It is that time of year again when I see feet on display all around me. As a reflexologist, I often pay particular attention to the feet I see paraded in front of me during the summer months. And chaps, I have to say, I do not always like what I see. Sadly it appears that women seem to understand the importance of foot care more than most men. The majority of the women I know have pedicures all year round, not just in the months when their tootsies are showing. I wish I could say the same for us fellas.
Let’s start with the nails, shall we? Toenails are basically human claws that assist us with proprioception. Which is a fancy way of saying they help us balance. Despite the wolf-like appearance of several men I know, toenails grow surprisingly slowly. As opposed to fingernails which grow four times faster, the nails on our feet only grow around one to two millimetres per month. Which invariably speeds up in the summer, sadly.
They are many good chiropodists on the island, and as always, word of mouth is the best recommendation. Ask the person with the prettiest feet who they see and book yourself in. As we stand on average four hours per day on our poor little feet, looking after them is not the luxury we were once led to believe. In my eyes, it is a necessity. A good chiropodist will not only prevent you from such problems as the dreaded ingrown toenail, (agony for those of you who have escaped the horror), but they can also prevent injury by advising you on appropriate footwear and a decent health care regime.
Talking of footwear. Us poor chaps never seem to get it right do we? The ultimate summer crime used to be socks and sandals, no? However, I see many young whippersnappers waltzing up and down the Sliema seafront wearing what can only be described as rubber swimming sandals with white socks. I have no idea how this particular trend started, but it needs to stop immediately. Sartorially speaking there are a few simple rules I like to follow, should you be interested. Sandals and flip-flops are fine for the beach, never for a restaurant. Take note. Loafers are perfectly acceptable for most of your evening sojourns. But keep them simple. Leather-soled in sober colours are the safest bet. Bright yellow rubber-soled shoes are great…if you happen to be a clown.
So gentleman. With a little word in your ears about how to look after your feet, and what to put them in when marching around in the summer heat, I can only assume the next time we meet I will be suitably impressed with your impeccable choice of footwear, and the beautiful hooves that are contained within. You simply have no excuse.
