Feet that look good come down to a few small habits, done consistently, that take only a few minutes a week. If you post yours, those habits are what keep fans following you, writing to you and, now and then, coming into your backroom.
Whether you just want healthy, comfortable feet or you want them at their best in photos, the routine is the same. Here is the simple version that works.
Wash and dry them properly
Wash your feet daily and dry them fully, especially between the toes, to avoid odor and skin problems.
Exfoliate once or twice a week
Use a pumice stone or foot scrub on heels and soles to remove dead skin and keep them smooth.
Moisturize every day
Apply a foot cream after showering, focusing on the heels, and keep heavy cream out from between the toes.
Trim and shape your nails
Cut toenails straight across and file the edges to prevent ingrown nails.
Let your feet breathe
Rotate your shoes, wear clean socks and go barefoot at home to keep feet dry and healthy.
Wash and dry them properly
It sounds obvious, but this is where foot care starts. Wash your feet every day with mild soap, including the parts people skip: the soles and the spaces between the toes.
Then dry them fully. Moisture left between the toes is what causes odor and skin issues, so take an extra second there.
Exfoliate once or twice a week
Dead skin builds up on the heels and the balls of your feet, and that is what makes them look rough.
Once or twice a week, use a pumice stone or a foot scrub on damp skin to buff it away. Gentle and regular beats aggressive and occasional. For thick calluses, a few short sessions work better than one long scrub.
Moisturize every day
This is the habit that makes the biggest visible difference. After a shower, while your skin is still slightly damp, massage in a foot cream and focus on the heels.
A cream with urea or shea butter works well for dry feet.
Trim and shape your nails
Cut your toenails straight across rather than rounding the corners, then smooth the edges with a file. Straight cuts are the simplest way to avoid painful ingrown nails.
Keep them at a sensible length: long enough to look neat, short enough to stay clean. Our guide on toenail care goes further.
Let your feet breathe
Healthy feet need to stay dry and get some air.
- Rotate your shoes so they dry out fully between wears.
- Choose breathable socks.
- Go barefoot at home when you can.
Small choices like these prevent most of the odor and skin problems that foot care is trying to fix in the first place.
What shows on camera
A close-up is merciless with a few details. Before a photo, check these:
- Heels. Dry, white edges are the first thing a close-up shows. Moisturize the night before.
- Nails. Even length and clean edges read as well-kept, polish or not.
- Cuticles. Pushed back and moisturized, never ragged.
- Soles. If they will be in frame, a quick wipe right before you shoot.
For light, angles and poses, see our guide on taking good feet pics.
FAQ
What is a good foot care routine?
A good foot care routine is to wash and dry daily, moisturize daily, exfoliate once or twice a week, trim nails straight across, and let your feet breathe.
How often should I moisturize my feet?
Daily is ideal, right after a shower while the skin is still slightly damp. Focus on the heels, and keep the area between the toes dry.
How do I keep my feet from smelling?
Wash and fully dry them every day, especially between the toes, wear clean breathable socks, and rotate your shoes so they dry out.
How can I make my feet look good for photos?
Keep up the routine, moisturize the night before, neaten your nails, and shoot in soft side light. Clean, smooth feet always photograph better.
Show them off
Once your feet are at their best, put them to work. On RateMyFeet you can post them for free, anonymous if you want: the community rates them, fans follow the creators they like and come back for more. Learn how to take good feet pics first.