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Treat
Your Tootsies Right!
by Feona Sharhran Huff
 Donning
boots and heels to class can be traumatic on your feet.
So can neglecting to care for them properly, in which
case your tootsies could contract fungi, get corns,
or start to smell really, really bad. But don't worry,
it won't happen to you if you follow a few simple rules.
And, Steve Pennisi of Odor-Eaters, a long-time provider
of footcare products, has five rules for your foot fancy...
Rule
#1: To keep odor down in your shoes,
rotate them. "Don't always wear the same pair for
two consecutive days," warns Pennisi. "Let
[them] air out."
Rule
#2: Don't play sock recycler. In other
words, reusing unclean socks or stockings, advises Pennisi,
is gross. "Socks and stockings are truly items
that are conducive to sweat build-up. They don't allow
feet to breathe."
Rule
#3: Don't go bare-footed. This, of course,
applies when you're going in your dorm bathroom. Since
they are public -- and all the girls on the floor have
to use them -- it's best to wear shower shoes, so you
don't catch athlete's foot or get stabbed with a thumbtack
on the floor.
Rule
#4: Dry those toes! You might think
you're doing something by patting or air-drying your
feet, but Pennisi says you're doing them an injustice
when you don't get squeaky-clean (and squeaky-dry) in-between.
"Moisture that hangs around is food for fungus,"
notes Pennisi, "and dampness causes blisters."
Rule
#5: Lose the heels. Okay, Pennisi doesn't
suggest you do away with your precious pumps completely,
just ease up on wearing them so much. For instance,
if you know you have several classes back to back, and
they're spread out around campus, opt for sneakers or
low heels and call it a day. On a lighter day with one
or two classes in the same vicinity, your heels can
be a glamour go! |
Odor-Eaters:
Simply place the one-size-fits-allers into the insole
of your shoe, and watch them fight odor and wetness.
Birkenstock:
You won't have difficulty ditching those three-inch-high
boots once you slip your tootsies into a pair of Birkenstock
shoes. Known for their comfortable fit and cool look,
they're just the foot hook-up you need. Walking the campus
fantastic in a pair of Sausalito ($139.95), Carlisle ($129.95),
or Madagascar ($129) Clogs will not only serve your feet
with excellent arch support, but will up your college
style. 
ConAir
Vortex®
Footspa:
No doubt your feet will need some tender-loving care after
being in shoes all day long, standing in line at the cafeteria
or financial aid office, or trekking across campus. The
way to relieve your tootsies on a regular basis? Soak
'em in a Conair Vortex® Foot Spa ($59.99). Available
exclusively at any Sears store, it has 26 different spa
settings combining heat, vibration, bubbles, and whirlpool
water jets. 
Essential
Oil Products (EO): Moisturize your newly
treated feet with EO's Revitalizing Lotion ($7.99), which
contains fragrance oils of peppermint and citrus, and
is combined with menthol, mango seed butter, and vitamins
A and E. Your feet will taste, um, feel so good!
Foot
Works: Say good-bye to calloused skin,
thanks to Double Action Intensive Callous Cream ($4.99)
by Foot Works, a brand of Avon. That's because the cream
reduces dryness and roughness of the feet, which ultimately
improves the appearance of cracked tootsies -- in two
weeks, tops! Just be sure to use it twice a day for maximum
relief.
See
who won the FUN FOOT PAK!
