Flip-Flop Season Is Here—Is Your Pedicure Ready?
Flip-flops are back on the runway, which means men’s toes are suddenly in full view
The runways in Paris and Milan made one thing clear: flip-flops are back. Yes, the same ones you last wore to college showers. For Spring/Summer 2026, luxury houses embraced the minimalist sandal, pairing bare feet with designer tailoring and relaxed beach suits. Which means one thing for men: the toes are out, and they need to look good.
RELATED: The Flip-Flop Is Back—And It’s Actually Kind of Chic
That’s not just a style consideration. It’s a hygiene issue, too. Fashion may be giving your toes a moment in the spotlight, but your grooming routine might not be ready. Enter the pedicure. Not the overly perfumed, spa-day version you might be picturing, but a practical routine you can do at home or in a salon. The goal is simple: keep your feet clean, functional, and ready to be seen.
Here’s what every man should know and do to keep his feet ready for summer.
1. Start with the nails
The rule is simple but often ignored. Unlike fingernails, toenails should be trimmed straight across to avoid painful ingrowns. Use a toenail clipper made specifically for the thicker, flatter shape of toenails. Go short, but not too short. And never dig into the sides.
Pro tip: Choose clippers with a rubber grip and a built-in catcher to keep things clean and the cut precise.
2. Scrub off the dead stuff
Foot hygiene goes beyond just soap and water. Dead skin tends to build up, especially on the heels and balls of the feet, leading to dryness, cracking, and rough patches. Use a foot file or an electric exfoliator with a light touch. The goal is not to scrape your foot raw, but to uncover the softer skin underneath.
How often? Two to three times a week is enough. Exfoliating too often can irritate the skin and cause more harm than good.
3. Exfoliate like you mean it
Once or twice a week, follow your soak or shower with a gritty foot scrub. Think of it like washing your face, only more intense. Exfoliating smooths out rough texture, helps your skin absorb moisture more effectively, and even reduces odor-causing bacteria.
What to look for: Scrubs with natural grit, like pumice or ground walnut shells, usually work better than chemical-only options.
4. Moisturize, then sock it up
Dry feet aren’t just uncomfortable. They can lead quickly to calluses and cracks. After exfoliating, apply a rich foot cream or lotion, ideally one with menthol or eucalyptus for a fresh, cooling effect. Lock in the moisture with a pair of clean socks, especially overnight.
Night routine hack: This one step can make a big difference in softness by morning.
5. Deodorize daily
If your feet sweat (they do), they can also stink (they will). Use a foot powder or spray in the morning, especially if you’re wearing sneakers or leather shoes all day. Look for antibacterial or antifungal ingredients, especially in humid climates.
Bonus points: Wash your insoles once a week. Skipping this step doesn’t fool anyone.
6. Know when to book the real thing
Yes, you can do most of this yourself. Still, a professional pedicure once a month can help reset the health of your feet. Nail techs can spot early signs of issues like fungus, infection, or nail deformities. And honestly, it’s nice. The chairs recline.
Don’t worry. You don’t have to get polish unless you want to. But you might want to.
7. Trend or not, this should be the routine
Whether or not you’re pairing flip-flops with tailoring next season, the bigger trend is basic upkeep. Men paying attention. Men taking care of their bodies, feet included. This isn’t about vanity. It’s about being a functional adult. You take care of your face. You shampoo your hair. You moisturize. So why stop at the ankle?
Bottom line: Flip-flops might be the runway trend, but clean feet are the cultural shift. Treat your toes like they’ll be seen. Because this season, they will be.
