As the winter chill dissipates and the vibrant sights and sounds of spring arrive, it’s time to get your feet ready spring and for wearing open shoes. Having your feet in thick socks and shoes over winter can leave them looking neglected, so here are 5 footcare essentials to put a spring in your step.

1. Exfoliate your feet

Start by giving your feet a really good exfoliation to get rid of all those dead skin cells. Before exfoliating, soak your feet in warm water and Epsom salts for 15 to 20 minutes. Lightly scrub your heels with a pumice stone, a really good footcare essential to have at home. Soak, clean and dry your feet thoroughly, especially between the toes. You could also combine Epsom salts with some olive oil to make a paste that can be rubbed over the foot to exfoliate the skin if you don't have a pumice stone.

2. Moisturise your feet

Before going to bed in the evening apply heel balm like Kroko Heel Balm which is specially formulated with Urea and Vitamin D to lock in moisture. Another alternative is petroleum jelly but this can be messy. For extra moisturising, wear socks over the heel balm to lock in the moisture while you sleep.

3. Trim your toenails correctly

Treat yourself to an at-home pedicure. Cut your toenails. It is important,to cut them properly or you could risk painful ingrown toenails. Use good quality, clean clippers and cut your nails straight across, leaving them long enough for the corners to lie loosely against the skin on the sides. Don’t cut them too short, don't round the edges, or cut them into a V-shape.

4. Inspect toenails for changes

Take some time to inspect that your toenails haven’t thickened or changed in colour. If so, this could be an indication of a fungal infection which needs to be treated by a medical professional. A good way to prevent fungal infections is by keeping your feet clean and dry. Add some Kroko Foot Powder to your feet and shoes as this absorbs the sweat and kills the bacteria that result in fungal infections. Or try the refeshing, cooling Kroko Footspray Your feet to keep your feet fresh, dry, odour-free and spring-ready!

5. Wear proper footwear

Your shoes must be comfortable. This doesn’t mean they must be completely worn and tattered. If they are, it’s time for a spring clean and to treat yourself to some new shoes. Shoes mustn’t squash your toes as this causes corns and calluses. If you are already battling with corns or calluses, then Kroko has a range of effective products for you to try. Kroko Corn and Callus Remover ointment, the best-selling remedy, has been used to effectively treat corns for decades. Or try the all-in-one solution, Kroko Medicated Corn Plasters, a dose of medicament in a donute shaped corn cap with a wrap-around plaster. Kroko CornFix, is an innovative liquid application for corns and comes packed with 6 Corn Protectors.

Try these footcare essentials and see and feel the difference.