Soak it up at home

There’s no avoiding it: the chilly early summer enabled me to hide my feet in boots, runners, and, yes, even wellies, but it’s time for the big reveal — and it’s not going to be pretty. Still, there’s no getting away from it now — I have to dig out my summer sandals.

Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing more I adore than the simplicity of sunny-weather footwear.

The problem is that my feet resemble something wizened and frightened. They are unnaturally pale — like they’ve been dead for the past nine months — they’re blighted with gruesome-looking skin, and my baby toenail is pretending it doesn’t exist. And I am not alone.

According to a study carried out by iReach in Mar 2012, 80% of men and 60% of women say something is wrong with their feet, whether it’s cracked heels, dry skin, bunions or corns.

If I was sensible, I would go to a chiropodist or a very, very good beauty therapist, but I’m embarrassed and I can’t seem to find the time to go and do something that makes me want to hide my feet in the sand.

And so, it’s just going to be me, a foot file, a basin of warm water and some socks that look like they were made for a character in the Canterbury Tales.

Pumice stones can be used to tackle dead skin but have a limited effect. Buffers, such as emery boards, can take a while to get an effect, but if you’re determined to get rid of that rock-hard skin, get a foot file. A good one will deliver results at any time, but they tend to work best after a foot soak, once your feet have been dried and the skin is feeling soft.

They are top notch for getting rid of the stuff that makes your feet look foul, but don’t get into the habit of overusing foot files — once a week should be plenty.

But first the foot soak — the great thing is that despite the decent range of soaks in the shop, you can knock one up yourself in no time, with some epsom salts and essential oils, or you can just go for plain old hot water. And, believe me, there is nothing like coming home after a hard day pounding the streets in sandals than dipping your feet into a lovely warm bath. It’s instantly soothing, and immediately relaxing.

Once you’ve soaked, you can then use your foot file. Or, if that doesn’t appeal, try using a homemade foot scrub with brown sugar or salt and olive oil. I knocked one up yesterday that really worked a treat, especially between my toes. Lovely.

Once you’ve done all this, get yourself a good foot cream to rub in, to maximise the benefits of all your hard work.

You can always use your regular moisturiser on your feet, but a dedicated foot cream will definitely yield better results.

If you fit it all in, it’s best to do the soaking, the filing, and the moisturising before you go to bed. And if you really want feet that are made to impress, then pop on a pair of light cotton socks for bed — you’ll really feel the difference in the morning.

All you need now is a splash of colour on your nails. My favourite for summer? It’s got to be Chanel’s Le Vernis in Holiday — a sizzling orange that is bound to get your feet noticed.