Hidden within our closed-toe shoes, feet are often forgotten during the long winter season.
But as the first ray of sunshine appears and we release them from their hibernation, there’s no better time for some TLC and to restore toes to tip-top shape.
Ahead of sandal season, expert podiatrist Dina Gohil stresses the importance of caring for our feet: “They are your body’s foundation. They comprise 50 per cent of your body’s skeletal structure and 25 per cent of all the bones in the human body are located below the ankle.
“When your feet are in good health, you may not even think about them. However, when they are in pain or look unsightly, it can not only affect your psychological mindset, but may also be a sign of wider health problems such as poor circulation, low immunity or even diabetes.”
Investing in the right tools is crucial in order to create healthy practices toward your feet. The market is awash with at-home sets that contain everything you need for regular maintenance and to repair, rejuvenate and nourish cracked heels and dehydrated tootsies. As part of your self-care ritual, you can set up a foot spa and treat yourself to a pampering polished pedi in the comfort of your own home.
This should start by removing hard skin with an exfoliant, foot file or a pumice stone. If you’re really brave, take the plunge with a foot mask but be prepared that a week after use, you will shed the skin like a snake and while the results are worthwhile, the process is not pretty.
A daily dedicated foot cream that you apply before bed will nourish the area and leave your skin soft and supple, and when massaged into your feet, will be a relaxing experience at the same time. It is also important to cut your nails regularly with clippers or scissors to prevent ingrown nails but beware not to cut too low and to clean your tools as this may cause infections.
For professional results, while relaxing on your sofa and bingeing the latest series of Selling Sunset, browse the best pedicure sets below.
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Dear Sundays Pedicure Kit PK.01
There are 12 pieces in this complete pedicure set for everything you need for a luxury experience from start to finish. The gift-ready collection includes files, gloves, a sanding block, reusable Pumice bars to eliminate dead skin, and even non-toxic polishes that include a base and top coat as well as cuticle serum and quick dry oil. There’s also nail polish remover and cotton pads for when the colour loses its lustre.
Buy now £62.95, Sephora
Cowshed Pedicure Kit
Get the pampering experience of one of Cowshed’s salons at home with this kit. The Soho House-owned label is renowned for its nourishing formulations where this specialised pedicure bumper pack includes a foot scrub, foot cream, and a foot file, all housed in a reusable wash bag. Gift perfection.
Buy now £22.00, Amazon
Seoulista Beauty Rosy Toes Instant Pedicure 18ml 3 Pack
You will have likely included some sort of sheet mask into your facial skincare routine in the past, so why not give your tootsies the same loving attention?
Seoulista’s Rosy Toes Instant Pedicure is encouraging you to put your feet up and relax for 30 minutes while the fuss-free booties get to work treating your digits to a cocktail of efficacious antioxidants - vitamin C, beeswax and Bulgarian rose oil - to heal, protect and revitalise tired toes.
Buy now £23.97, FeelUnique
Voesh Pedi in a Box Aloe
A pedi in a box, nailcare label Voesh has a huge array of scented products for the feet with a six-step routine compactly packed into a travel-friendly set. Our personal favourite is the Aloe for its soothing properties but there is also lemon, chocolate, cucumber, lavender, green tea, and unscented.
Begin with clean feet and make your way through the steps; the Sea Salt Soak, Sugar Scrub, Mud Masque, Callus Remove, Massage Butter and finish with the Moisturizer for the perfect self-care Sunday ritual.
Buy now £8.83, Amazon
Tweezerman Essential Pedicure Kit
Tweezerman is known for its premium tools - and this set is no different. First up is the clipper, made from sharp, stainless steel blades that will stand the test of time for your toenail trimming needs.
Alongside this is not one but three types of files, a professional-like dual-sided option that has shaping and smoothing as well as a stone for budding the soles of the feet to remove rough skin and calluses, and a dual-sided buffer labelled in the order in which they need to be used.
Buy now £15.00, John Lewis
iToncs Electric Foot File Callus Remover
Pull out the big guns when it comes to your footcare with this all-encompassing set. This effective pedicure kit has salon-level tools that are easy to use in the comfort of your own home. You’ll find the electric callus remover with differing speeds and heads - but to make it foolproof, it will stop working if you apply too much pressure in order to protect healthy skin. There’s also an electric foot file that is waterproof so you can use it in the shower and for easy cleaning post-use. The more recognisable pieces included are a range of files for the foot and nails as well as brushes.
Buy now £20.99, Amazon
Cuccio Professional Pedicure Pack Just For You
If you prefer a manual approach to your pedi, the Cuccio Professional Pedicure Pack has got you covered. Different boards, a round disc, a paddle file, clippers, a cuticle pusher and a cuticle oil pen are contained within as well as toe separators so you can truly feel like you are in a luxury salon without moving from your sofa.
Buy now £10.99, Cuccio
Tweezerman Nail Rescue Kit
Don’t let the name fool you, Tweezerman’s offering is more far-reaching than a pair of hair-removing pincers. The brand specialises in high quality tools that will stand the test of time and this pocket-sized kit is no different. The provided equipment can be used for manis and pedis alike and slipped into your hand luggage for a quick fix when you’re jetting off. There’s the Cuticle and Hangnail Snipper, Pusher and Nail Cleaner and Nail File. They may be small in size but they are mighty in durability.
Buy now £23.00, lookfantastic
Riorre Professional Foot Files for Hard Skin
Another three-piece set, this time full of foot files, and foot files alone. Though you’ll have to invest in aftercare elsewhere, at under £10 this set is a great value-for-money option for those with hard-to-treat calluses and dead skin patches. It contains a pedicure foot file, a pumice foot scrubber with a handle, and a hardcore scraper for the toughest of calluses.
Buy now £6.69, Amazon
Beurer FB35 Foot Spa with Aromatherapy
Taking the foot spa experience up a level, Beurer’s electric version uses magnetic field therapy and infrared light function to revive tired trotters. Use the reflexology rollers to untie really sore muscles but if you’re only after a gentle soaking, these can be removed. This model is compatilble with essential oils, bath salts and crystals, so you can tailor your experience to suit you. And there are a trio of pedicure attachments to help you achieve a spa-like pedi without stepping foot out of your front door.
Buy now £50.99, Amazon
