Six foot-care tips that every girl should know

It is scientifically proven that whatever the disease diagnosed, feet can be the first organ to show obvious signs and symptoms. Women’s skin care routine is one of a kind and feet care is no exception.

There are a few things all women must consider while caring for their feet.

·         Moisturize them - Moisturizing the feet can keep them hydrated and reduce dryness or chapped skin. This is very important not only for the “looking good” part of it, but in terms of good health as well.

·         Fight fungus - It is obvious that during the rains or even otherwise, wearing closed footwear or caring a little less due to sheer laziness can expose feet to fungal infections. It is very important to fight these microbes off the feet! There are many anti-fungal creams, liquids, powders and sprays available.

·         Use sun-screen - Using sun-screen of SPF of at least 30 while going out in the sun can save feet from getting tanned or discolored, especially while wearing open footwear like sandals or flip flops.

·         Toe nails matter - Caring for the toe nails are also important. Do not completely take off the cuticles during a pedicure session, rather, gently push them back. Also, clumsily trimming the nails can lead to ingrown nails and can hurt.

·         Make feet care a routine - It is not enough to care for the feet once in a while or during a pedicure session. Care for the feet on an everyday basis. Apply lotions and foot creams ever day before and after a bath. Make sure the feet are dry before wearing socks on.

Feet care is very important as it can be the first step to a healthy and hygienic lifestyle.

Wear footwear that aid in caring for the feet. Check out the latest collection of mens footwear, women and kids at the nearest VKC store or visit www.vkcgroup.com

Why do Indians like to wear sandals so much?

Indians personally love to wear sandals because it’s comfortable and easy to wear. It is not comfortable to wear socks and shoes all the time. The weather in the country is hot most of the year and it only makes sense for people to avoid wearing shoes all the time and get rid of sweaty feet. If it’s not hot in India then it is definitely raining. Wearing shoes and socks during the rains and walking around in drenched feet almost all the times is a big NO NO!

Moreover in India, there is a tradition of removing footwear before entering into temples and people generally remove footwear before getting into the house. So, in these cases sandals are an easy pick!
Wearing shoes and keeping your feet covered all the time in the Indian climate will make your feet itchy and sweaty! Wearing shoes on every day basis is impractical. Now we know why most people prefer sandals over shoes. 

Another major reason for people choosing sandals over shoes is the wide variety of options available in the market. There is a huge variety of sandals out there in the footwear world and one can choose from different varieties and colors which will complement all kind of outfits. Also, most sandals are less expensive than shoes. One can buy up to 2 to 3 pair of sandals at the cost of one shoe. 

When it comes to price, sandals are very cheap and it is easy for everyone to afford. Own a pair of sandals and you are ready to go anywhere at any time. Moreover it is a matter of sustainability more than fashion.

How sandals affect the way we move

It’s almost impossible to imagine a utopian society baring it all- feet wise. We have become so accustomed to wearing shoes, sandals etc. that we cannot imagine going out without them and also this makes us pay lesser and lesser attention to the impact of footwear on our feet and us. And these days one of the most used forms of footwear is sandals which will be put under the microscope here.

Our feet are designed to work while moving: by landing on the ball of the foot and using the flexibility of the joints, and the strength of the muscles to provide balance, shock absorption, and stability.

Sandals position our feet away from our natural gait by constraining certain parts of our feet depending upon the type we are using. When barefoot whether it is walking, running, jogging or jumping our toes spread out and the feet expand and adapts to the terrain we are on. Sandals with narrow or stiff constructs prevent this process from happening and so create a sense of instability. 

Added to all that overly restrictive sandals may cause the muscles, joints, bones and the nerves to cram together which may lead from being thoroughly uncomfortable to injuries. People may experience issues ranging from general foot pain to having hammer toes and other such problems can be attributes of constrained feet. 

But facing reality and for the sake of practicality we cannot be without sandals. Hence here are a few ways in which to ensure we have the right pair(s) with us:

1. Examine the base or sole of the sandal. The base should match your foot shape and should be broad enough to provide proper support. A thicker sole with a low heel are required to provide you with a good amount of shock absorption and protect your feet in motion.

2. Next comes the length of the sandal and you must make sure that it is a perfect fit for your feet. Do not buy one size small or big just because the right size isn’t there or for any other aesthetic reason. Incorrectly sized sandals may cause friction which will lead to painful blisters on the feet.

The ideal length should be such that the end part should mould around your heel and the toes stay firmly inside and on the base of the sandal

3. One of the most important parts that define a good sandal is its arch support. Ensure that the sandals have an arched contour to provide enough support to the arches of your feet. Not enough support can lead to strained arches which in turn will be affected with a myriad of foot problems. 

4. Lastly look for adjustable straps like a buckle or a Velcro. This guarantees the food is anchored in the right spot in the shoe for optimal stability and support even as the material softens with wear.