The list of activities that harm feet is long - for both men and women. Sports, exercise, strenuous work, ill-fitting shoes, but also age and certain health conditions can take a toll on foot health. If left unattended, these lifestyle and health factors can lead to extremely dry, rough and sometimes smelly feet, cracked heels, thick calluses and even athlete's foot. Yes, it can be ugly. But what's worse is that untreated feet can have serious consequences, such as ulcers and infections that require medical attention. If this is true for everyone, then why are most men's feet in worse condition than the feet of their female counterparts? It's simple. Effective foot care. While women often prioritize professional pedicures and at-home foot care, many men view basic foot care as a luxurious and unnecessary wellness service. In fact, nail technicians report that only 5.4% of pedicure clients are men. But there is good news for men! Foot care for men doesn't have to be complicated and fussy. With the following basic men's foot care tips, men can keep their feet looking great and maintaining optimal health - all with a less elaborate spa experience.
WEAR THE RIGHT SHOES
This simple tip for men's foot care should be a no-brainer. Wearing the right shoes can make a huge difference to the health of men's feet. Ill-fitting shoes rub and scratch the heels and toes and can lead to unsightly and uncomfortable calluses. This is especially true for men who play sports or engage in other strenuous activities, or if a man's profession requires heavy steel-toed boots that lack flexibility in the toe area.
To choose the right shoes, shop at the end of the day when feet are at their largest (due to swelling) and always bring the type of socks you plan to wear with the shoes. If possible, have your foot measured by a professional and never rely on the stated shoe size alone - always try the shoes on and walk around. Shoes should fit comfortably from all sides. Men tend to have wider feet, so make sure the shoes are wide enough at the ball of the foot, where the foot is widest. Also make sure the area around the toes has enough room (length and height) so that the toes are not constricted and do not rub against the top and sides of the shoe. Finally, look for shoes made of soft, breathable material that allows moisture to evaporate.
KEEP FEET (AND SHOES!) CLEAN AND DRY
Dirty, wet feet are a haven for viruses and bacteria and can lead to undesirable results. Men should make sure to wash their feet daily and keep their toenails neatly trimmed. Long toenails are traps for dirt and bacteria and can get caught on the inside of shoes, lift the toenail out of the nail bed, or cause other injuries.
Every man should make it a habit to clean his feet daily and after excessive sweating, paying special attention to the skin between the toes and the sole of the foot. Choose a foot cleanser that is gentle, has a balanced pH and has antimicrobial properties to thoroughly cleanse the feet of bacteria and dirt.
Even if you're a man who keeps his feet squeaky clean, your feet are still vulnerable to bacteria and odor when they're in a damp shoe! Sweat residue feeds bacteria that can lead to fungal infections and can develop a stubborn, foul odor. If possible, change shoes so they have plenty of time to dry before wearing.
MOISTURIZE REGULARLY
The most important foot care tip for men is to moisturize feet regularly - at least once a day. To properly moisturize dry feet, it is especially important to use dry skin remedies that penetrate deep into thick, calloused, dry skin and moisturize dry feet without making them greasy.
PEELING REGULARLY
Dry, dead skin can build up over time and lead to calluses and deep cracks. For men's foot health, it's important to regularly exfoliate dead skin to reveal the healthy skin underneath. Never cut or scrape dry skin and calluses with sharp instruments such as a rasp or grater, and save thorough exfoliation for professional foot care.
Do not ignore the signs of athlete's foot and nail fungus
Men's feet are not usually pretty, but when a fungal infection is added to the mix, men's feet can go from unsightly to hideous in no time. They often appear in moist, public areas that men usually frequent (e.g., gym locker rooms). Athlete's foot, the most common foot fungus, is characterized by red, flaky skin between the toes that often peels, cracks, itches, and burns. Toenail fungus can start as a white or yellow patch under the free edge of the toenail. As the infection goes deeper, the toenail can become dark, thick, crumbly, and cracked. Fungal infections on the feet only get worse without treatment, so men should recognize the signs and treat the feet immediately.
