Mind What’s Far Below the Waist!
Roman sandals are believed to be the first footwear specifically designed to fit the foot. Constructed with cork soles and leather straps, sandals were the same for men and women. Fast forward to the 21st century; A tribute to sneaker culture – sneaker look aside the one thing we share with our running friends is how often we spend laced up in gender neutral phat shoes!
While comfort and style reign today, the sock and sneaker suffocation and abrasion do a number on your feet, so it is ultra-important to give them plenty of TLC.
So outside of finding a perfect shoe fit, swapping your ol’ sneakers and changing your socks, what can one do? Here are some good foot care practices regardless of your gender. Also, if you’ve just begun to run or are an avid runner these can help keep athlete’s foot or tinea pedis at bay!
- Trim and clean dirt under your nails. Wash and thoroughly dry your feet, especially between toes, daily, as well as whenever you complete an exercise routine.
- Wear shoes and socks that let your foot breathe. Think moisture wicking or choose socks made of natural fibers such as cotton and opt for canvas or leather shoes – Forgo plastic & rubber shoes. Wear slippers in public areas and padded airy slippers at home for some sole loving.
- Callus is natural but manage an overgrowth with a foot scrub. Whatever you do, do not shave calluses and bunions. Well-fitting shoes are essential.
- Epsom salt soak helps some runners, but the downside is that it can make your feet dry. Definitely moisturize after. The best time to moisturize your feet, says Stephanie Marlatt Droege, D.P.M, to Runners World is immediately after a bath or shower. “Applying moisturizer at that time will help retain some of the water from your shower”.
- For tea lovers, steep 5 tea bags in a liter of boiling water for five minutes. Let cool to lukewarm, then soak your feet in this ‘tea bath’ for 15-30 minutes. Tea contains tannic acid, a natural astringent that works wonderfully for sweaty feet.
- To curb itch from sweaty feet – make a baking soda paste, rub it between toes and rinse and dry. Curb sweat and stink with antiperspirant or cornstarch on your feet. Yes, you read right – keep an extra deodorant for your feet!
- Tea tree, Calendula and Oregano oil are great natural alternatives with antifungal, antibacterial and antiseptic properties.
- Give yourself – or better yet get a foot massage from time to time. For a luxurious feel, take the time.
Natural treatments are great preventative measures before the need to hit the podiatrist or the pharmacy! Hiding behind a pedicure does not count – nothing wrong with a little beauty ego but getting the foundation right for regular foot care is vital.
So, look down past your waist and ponder… “These feet are made for walking ….and how good do they actually look?” Now do not put your foot in the mouth!!
