It’s easy to take your feet for granted — until there’s an issue, and then they can’t be ignored. 

Feet are susceptible to injuries, infections, abnormalities and more. Fortunately, there are several easy ways you can keep your feet in toe-rific shape.

1. Wear Comfortable, Well-fitting Shoes – This sounds like a no-brainer, but wearing ill-fitting shoes — especially for long periods of time — can lead to a host of foot problems, from irritating and painful blisters to long-term issues like foot abnormalities. Style should be secondary to comfort and a good fit. The shoes should fit snug, but not tight. Break in new shoes slowly. 

2. Check Your Feet Frequently – Your feet can be one of the first indicators you have that a health problem is developing. If you have a wound on your foot that’s slow to heal, for instance, that could indicate a vascular issue, swelling can mean high blood pressure, stiffness could indicate arthritis and tingling or numbness can indicate type 2 diabetes. Check and make sure that your nails and skin are healthy, and discuss any concerns or changes with your doctor.

3. Wash Your Feet Daily – Use soap and lukewarm water to wash the tops, soles and between the toes. Be sure to dry well between the toes after washing. Even if you forego a daily shower, remember that feet sweat more than other parts of the body that may not need daily cleansing, and washing your feet helps keep skin soft and removes odor-causing bacteria and reduces the risk for fungal infections. You can use lotion or cream to help keep your feet soft and healthy as well.

4. Trim Your Nails Carefully – Trim toenails along the shape of your toe and file down sharp edges. Don’t cut the nails too short, and don’t cut the cuticles (don’t allow the manicurist at the nail studio to cut your cuticles, either). See your doctor or a podiatrist if you have blisters or ingrown nails; never break the skin on your foot yourself.

5. Don’t Share Your Shoes – Your friend’s sneakers or sandals may be totally adorable, but sharing footwear also means sharing bacteria, fungus and other possible foot problems. If you must wear another’s shoes, sanitize them with a spritz of disinfectant spray first and let them dry.

6. Avoid Going Barefoot in Public Places – Your own home can be hazardous enough for your bare feet — especially if your child is really into Legos — but public places can be especially fraught. Broken glass, thorny plants and other hazards can lead to wounds on your feet, and public showers, pools and locker rooms are often breeding grounds for foot fungus. Wear shower shoes or swim socks to keep your feet safe.

7. Keep Sweat in Check – Washing your feet daily helps keep odor in check, but you can battle back against sweaty feet by wearing socks and shoes that let your feet breathe and using powder in your shoes. Feet that are constantly wet can be susceptible to blisters, fungal infections and other issues.

If you have any issues or concerns with your feet, speak to your physician or podiatrist. Foot problems are very common, and treatments are usually very effective.