Podiatrists say these weird things for your feet are so damn clever |
There’s no shortage of buzzy foot-care products online, but it can be difficult to know what actually works — especially for a specific foot problem. That’s where this game-changing edit comes in. We tapped podiatrists for their expert advice and recommendations, uncovering all the weird and clever products you need to address everything from bunions and plantar fasciitis, to ill-fitting shoes. Scroll on to make your feet a lot happier.
01A long handle shoe horn that makes putting shoes on so easy
It might look odd, but Dr. Nathan Tirabassi, DPM, at Integrative Foot & Ankle Centers of Washington calls this shoe horn “classic yet effective — and great for anyone who can’t bend over to put on their shoes.” Designed with a long handle that’s curved at the top and flat at the bottom, Tirabassi says it “allows you to easily slide into your shoes with ease from an upright position.” It can also be used to remove socks.
02Tongue shoe pads for a custom fit
“Felt tongue pads are a preferred option to improve fitting into a shoe that is too large,” says Dr. Adenike Sonaike of Baker Street Health. “If you find your heels slipping out of your loafers and dress shoes, I recommend these.” Backed by adhesive, these won’t slip once you’ve got them in place, and the soft felt will feel comfy against your skin if you’re going sockless. You get three pairs in a pack.
03An exfoliating cream that uses urea & salicylic acid to repair feet
Dr. Nelya Lobkova, DPM, of Step Up Footcare has a recipe for smooth feet, and this cream is key. Formulated with 40% urea and 2% salicylic acid, Dr. Lobkova calls it “the highest concentration available on Amazon” — and it’s achieved best-seller status, boasting over 18,000 five-star ratings. Lobkova suggests applying it at night, wrapping feet in plastic and then popping on socks. In the morning, scrub away dead skin with a pumice stone, and apply a rich moisturizer. Easy peasy.
04Popular resistance bands that can help prevent foot injuries
According to Dr. Nathan Tirabassi at Integrative Foot & Ankle Centers of Washington, this three-piece set of resistance bands can help with tons of foot-related problems. Each color-coded band features a different level of resistance to accommodate your unique needs; Tirabassi calls them “Perfect for ankle sprains, flat foot pain, and strengthening exercises in general,” and suggests using them regularly to prevent future injuries. No wonder the affordable set boasts over 20,000 five-star ratings.
05Ball-of-foot cushions that upgrade the fit of your shoes
If you’re looking to upgrade the fit of your shoes, Dr. Adenike Sonaike, board-certified podiatrist and medical director of Baker Street Health, recommends these cushions. “When placed correctly behind the ball of the foot, they offer relief for ball of foot pain,” says Sonaike. Made from soft gel, an adhesive back helps keep them in place. Plus, they’re washable reusable with proper care. You get two pairs in a set.
06Cushioned heel inserts to keep your feet from slipping out of your shoes
“Pads like these are a cost-effective way to keep people with narrow heels from slipping out of their shoe,” says board-certified Dr. Katherine Hagmann, DPM, of this eight-pack of heel inserts. Backed by over 8,000 five-star ratings, these are crafted from cushioned foam and covered in soft faux suede, with adhesive backing to prevent any uncomfortable slipping.
07Silicone sleeves that can can make shoes comfier on bunions
If you’ve got bunions, Dr. Nathan Tirabassi at Integrative Foot & Ankle Centers of Washington recommends these protective sleeves designed to slide over your big toe. Crafted from flexible silicone gel, Tirabassi calls them a “discrete way to get comfort in your tight fitting shoes”. Washable and reusable, the 10-piece set easily upgrades your footwear.
08A shoe horn that makes it so much easier to put on tight shoes
For tight shoes, board-certified Dr. Adenike Sonaike of Baker Street Health recommends this shoe horn. The curved plastic design fits around the heel of your shoe, making it easier for your heel to slide in — and a handy cord you can grip to pull your shoe on all the way. According to Sonaike, it “protects your fingers when trying to put on shoes that are troublesome.”
09Comfy split-toe socks that can help relieve bunion pain (& double as a toe spacer)
Dr. Mikel Daniels at WeTreatFeet Podiatry recommends these socks for people with “mild to moderate bunions whose main complaint is shoe friction, burning, or redness over the joint.” They’re designed with a split toe and built-in bunion pad. Crafted from stretchy fabric, they’ll be comfy all day, and according to Daniels, they’re a great option for “patients who hate toe spacers, but still need separation and padding.”
10A UV light & dryer that to keep your shoes fresh
This UV light........