School's Out. Pool's Open. Socks are Off.
It's warming up in the Midwest and if I'm not in my New Balance sneaks, you can usually find me with my toes exposed! These little piggies can hardly wait all winter! One of the many perks of working with shoes is getting a first look at all the new styles. I chose my favorite sandal for the year back when snow was still on the ground. It's the Freeport. No it's the Salina! ... or maybe the Margot... or the Petra! Eh. Who says you have to have one favorite anyway?! Those are my styles but the sandals can't do it all alone. For fabulous summer feet you have to do a little prep work as well.
Below I've listed some tips on getting your pigs out of their blankets for summer fashions and fun. 

1. Soak feet in warm water 7-10 minutes.
2. Pat dry with a clean towel, not forgetting between the toes.
3. Trim the nails straight across, not on a curve to avoid ingrown nails.
4. DO NOT use sharp instruments on calluses! This can cause infection.
     Instead use a pumice stone for the really tough spots.
5. Apply lotion, such as Khepra foot balm with essential oils, for good foot health.
     Repeat in the AM and the PM. Massage into cuticles as well but take care not to apply lotion
     between the toes.

Beware of Flip Flop Tendonitis! Adapting your feet to flip flops or sandals from closed toe shoes can create extra stress on the shin muscles and calves. Your feet aren't used to having to work to keep the shoe on and balanced. When moving into open toe shoes as the warmer weather approaches, wear them gradually and give your muscles a chance to adapt and get back into the "strut" of summer fun. This will help avoid painful shins or tendonitis of the leg. 

Use these tips throughout the warm season for good foot health!
And if you're feeling extra saucy put on some polish! Nobody likes naked toe!

For more advice on Foot Health click here.