Check your nails If yours are yellow, brittle, or thick, see a podiatrist as they all are signs of fungus. Your doctor can prescribe medicine to penetrate the nail plate and clear up the offending condition, but you'll still have to wait for the nail to grow out (typically six months to a year). So it's better to start treatment sooner rather than later.

Get in shape File your toenails in a foot-flattering square shape with rounded edges. If you're prone to ingrowns, however, stick to straight-up square.

Be a softie To stave off cracked heels and calluses, buff weekly with a foot file. For maintenance, use a pumice stone in the shower every day and follow that with foot cream once you get out.

Outwit odor Sweat doesn't exactly leave your feet pleasantly scented. Bacteria and fungus go hand in hand with perspiration. If odor is an issue, spray the soles of your feet with an antiperspirant-deodorant and dust the insides of your shoes with a light coating of antifungal powder.

Treat yourself To help release tension, give yourself a mini-massage the next time you're moisturizing. Start by fanning out your toes with your fingers to help relax feet that have been squished in shoes. Then twist your arches—to the left, to the right, up, and down. Finally, knead your soles right in front of the heel bone.  Finally add a splash of color with a bright, playful polish.