Mo Wants To Know ... Should People With Gnarly Feet Be Discouraged From Wearing Flip-Flops?

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Mo Wants To Know ... Should People With Gnarly Feet Be Discouraged From Wearing Flip-Flops?

Posted Jun 30th 2007 3:56PM by Mo Rocca
Filed under: Mo Wants To Know, Mo Rocca, Feet

It's a topic that makes most people uncomfortable: Feet. Many will wince when the subject comes up. Others will blush. Still others will feign indifference. But all of us have strong and usually complicated thoughts on the subject. (Full disclosure: It's a subject that's arisen more than once between me and my psychotherapist.)

The grand sartorial arrival of flip-flops has liberated many of us to talk more openly about feet. It seems that just about everyone is wearing some sort of sandal these days.

But should they?

I just returned from Home Depot. (So strange that 3/8" drill bits only come separately, not part of a set.) And I saw more than a few pairs of feet that made me want to - what's the word? - vomit. (I made a vow to my readers to be candid, so there you go.)

Women seem to be more self-aware of their pedal limitations than men. I applaud the heavier-set women with Fred Flintstone feet who paint their toenails a whimsical color. Cheers to them! I'm not about to impose some oppressive fashion magazine standard on their toes. In fact I favor the rights of these women to wear flip-flops over the skanky strung out blondes who think that just because the shape of their feet resembles Wilma Flintstone's, they can wear anything on them. Wilma and Betty had very hot feet, as opposed to these modern-day wannabes with their unpedicured dingy-colored toenails. (Were these girls chain-smoking with their toes?)

Men and flip-flops are a whole other issue. We should be encouraged to wear sandals, since it's only in the last few years that we've been liberated from the cruel old world strictures governing our summer footwear. Now that we've ripped open the straps of authoritarianism ("Hear that velcro? That's the sound of FREEDOM!"), many of us will misstep in our fashion choices. We're not used to so much freedom. That's why I see a lot of weird fashion choices - too many straps crossing every which way in some faux Grecian warrior look that ends up looking more tangled than an LA Freeway interchange. Rube Goldberg himself couldn't come up with a more complicated design. SImpler is obviously better.

But some of the feet I witnessed only an hour ago were appalling. One man with so many dead toenails, it was like staring into an open casket! Another with toenails - make that, talons - so overgrown they curled over the front of the sandal and scraped the floor as he shuffled along. (All I could think of was that old cartoon of the two magpies perched on a power line.)

As for my feet, I think they're fine. Nothing special. I do have one dormant (okay, dead) toenail. It's on the right foot, fourth from the biggest. (The ring toe?) I remember when it began ailing five years ago. It didn't turn black or brown or even yellow. It was subtler than that. The light just seemed to go out of it. Don't worry, I didn't feel any pain.

I went to my dermatologist for a consultation. He gave me a topical solution but it did no good. Then he suggested a pill guaranteed to work.

"Great," I said. Then for good measure: "Are there any side effects?"

"Not really," he said. "There's a very slight chance it could adversely affect your liver."

I opted out.

Anyway, what do you think? Should people with gnarly toes be discouraged from wearing flip-flops. And how would you broach the subject with them?

UPDATE: I just got back in and read through the first comments. I'm so happy that so many people have stepped forward to talk about this.

Fnordine wants to know how I feel about hobbit feet. As long as they're clean, I'm totally fine with them.

The topical medication Penlac is clearly a controversial one, as evidenced by the conflicting testimonials of Amy and dr genelle. I think I'll start with Vick's on my one dead toenail to see if it can be cured. I'll keep you posted.

Mel makes an inflammatory statement regarding gender and flip-flops. This is a debate that will only intensify.

Giftedgirl, your feet sound stunning. Toe for toe, African-American and Asian-American women do have the best looking feet. At least they know how to flaunt them, when to cover them. During one of my first visits to the Today Show, I was wowed by Ann Curry's feet. A work of art. (My shout-out to Asian feet is in no way a tribute to the cruel practice of footbinding, practiced for nearly 1000 years in China, until the early 20th century. Suffice it to say, Ann Curry's feet were not bound. She's half-Japanese, not Chinese.)

Anushka takes a very hard line on the issue - and brings up the very painful topic of relationships that end over ugly feet. Patrick takes a kinder gentler approach. But beware, some people are deeply pedicure-phobic.

Brenda's stealth approach (wait till the person with ugly feet is wearing regular shoes, then talk generally about how only certain people should wear flip-flops) is pretty brilliant. I once went to dinner with a woman with dark teeth. Luckily we had a mutual friend with even darker teeth - so I went on and on about how this other person needed to get his teeth whitened. The next week the friend I was eating with got her teeth whitened!

Maya takes a tough approach. I respect your opinion, Maya. However we must abide by the law - even when confronted with super gnarly feet.

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Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 6)

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icxfnjnmkw at 10:28AM on Jan 24th 2009

2. I have hobbit feet after a lifetime of wearing shoes as little as possible. The bones of my toes haven't been forced together like those of everyone else I know, so it is my feet that they think look strange.

I eagerly absorbed the Croc after it was invented because it was the only shoe that didn't compress my toes. More recently I have decided that flip flops are the only way to go if I must wear shoes and the temperature is above freezing. They let my feet breathe (otherwise I suffer from horrible athlete's foot).

The problem, though, is my toenails, which I tend to neglect. In particular, my big toenails tend to have some sort of dirt permanently ground into them that I have never succeeded in washing away. As I read the comments, I was moved to attempt sanding them with sandpaper. And wouldn't you know, they look beautiful for the first time ever (for man feet, that is).

Judas Gutenberg at 10:47PM on Jul 7th 2009

3. For havens sake! Now because YOU don't like someone's feet they have to be hot in the summer???!!! Look up try to have the courage to look people in the eye and hey...smile.

susan at 4:51PM on Jun 30th 2007

4. Maybe I became addicted to this. Well...

I never really thought about this. Never really looked at any feet that didn't belong to someone I didn't find attractive.

Then I think about what you described and... Ack. Can't even imagine that.

Maybe they should be discouraged. I wouldn't be the better person to talk to them, tho. I'd say something very rude and they would continue to use the damn flip flops just to piss me off.

By the way, how do you feel about hobbit feet (that's how my friends describe mine)? Out of curiosity, only. (Ok, I admit. Depending on your answer I may not pack my sandals next time I visit New York).

Fnordine at 5:01PM on Jun 30th 2007

5. Dear Mo,

I agree with you. Extreme caution and discretion should be used when baring feet. On a side note, there are so many helpful products available now which when used regularly, can drastically improve the health and appearance of one's feet, and, even if one still feels hesitant to "exposing" them - a good foot-care regimen is integral to good hygeine, and can also be quite relaxing. Keeping nails trimmed, filed, buffed and clean, and exfoliating dead skin off of feet and around nails regularly are key, and not difficult at all to do oneself. Then afterwards moisturize generously, and wear socks for a few hours. It's a treat!

As for your "dead" nail - try asking your doctor for "Penlak". It is a topical treatment, but can be very effective. It does sometimes take months of daily use to rid what I assume you describe as nail fungus, but it's worth it. Otherwise, the culprit will continue to exist under said nail, and may eventually spread to all the nails.

Amy at 5:01PM on Jun 30th 2007

6. You know, you have some good points here about gnarly feet and nails. Consider the alternative though...socks with flip flops and you might as well go live somewhere else. Free the feet of summer and look folks in the face! We will all be a better counrty for the effort.

kasia at 5:17PM on Jun 30th 2007

7. Ok, I have to admit that I do notice those horrible looking feet!!! While I wait in line at the bank, the grocery store, I'm thinking oh how digusting! Have they really looked at their feet. I feel like Elaine on Sinfeld. You just want to say: look at your feet, are you kidding me! Please your killing me; cover them. I know it's a bit radical.

drae at 5:10PM on Jun 30th 2007

8. Well, I have to disagree with you.

Personally the only form of shoe I wear when I do is a sandal and most of the time I don't even wear those, I go barefoot alot. Now I do take care of my feet so they don't look disgusting and I do agree that people should make themselves presentable and that includes feet if they are baring them.
However if people happen not to worry about their looks its not up to someone else to tell them how to dress if they happen to let things go.

All I have to say is the best thing to do is keep your eyes to your self, and mind your own business. No one if forcing you to look down at feet, that is done by your own free will and if you don't like how they look, DON'T LOOK!

M at 5:35PM on Jun 30th 2007

9. hey mo--

agree w/ your blog...many people are affected by the toenails that you describe...i, myself, was once plagued with the fungal infected toenail on the worst one possible, the dreaded big toenail...now at the time, i was pregnant, which further complicated matters of what to do to thwart the progress...my OB was kind enough to supply a bottle of Penlac..., a $100 completely worthless, at least for me, bottle of clear lacquer to apply daily onto your nails to stop the fungal spread...used it for about 8 months and then i read in one of those antedotal remedy e-mails to try vick's salve...as an MD, i must admit i was very skeptical, but as i was breastfeeding and still not willing to risk oral lamisil (i have this particular fancy for my hepatic function remaining pristine as well) i decided what the heck--so i diligently applied this goopy camphor/menthol solution wondering if the medical board saw me, would they have me committed to a holistic federal prison...BUT--in 2-3 months the fungus was gone...i have since recommended the remedy to several of my patients and they have also recouperated...go figure--since i own no stock in Vick's, i would tell you to go generic if it floats your boat...but give it a try and please let me know how it goes...then you too can wear your sandals with confidence :-) dr genelle

dr genelle at 5:37PM on Jun 30th 2007

10. This is a gender issue, I'm afraid. Men should not be allowed to wear sandals away from a pool or the beach. Much like men don't wear skirts or bras, they should not wear sandals. I guess I'm a sexist. lol

Mel at 5:53PM on Jun 30th 2007

11. Sorry if I offend some, but I'm with Mo on this. People with ugly feet should keep them covered up.

As for myself, I love frosted nail polish. A Pearl Pink or an Iced Peach really compliment my brown sugar toes! (I'm not conceited; I have received actual compliments.)

giftedgirl at 6:30PM on Jun 30th 2007

12. YES YES YES! I think that Tevas and flip flops are the scourge of mankind!
Just riding a public bus gives you a world of disgusting feet to look at.
Or try your local mall. Ladies are "supposed to" take care of their feet, but why do men get away with talons and uglier toenails than a T-Rex?
Dudes, your "mandals" need to go. Jeans and flip flops are tacky, and why in the world do you wear them out to restaurants? Have some class! And socks with mandals ARE NOT COOL. In fact, I had doubts about my last boyfriend when I noticed a pair of distressed Birkenstocks lined up with his usual shoes. I shudder to think the fashion I would have had to endure had our relationship lasted into summer. So unless you live in Maui give it up!

anushka at 6:33PM on Jun 30th 2007

13. instead of discouraging them wearing flip-flops, why not encourage them to get a pedicure!

Patrick at 7:07PM on Jun 30th 2007

14. If you know your feet are nas-tay!, then please invest in water shoes like the ones from lands end that look cool and are very airy. If that doesn't suit you, then buy a pair of those god-awful crocs. They may go down in history as the worst footwear of all time, next to disco clogs; but they do the trick for summer shoes. If you absolutly HAVE to inform someone that wearing flip flops is a crime against humanity, I suggest the following: If this is a person you see on a somewhat regular basis, wait until they are not wearing revealing shoes. During a conversation, launch into how you think bad feet and flip flops are a major turn off. Maybe they will reevaluate their foot situation in private. If you see someone with horrible feet and you are perfect strangers, I suggest keeping mum about the whole thing. Avert your gaze, find one thing about them that you do like and focus on that instead. It takes a little effort, but it is so worth it.

Brenda at 9:02PM on Jul 6th 2007

15. Mo, I agree with you. Some people really need to cover up those puppies instead of visually assaulting us.

Sandra at 8:14PM on Jun 30th 2007

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Mo Rocca appears on a bunch of shows, including CBS News Sunday Morning (with the indescribably wonderful Charles Osgood), The Tonight Show on NBC, and NPR's Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! He's a sometime judge on Iron Chef and was featured on Telemundo's Amore Descarado. Last year he starred on Broadway in the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. His expose "All the President's Pets" was published by Crown in 2004.