Welcome to the next installment of “weird but true” – unusual facts and stats uncovered by RL&A staff in the course of research for our clients.

As we prepare for the warm months ahead, we start thinking about happily storing our boots away and getting our feet ready for their summer debut. Don’t think much about your how your feet look? Well many of us do, particularly women, who have lots of complaints about the appearance of their feet, according to our recent survey for Microplane Personal Care Products, a Russellville, Arkansas, company that hired RL&A to help launch its line of footcare products.

While a quarter of women are self-conscious and embarrassed by their dry, cracked heels, only 4% of men feel this way. But men take heed, since according to the survey, 37% of women think poorly maintained feet are a turn-off, and another 15% think dry, cracked heels are a sign of questionable grooming habits. And get this, one fifth of women and men prefer to keep their feet covered up!

Ever worry about the hygiene of the salon when you get a pedicure? If so, you are in agreement with the one quarter of all women who feel this way. Instead do your own pedicure at home with the new Microplane XL Pro Foot File – your heels and your wallet will thank you.