By following a few rules of thumb, you can select sandals that will provide comfort as well as fashion, and you can bring your feet back to where they should be if you're going to bare your toes.

Some things to keep in mind when selecting sandals for proper fit are:

• · Consider the heel height. Be sure the height is not unrealistic for comfortable walking.
• · Consider the placement of the straps across the toes or across the top of the foot. Will they be comfortable when your feet are in motion?
• · Don't buy any pair of shoes with the idea of "breaking them in." If they're not comfortable when you try them on, they certainly won't become comfortable later.
• · As with other shoe styles, try sandals on late in the day after your feet have swelled to their normal size.
• · Don't buy sandals or any other type of shoe when you're in a hurry. Take the time to actually walk around in them to find out if they're going to look good AND feel comfortable.

Though regular pedicures can help make feet look better in sandals, the biggest obstacles for those embarrassed to wear them are yellow, discolored toenails or dry, cracked heels. As explained in his June 22, 2006 article, "Why I'll Wear Vans This Summer" - because of discolored toenails, Orange County Weekly Executive Editor Matt Coker says, "Now my sandals draw cobwebs in the closet."

C. J. Buck, MIA of Xenna Corporation (www.xenna.com), a distributor of natural foot, skin and hair products, says, "Toenails get noticed when people switch to sandals. Both men and women are suddenly committed to addressing unsightly nail discoloration."

Xenna distributes NonyX® Nail Gel and CalleX® Ointment, natural foot care products that solve the problem of dry, cracked feet and unsightly toenails.

Buck says, "Though a person of any age can have these problems, as we age there's an increased tendency to develop yellow, discolored toenails or rough, cracked heels. Many people are so embarrassed by the appearance of their feet that they forgo sandals and social situations which would expose their bare feet."

Buck adds, "This is especially true in summer or on vacations, when people typically like to spend time at the beach or pool. Women hide their discolored toenails with nail polish, but men don't have this option. Our natural, diabetic-friendly products are designed to improve the cosmetic appearance of feet, and are so effective, they're money-back guaranteed."

Xenna's NonyX Nail Gel is a diabetic-friendly, natural gel which breaks down and removes keratin debris - the discolored, yellow or thick granular buildup under nails that causes them to become discolored and unattractive.

NonyX Gel softens keratin debris using natural ethanoic acid, which permits it to be gradually scraped out with a manicure tool, beginning after about four weeks. Once the white or yellow keratin debris is removed, nails look clear. Regular use of NonyX keeps nails free of keratin debris buildup so they are clear and healthy-looking.

For feet that are dry and flaking, especially the heel area, Xenna has developed diabetic-friendly CalleX® Ointment with natural exfoliating enzymes in a moisturizing base. CalleX has been shown in consumer studies to significantly reduce dry, flaking skin and cracking on soles and heels within 15 to 30 days. Acid-free and lanolin-free, CalleX Ointment smoothes dry, rough or flaky skin, and exfoliates and thins thick, hardened areas, while leaving normal skin unaffected. It has a pleasant peppermint scent.

To view before and after photos of NonyX Gel and CalleX Ointment, click on www.xenna.com. The company can be reached at 800-368-6003.

NonyX Nail Gel for can be purchased in the footcare section of Walgreens, Rite Aid, Longs, CVS Pharmacy, Eckerd Pharmacy, Wal-Mart, Brooks Pharmacy, Duane Reade and many Medicine Shoppe pharmacies. NonyX Gel is also available at HEB grocery stores, and online at www.drugstore.com, www.FootSmart.com and www.xenna.com.

CalleX Ointment is now available in the footcare section at Walgreens, Longs and many Medicine Shoppe pharmacies. It can also be purchased online at www.drugstore.com, www.FootSmart.com and www.xenna.com.

Xenna Corporation is a privately-held, woman-owned company which develops and distributes natural personal care products for skin, hair and nails. For questions or further information, contact Xenna at 800-368-6003.