Barefoot Season is Here: How to Get Pretty Feet at Home for Summer
- jennysmithmattfeldt
- 4 hours ago
- 5 min read
By Jenny Smith Mattfeldt | Published May 15, 2025
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Cracked heels, dry calluses, jagged nails—absolutely not. Summer is coming, and we need our feet locked in. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good pedicure, but sometimes there’s just no time. And since I’m barefoot 90% of the time, my feet need to look good all the time. The good news is you don’t need to spend hours (or a fortune) to get them right. A few quick, effective steps at home can keep your feet soft, smooth, and sandal-ready without the extra hassle.
Now look, I don’t want any judgment here—this is a safe space. My feet were looking rough, which made them perfect for this little experiment. We’re talking cracked heels, calluses on the balls of my feet, a little discoloration, and nails that have definitely seen better days. A tragedy. But don’t worry—we’re about to fix all of it.
Step 1: The Foot Soak ACV + Epsom Salts
First things first—we’re starting with an Epsom salt and apple cider vinegar soak. Why? Because ACV helps soften calluses and break down dead skin while Epsom salts work their magic to relax and refresh. A Foot Bath isn't necessary you can just use any bowl or a bucket but they are so decadent, and if you ever need a gift for a busy woman in your life they make an amazing gift.
Here’s what you’ll need:
½ cup Epsom salts
1:4 ratio of apple cider vinegar to water
A few drops of lavender and tea tree essential oils – for the vibes and because they’re antibacterial, anti fungal, and smell amazing.
Soak your feet until they feel soft and the calluses loosen up— this will make removing them so much easier.
Step 2: File Away the Evidence
This is where the real work happens. If your feet have been through it—think rough calluses, dry patches, and general neglect—this step is non-negotiable.
You’ve got two tools to choose from, depending on how intense the situation is:
Pumice stone – A gentler option, perfect for maintaining soft feet after a good soak. It’s more of a slow-and-steady approach, so don’t expect instant results if your heels are looking like sandpaper.
Foot file – The heavy-duty tool. If your calluses are really putting up a fight, this will take them down quicker. You can use it on dry feet, but if you’re new to foot filing, I recommend doing it after your soak when your skin is softened (less chance of overdoing it and making things worse).
Whichever tool you choose be gentle—this isn’t a race. Focus on areas with the most buildup (heels, balls of your feet, anywhere that gets rough), and use light, circular motions. Your goal is smooth, happy feet, not to sand them down like a DIY project.
Step 3: Take Care of the Toes
Now that your feet are soft and prepped, it’s time for some detail work. This is your moment to clean up those cuticles and get your toenails in check. But listen up—there’s actually a right way to do this, and if you’ve ever dealt with an ingrown toenail (painful), you’ll want to pay attention.
Push back your cuticles – Your cuticles should be nice and soft from the soak, so use a cuticle pusher (or even the edge of a towel) to gently push them back. No aggressive trimming here—we’re just tidying up, not performing surgery.
Trim your nails (but do not get fancy with it) – The golden rule? Cut straight across. Curving the edges seems like a good idea, but that’s the fastest way to end up with ingrown toenails, and we do not have time for that.
Smooth the edges – After cutting, use a nail file to lightly round out any sharp corners. This helps prevent snagging but still keeps your nails in that safe, straight-across shape.
This step might not be the most glamorous, but trust me, it’s essential for keeping your toes looking clean, healthy, and pain-free.
Step 4: Exfoliating Cream
Now that your feet are soft and prepped, it’s time to lock in that smoothness with a good exfoliating cream. This step is key if you actually want to keep your feet looking good instead of just fixing them up once and letting them go feral again. The secret weapon? Salicylic acid—a gentle but effective exfoliant that helps break down dead skin over time, meaning fewer calluses in the long run.
Here are some solid options:
Aveda Foot Relief – A luxe, hydrating option that smells amazing and keeps your feet soft.
CeraVe SA Cream – Budget-friendly, packed with salicylic acid, and dermatologist-approved.
But if your feet are dealing with serious cracks that need healing, not just filing, go for:
Kerasal Intensive Foot Repair Cream – Derm-approved and highly recommended by Dr. Sam Ellis. She swears by this, saying clients message her shocked at the results after just one night. If your heels are splitting, this is what you need.
And if you’re in the mood for something extremely satisfying:
Baby Foot Peel – If you’ve never tried this, prepare for a crime scene. It’s a derm-recommended foot peel that makes all the dead skin literally shed over the course of a week. It’s kind of gross but also so effective and an easy way to really prep for summer.
Step 5: Oil Them Up
Now that we’ve scrubbed, soaked, and exfoliated, it’s time for the grand finale—locking in all that moisture with castor oil. This stuff is deeply hydrating, packed with fatty acids, and works absolute magic overnight. If your feet have been looking rough, this step is going to change the game.
Here’s what to do:
Warm up a couple of tablespoons of castor oil – You don’t have to heat it, but warming it slightly helps it absorb better and feels amazing.
Massage it in – Really work it into your heels, the balls of your feet, and anywhere that tends to get rough. Take your time—this is basically a mini spa moment.
Lock it in – Slip on a pair of socks to trap the moisture while you sleep. This keeps the oil from rubbing off on your sheets and helps it penetrate deeper into your skin.
Do all of these steps in one go, and your feet will look brand-new by morning. Trust me—if this routine could transform my feet, it will work for anyone.
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