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The 1 Pedicure Tool Doctors Say You Should NEVER Use
The 1 Pedicure Tool Doctors Say You Should NEVER Use

Yahoo

time4 days ago

  • General
  • Yahoo

The 1 Pedicure Tool Doctors Say You Should NEVER Use

Getting a pedicure may be one of the first things you do when the weather warms up and you're gearing up for sandal season. But there's one tool doctors say you should never use on your feet: a cheese-grater foot file. These foot files can actually do more harm than good, Dr. Saylee Tulpule, a board-certified podiatrist in Washington, D.C., told HuffPost. 'As a podiatrist, I don't recommend either using them on yourself or even going to a salon and having a nail technician use them to remove calluses or dry skin.' These coarse metal files feature tiny, sharp blades, resembling a cheese grater, and are touted for their ability to remove thick, dry skin or calluses. They've been around for a while — you can purchase them from drugstores, and they're all over TikTok. Tulpule said she does get the appeal. 'I have these thick calluses, so it sounds kind of innocuous: Why don't I just use a rasp and try to file them off?' she said. It turns out there are actually a lot of reasons. Here's what you should know about these common pedicure tools. These foot files can 'provide instant gratification, seeing the dead skin slough off,' Sara Moghaddam, a board-certified dermatologist in Delaware, told HuffPost. 'But when they are used with too much force, small raw wounds or cracks in the skin can occur.' This makes you vulnerable to viruses and bacteria seeping in, which could lead to infections, she explained. For instance, the human papillomavirus (HPV) that causes plantar warts can enter these tiny wounds, and a wart could pop up months later. Using this type of foot file could also irritate the skin and cause bleeding, said Dr. Howard Sobel, a cosmetic dermatologic surgeon at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. He also doesn't recommend these tools and has had patients who've been injured by them: 'The grater went too deep and caused an ulceration that took weeks to heal.' In her practice, Tulpule said she's seen patients with 'raw skin, bleeding skin, scrapes, infections, skin damage' from these tools. She noted that people with diabetes or poor circulation in their feet should especially avoid them. They're more prone to infections if they get a deep cut, she explained. 'That could land someone in the hospital.' Besides potentially causing an injury or infection, cheese grater-style foot files aren't a good way to remove calluses, at least long-term. They can actually make rough skin worse. Calluses form from repeated trauma and rubbing, Moghaddam said. When you file them with a rough, sharp tool, they may initially feel smoother, but they'll usually grow back thicker, Sobel said. 'Frequent use with these can encourage the skin to want to protect itself and promote the skin to become thicker and harder over time,' Moghaddam said. This is known as reactive hyperkeratosis and refers to the thickening of the outer layer of skin as a way to protect itself from irritation, Tulpule explained. 'When you use a cheese grater, you're filing that epidermis,' she said. 'If you end up going too deep into the dermis, you're affecting the skin cells,' which can trigger callus regrowth. 'So, it almost is like a catch-22,' Tulpule added. 'You're trying to use a tool to get rid of your calluses, but if used improperly, it makes the problem worse over time.' Several state cosmetology boards have banned cheese grater foot files in nail salons. Others have discouraged their use. The doctors HuffPost spoke to suggested avoiding these tools — not purchasing them to use at home and asking pedicurists not to use them if you go to a nail salon. 'I'd recommend a patient ask the nail salon to just smooth and moisturize the area with lotion rather than grating their calluses,' Sobel said. Nail techs might not be trained on how aggressively to file, and if the tool is too sharp, it could lead to raw, red or cut skin, said Tulpule, who recently asked that a nail salon not use a cheese grater during her pedicure. However, if you must use one, Moghaddam suggested applying very gentle pressure (or asking your pedicurist to do so) to avoid traumatizing the skin on the foot. And always make sure the file comes out of a sterile pack and has been sterilized properly. When you have dry, cracked skin or calluses on your feet, there are better ways to remove them to prevent them from growing back thicker and harder, Tulpule said. Start by soaking your feet in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes, which she said will soften the skin so it's easier to remove. Then, use a foot scrub or pumice stone to gently exfoliate your feet, Sobel said. Pumice stones aren't as aggressive as graters, and you usually don't scrape too deep into the skin with them, Tulpule said. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends wetting the pumice stone with warm water and using a gentle circular or sideways motion to remove the dead skin. But be careful not to remove too much skin. Moisturize your feet with lotions or creams that contain salicylic acid, ammonium lactate, or urea, AAD said. Some examples that Tulpule recommends include AmLactin Foot Repair Cream or CeraVe Renewing SA Foot Cream, which can be purchased at drugstores. 'These are natural exfoliating agents to help soften the skin gradually,' Moghaddam said. 'It is best to apply it right after the bath or shower daily.' Wearing properly fitting shoes that minimize friction or rubbing can help prevent calluses, she said. That includes flip-flops, which Moghaddam said are 'big offenders and usually cause heel calluses to worsen.' If the calluses or dry skin on your feet don't improve or get worse, see a dermatologist or podiatrist. 'Many rashes can be mistaken for callus or dry skin of the feet, which may need prescription treatment,' Moghaddam said. HuffPost and its publishing partners may receive a commission from some purchases made via links on this page. Every item is independently curated by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change. Amazon Gold Bond is loved for affordable moisturizing products and this foot cream is especially popular. It's made with three key vitamins: vitamin E (which can help to lock in moisture), vitamin B (which helps with the appearance of skin) and vitamin C (which can protect against environmental stressors).Promising review: 'Having very rough heels and wearing sandals was embarrassing. This keeps my feet looking very nice.' — Genie 2-pack: $19 at Amazon 4-ounce tube: $6 Amazon Think your cracked heels are beyond hope? Give this Eucerin foot cream a try and your feet will be transformed. It's formulated to gently exfoliate and moisturize dry, damaged heels, helping repair the skin's moisture barrier. Promising review: 'Recommended by my dermatologist and the more I use it the better my skin looks, no more flaky areas, no more callus building up, soft healthy looking skin on my feet.' — Bella $21 at Amazon $26 at Walmart Amazon More than 83,000 people have bought and rated this foot cream on Amazon with the vast majority giving it a perfect 5-star rating. Unscented and non-greasy, it's suitable for sensitive skin. Promising review: 'I am an avid hiker, and because of that, my feet were pretty beat up. Several areas with severe calluses, dry, cracked heels, you name it. I have tried every product under the sun, including all of the popular name brand foot creams and rubs, exfoliating devices… All of it. I bought Healthy Feet because of the reviews and couldn't believe it. It actually works! My feet, for the first time in at least 10 years, are soft, callus-free and look healthy. I put it on every morning before I put my socks on to help it soak in and it has been a complete transformation for my feet. I will buy this stuff for the rest of my life! I can't recommend it enough!' — DeEtta S. $9 at Amazon Amazon Made with shea butter, coconut oil and jojoba oil, this foot cream is formulated to gently exfoliate the skin, making removing dry calluses easier while simultaneously locking in review: 'This cream has made my cracked heels so soft! I've been using it only at night before bed, and the heel cracks have about disappeared, even though I'm still in and out of the pool and walking barefoot around the place all the time. Wow, the 40% urea really made a difference for those callouses. No knock on Kerasal, which works the same; it just takes longer to heal those bad cracks because of its lower concentration of active thick, sticky cream dries to a powdery matte finish (the Kerasal is in a petrolatum base and stays greasier). I put socks on over the product but only to hold in the moisture a little more; once it's dry, the cream doesn't leave grease stains. Don't be put off by the texture of the cream, which acts a bit like white glue while you're applying it. Just spread a nice layer over those callouses, rub the rest into your cuticles, let dry a couple minutes and you're done! The urea softens and draws moisture into your skin, while the salicylic acid helps exfoliate that thick dry layer on top. No more heel cracks, nor rough cuticles. I am thrilled with my newly soft, soft skin.' — Goat girl $16 at Amazon $16 at Walmart Amazon Technically an ointment and not a cream, this foot product is a best seller (it has more than 53,000 ratings) and it's easy to see why: You simply massage a few drops into your feet and let it work its magic. You'll notice your heels soften as you go about your day thanks to the combo of petrolatum and salicylic review: 'I have tested countless foot care products, but Kerasal Intensive Foot Repair Ointment is an exceptional solution for cracked heels and dry feet. My own feet were suffering from severe dryness and painful cracks. Upon applying the ointment just once, I noticed a remarkable difference. The formula immediately soothed and hydrated my skin, alleviating the a few days, my feet underwent a dramatic transformation. The cracks began to heal and the skin regained its softness and suppleness. I could finally walk comfortably again without the agonizing pain that had plagued me. This ointment contains a potent blend of active ingredients, including ceramides, shea butter and lanolin, which work synergistically to repair damaged skin, seal in moisture, and prevent future dryness. The thick, creamy texture adheres well to the skin, ensuring prolonged hydration. Kerasal Intensive Foot Repair Ointment is a must-have for anyone with cracked heels or dry feet. Its effectiveness and ease of use make it a lifesaver for summer feet. I highly recommend this product to anyone seeking a solution to foot care woes.' — Lisa G. $8 at Amazon $9 at Walmart Amazon Made with salicylic acid, shea butter, tea tree oil and vitamin E, this thick foot cream will turn any rough patches silky smooth. The salicylic acid serves as a gentle exfoliant while the tea tree oil calms inflammation and the shea butter and vitamin E moisturize. Promising review: 'I've had monster calluses and cracked heels for years. I tried a lot of products. This one works for me. I noticed a huge improvement in just four days. Two weeks and the cracks were gone. Calluses are no longer a problem. It has a light, neutral scent and nice texture. It sinks right in.' — Springhop $19 at Amazon Amazon Urea is a common ingredient in foot cream because it helps remove dead skin cells while binding to water, helping keep skin moisturized. It's the primary ingredient in this popular review: 'I have no idea how I did not know about this product until now. I was watching a dermatologist recommend urea creams on her channel and I decided to give it a try. I suffer from very dry skin but I decided to give it a shot since body oil and generic lotions just never do the trick for as long as I would like. I put this cream all over my feet after a warm shower…really focusing on my heels and then I immediately put on socks and went to bed. I was shocked with the results the next morning. My rough heels were soft and it looked like I just got a pedicure. It's three days later and my dry heels have only slightly returned.I will definitely do this trick at least once a week. I personally do not recommend putting this on the body unless you just got out of a warm shower and your skin is still damp. I did notice that when I put it on my dry body, that I must have used too much product and therefore was left with a sticky feeling and slight build up. I am extremely satisfied with the price because other urea creams can be pretty expensive. I definitely will continue to use this product for my feet. Please give it a try so you can feel confident being barefoot or wearing sandals and heels.' — Catie Schooley $10 at Amazon Amazon Dr. Scholl's is a big name in the foot game and this foot cream is made to undo the dryness that you may be experiencing in your feet. Made with urea, essential oils and Epsom salt, it'll keep your feet soft for 24 hours. The peppermint, lavender and eucalyptus scent will have your feet smelling great too! Promising review: 'I haven't had feet this soft since I was in my 20s. This stuff really worked for me. I put it on every morning before I put my socks and shoes on and go to work. At the end of the day, my feet look great and are soft.' — Veronica $6 at Amazon $9 at CVS $6 at Target Amazon If you're an athlete or work out a lot, you should especially show your feet some love and using this tea tree oil-based foot cream is a great way to do it. Not only does it smell amazing, according to reviewers, but it also helps prevent athlete's foot — particularly helpful if you shower at the review: 'This foot cream is the only product that has helped my feet. They stay hydrated, they don't crack, burn or feel painfully tired at the end of the day. I use it morning and night. I hope it stays around because it is a permanent part of my daily life now.' — Crystlmalice $8 at Amazon Amazon Unlike some thick lotions, this heel cream is absorbed quickly. Then, it gets to work, softening your feet as you go about your day. It won't leave behind a greasy residue review: 'The first day, I could feel the difference. After about two weeks of consistent use along with light scrubbing, the couple cracks I've had for years on one heel are gone.' — L099 $9 at Amazon Target Make a nightly ritual of applying this heel cream before bed and your feet could consistently look like you just got a pedicure. Made with alpha hydroxy acids to smooth skin, your feet will be baby review: 'Literally saved my cracked heels within a week of using it. I have always had really dry and cracked heels and regular lotion or Aquaphor doesn't do the trick.' — hotchips $9 at Target $10 at Ulta $8.50 at Walgreens (regularly $10) Target Don't knock the Target brand beauty products; shoppers are obsessed with this foot cream that's less than $5. It has just enough of a 'mild peppermint scent' to it, according to one reviewer, and hydrates skin without feeling too review: 'In the winter, I use this lotion with socks on after I shower and it works wonders on my feet. They are no longer dry or cracked.' — Momof4 $5 at Target Target If you've developed thick calluses on your feet, this dermatologist-recommended foot cream will help soften them right up thanks to the active ingredient, lactic acid. It helps repair splits and cracks quickly, yet review: 'This foot cream works like a charm - put it on at night with socks for about a week and you will be amazed at the transformation in your feet' — Carol $12 at Target $12 at Amazon Walmart The coconut oil in this foot cream moisturizes while rosemary extract helps calm inflamed skin. Bonus: one reviewer said it smells 'amazing.'Promising review: 'I'm really happy I came across this product. My feet were in bad shape, very dry and so badly cracked that it hurt to walk but thanks to Burt's Bees they are on their way to recovery. The only thing I dislike is that it's a little messy, but if it completely heals my heels I don't care.' — 550123 $9 at Walmart $10 at CVS $9 at Amazon Walmart Who doesn't love a multitasking beauty product? Heal calluses and cracks while preventing the growth of fungi under your toenails — a must if you shower at the gym. Even though you're hard on your feet, they'll still look cute!Promising review: 'It is great stuff. You should know not to put it on your whole foot, just the parts with problems. Be sure to always put lotion on after putting on the aura. Next morning wash it off and more lotion. It got rid of my ugly crack heels in one week. I will use this once a month to keep my heels smooth. Thanks for this great product.' — Becky $16 at Walmart $16 at Amazon These Terry Cotton Insoles Really 'Keep Smelly Feet At Bay' — And They're Under $20 Reviewers Swear These Shoes Are Perfect For Swollen And Sensitive Feet If You Hate Sweaty Feet, You'll Love These Breathable Walking Shoes

Women And Joint Pain: Why Early, Pain-Free Intervention And Lifestyle Changes Matter
Women And Joint Pain: Why Early, Pain-Free Intervention And Lifestyle Changes Matter

News18

time23-05-2025

  • Health
  • News18

Women And Joint Pain: Why Early, Pain-Free Intervention And Lifestyle Changes Matter

Last Updated: Ignoring early warning signs of joint pain can lead to chronic discomfort, limited mobility, and a painful, invasive treatment. Joint pain is usually viewed as a trivial matter, an acceptable part of ageing, motherhood, or athleticism. But such a frequent complaint should be taken more seriously, particularly because, for so many women, the pain begins early and accelerates stealthily. Women all over India are suffering from joint-related issues such as knee pain, backache, and stiffness at relatively younger ages. What is concerning is not so much the incidence, but the inclination to put off treatment. Often, women continue to manage pain with over-the-counter remedies, home treatments, or simply ignore it until it begins to affect their mobility and quality of life. There are several reasons why women experience joint pain more frequently. Dr. Sharmila Tulpule, Orthopaedic Surgeon and Regenerative Medicine Specialist; Founder & Director, Orthobiologiox Biotech Pvt. Ltd shares the reasons. Hormonal: Reduced estrogen after menopause can reduce natural joint and cartilage shielding. Anatomical differences: A woman's broader pelvis and joint alignment cause more stress on the knees and lower back. Life activities: Most women juggle jobs, homemaking, caregiving, and frequently have no time for rest or organised exercise. These demands can place repetitive strain on joints. Autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis also affect more women and may cause long-term joint pain and inflammation. Despite all of this, early warning signs are often ignored or normalised. Joint disorders such as osteoarthritis or back problems usually begin with mild symptoms- morning stiffness, mild pain, or tiredness. These early symptoms are easy to overlook, but responding to them can retard or even stop damage. Holding off until the pain is bad usually restricts what can be done and raises the likelihood that surgery will be necessary. Early diagnosis permits easier, less disruptive treatments and improved long-term results. Treating joint pain no longer equals depending solely on pain medication or surgery. Regenerative therapies now provide safer, non-surgical alternatives using the body's natural healing power. Dr Tulpule shares some of the most important therapies. These are: PRP Therapy: Applies platelets from your blood to alleviate pain and aid in healing. Stem Cell Therapy: Repairs injured cartilage and slows down joint deterioration. Autologous Conditioned Serum (ACS): Relies on proteins from your blood to combat inflammation. Fat-Derived Injections: Utilises cells from your body fat to cushion and repair joints. These treatments are most effective in the early stages and can help women stay active, avoid surgery, and reduce long-term discomfort. Prevention And Lifestyle Matter Maintaining joint health goes beyond just medical treatment, it requires a more holistic approach. Dr Tulpule notes that key lifestyle factors play a crucial role, including maintaining a healthy weight to reduce stress on the joints, staying physically active with low-impact exercises like swimming, walking, or yoga, and ensuring proper nutrition, particularly adequate levels of vitamin D, calcium, and anti-inflammatory foods. It's also important to monitor hormonal changes, especially during and after menopause, as these can significantly affect joint health. First Published:

4 nail salon red flags that can lead to infection — and why you should skip the gel pedicure
4 nail salon red flags that can lead to infection — and why you should skip the gel pedicure

New York Post

time15-05-2025

  • Health
  • New York Post

4 nail salon red flags that can lead to infection — and why you should skip the gel pedicure

UV got to be kidding! If you're a regular at nail salons, you may be dismayed to learn that your pedicure may be more of a pedi-curse. 'Getting pedicures, especially at a nail salon, can increase potential risks of bacterial, fungal and viral infections — nail salons are hot spots for toenail fungus,' podiatrist Dr. Saylee Tulpule told The Post. 3 Nail salons are hot spots in the summer — and potential hot beds for infection. Nomad_Soul – Forget about getting the hot stone massage — because this news is a stone-cold bummer. According to Tulpule, you should be especially cautious if you get the sense that your technician is…not altogether competent. 'Improper technique by a nail technician can also lead to ingrown toenail infections or skin breakdown, especially if using cuticle nippers or graters to file thick, callused skin,' she explained. Other red flags to watch for Technician reuses tools or the tools look dirty — they should come from sterilized packaging Foot baths are not cleaned properly or a new sterile bag isn't placed for a new client Use of improper tools, like graters and razor blades, which can lead to cuts Nail polish appears too old And we've got some more bad news — gel pedicures may last longer, but they come with their own set of hazards. 3 Clean tools are essential. Use caution if the salon or the instruments look dirty. didesign – Tulpule says the UV light may increase your risk of skin cancer, while 'thinning or weakening the nail plate prior to applying the durable gel color' can damage the nail. 'Gel polish creates a firm seal, and if moisture or trauma happens to the nail plate, it can increase one's risk of toenail fungus or bacterial infection — I see this quite commonly in my practice,' she said. If you decide to go the salon route, it's best to BYONP, or polish at your own peril. 'Bringing your own nail polish can reduce chances of fungal nail transmission — fungal hyphae can live in between the bristles of the brush,' she said. 'There are 'cleaner' brands that exclude harsh chemicals, like toluene, DBP or formaldehyde,' she added. 'Clean ingredients can improve nail health.' 3 Podiatrist Dr. Saylee Tulpule explains the health hazards to look for at the nail salon — plus, why you should bring your own polish and skip the gel pedi. Instagram/@thesoledoctor And while getting your callouses shaved like a chunk of perfectly-ripened Parmesan can be enormously satisfying — Tulpule recommends skipping for safety reasons. 'Improper technique or tools, such as using a grater or razor, can cause skin breakdown and increase one's chances of an infection,' she said. 'If the calluses are shaved down aggressively, over and over again, they may re-grow thicker and harder with time.' Whether you keep your regular mani/pedi appointment or opt to just DIY at home, it's important to give nails a rest from time to time. 'I always tell my patients to let them breathe during the fall/winter months, when one is more likely to wear close-toed shoes,' she said. 'Generally speaking, remove polish every four to six weeks and give nails a break for one to two weeks.' Salon horror stories — be it botched acrylics or viral TikToks of green, oozing toenails — are all too common. One woman was left horrified after she appeared to grow mold under her acrylics. Another woman lost her toenail entirely after a routine pedicure. Moral of the story? When it comes to your feet, it pays to tread carefully.

The 1 Shoe Podiatrists Recommend If You Stand A Lot
The 1 Shoe Podiatrists Recommend If You Stand A Lot

Buzz Feed

time28-01-2025

  • Health
  • Buzz Feed

The 1 Shoe Podiatrists Recommend If You Stand A Lot

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page. These are great for people with flat feet, heel pain, or lower back issues — and they have a whole fanbase behind them. Most footwear trends come and go, but one style that's garnered a community of lifelong enthusiasts? The ever-practical, stylish, yet quirky clog. The comfort! The ease! The support! But of course, the best person to ask about whether clogs are really worth their salt is a professional — namely, a podiatrist. We spoke to podiatrist Dr. Saylee Tulpule about her professional take on clog fandom. Tulpule is based in Washington, D.C. and Maryland and is active on Instagram as @thesoledoctor. Tulpule explained that folks who spend a lot of time on their feet often enjoy clogs because of their built-in arch support, their frequently added comfy cushioning and the easy-on, easy-off slip-on style. That's why 'clogs are traditionally worn by professionals who stand all day: nurses, teachers, doctors, chefs, etc.,' she wrote. Clogs are also often slip-resistant and waterproof, an added benefit for active professionals, Tulpule added. The beloved shoes can also be beneficial for those with certain medical conditions. In particular, 'Clogs can be comfortable for people who suffer from flat feet, heel pain, tendonitis or even lower back issues due to the degree of arch support and cushion,' Tulpule said. That said, you may want to avoid fashion clogs with high heels over three inches, which can lead to tripping and potentially strain your Achilles tendon, Tulpule noted. In addition, clogs with overly firm wooden soles will not provide the same cushiony support and thus can 'aggravate flat feet,' she added. As long as you stick to a practical style without high heels and wooden soles, clogs are one of the best comfy, supportive all-day shoes you'll find. The best ones to stick to, according to Tulpule? Those from Dansko, Birkenstock and Sanita brands. She noted that the Dansko brand also carries the American Podiatrist Medical Association's Seal of Approval. Based on Tulpule's recommendations, we rounded up some of the bestselling Dansko, Birkenstock, and Sanita clogs for you to check out below. And, if you do fall in love with the clog as I once did, congratulations — you're now part of one of the best footwear fandoms around. 1. Amazon "The brands that I advise my patients to research are Dansko [which has the] American Podiatrist Medical Association's Seal of Approval, Birkenstock and Sanita," Dr. Saylee Tulpule, a podiatrist based in Washington, D.C and Maryland, told us. "For my patients that are professionals, I [recommend] a closed back clog for additional support and minimal risk to 'coming out of the shoe,'" Tulpule added. Based on Tulpule's recommendation, we selected this bestselling slip-on, closed-back Dansko clog. I own and have walked miles upon miles in this clog. Once sufficiently broken in, this thing proved unparalleled to any other shoe I've owned due to its long-lasting comfort and built-in arch support (which I especially appreciate for my wide, flat feet). This classic Dansko style is available in dozens of designs and colors at Amazon, but I love its oiled black and antique brown styles; they provide a put-together vibe that's served me well everywhere from formal work environments to running errands and drinks out. I even wore these clogs out clubbing once, and while admittedly I was the only one there in clogs, I'll bet I was the happiest and certainly the most pain-free. Needless to say, these Danskos have been a true love affair for me. The style also sports a two-inch heel, which gives my 5'2" frame a fun height boost. The shoe, pictured in oiled black is available in women's sizes 4.5–13 and in wide and narrow sizes. Even though I have wide feet, I opted for the regular sizing and was just fine. For the best fit, aim for a pinky-length gap between the back of your foot and the shoe's heel. 2. Amazon This quintessentially ugly-chic clog (a compliment, according to clog lovers!) is as resilient and practical as it looks. It's designed to literally repel dirt, oil and grease, plus is water-resistant. The clog's squishy cork-latex footbed is designed to anatomically match the foot for maximum comfort and support. The shoe is also lined with moisture-wicking fabric to minimize stench. You can even throw this in the washing machine up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Even I, a longstanding Dansko lover, am impressed. This might just be my next pick for myself. The Birkenstock Super-Birki clog is available in up to 10 colors, including neutrals and vibrant brights like yellow, green and pink, in women's sizes 4–12.5 and in men's sizes 6–15.5. 3. Amazon If you prefer an open-back clog, that's just fine, according to Tulpule. "It's really one's preference whether to wear a mule-type clog vs a closed toe," Tulpule wrote. "A backless clog will be easier to slip into and reduce chances of friction at the heel counter." Folks are absolutely obsessed with this open-back Birkenstock style, which you'll find everywhere from college campuses to startup offices and your favorite local walking trail. Birkenstock admits it's the brand's "most sought after clog," no doubt due to the pillowy soft footbed which molds to your foot as you wear it. Plus, the shoe is notoriously lightweight, so you'll feel energized instead of weighed down as you go about your day. The Birkenstock Boston clog has a soft suede leather upper and a luxurious suede leather lining. It's available in mutiple colors, regular/wide and medium/narrow widths, women's sizes 4–12.5 and men's sizes 6–17.5. 4. Birkenstock Completely lined with real shearling, Birkenstock's Tokio clog is like if your favorite slippers turned into actual shoes. The clog's deliciously cozy lining — paired with the brand's notoriously comfy contoured footbed — will make you never want to take these off. Equipped with a suede upper and adjustable front and back straps, the clog comes in three colors, men's sizes 6–13.5 and women's sizes 4–12.5, and regular/wide and medium/narrow options. Amazon Dansko's Ingrid clog balances functional versatility with a classically stylish look. Its chic strap can be worn across the shoe's front (as pictured) for an understated professional vibe, or swung behind the heel for extra support while you're on the go. Plus, as with Dansko 's other footwear, the open-back clog has great anti-stub protection thanks to its reinforced toe box, a comfy padded instep and a shock-absorbing bottom that conveniently helps propel you forward as you walk. (I love the rocker-bottom feature in particular: I find it does help propel me forward when I'm getting tired from walking!) Grab the Ingrid clog in three colors and in women's sizes 4.5–12. 6. Amazon With a thick shearling cuff and a sweater-like lining, Dansko's Magda clog is a great choice for folks looking for the arch support clogs are known for — with some extra warmth and comfort. The cozy clog is made with a bouncy cork midsole and a nonslip rubber outsole that'll stand the test of inclement outside weather. Grab it in two colors and in women's sizes 5.5–12. 8. Amazon These fun Sanita hues let you express your bold personality without saying a word — while delivering all the comfort and arch support that makes clogs so beloved. They're available in up to six colors, including bright red, fuschia and shimmer gold, and in women's sizes 4.5–12. Get them from Amazon for $84.90+. 9. A stylish Sanita clog with a chic outlined strap Amazon This closed-back, patent leather style from Sanita offers a shock-absorbing outsole and a comfy cushioned footbed. It also sports built-in arch support designed to prevent foot and back fatigue, plus a moisture-wicking insole to help cut down on sweat and foot odor. The fixed strap adds some understated personality and style to this foot-loving style. It's available in four colors and in women's sizes 3.5–12. 10. Amazon This Sonja mule from Dansko sports a reinforced toe to protect you from stubbing your feet and a unique rocking-bottom sole that's designed to propel you forward as you walk. The clog helps minimize heel friction due to its backless style, plus is made with a wide heel for added stability and a comfy padded instep. To no one's surprise, I also wore this backless Dansko for many years. Beyond its practical features — of which there are delightfully many — I loved the laidback vibe its open-back style provided, plus the opportunity to show off my collection of fun socks (which are usually obscured by closed heels). I also found that the shoe did propel me forward as I walked — a great feature for when you get tired! It's available with leather and fabric uppers, in up to five colors and in women's sizes 4.5–12.

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