I forgot how brutal walking all day in high heels and structured flats can be.  After a decade in D.C., my feet were broken in, adjusted to the torture of walking on marble floors and cobblestones all-day.  But now, after just a year of luxuriously driving to and fro, my feet can no longer take a licking and keep on ticking.

Growing up, my Nana used salt soaks to soothe her feet.  She worked in a church kitchen, so her feet were always tired.  And I suppose, I developed the notion that epsom salts were something for old people.

Boy, was I wrong.

I spotted the Tree Hut Fig & Olive Epsom Salt ($7) while I was searching for a salt body scrub.  Given the mild burning sensation in my heels, I thought it might be worth a try.  I’m not sure that I buy the whole “detoxifying” thing, but I they are certainly soothing.  I add a few spoonfuls to my bathtub and then give my feet a bit of a rest.

The salts are mixed with shea butter, so in addition to their reviving effects, they soften the skin as well.  An excellent way to keep your feet in sandal shape this summer.

I don’t care for the smell of this particular soak, so I would recommend the Coconut Lime Salts instead.  You can also find inexpensive bags of epsom salt at the drugstore, usually on the bottom shelf.  If you dislike the medicinal smell, you can add a few drops of essential oil.  I’m partial to be a bit of vanilla with a bit of orange.