How to look after your feet this summer

Sure, it can get hot and sticky out there — but summer feet don’t have to be gross. Here’s how to master foot care for men so that you can wear your sandals with pride.

Get regular pedicures

Men’s Health has made the case for summer pedicures, and we couldn’t agree more. Not only does all that buffing and soaking feel pretty damn good; it could also be the thing that stops you wincing with pain every time you take a step. A professional pedicure once a month will keep your feet looking respectable (just make sure that your salon uses new tools each time, or that they disinfect them thoroughly between customers, to avoid infection), but the DIY version can be just as effective. Put your cellphone to silent and give your feet your undivided attention for half an hour:

• First, soak your feet for ten minutes or so to soften the skin.
• Gently rub any calluses or hard skin with a pumice stone to remove dead skin cells and ease the pressure.
• Cut your nails straight across (not in a curve) to minimize the risk of ingrown toenails.
• Apply plenty of foot cream; Esquire magazine had a good round-up of the best creams to soften cracked feet.

Leave the tough stuff to the experts

While a regular pedicure will keep toenails and calluses in check, don’t hesitate to see a podiatrist if anything looks a bit weird to you. Ingrown toenails are not a good candidate for at-home surgery; and athlete’s foot and fungal infections may also require an expert eye. And if you have diabetes, callus removal is a task for your doctor.

Keep your feet fresh

Worried about sweaty feet? There’s a bunch of products out there to stop them smelling too funky, from the Shaq O-Neal endorsed Gold Bond to the latest launch from Shark Tank stars Manscaped, who have just dipped a toe into foot deodorizer. Your socks have a part to play, too: Opt for synthetic, sweat-wicking fabrics over cotton to keep your feet dry on hot days.

Sunscreen, then sandals

Feeling good? Once your feet are fit to bare, you’ll want to show them off in the latest sandals, so check out our selection of flip flops, sporty sandals and slides. Finally, don’t forget to apply sunscreen — your toes need protection from those rays, just like the rest of you.