Some love feet, others loathe them, and the majority of us are impartial. But whether you wear heels to highlight your legs, or you’re a weekend warrior on the basketball court, chances are you’ve had to deal with a foot callus or two.
Most of the time they stem from blisters, or constant wear on areas of the foot. Some are painful, some are functional, but they are all unsightly and can cause embarrassment come time for the perfect open toe or flip flop.
The easiest way to stave off a foot callus is to wear shoes that fit correctly. If you’re in heels 12 hours a day look for a few pairs that aren’t terribly tight around the ball of the foot, and if possible go for a rounded toe instead of the pointed look. A pointed toe will cause calluses in places you didn’t even realize you could get them.
Also look for the new heel inserts, these are great for comfort and fit, and keep the bottoms of the feet from slipping within the shoe, saving you from blisters. For the athlete make sure your socks don’t rub and cause your feet to slip. Remember preventing blisters will prevent calluses in the long run.
If you already have a foot callus or two, and a pedicure isn’t really on your list of must haves, give yourself one. Find a good foot soak, and indulge yourself. Pumice stone is rough enough to remove the scaly, rough skin without causing damage to the softer areas or being uncomfortable.
There are also special pedi tools you can purchase to help take care of the calluses if you don’t want to go the pumice stone route. Remember to soak after the scrub as well, the newly exposed soft skin may be tender at first so take care and keep up with a routine to stave off future calluses.
Like many people, I too have had a toe callus. While the callus did not bother me very much when I was sitting or lying down, it was quite painful while walking, running or even standing on my feet when cooking dinner.