How to Choose a Foot File in the UK - Buying Guide
Picking the best possible foot file takes more than a few clicks – unless you're reading this article, in which case, the hard work has been done for you. This section is dedicated to explaining the different types of foot file and their benefits in order to make your decision easy and fun.
1
Decide Between Manual and Electronic Foot Files Based on Price and Efficiency
While the good old classic foot file has been around forever, the electric version came hot on its heels. The main things you'll need to consider when choosing between the two are your budget and how much time and energy you have to dedicate to removing hard and callused skin.
For a Budget-Friendly Option and a Satisfying Scrub, Pick Manual Foot Files
A standard manual foot file is actually one of the cheapest ways to achieve a satisfying beauty treatment at home. Hand-held rasp files only cost an average of £5 to £10 and provide visible results after some heartfelt scrubbing and filing.
There is something truly rewarding about seeing all that (albeit unsightly) dry skin removed from your feet and hurled into the rubbish bin. A manual foot file not only feels pleasing to use, it allows great control so you can easily attack tricky angles in the position that's most comfortable for you.
There's no need to fuss with charging or worry about the batteries running out mid-buff, simply clean and store it carefully for years of effective use both at home and on the go.
To Save Energy and Time, Go For an Electric Exfoliator
If 90% of the reason your feet stay hidden is that you can't bear the energy and effort required for a zealous DIY scrubbing sesh, we recommend an electric file. Like with most beauty tools, you will have the choice of either a battery-powered or a mains rechargeable device.
Whichever you go for, electric files will always win out over manual files in terms of convenience and efficiency. All you need to do is hold them in place and the spinning textured stone cylinder will do the hard work for you. They're as effective as a professional pedi and almost as relaxing.
A possible downside of electric files is the price, which is usually upwards of £20. They are also not very practical for travel or transport, compared to manual files which are light and slim enough to slip into a wash bag.
2
Choose Plastic, Pumice Stone or Metal Planes Depending on Dryness Levels and Callusing
The exfoliating segment of your foot file will generally be made from either natural pumice stone, stainless steel or other metals with a rugged surface. Occasionally you'll find file blocks made from finely-grained plastic, though these are less common.
If you just want to soften up your feet for sandal season or only have a little dryness, a plastic foot file or one with textured pumice stone will gently and effectively remove peeling heel skin to reveal fresh feet.
On the other end of the spectrum, for excessively thick calluses or to slough away stubborn layers of hardened skin, a slightly more robust metal foot file will be more efficient. Just keep in mind that these are usually too harsh for sensitive feet that simply need sprucing up.
3
Can You Handle It? Select a File With a Comfy Grip
When it comes to the other part of your foot file, we recommend going for one with a long, smooth handlewhere possible. Thisprovides extra control and grip, allowing you to smooth it around the contours of your heels and the balls of your feet.
Other designs to consider are flatter handles, which will be super easy to store and transport. If you're not set on something travel-friendly, look for a rounded, comfy grip handle that will be more ergonomic to use, or one with a hole or hanging rope to save valuable bathroom space.
A final style is the360 stone, shaped like a mouse, which you grab with your whole hand. This may not be the most comfortable if you have sensitive palms, but it does afford a certain level of control and purchase so you can use extra elbow grease to remove stubborn hard skin.
4
For a Thorough Pedicure, Seek Out Files That Both Exfoliate and Buff
One extra perk to look out for when selecting the right file is a double-sided product that lets you first exfoliate the tough surface layer of dry, cracked skin, then gently buff away flakes and peeling, all with the same handy tool.
These two-in-one treats are an excellent choice for saving a little cash while making your home pedicure feel a lot more thorough. Better yet, if any replacement pads come included, you'll be set for months of perfectly presentable tootsies.
