Sandal season is right around the corner, and there’s nothing worse than slipping your feet into your favorite open-toed shoes to discover that they still should be covered up with socks and boots. No need to be shy. Take matters into your own hands and get to it with these foot helpers, which will leave your feet looking perfect in next to no time.
Plump Up Your Soles
Our feet take a beating, especially if they’re subjected to hours upon hours of pointy shoes and stiletto heels. New York dermatologist Tatiana Khrom, MD, says that while heels can make legs look longer, leaner and more beautiful, they strip away the protective padding under the skin, which can lead to pain and discomfort, especially when walking or running. “To restore that padding, some doctors inject hyaluronic acid fillers, or even Radiesse, to restore the shock-absorber padding between the bone and the outside world,” says Dr. Khrom. Sometimes referred to as a ‘stiletto lift,’ she says it offers relief for about one year.
Hydrate Your Feet
Slathering your feet in a supermoisturizing cream or lotion is a must—if not, the soles of your feet and your heels will become dry and cracked. “Skin on the feet is much thicker than the rest of the body. Proper hydration is very important because feet are exposed to so many elements like heat, cold, dirt and sweat, which can all strip the skin and make it hard and cracked,” says Dr. Khrom. Treat your feet to Kora Organics Rejuvenating Foot Balm to hydrate dry, callused skin. The cooling balm also makes tired, achy feet feel that much better. $25, koraorganics.com
Get Rid of Dead Skin
In some cases, your feet need more than lotion and a good scrubbing. And, that’s where Baby Foot comes in. Infused with a blend of 17 natural extracts, the do-it-yourself foot peel booties exfoliate your feet to remove dead skin and revive cracked heels. Slip your feet into the presoaked booties, secure them closed, relax for one hour and rinse clean. Now, for the magic: About three days afterward, your feet will slowly shed dead skin, which can last for one to two weeks. Totally pain- and itch-free, the amount of dead skin your feet will flake off is mind-blowing. As the process comes to an end, your feet and heels will be soft, smooth and free of any nasty cracks—it’s like having new feet! Word to the wise: Avoid open-toe shoes at all costs and forgo any and all workouts that require being barefoot. $25, babyfootusa.com
Stop the Sweating
Botox has a myriad of uses and it works wonders for getting sweaty feet under control—something you definitely don’t want to have exposed come sandal season. “Botox can be injected into feet to temporarily solve excessive sweating. It’s a quick, in-office session that helps for about six months,” says Dr. Khrom.
Beautify With Polish
Once your feet are looking their best, it’s time to make them pretty with the finishing touch—polish. Try Nonie Crème Colour Prevails nail polish, created by manicurist Nonie Crème, which features long-lasting formulas and no harsh chemicals. $8, walgreens.com
