friction between certain parts of your feet and your shoes, use non-medicated corn pads, bandages, or lamb’s wool to protect the problematic areas. You can wear these coverings in between or on the surface of your toes, as well as on your soles.
