Spring’s here, the temps are rising, and sandal season is officially back. But after months of stuffing your feet into steel-toed boots and blowing through socks like they’re made of tissue paper, you might not be rushing to show them off. I get it; I’m a trans woman who wears work boots every day, and by the end of the week, my heels are dry, my nails are rough, and my feet just… look like they’ve been through it. I don’t love how they look, so I don’t exactly want anyone else messing with them either. That’s why I do my own pedicures. It’s cheaper than a salon, way more comfortable, and honestly, kind of therapeutic. Here’s how I do it.
Prep Like You Mean It
Start with a warm soak. Not lukewarm. Warm. The water should be warm enough to “melt the stress off your toes.” Grab a basin or your bathtub and fill it with water, then toss in some Epsom salts, body wash, or whatever you’ve got lying around that smells decent. Let your feet soak for 10–15 minutes while you relax; music, Netflix, scrolling your phone, whatever works.
This step isn’t just about softening calluses. It helps reduce inflammation in tired muscles, eases minor joint aches, and gives you a chance to transition from “go mode” into something more peaceful. If you’re feeling fancy, toss in some flower petals, a tea bag, or a dash of apple cider vinegar to make it feel more luxe. You’ve earned it.
If you’ve got some marbles or smooth stones, throw those in too and roll your feet over them. It feels good and helps with circulation. If your feet are extra tired or swollen from long shifts on hard floors, this is a great time to add peppermint oil or lavender for a bit of extra relief.
When your feet feel good and relaxed, you’re ready to take things up a notch, so let’s move on to cleaning up all that dry skin.
Scrub It Down
After soaking, it’s time to scrub like your feet owe you rent. Grab a foot file, pumice stone, or gritty scrub, whatever works. Focus on your heels, soles, and anywhere your boots have done their damage. You’re not trying to baby your feet here; you’re trying to get them back to manageable. Scrub in circles; be firm, but not brutal. Think of it like sanding down a rough board before staining it.
If your feet crack easily, try massaging in a dab of petroleum jelly or a shea butter balm after you scrub and before you moisturize. It creates a nice barrier and helps lock in hydration overnight.
If your heels are super dry like mine, follow up with a thick lotion or foot cream. Slather it on and throw some socks over it for 10–20 minutes to let it soak in. You’ll notice the difference the next morning. You can even sleep in socks for an overnight hydration boost. It might not be glamorous, but it works.
Once the skin is smooth and moisturized, it’s time to zero in on those toenails. Let’s make sure they’re trimmed and trouble-free.
Nail Maintenance, Not Magazine Glam
Trim your nails straight across so you don’t end up with ingrowns. If your nails are jagged or catching on socks, file them smooth with a gentle nail file. Push back your cuticles gently with a washcloth or cuticle stick (soaking makes the procedure easy), and skip trimming them if you’re not sure—no one wants a nicked toe.
This is also a good time to check for any damage or changes. If you notice discoloration, thickening, or painful pressure, you might be dealing with a fungal infection or other nail issue. It’s worth checking out early, especially if you’re in work boots all day, where moisture can build up fast.
Wipe your nails down with rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover before polishing. It helps remove oils so polish sticks better. Or skip polish entirely if that’s not your thing. This step is about maintenance, not a glam makeover. But even if you’re skipping polish, clean, filed nails just feel better, and no more holes in your socks.
Feeling good about the nail shape and health? Now comes the fun, or optional, part: adding some color.
Paint If You Want To
If you’re in the mood to add some color, now’s your chance. Go with whatever feels good—bold, subtle, clear, or nothing at all. Start with a base coat, then two thin coats of polish, and finish with a top coat. Let each layer dry fully, or you’ll smudge the whole thing two minutes later putting your sandals on.
Personally, I rotate between black, burgundy, or clear depending on how I’m feeling. But there are no rules. Paint if you want. Skip it if you don’t.
If you struggle with steady hands, try toe separators or do one foot at a time while resting the other on a pillow. Don’t rush it. This part is just for you. And if you mess up? That’s what remover is for. Perfection is a scam.
Once you’re polished or simply content with your clean-up job, it’s time to lock everything in and build a routine to keep it going.
Keep It Going
Once everything’s dry, rub in some cuticle oil or a little lotion around your nails. Treat your feet like they belong to someone you actually want to keep around. You’ve earned it. Especially if your feet usually get ignored until it’s too late.
Think of this like maintenance on a car; you don’t wait until the tires blow out to check the pressure. A little upkeep now saves you from major issues later. Especially in warmer weather, doing this every couple of weeks helps prevent buildup of dead skin, cracked heels, and the kind of funky smells that make you want to keep your shoes on even at home.
But speaking of smells, let’s tackle one of the most persistent foot problems head-on.
Foot Funk Be Gone (Dealing with Odor and Sweat)
Let’s be real. If your feet live in boots all day, things can get funky. Sweat, bacteria, synthetic socks, and tight shoes all team up to create the kind of odor you notice before you even get your boots off. To fight back, start with daily hygiene: a quick wash with soap and water every night makes a huge difference.
Rotate your shoes when possible and let boots fully dry between wears. Switch to breathable, moisture-wicking socks made of merino wool or bamboo when you can; they help control moisture without holding onto the stink.
Foot powders or sprays can also help keep things fresh. And if your insoles are holding onto smells, pull them out and let them air dry, or replace them entirely. Sometimes it’s not your feet—it’s the gear. Don’t forget to disinfect your shower or bath space regularly too, especially if you live with others.
And if you’re ever in doubt, the vinegar soak trick (1 part vinegar to 2 parts water, 15-minute soak) can help neutralize odor-causing bacteria naturally.
Fresh-feeling feet are the perfect way to finish off your DIY pedicure and maybe even give you the confidence to actually enjoy sandal season.
Top 5 Must-Have Pedicure Products:
- Own Harmony Electric Callus Remover: Game-changing for rough heels and calluses.
- O’Keeffe’s Healthy Feet Foot Cream: Heavy-duty moisture for cracked, dry skin.
- Harperton Nail Clipper Set: Sharp, ergonomic, and durable.
- Essie Nail Polish: Quality polish with lots of bold and neutral color options.
- Dr Teal’s Epsom Salt Soaking Solution: A relaxing and affordable soak to start any pedicure off right.
The Bottom Line
You don’t need to love your feet. You don’t need to post them on Instagram. But giving them some care now and then isn’t just good hygiene; it’s a reminder that even the parts of us we don’t like still deserve attention. So, grab your tools, set the mood, and take care of your feet like they’ve been carrying your whole life around. Because they have.
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