Silky smooth feet should not be reserved solely for the summer months.
Each year, at the reappearance of the sun, we unsheath our trotters from the confines of thick, fluffy socks and stomping boots and thrust them into open-toed shoes for all the world to see.
After a prolonged hibernation and a less than hands-on approach to their care, it is unsurprising that dead skin has built up, our heels are cracked, and calluses are causing discomfort. When no one is looking at our precious feet, it can be easy to take an out-of-sight, out-of-mind approach. But all that is doing is creating more work when the double-digit temperatures return and leave you with an unavoidable trip to the salon to restore your tootsies to their former glory.
An electric foot file can change this in a matter of minutes. These handy gadgets will result in buttery soft feet in just a few swipes of their coarse heads, harnessing electric power to slough away rough skin in a process that is easy, quick and convenient. Typically waterproof, often alongside a vacuum, they provide a mess-free and seamless way to give your feet the same love and attention that you apply to the rest of the body.
In that vein, we have put the market’s top electric foot files to the test to put them through their paces in regards to user-friendliness, speed and effectiveness. But first, we have called on the experts to answer your burning electric foot file-related questions.
Should you file your feet?
Dr Jo McCardle, Scholl’s Global Medical Expert explains, “The skin on our feet is around 20 times thicker than the rest of the body and when we go about our daily activities, our feet are put under a lot of pressure. The friction causes the skin to thicken even more, providing a natural protective barrier. However, over time this leads to excessive thickening, resulting in a build-up of hard skin. Using a foot file removes this excess hard skin and leaves our skin softer. Apply a specialised foot moisturiser regularly to give you better results!”
David Barton, podiatrist and co-founder of ZeroSole agrees, “Filing your feet can be a beneficial part of your foot care routine. It helps to remove rough, dry skin, calluses and corns, leaving your feet feeling smoother and softer. Regular filing can also prevent these issues from becoming more severe and painful over time. In addition to filling, if you particularly suffer from foot corns and calluses, we recommend that you use an offloading insole (direct pressure relief for your feet) like the one from ZeroSole”.
Do electric foot files work?
Both experts agree that these are highly effective tools for your foot care arsenal. Dr Jo McCardle says, “Electric foot files work brilliantly and are quick and effective at removing the hard skin from our feet. This can be particularly troublesome around the heel area due to the impact of walking. If left, it can crack and become painful. By using electric foot files, this will keep your skin healthy and perfect for removing unsightly hard and dry skin for soft and smooth feet in minutes”.
However, Barton warns, “It's important to use them with caution and avoid excessive pressure, as this can damage healthy skin. Usually, a simple hand-held file will work with most individuals, but electric files do provide speed and convenience. It is purely down to preference.”
How to use an electric foot file
“Make sure that you follow the instructions of the electric file device carefully”, stresses the podiatrist. “We would recommend that you do not apply too much pressure on the area that you are applying the device to for too long. Begin by using the electric foot file at a low speed and gradually increase the speed as needed. Make sure you are moving the file around and take off the file if you feel it’s getting too hot and causing discomfort. Check regularly your feet to ensure you're not removing too much skin, as this can cause pain and discomfort”.
Read More
Dr Jo McCardle advises to “Give your feet a really good wash with warm soapy water, and if you have a few spare minutes give them a short soak. Then ensure you dry them well, especially between your toes; this will also help to prevent fungal infections, and your feet will thank you for it”.
After your filing is complete, Barton recommends “moisturising your feet afterwards and wearing ZeroSole in your shoe or trainer, which is clinically proven to relieve pressure, which in turn relieves pain”. He concludes, “If you experience any issues or want to learn more, we would recommend that you speak to your podiatrist about foot filling and how best to look after your feet.”
Shop the best electric foot files below
