As winter boots give way to sandals, it’s the perfect time to refresh your foot care routine. Don’t let open-toe season catch you off guard this year—start repairing dry feet and cracked heels now so your feet feel comfortable, supported, and sandal-ready as soon as the weather warms up. 

Everyday Foot Health: Preventive Care for All Ages

Keeping your feet ready for spring starts with daily foot care. Here are a few simple habits that can make a big difference when it comes to keeping your feet in tip-top condition:

• Use a gentle foot cream or balm daily to manage dryness and support healing for stubborn cracked heels. Flexitol Heel Balm and Glysomed Foot Balm help restore hydration and strengthen the skin barrier, keeping feet happy all year.
• A mild physical exfoliant, like a body scrub, used regularly on the feet, helps remove rough skin and keep feet soft without resorting to harsher chemical exfoliants. Remember to moisturize after!
• Quality nail tools, like the Kiss Professional Pedicure Kit, keep nails trimmed and clean, which can help prevent ingrown nails and irritation.
• Dr. Scholl’s Odour Destroyers Medicated Foot Powder and other odour-control products can help keep feet feeling fresh as temperatures rise. Simply shake the powder in your shoes and go! 

LD Tip: See a Pharmacist for Foot Care Tips 

Not sure which products are right for you? London Drugs pharmacists can offer guidance on minor foot ailments, fungal concerns, and choosing appropriate foot care solutions. 

Step Into Active Comfort: Support for Busy, On-the-Go Feet

Our feet support us day in and day out—it’s time to return the favour! Overall comfort and mobility start with healthy feet, and as outdoor activity increases in the spring, foot care is especially important.

Choose Proper Footwear and Support

Start with preventative measures by making sure your footwear fits properly and matches your activity level.

• Check your fit! Shoes that are too tight, too loose, or worn unevenly can contribute to discomfort and strain.
• Get your gait checked, too. Many running shoe stores offer free gait analysis to address concerns for wear and tear on your feet.
• Adding insoles is one of the quickest ways to boost foot comfort and help reduce strain during long walks or runs. Insoles from Dr. Scholl’s or Profoot provide more arch support and padding than many insoles that come with shoes.
• Supportive insoles may also help relieve pressure associated with plantar fasciitis, easing stress on the heel during extended periods of walking or standing and providing plantar fasciitis support.

Prevent Blisters Before They Start

Blisters are distracting, and they’re often unavoidable when breaking in brand-new footwear.

• First things first: blister prevention. If you know where blisters tend to form, apply blister pads from brands like 2nd Skin before irritation begins.
• Instead of wearing your new kicks for an eight-hour shift or 5k run right out of the box, break them in gradually. Wearing new footwear for shorter periods helps reduce friction and pressure, leading to a comfier fit (and happier feet!) in the long term.
• Moisture can increase rubbing inside shoes and contribute to blister formation. Moisture-wicking socks and products like Gold Bond Foot Powder can help keep feet dry and reduce friction inside your shoes. 

Support Recovery After Activity

Recovery and aftercare are important parts of maintaining your feet. Start a post-activity routine to keep your feet ready for whatever comes next. 

• Lean back and relax in a bath with an EcoEssentials Epsom salt soak to help ease soreness and reduce fatigue. Epsom salt helps ease muscle tension all over—not just your feet!
• After soaking or showering, follow up with a foot cream to help replenish moisture and maintain healthy skin. Slather your cream of choice over your feet, toss on a pair of thick socks, and hop into bed—incorporating overnight moisture into your bedtime routine is the perfect hydration pick-me-up for feet that need a little extra TLC.
• Treat yourself to something extra special with a device like the Homedics foot massager, which can help relax tired muscles and support post-activity recovery. Your future self will thank you! 

Foot Care for Diabetes and Circulation Needs

People living with diabetes may be more prone to concerns with their lower extremities, including the feet, so regular, attentive foot care is especially important. Many of these habits are simple steps you may already be practicing or can easily add to your routine. 

Focus on Moisture and Skin Protection

Dry skin and irritation can make feet more vulnerable to cracks or minor discomfort, so keeping feet moisturized is a great place to start.

• Apply moisturizing creams regularly to help maintain healthy skin and prevent dryness. Choose gentle, non-irritating formulas designed for sensitive or compromised skin.
• Pay extra attention to heels and pressure points, where dryness and cracking are most likely to occur.

Support Circulation and Reduce Swelling

Circulation concerns and swelling can sometimes affect the lower legs and feet, especially for people living with diabetes.

• Compression socks can help improve circulation and reduce swelling in the feet and ankles.
• Seamless or cushioned socks can help reduce friction and protect the skin from irritation inside shoes.

Perform Daily Checks for Small Changes

Regular at-home foot checks can help catch small concerns before they become larger issues.

• Inspect feet daily for cuts, sores, redness, or swelling. Incorporating this into your morning or nighttime routine makes it easy to remember.
• Look between toes and around the heels, where irritation may go unnoticed.
• Address minor concerns early and speak with a pharmacist or healthcare provider if you notice changes in your feet.

LD Tip: Support Foot Wellness with Expert Guidance

London Drugs pharmacists can offer guidance on diabetic foot care routines and help identify when it may be appropriate to seek additional care. You can also get a consultation for compression sock fittings. 

For general foot care recommendations, organizations such as the Canadian Podiatric Medical Association provide helpful guidance on maintaining healthy feet.

Build Your At-Home Pedicure Routine

Self-care is an essential part of many wellness routines, and foot care deserves just as much attention as skincare. A spa-worthy pedicure doesn’t need to be a rare luxury—you can build an at-home routine that ranges from simple to indulgent with a few easy steps.

1. Cleanse

Start with a soothing soak to relax your feet and soften the skin.

• Choose uplifting bath and body products, such as bubble bath or bath bombs, in citrus or mint scents to refresh tired feet.
• Opt for calming options such as lavender or eucalyptus for a relaxing soak.
• Add Epsom salts to help reduce odour and ease minor aches.
• Soak for 10 to 15 minutes to soften rough skin, then exfoliate.

2. Exfoliate

Dead skin can make skin feel rough and dry—foot scrubs help slough off buildup, smooth rough patches, and improve overall skin texture.

• Gentle exfoliants, such as sugar or salt scrubs, are an ideal choice for regular use.
• For deeper exfoliation and heel repair, try foot peels from Profoot or Baby Foot to remove dry skin and improve texture over time.

3. Moisturize

Proper moisturization is essential for helping maintain soft skin and preventing dryness from returning.

• Target problem areas like pressure points. Common pressure points include the middle of the ball of your foot, the middle of your arch, and your heels.
• Use products like Gold Bond Healing Foot Cream for cracked heels.
• For deeper hydration, apply foot masks like the Freeman Flirty Feet Mask, or use an overnight foot balm, once or twice a week. These can be especially great if you’ve just done a foot peel.

4. Maintenance

Trimmed nails and smooth heels help stretch the results of your routine into the week ahead.

• Trim nails straight across to help prevent ingrown nails. Brands like Sally Hansen offer a bounty of nail care products to keep your hands and feet looking and feeling good.
• Smooth rough heels with electronic pedicure tools like the Amopé Pedi Perfect Foot File. These devices can help smooth rough heels quickly and safely.

LD Tip: Check Out LDExtras for Foot Support and More 

Regular foot care doesn’t just improve appearance—it also helps you notice changes in your foot health early. Check your LDExtras account for seasonal offers on foot care essentials and collect points on select products this spring.

Shop Foot Care Products at London Drugs

As winter comes to a close, it’s time to focus on repairing the damage from winter dryness as you get your feet sandal-ready. Build a new routine or refresh your existing regimen with new tips and products that’ll have you warm-weather ready in no time. Shop foot care products at London Drugs to find products that support your spring foot care routine. 

If you’re experiencing mild discomfort or have questions about choosing the right products, London Drugs pharmacists can offer guidance on foot health and minor ailments this spring.