The Sock Comes Off: Kerasal Reveals What Americans are Hiding Below Their Ankles

Top Foot & Nail Health Brand Sheds Light On Stigma Surrounding Foot Care

BRIDGEWATER, N.J., July 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Foot shyness is stepping into the spotlight. Leading foot and nail care brand, Kerasal commissioned a national survey – titled Let's Be Toe-Tally Honest – to peel back the layers (and socks) on America's foot insecurities. The findings? A striking 44 percent of Americans admit they're self-conscious about their feet, with factors like smell (50 percent), toenail fungus (42 percent), toe hair (16 percent) and toe shape (14 percent) being the most common reasons keeping people from showing off their feet. In a world where self-care is booming, our feet are still getting the short end of the pedicure stick. That's why Kerasal is kicking shame to the curb, sparking honest conversations and helping people care for their feet with the same care and confidence they show the rest of their body.

The study, which polled 2,000 U.S. adults, dove into generational and gender splits as well, breaking down how people really feel about their toes. Kerasal found that members of Generation X are the most embarrassed by their feet (49 percent), followed by Millennials (45 percent) and Gen Z (42 percent). Two-thirds, or 66 percent of respondents even said they have avoided wearing open-toed shoes due to insecurities about the look of their toenails. Among women, nearly half, 47 percent, mentioned feeling uncomfortable at the start of a pedicure when their polish has worn off, while 36 percent said they've hidden foot issues using shoes or nail polish.

Foot insecurities stem from a range of causes: 28 percent of respondents have experienced a fungal nail infection, with Gen Z and Millennials making up 38 percent of those cases. Common barriers to foot care include a lack of time (25 percent), knowledge (22 percent), affordability (21 percent) and difficulty finding effective products (20 percent). The survey findings also show that foot insecurities impact personal relationships. Forty-one percent of respondents said they would reconsider dating someone with unkempt feet. When asked what's most embarrassing for someone you are dating to notice, 30 percent said foot odor and 26 percent said toenail fungus.

To help educate consumers, the brand has partnered with podiatrist Dr. Saylee Tulpule – Kerasal's first brand ambassador. "I see firsthand how common foot and toenail concerns are, yet so many people are hesitant to talk about them," said Dr. Tulpule. "Whether it's toenail fungus, nail discoloration, or overall foot discomfort, these issues can have a real impact on a person's confidence and quality of life. I'm proud to partner with Kerasal to help normalize the conversation around foot health and empower people to take simple, proactive steps toward healthier feet."

Kerasal offers a comprehensive range of targeted solutions designed to address common foot and nail concerns, empowering consumers to resolve visible issues and restore their confidence. When used together, Kerasal's Fungal Nail Renewal and Nighttime Renewal Patches start to deliver visible improvement in as little as one day, helping users restore their confidence and get back to their routine quickly and comfortably.

"From toenail fungus and dry, cracked heels to odor and general discomfort, many people silently struggle with foot concerns that can chip away at their confidence – especially when it's time to slip on sandals or go barefoot," said Whitney Kopp, Head of Kerasal. "At Kerasal, we believe that caring for your feet isn't just about appearance – it's an essential part of feeling your best from the ground up."

While the survey uncovered that many people experience similar woes with their toes, it also showed the pull towards wanting attractive feet. 30 percent of respondents said they would give up alcohol, and 20 percent said they would give up coffee for "perfect feet." At the other end of the scale, some people are extremely confident in their feet already, so much so that 29 percent of Americans have considered selling pictures of their feet if there were no repercussions.

For more information on Kerasal's full line of foot care solutions, visit the brand on Amazon and follow the brand on Instagram.

Methodology

Data from a survey conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Kerasal from April 16 to April 24, 2025, with a panel of 2,000 Americans split evenly by generation and gender.

About Kerasal

Kerasal^® is a leading foot and nail care brand known for delivering fast, visible results. With over 30 years of expertise in keratin science, Kerasal offers doctor-recommended solutions for dry, cracked feet and damaged nails, including fungal nail treatments. A brand of Advantice Health, Kerasal is trusted by consumers seeking real, effective results that restore confidence.

SOURCE Kerasal