Feet Feelings: 44% Of Americans Too Self-Conscious To Show Feet In Public

It may be sandal season, but more than two in five Americans say theyre too embarrassed to show their feet in public, according to a new national survey.

The poll of 2,000 U.S. adults, conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Kerasal, found that 44% of respondents feel self-conscious about their feet, with Gen Xers leading the way at 49%, followed closely by millennials (45%) and Gen Z (42%). The biggest deterrents to showing feet in public? Concerns about smell (50%), toenail fungus (42%), toe hair (16%), and even toe shape (14%).

That discomfort leads to behavioral shifts, too. Two-thirds of Americans (66%) said theyve avoided open-toed shoes due to concerns about their toenails, and nearly half of women (47%) reported feeling self-conscious at the start of a pedicure when their polish had worn off. An additional 36% said they hide foot issues with nail polish or closed-toed shoes.

About 28% of respondents said theyve had a fungal nail infection, with younger generations — Gen Z and millennials — making up nearly 40% of those affected. The most commonly cited barriers to proper foot or nail care included lack of time (25%), lack of knowledge (22%), cost (21%), and difficulty finding effective products (20%).

“Feet play a critical role in wellbeing and overall health,” said Whitney Kopp, Head of Kerasal. “A lot of people struggle with foot insecurities, like toenail fungus, that prevent them from enjoying simple pleasures such as wearing sandals or visiting a spa. The good news is that these concerns are often easily manageable. Appearance plays a big role in confidence, and with the right care, anyone can feel great about showing off their feet.”

The stigma around feet even extends into dating: 41% of Americans said theyd reconsider dating someone with unkempt feet. And some would go to great lengths for a better look — 30% said theyd give up alcohol for perfect feet, and 20% would give up coffee.

Still, not everyone is hiding their toes. More than two in five respondents (42%) said sandals are appropriate year-round, including nearly a third of residents in colder climates like the Northeast (30%) and Midwest (31%). And nearly one in three Americans (29%) said theyd consider selling pictures of their feet if there were no consequences.

“Our feet carry us through so much, yet theyre often the most overlooked part of self-care,” Kopp said. “This research shows just how deeply appearance and confidence are connected. Its a reminder that small acts of care can make a big difference in how we feel day to day.”