When they do a spa pedicure at the places I go they use the mechanical file they use to file down the fake nails! ouch, it makes my heels hurt! I have a file the looks like a cheese grater, if I use it daily in the shower and moisturize it keeps things under control. Anything to avoid what my husband calls my hooves!

Oh crefloors, I beg to differ!
My daughter is at the ripe old age of 19 months and her feet are darling! ;)

I second the idea of a pedicure. Ihad my very first one a few months ago and - wow. I had the softest feet and heels! They used that "grater" on my heels too - took off a bunch of dead skin. Made them so soft. I use a pumice stone on them now a few times a week. Then just use lotion on them. I may try a few mentioned here.

Not sure about elsewhere but there are some strict regulations about the use of blades, pumice and rasps.
I NEVER get pedicures at salons... no need, my feet look beautiful using the easy method I outlined above.
Save the money and possibly your health, skip the pedicure and head to a massage therapist for a real foot massage!

http://archives.cnn.com/2002/HEALTH/...salon.dangers/

I agree with tcapp completely. Here in Hawai`i, barefoot is the rule, so a monthly pedicure keeps my heels smoothe and my toenails lover-ly. :-)

For really dry feet (or hands), I have to agree with Statia. There is nothing better than Vaseline. Slather it on your feet, cover with white socks, and go to bed. You'll be amazed the next morning. It's the best bargoon for the $$$.

If your heels get really, really bad try Miracle Heel Repair. You can find it in any drugstore.

Ahava Foot Cream made with minerals from the Dead Sea works great. I got several tubes of both foot and hand cream last fall in Israel and gave some for gifts. People are now asking me to go back and get them some more. (I wish!) It is available in Louisville, KY, at a Beauty First store; or you can order it online. It was a lot cheaper in Israel, but the airfare gets you.

quotiong Gail:
"I find a variation on that theme is one of the products mentioned above, slip feet into plastic bags (the cheap, non-zipper kind are great), and then follow with socks to keep the bags on."

So now the mystery of elderly ladies wearing plastic shoes over regular shoes is solved: nobody told them plastic goes INSIDE! :))

What's wrong with me? It should've been "quoting" not what it came out! Too bad we can't spell-check. At least some of us can't :)

Daily in the bath with a light scrubber, do your heels, balls of feet and wherever else is necessary; lotion (or any cream, vaseline, etc.) the feet along with the rest body when out of the bath. And a weekly pedicure (along with manicure)... they're certainly cheap enough in NYC with a shop on about every street corner. Bring your own supplies (files, orange sticks, scrubbers/pumice, clippers, etc.), never use those from the shop... what to see how the foot baths are cleaned and sanitized... who knows what germs lurk!

Try to avoid high heels(except for those special occasions), wear slippers in the house. Save your new beautiful bare feet for the beach only.

www.aslaskin.com - Here's a product line made in Europe. Try Gerovital H3... it's simply the best, I guarantee it!

My best method is Creamy Vaseline slathered on just before I put my socks, shoes on. I like that formula much better than regular petroleum jelly. Have tried expensive foot creams and haven't found any that did much. This also eliminates friction in your shoes when you walk. (Learned this from a friend who hikes a lot.)

Another tip is to use cruise control when you're on the open road. A few years ago, I was driving off and on for several days, in sandals, under stress. I wasn't using cruise much and ended up with a bad cut on my right heel.

The Creamy Vaseline helps soften the skin, but if there are cuts, the only thing I've found that heals is Watkins Menthol.