We women love our feet almost as much as that weird guy in the subway does. Decked out in the finest Louboutins (or Steve Madden knock-offs), our toes sparkle and shine through open sandals that inspire “oohs” and “aahs” from our girliest of pals. What happens when we take those lovelies off is another story—the dogs are barkin’. Try these preventative measures to pamper your poor puppies before they feel the wrath of the designer shoe.
Slip-N-Slide
Mules—ugly word, great shoes. The summer is primetime for you to break out beloved slides that might seem hassle and pain-free, but what about those annoying blisters that develop on the sides of your feet? Kushyfoot brings us brilliant toe pads (1) ($10.47) that protect your feet right where the slipping and sliding shoe friction is the worst. The pattern on the bottom also massages your feet as you walk.
Just What the Doctor Ordered
Dr. Scholl has been a foot’s homeboy for a long time. But now the good doctor has done a little something for the ladies with his “For Her” line. Rub the Miracle Shield (2) ($5.69)—basically a chap stick for your feet—on the most tortured spots, and even the strappiest of gladiators go from foe to friend.
Tea Time We all do it. It’s the time of year when socks feel suffocating, and it’s so much easier to slide your feet in to those flats or sneaks barefoot. But of course, stink is not the desired outcome. Pat some of Lush’s T for Toes (3) ($10.75) in to your worst offenders and step pretty.
Minty Fresh There’s a reason why almost every body products line has peppermint foot lotion: it’s an ultimate necessity. Our favorite is Body Shop’s Peppermint Foot Mask (4) ($17). Smear this old standby all over your tired tootsies, pop on some comfy socks, and wake up with feet so refreshed and smooth, you’ll almost not want to put on that fierce pair of sandals. Almost.
Avon Calling
You got the central air conditioning installed to cool the rest of your body, what about those poor patooties?! Rest those pavement-pounders after a long day in heels with Avon’s Foot Works Soothing Gel Toe Pads (5) ($4.99 intro special). Leave these suckers in the freezer and when you get home, slide your toes in for some true chill time. Bonus: in the winter you can nuke these bad boys and warm up the ice blocks you once called feet.
Downward Dogs Breathe deep and align your chakras from heel to toe. Slip on some Yoga Toes (6) ($49.95 for one pair) and feel your toes stretch into the shape they’re supposed to be. This will be an unnatural feeling, and you’ll want to run for your nearest pair of heels immediately, but just say your mantra and accept your newfound freedom from shoes. Namaste.
Salvage the Wreckage
Alas, no preventative method—or the promise not to wear those blister-producing shoes again—is fail-safe. Luckily, the folks at Band-Aid are always thinking of us. Their Advanced Healing Bandages Fingers and Toes (7) ($4.99) are the perfect shape to wrap around the most obstinate of blister, and they contain some sort of magical healing gel that, so far, is working for us. Best of all, the super sticky and discreet bandage allows you to slip into the next tormenting pair of Jimmy Choos tomorrow.
I enjoy fun writing as much as the next person, but #6 is misleading. This item "yoga toes" is surrounded by invective that it is connected to natural physiological benefit. While it may feel good to stretch your toes, there is no proven effectiveness to the use of toe stretchers, either in terms of yoga or medical science. In fact, all the major manufacturers of toe stretching products — Yoga Toes, Healthy Toes, and Genki-Kun — essentially only make the claim that stretching your toes will strengthen your feet; which is as revolutionary as saying lifting something heavy makes you stronger.
Not saying toe-stretchers are a bad product, it's just pseudo-healthy.
By the way, the HealthyToes.com toe stretchers are only $30.
8/14/2008 1:28:00 AM
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