Thanks to Dr. Ragland for providing this interview & samples of her products for our Gift Guide!
As a big beauty girlie, I’m always looking for ways to improve my routine – including what moisturizers or exfoliants I should be picking up for my next at-home pedicure! So when the Fix Your Feet line was suggested, I was all ears, especially since the products were developed by celebrity podiatrist Dr. Yolanda Ragland, who has decades of experience working with feet. I chose to feature her SOS Stick, a moisturizer designed to soften soles, because it’s a perfect item to tuck into a pamper basket for mom since feet are so often overlooked! In addition, I was also able to interview Dr. Ragland for this Gift Guide feature, who provided a wealth of information: She discussed being a female trailblazer in her field and shared advice for other women, provided tons of easy-to-implement tips for addressing common foot issues such as rough heels and sweaty feet, discussed what you should know about foot health long-term, plus her tips for creating an amazing at-home pedicure experience for Mother’s Day!
To make it as easy as possible to access all of the valuable information shared here, I have included shortcut links below that will take you directly to each topic in this Q&A – so you can bookmark this page, then come back and quickly find the exact beauty & health tips you want to reference anytime:
Tips For Sweaty Feet | Tips For Rough & Callused Feet
What YOU Should Know About Foot Health
Ideas For an at-Home Spa Pedicure for Mother’s Day
As the “Queen of Toes,” I’m proud of the distinction. Still, more importantly, I’m proud of what it represents: clarity of purpose, courage to specialize, and the willingness to build something that didn’t exist before. Yes, it is important to acknowledge that I am the first female podiatrist with a practice dedicated solely to bunion and hammertoe correction. And I am also acutely aware that I am the only person in the world who looks like me, serves the patients I serve, and has built a practice where many patients feel an immediate sense of familiarity and trust. That matters. To women who want to become trailblazers in male-dominated fields, my advice is this: do not see “outsider status” as a disadvantage, recognize it as your strategic edge. Male-dominated industries are often described as competitive, but the truth is they are also saturated with sameness. Many professionals are trained the same way, think the same way, and deliver services in the same way. When you enter that space as someone different whether by gender, race, perspective, or life experience, you bring something that cannot be replicated. Your difference is not something to overcome. It is something to leverage. In my own journey, I recognized that surgical outcomes, particularly aesthetic outcomes, did not always translate the same on darker skin tones. That was not being discussed. It was not being prioritized. But I saw it, I understood it, and I built my practice around addressing it. That insight became my differentiator and, ultimately, part of my signature. The lesson is simple but powerful. The very thing that makes you feel “on the margins” may be the exact thing that sets you apart. When you embrace that perspective, your work becomes more intentional, your skill becomes more refined, and your voice becomes more impactful. You stop trying to fit into a space and instead begin to reshape it. So my advice is this. Own your perspective, it is your competitive advantage. Be excellent in your craft, skill will always speak. Build with intention—do not be afraid to create something niche and specific. And most importantly, understand that influence does not come from blending in, it comes from standing firmly in who you are. Trailblazers are not defined by the doors they walk through. They are defined by the doors they build. And when you build something authentic, something needed, and something excellent, you won’t just enter the room. You’ll redefine it.
One of the biggest misconceptions people have is that celebrities somehow have different feet than everyone else. Trust me, they do not. Whether someone is walking a red carpet, standing on stage under hot lights, filming a close-up beauty campaign, or simply trying to feel confident in sandals, the concerns are remarkably similar. The most common issues I see are dry, cracked heels, thick calluses, corns, toe deformities, and bunions caused by years of wearing beautiful but unforgiving shoes. The truth is that “camera-ready feet” begin with consistency, not magic. One of the biggest celebrity secrets is actually very simple: daily gentle exfoliation and moisturization. Healthy skin is maintained, not rescued at the last minute. For people prone to thick, dry, callused heels and soles, my SOS Stick is one of my favorite solutions because it allows targeted treatment exactly where it is needed most. It softens, exfoliates, and helps heal rough skin before it progresses to painful cracks. But even celebrities deal with toe deformities and corns just like everyone else. Sometimes, when a person cannot immediately undergo surgical correction for an unsightly corn or hammertoe, I recommend using a waterproof concealer as a temporary cosmetic solution for appearances or events. However, and I say this very firmly, never tattoo over a corn or toe lesion. That may seem like a quick fix, but it does not address the underlying issue and rarely ages well aesthetically. Perhaps the greatest “celebrity secret” of all is this: wear shoes that actually fit and feel comfortable. Ill-fitting shoes are one of the leading causes of corns, toe deformities, and worsening bunions. I always tell my patients that there is no prize for suffering in silence for fashion. One of my favorite pieces of advice, especially for women, is Do not break in your shoes with your feet. Instead, invest in a high-quality pair of shoe stretchers and stretch new shoes for two to three days before wearing them. Your shoes should conform to you, not the other way around. And finally, every woman should carry what I call a pair of “safety shoes” to events. Wear fabulous heels, make the entrance, take the photographs, and enjoy the moment. But as the evening progresses, slip into a chic flat sandal or stylish slipper. Your feet will thank you, your posture will improve, and honestly, you will probably outlast everyone else at the party. At the end of the day, beautiful feet are not about perfection, they are about maintenance, comfort, confidence, and making smart choices before pain becomes a problem. That philosophy is exactly why I created both my surgical practice and my Fix Your Feet Products line: real solutions for real people who still want to look and feel their best.
Foot odor is an extremely common concern, especially for people who spend long hours on their feet, whether they are ballerinas, healthcare professionals, retail workers, athletes, or anyone constantly moving throughout the day. The issue is not actually the sweat itself. Sweat is odorless. The real problem occurs when moisture becomes trapped, creating the perfect environment for bacteria and fungus to thrive.
And let’s be honest, nothing creates instant panic faster than visiting someone’s beautiful home, hearing “Please take off your shoes,” and suddenly wondering if your feet are about to introduce themselves before you do. For individuals who suffer from excessive sweating, a condition known as Hyperhidrosis, prevention and moisture management are essential. One of the biggest mistakes people make is wearing shoes barefoot for extended periods of time. Sweat becomes trapped inside the shoe lining, which not only causes odor but can also lead to fungal infections and skin irritation. That is one of the reasons I created the PediGloveTM. Traditional socks function like mittens, grouping all the toes together in one enclosed space. But toes were never meant to live in mittens; they should be gloved. By separating the toes, the PediGlove™ helps reduce trapped heat and moisture between the digits, improving airflow and creating a healthier environment for the feet. This can significantly reduce odor while also helping to minimize bacterial and fungal overgrowth. Several simple but highly effective habits can keep feet and shoes fresh:
- Always allow shoes to fully dry between wears
- Rotate shoes rather than wearing the same pair daily
- Use moisture-wicking socks or toe socks instead of synthetic fabrics that trap heat
- Apply foot powders or antifungal powders to absorb excess moisture
- Cooling foot sprays and antiperspirant sprays can also help reduce sweating
- Wash feet thoroughly and dry carefully between the toes
- Replace worn shoe inserts regularly, since they can harbor odor-causing bacteria
- During warmer months or in humid climates, sandals and breathable footwear are often the healthiest option because they allow ventilation and reduce moisture buildup
I also remind my patients that persistent foot odor should not simply be ignored or masked. Sometimes odor can be a sign of fungal infection, excessive perspiration, or bacterial imbalance that requires treatment. At the end of the day, healthy feet should not only look good they should feel fresh and function well, too. My philosophy has always been that foot care should be practical, innovative, and rooted in real life. Because confidence starts from the ground up… and no one wants their shoes announcing their arrival before they do.
One of the best ways to soften rough, dry, and callused feet is to understand why the callus formed in the first place. Calluses are not random; they are the body’s protective response to excessive pressure and friction. In other words, your feet are trying to armor themselves against the abuse they are enduring every day. The mistake many people make is trying to aggressively scrape or shave the skin away while doing nothing to address the underlying cause. You can remove the callus today, but if the pressure remains, your body will simply rebuild it tomorrow. The goal should be to soften, exfoliate, hydrate, and reduce friction consistently over time. One of the most effective habits is daily gentle exfoliation. I emphasize gently because many people become overly aggressive with pumice stones, graters, or razors and end up creating inflammation, cracking, and even thicker callus formation as the skin tries to protect itself further. Feet should be maintained, not attacked. Hydration is equally important. Dry skin becomes rigid and prone to painful fissures and cracking. That is why I created the SOS Stick. It was specifically designed as an easy, targeted treatment for thickened skin on the soles and heels. Ingredients like urea help break down hardened skin while restoring moisture at the same time. I wanted something practical that real people could use consistently, not another messy jar sitting untouched in the medicine cabinet. One of my favorite recommendations is applying a moisturizing treatment before bed and sleeping in socks overnight. Think of it as a deep-conditioning treatment for your feet. Your face is not the only skin deserving of a nighttime routine. Footwear also plays a major role. Ill-fitting shoes are one of the biggest contributors to rough calluses, especially around the heels, balls of the feet, and sides of the toes. Shoes that are too tight, too loose, or lacking support create repetitive friction and pressure. I always tell patients: your shoes should support your lifestyle, not punish your feet for participating in it. For stubborn calluses, I also recommend:
- Rotating footwear regularly
- Using cushioned insoles or pressure-relieving pads
- Staying hydrated internally, healthy skin starts from within
- Avoiding barefoot walking on hard surfaces
- Addressing structural issues such as bunions or hammertoes if they are causing abnormal pressure points
And perhaps most importantly, consistency matters more than intensity. Beautiful feet are rarely created in one dramatic treatment, they are the result of small, smart habits practiced regularly over time. I believe healthy feet should not only function well but also look and feel beautiful. After all, we ask our feet to carry us through life every single day. The least we can do is return the favor with a little maintenance, hydration, and appreciation.
One thing I wish everyone, especially women, understood is this: foot pain is not normal, even if you have learned to live with it. As a foot surgeon who primarily treats women, I cannot tell you how often patients initially insist they do not have pain. Yet clinically, everything tells a different story. Their toes are shifting, joints are inflamed, calluses are forming, and their gait has changed to compensate for discomfort. It is not until I begin asking more detailed questions that the truth comes out: they can no longer wear most dress shoes, avoid certain events because of discomfort, or only wear soft slippers and moccasin-type shoes because everything else hurts. At that point, I often say gently, “That is pain.” Many women normalize discomfort because they are used to pushing through life while caring for everyone else. They downplay symptoms until what started as mild irritation becomes arthritis, joint instability, nerve pain, or severe deformity. The feet whisper long before they scream and the smartest thing you can do is listen early. The best way to care for your feet over the long haul is through prevention, consistency, and respect for the fact that your feet are your body’s foundation. We ask our feet to carry us through every stage of life, yet they are often the most neglected part of the body until something goes wrong. Some of the best long-term foot care habits include:
- -Wearing shoes that fit properly and feel comfortable from the beginning
- -Avoiding shoes that excessively squeeze the toes or alter your natural gait
- -Using shoe stretchers instead of “breaking shoes in” with your feet
- -Carrying stylish “safety shoes” to events when wearing heels for long periods
- -Moisturizing and gently exfoliating the feet regularly to prevent cracks and calluses
- -Stretching the calves and Achilles tendon to maintain healthy foot mechanics
- -Rotating footwear to reduce repetitive pressure points
- -Addressing changes in the appearance or alignment of the toes early
- -Seeking professional evaluation when pain persists or shoe choices become limited
And perhaps most importantly: do not wait until you are miserable to seek help. Seeing a podiatrist early can often prevent a condition from progressing into something much more serious. If it eventually becomes time for surgical management, I always encourage patients to educate themselves and explore their options. Shop around. Ask questions. Understand the philosophy and experience of the surgeon you are trusting with your feet. And of course, I would love for them to come see me as well. I truly believe the future of foot care is moving beyond simply treating pain. It is about preserving mobility, confidence, aesthetics, and quality of life for decades to come. Healthy feet are not a luxury, they are essential to living fully, moving freely, and aging powerfully.
If someone wants to treat Mom to an at-home pedicure for Mother’s Day, I think the greatest gift is creating an experience that feels restorative, luxurious, and thoughtful, not just cosmetic. Most mothers spend their lives carrying everyone else, often quite literally on their feet, so a beautiful foot-care moment can feel surprisingly emotional and nurturing. The key to a great at-home pedicure is focusing on healthy feet first and pretty feet second. When the feet are healthy, beauty naturally follows. I always recommend starting with a warm foot soak, not scalding hot, but comfortably warm with Epsom salt or a gentle moisturizing soak to soften the skin and relax the muscles. After soaking, gently exfoliate rough areas like the heels and balls of the feet. I emphasize gently because people often become far too aggressive with graters and razors. Your goal is to soften the skin, not remove layers of your mother’s ancestry. For dry, callused heels and soles, I would absolutely recommend my SOS StickTM. It is perfect for spot-treating thickened skin and helping soften rough areas without the mess of heavy creams. Applying it before bedtime and wearing soft cotton socks overnight creates an excellent deep-conditioning treatment. Hydration is essential, so a rich moisturizer or foot cream massaged into the feet and calves is wonderful not only for the skin, but for circulation and relaxation. And honestly, most moms deserve a proper foot massage after years of running households, raising children, working careers, and somehow still remembering everyone’s birthday. For moms who deal with sweaty feet or spend long hours standing, breathable socks or my PediGloveTM can also make a tremendous difference in comfort and moisture control. Now, as for what to avoid, this is important. Avoid aggressively cutting calluses or using razor blades at home. I know those internet videos make it look satisfying, but one bad slip can create cuts, infections, or painful cracks. I also advise against digging into the corners of toenails trying to “fix” ingrown nails yourself. That is how many people accidentally create infections and inflammation. And please do not force Mom into tight “special occasion” shoes immediately after her relaxing pedicure. Nothing says “Happy Mother’s Day” like undoing all your hard work with a four-inch torture device. One thing I always tell women is this: beautiful feet are not about perfection. They are about maintenance, comfort, confidence, and care. A thoughtful at-home pedicure is really about making Mom feel appreciated, pampered, and supported from the ground up. Because at the end of the day, mothers spend their entire lives taking care of everyone else’s steps. Mother’s Day is the perfect time to take care of hers.
Dr. Yolanda Ragland can be found online at FixYourFeet.com, on Instagram @fix_your_feet, and at her practices on Park Ave in Manhattan and in Washington, DC.
Readers: What did you learn from Dr. Ragland? Do you have a special beauty routine for your feet? Let us know in the comments below!
