Words by Sunny Hewlett // Photo by Claudia Love
I never used to think much about my feet. They were just… there. Two reliable little engines at the bottom of my legs, shuffling me through life while I ignored them completely. And then one day, I woke up with a foot that looked like it had declared war on me overnight. That was the moment I realised—maybe my feet deserved a bit more attention than I’d been giving them.
Turns out, the feet are some of the hardest-working parts of your body. They carry you to wherever life drags you, and yet, most of us treat them like an afterthought. Neglect them long enough, and suddenly you’re dealing with bunions, plantar fasciitis, or the kind of pain that makes walking to the mailbox feel like a triathlon. So, I decided to get serious and learn the basics of foot care. Here’s what I discovered:
1. Basic Hygiene
Step one (pun intended) is washing your feet. And I don’t mean a casual rinse under the shower while you’re thinking about your coffee. I mean a proper scrub, like your feet have just survived a small apocalypse. Feet spend most of the day trapped in socks and shoes, which is basically a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. There are many different strains of each, and some pose a risk of fungal infection to healthy nails.
I didn’t always know feet needed actual care. I thought they were sort of self-cleaning. That changed at a sleepover, when, after having removed my shoes, ready for a comfy movie night, my friend’s dog recoiled mid-pet and bolted across the room. Embarrassed I realised the smell I had assumed was the dog farting was actually my feet… That was the night I vowed never to ignore my foot hygiene again.
My new routine? I wash my feet thoroughly every day, especially if I’ve been sweating it out at the gym or hiking. Then I give them the five minutes of love they deserve by moisturising them thoroughly. And here’s a golden rule: always make sure they’re completely dry before slipping on socks. Moist toes are basically a fungal spa retreat. Oh, and public swimming pools and gym locker rooms? Thongs only. No exceptions.
2. Footwear
Next, shoes. I used to think shoes were just decorative. I was wrong. Wearing ill-fitting shoes is like setting up a long-term feud between your feet and your body. Foot misery comes knocking when you shove your feet into cheap, ill-fitting shoes.
Here’s the kicker: most of us have never had our feet properly measured. I had been wearing the wrong size for years without realising it. So, step one: get measured. Step two: if you’re a runner, you’ll need a style of trainer that fits your arches.
I once went hiking in what I thought were “good enough” sneakers. Three hours in, my toes were staging a mutiny. By the time I reached the car, one toe had gone completely numb, and I had a blister the size of a small coin on the other. I limped around like a pirate with a peg leg for a week, vowing never again to underestimate proper footwear. My feet had won that battle, but I learned my lesson.
3. Professional Help
Finally, if your feet are already staging a revolt, it’s time to call in the pros. Start with your GP—they’ll know if you need a podiatrist. Podiatrists are the detectives of the foot world: they examine your bones, tendons, and gait, and may even order an X-ray or CT scan to see what’s going on under the surface. Most treatments are straightforward—topical creams, ice therapy, or special exercises—but catching issues early is key. Occasionally, you might get referred to a physiotherapist if it’s a gait issue, which is basically a fancy way of saying, “You’re walking sucks.”
Caring for your feet isn’t complicated. A little daily hygiene, shoes that actually fit, and professional check-ins when necessary can keep your feet happy, healthy, and rebellion-free. Treat your feet well, they carry you everywhere. And honestly? They deserve it.
This is a partnered post, which helps keep Ramona running on good vibes and internet juice. Partnerships keep the lights on (and the site live), so thanks for supporting independent media!
