Podiatrists say these weird things for your feet are so damn clever

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.

“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.

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.

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.

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.

“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.

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.

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.”

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.”

This UV light and fan combo looks like something from a sci-fi movie — but it’s actually a useful gadget Dr. Nathan Tirabassi at Integrative Foot & Ankle Centers of Washington likes for helping rid shoes of bacteria. “Convenience is key,” he says. “Using the UV light to clean and the fans to dry your shoes, you can help reduce the amount of fungus infecting your toe nails and skin on your feet.” The foldable design has two arms, so you can sanitize both shoes and socks.

Dr. Peter Talisse, DPM, podiatric foot and ankle surgery specialist at Ankle & Foot Centers of America, recommends these no-tie elastic laces. “They keep the shoe secure but still flex while you're actually walking,” says Talisse, who calls them “a solid option if you need a more specific fit across the top of your foot.” And metal turn buckles keep the adjustable design securely in place. Choose from a range of colors to match your sneakers.

Crafted from real volcanic lava stone, this two-pack of pumice stones upgrades your at-home pedicures — and Dr. Nathan Tirabassi at Integrative Foot & Ankle Centers of Washington recommends using it regularly. “Daily maintenance of hyperkeratotic tissue, also known as callus, can be a great way to prevent them from coming back so frequently,” he advises. A handy rope at the end allows you to hang it on a shower hook for easy storage.

“I recommend these to all my patients and own them myself,” says Dr. Hira Mirza at CLS Health, of these futuristic slides. They’ve got over 5,000 five-star ratings, and it’s easy to see why. “They provide cushioned support and shock absorption, which can help reduce strain on the plantar fascia and heel,” Mirza says. More than practical, the chunky 1.7-inch platform sole is low-key chic.

• Available sizes: 6 — 12
• Available colors: 2o+

“For painful cracked heels, I recommend the Pedestrian Project Cracked Heel Repair,” says double board-certified podiatrist Dr. Anne Sharkey of Solely Podiatry. “Heel fissures are more than cosmetic,” says Sharkey. “They can be quite painful and even lead to infection if left untreated.” Formulated with shea butter and mango butter, this easy-to-apply stick balm helps repair skin, leaving it moisturized and smooth.

Dr Mohammad Usman, DPM, at Michigan Avenue Podiatry, recommends these shoe inserts to treat pain that can accompany plantar fasciitis or peripheral neuropathy. He calls them “effective and non-invasive,” and says they offer ““comfortable arch support.” Crafted with two cushy layers of memory foam, they’ll upgrade your footwear for a surprisingly low price.

Dr. Mikel Daniels, DPM, of WeTreatFeet Podiatry suggests incorporating a foot roller like this into your daily routine: “It helps work the tight band of tissue under the foot.” The curved design cradles the arch, while the textured surface acts as a massager. Daniels finds this effective for a variety of foot issues, sharing, “I bring this up for plantar fasciitis, tight arches, and runners with sore feet who need a consistent home stretching program.”

“Toe spacers are a simple way to keep toes from rubbing and creating painful corns,” says Dr. Katherine Hagmann — and she recommends these hypoallergenic silicone spacers. The notched design can be placed wherever they’ll provide the most relief, and in a pack of 15, you can always have some at the ready.

“Arm & Hammer Shoe Refresher spray is an amazing product,” says Dr. Nelya Lobkova of Step Up Footcare. “It doesn't mask odors with any added scents but absorbs them and smells neutral. I spray it everywhere [...] inside shoes, sports bags, cleats, etc.” The spray uses baking soda to naturally freshen, so it’s safe to use on everything from sneakers to heels. You get three bottles in a set.

“Rolling your foot out on a massage ball can help break up scar tissue and relieve tension along the plantar fascia band, reducing pain and preventing further inflammation,” says Dr. Nathan Tirabassi at Integrative Foot & Ankle Centers of Washington. He suggests this three-piece set of massage balls, crafted from natural rubber, advising: “Put the massage ball in the freezer to add a cooling effect.” Genius.

Dr. Hira Mirza, DPM, of CLS Health calls compression socks “my life hack for younger legs and pain-free feet,” and recommends them for everything from swelling and pregnancy to long flights. Crafted from soft and supportive material, this four-pack comes in chic neutral shades that make them as fashionable as they are practical. With 15-20 mmHG, they offer moderate compression in a graduated design.

• Available sizes: Small-medium — Large-X-Large
• Available colors: 35+

Dr. Joshua K. Hollinger, DPM, board-certified podiatric surgeon at Rothman Orthopaedics recommends this lotion for dry, cracked heels; formulated with lactic acid and ceramides, he says it “penetrates the skin deeply to moisturize and repair cracks and fissures.” No wonder it has over 10,000 five-star ratings. And according to Dr. Hollinger, “Amlactin lotion was only available by prescription up until a few years ago.”

Dr. Nathan Tirabassi at Integrative Foot & Ankle Centers of Washington recommends this eight-pack of silicone sleeves for anyone with bunions on the outside of the foot. Designed to slide over the pinky toe, Dr. Tirabassi says, “these will prevent irritation or pressure from causing further pain at these sites.” And the flexible design works in everything from flats to heels.

“Silicone toe caps look a bit strange, I'll admit, but they're incredibly helpful for runners, hikers, or anyone with sensitive toenails,” says Dr. Peter Talisse of Ankle & Foot Centers of America. These toe protectors are crafted from soft and flexible silicone. “It's a huge help if you're recovering from a damaged nail,” he shares. The 12-pack offers a variety of sizes, to accommodate all your little piggies.

“I don't advise using peels on the feet because they excessively remove essential oils,” says Dr. Nelya Lobkova of Step Up Footcare; instead, she recommends these foot masks. “These hydrating disposable socks are easy to apply and they simply hydrate,” she says. Infused with coconut oil and milk extract, they leave feet soft — and you can toss them when you’re done. With six pairs in a pack, you’ll be able to nourish your feet every week.

Consisting of an elastic loop connected to a curved pad, these toe crests fit securely around your toes. According to Dr. Nelya Lobkova of Step Up Footcare, they’re “great for hammertoes but also after toe fractures!” Lobkova shares, “The pad helps you naturally and painlessly curl the toes over it, almost like a brace for the toes.” You get three pads in a pack.

Dr. Mikel Daniels of WeTreatFeet Podiatry calls this ice pack “a practical way to ice the foot.” And it’s chock-full of useful features. “Instead of balancing a loose ice pack under the heel, this wrap secures around the foot and gives cold therapy to the heel and arch, up toward the ankle,” says Daniels. “The gel stays flexible, so it actually contours to the foot instead of feeling like a frozen brick.” The criss-cross strap adjusts to fit practically any foot.

This foot file is a favorite ‘why didn’t I know about this sooner?’ products for Dr. Anne Sharkey of Solely Podiatry. It’s crafted from glass, which Sharkey prefers over metal versions, calling it “easier to control and safer for routine maintenance.” The dual-sided design can be used wet or dry — and easily rinsed to keep it fresh and clean.

“People can experience sharp first-step pain in the morning because the fascia contracts while sleeping,” says Dr. Hira Mirza of CLS Health. “A night splint keeps the foot gently dorsiflexed, reducing that morning pain.” Crafted from neoprene, with adjustable Velcro straps, this splint offers a gentle stretch that could be a game-changer for anyone with plantar fasciitis.

If you’ve got shoes that are overly flexible, try out this pair of insoles, recommended by Dr. Nathan Tirabassi with Integrative Foot & Ankle Centers of Washington. “The carbon fiber footplate reduces the stress and strain on the big toe joint by stiffening the shoe, which limits excessive movement in the big toe joint,” says Tirabassi. At 1.3-millimeters, the thin design easily fits into your shoe, to provide relief for everything from arthritis to bone spurs.

• Available sizes: 4-4.5 — 13.5

“This cream was actually introduced to me by my kid’s pediatrician for eczema and now I recommend it for multiple ailments on the feet,” says Dr. Nelya Lobkova of Step Up Footcare. According to Lobkova, “the highly concentrated tea tree oil component is effective for athlete's foot,” while bacillus ferment helps exfoliate and vitamin E works to repair and rebuild stressed-out skin.

Dr. Katherine Hagmann has a weird and totally useful tip for treating the bacteria that causes toenail fungus: apple cider vinegar. “Soaking feet in a 1:1 mixture of warm water and apple cider vinegar two to three times (or more) per week is a great way to help treat nail fungus,” says Hagmann. Already a pantry must, this all-natural product is an easy add-to-cart.

You might guess these miniature resistance bands are doll accessories — but according to Dr. Nelya Lobkova with Step Up Footcare, they’re very useful. Each of the five bands has a different level of resistance. “The stretch of the big toe it provides activates the plantar fascia in the arch of the foot which is very important for all activities including walking,” Dr. Lobkova says.

When it comes to shoes, Dr. Anne Sharkey of Solely Podiatry says, “Proper fit makes a bigger difference than most people realize.” She recommends these cushions, noting, “This particular product is great for improving fit in shoes that are uncomfortable at the ball of the foot. The soft, adhesive-backed foam design is easy to insert and stays put. “It’s an inexpensive fix that can extend the life of a pair you already own.”

If your feet tend to get sweaty, Dr. Nelya Lobkova of Step Up Footcare recommends this deodorant cream — which is free of aluminum and alcohol. Lobkova says “it works well as an astringent to dry out the foot,” and one application can keep feet fresh for up to seven days. You get two long-lasting creams in a set.

“Strassburg socks can be worn to help stretch tight calf muscles that contribute to foot and ankle pain,” says Dr. Katherine Hagmann. These feature a stretchy band that extends from the toe and threads through a loop at the top of the shaft, which you can adjust for just the right amount of pull. “Generally, these are worn overnight but even wearing it a couple hours per day while resting like watching TV can be effective,” says Hagmann.

For that pair of too-big shoes you love, Dr. Katherine Hagmann has a solution. “To help take up space in a shoe that is too roomy, I recommend the addition of something like this Spenco insole,” she says. Crafted from thin, lightweight nylon, these orthotic inserts help fill the extra space in your shoes, and prevent uncomfortable rubbing.

• Available sizes: 5-6.5 — 11-12.5

Dr. Hira Mirza of CLS Health calls toe separators “super helpful for temporary relief in patients with bunions or overlapping toes,” adding that “they can reduce friction and discomfort.” This pair is crafted from smooth silicone, in a design that fits around your toes like a sleeve — so you won’t have to worry about them shifting. As a bonus: They work well for at-home pedicures, too.

“Sometimes a shoe looks and fits perfectly but doesn’t have enough arch support, or more often can’t accommodate an orthotic insert,” says Dr. Joshua K. Hollinger at Rothman Orthopaedics. “These scaphoid pads simply stick directly onto the inner liner of the shoe to provide subtle arch support.” Crafted from breathable wool, with secure adhesive backing, these are an easy shoe upgrade.

Dr Mohammad Usman of Michigan Avenue Podiatry has a surprising trick for helping treat athlete’s foot: “Applying Vicks to the affected area and wrapping with plastic wrap overnight seems to do the trick!” Formulated with camphor and eucalyptus oil, Usman says “multiple patients have told me that they have found relief with this,” calling it an “inexpensive household item that actually works wonders.”

“Any patient that has painful calluses or feels like they are walking on the metatarsals (bones) of their feet [...] can wear these pads to help offload the pressure,” says Dr Mohammad Usman of Michigan Avenue Podiatry. Backed by skin-safe adhesive, these have a smartly designed notch that fits around the callus. “We use and recommend these a lot in our clinic because of how effective they are,” he adds.