The average man pays more attention to his shoes than what goes in them. It’s the way we approach most things. We’ll take pains to dry clean our suits and press our shirts, but not think twice before eating a plate of bacon. Still, we’re notoriously bad at foot care. Statistically, it’s safe to say that you aren’t about to pamper yourself with a pedicure at a spa, so it’s time to take your feet into your own, um, hands. Here’s a no-nonsense, non-dainty foot care regime.
The Manly Pedi
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Soak
Sure, you could just shower—rubbing your feet with an exfoliating scrub like Jack Black’s Body Rehab ($40)—but there’s something delightfully old-timey about sitting with your feet in a tub, pants rolled up, tie loosened. The point is, you want to soften the hardened skin and callouses, so you might as well get something out of it.
Soothe
Let’s be clear: Urea—one of, if not the best moisturizing ingredients for cracked feet—does in fact come from urine. Well, it’s found in urine. But, for our purposes it breaks down scaly skin at the cellular level. It’s odourless, non-toxic, and can be synthesized without, you know, pee. Look for creams with at least 10% urea. Try Eucerin Complete Repair Lotion ($20)
Scrape
There are fancy electronic gizmos that claim to offer the pedicure experience at home (some are even helpfully marketed to men), but a classic pumice stone—like this one from Kaufman Mercantile ($13)—works just as well. There is nothing not manly about scoring away dead skin with volcanic rock.
Scent
Finish with a shot of Penhaligon’s Blenheim Bouquet talcum powder ($35). It will keep your feet soft and absorb excess moisture. Imagine taking off your socks at the end of the day and it being a good thing.
