Do men get pedicures? Yes — and here's why more guys should

In short, Yes, men get pedicures. A lot of men. And once you understand what a men's pedicure actually involves — and what it does for your feet — the question stops being "should I?" and starts being "why haven't I yet?"

You probably don't think much about your feet until they're bothering you — and by then you're dealing with cracked heels, rough skin, or an ingrown toenail that's been building for months. Regular foot care gets ahead of all of that.

A pedicure isn't about how your feet look. It's about how they function, how they feel, and how well you take care of a part of your body that carries you through everything you do.

Do men actually get pedicures?

Athletes have been doing it for years. Shaquille O'Neal has been vocal about his regular pedicure habit. LeBron James is known for meticulous foot care as part of his recovery routine. David Beckham has long included grooming from head to toe as part of his image. These aren't men who stumbled into a nail salon by accident — they figured out that their feet take a beating and decided to do something about it.

The experience itself has evolved too. Footwork is not your average nail salon. It's a straightforward, results-focused service aimed at men who want their feet to function well and feel good — without any of the fuss.The U.S. men's grooming market was estimated at $46.54 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.3% through 2030, with salon services for men representing one of the fastest-growing categories within it. Men in the Bay Area — where wellness culture and performance-focused self-care are already normalized — are ahead of that curve.

The bottom line: men who take care of their feet aren't outliers. They're early adopters of a habit that's quickly becoming standard.

What does a men's pedicure actually involve?

This is where most of the hesitation comes from. Men picture pastel colors and flower arrangements. The reality is a lot more practical.

Here's what happens during a men's pedicure at Footwork:

Warm Magnesium soak. Your feet go into warm water. It softens the skin, loosens buildup, and relaxes the muscles in your feet and calves. That's it. It feels good.

Exfoliation. Dead skin is removed, particularly on your heels and the balls of your feet — the areas that take the most pressure. This is the part that makes the biggest difference. Men tend to build up more dead skin than women due to lifestyle factors like footwear, activity level, and less frequent moisturizing. A proper scrub gets ahead of cracking, odor, and rough patches before they become problems.

Nail trimming and shaping. Your toenails are trimmed correctly. This matters more than it sounds. Improper nail trimming — cutting too short, rounding the corners too aggressively — is one of the leading causes of ingrown toenails. A good technician trims to the natural shape of the nail and cleans around the edges without digging in.

Cuticle care. The skin around your nails is tidied up. Clean, healthy cuticles are part of what keeps your nails growing properly.

Tension Release. This is the part most men don't expect to like as much as they do. A proper foot massage improves circulation, works out tension in the arch and heel, and helps with recovery if you've been on your feet or pushing hard in training.

Moisturizing. Hydrating lotion is worked into the skin to lock in moisture and keep your heels soft between visits.

Do you have to get nail polish?

No. The vast majority of men skip it entirely, or ask for a simple buff to clean things up. Just tell your technician at the start. It's a completely normal request and takes about five seconds to sort out.

Why should men get pedicures? 6 reasons that have nothing to do with aesthetics

1. Foot odor

Foot odor in men is often caused by dead skin buildup creating a breeding ground for bacteria. Washing your feet helps, but it doesn't remove the layers of skin where odor compounds develop. Regular exfoliation during a pedicure addresses the issue at the source, not just the surface.

2. Cracked heels

Cracked heels are one of the most common foot complaints among men — particularly those who spend a lot of time on their feet, wear heavy boots, or don't moisturize regularly. Left alone, dry cracked skin on the heel can become painful and difficult to manage. A pedicure keeps skin supple before it gets to that stage, which is a lot easier than trying to fix it after the fact.

3. Ingrown toenail prevention

Ingrown toenails are painful, inconvenient, and almost entirely preventable. The main culprit is improper nail trimming — something most men have never been taught to do correctly. Regular pedicures from a skilled technician mean your nails are trimmed the right way, consistently, which significantly reduces the risk of an ingrown developing. Find out more about [how to prevent ingrown toenails →].

4. Circulation and recovery

The massage component of a pedicure isn't just a nice addition — it has real functional benefits. Stimulating blood flow in the feet and lower legs helps reduce swelling, supports muscle recovery, and improves how you feel after long periods of standing, walking, or training. If you run, lift, or do anything active regularly, your feet deserve some attention after the work they put in.

5. Callus management

Some callus on the foot is normal and even useful — it protects the skin from friction. Too much callus, though, creates uneven pressure points that affect your comfort and your stride. A pedicure keeps callus at a functional level without removing too much. The goal isn't baby-soft feet; it's feet that work well.

6. You just feel better

This one sounds vague but it's real. Clean, cared-for feet feel noticeably different when you put your shoes on, when you're barefoot, when you're getting into bed. It's one of those maintenance habits that quietly improves your daily experience once you start.

What to expect your first time

Most men feel a little uncertain going in for the first time. That's normal. Here's what to know:

CHILL OUT

Ever been to a barber shop? That's the vibe we've created at FOOTWORK. We've worked hard to create a comfotable and relaxing space for everyone. Come in, grab a coffee, beer, water. Chill out and watch a game on one of our three TVs. Read a book or catch up on emails.

CHAT WITH YOUR TECHNICIAN

Tell them your preferences upfront. No polish? Say so at the start. Want to focus on a specific area — rough heels, a particularly thick callus? Mention it. The service is straightforward and there's nothing awkward about having the conversation.

A standard pedicure takes 45 to 60 minutes. You sit, your feet get taken care of, you leave with noticeably better-feeling feet. That's the whole experience.

How often should men get a pedicure?

For most men, every four to six weeks is a practical cadence — roughly the same frequency as a haircut. Your feet regenerate dead skin continuously, so regular maintenance prevents buildup from accumulating.

If you're very active — running, lifting, playing sport regularly — every three to four weeks tends to work better. Your feet are doing more, so they need more attention.

If your feet are generally low-maintenance and you're not on them heavily, every six to eight weeks is fine.

Like most maintenance habits, the best cadence is the one you can stick to consistently.

Ready to try it? Book a men's pedicure at Footwork in San Mateo — no polish required.

Or, if you're an athlete looking for something built around performance and recovery, [learn more about why athletes should be focusing on their feet first →]

Frequently asked questions about men's pedicures

Do men actually get pedicures regularly?

Yes — and more than most people assume. Research suggests that nearly half of men have either gotten a pedicure or seriously considered it, and the number of men booking regular nail services has grown steadily alongside the broader male grooming market, which was valued at over $90 billion globally in 2024. The shift is particularly pronounced among younger men and those with active lifestyles who treat foot care as part of their overall maintenance routine.

Is it weird for a guy to get a pedicure?

Not at all — and that perception has shifted significantly. Athletes, executives, and everyday guys get pedicures regularly. The reason most men don't talk about it isn't embarrassment; it's that it just becomes a normal part of their routine. At Footwork in San Mateo, a significant portion of our clients are men, many of whom came in skeptical and now book every four to six weeks without thinking twice about it.

Do I have to get nail polish?

No. Most men at Footwork skip polish entirely or ask for a simple buff. Just mention it when you arrive — it takes five seconds and is completely standard. The service is focused on the health and condition of your feet, not the color of your nails.

How long does a men's pedicure take?

A standard men's pedicure at Footwork takes 45 to 60 minutes. A sports pedicure, which includes more focused work on calluses and a longer massage/tension release component, typically runs closer to 60 to 75 minutes.

How often should men get a pedicure?

Every four to six weeks works well for most men. If you're very active — running, training, or on your feet all day — every three to four weeks is a better cadence. The goal is staying ahead of buildup rather than waiting until your feet are telling you something is wrong.

What makes a men's pedicure different from a regular pedicure?

The service at Footwork is adapted to focus on foot function rather than aesthetics: deeper exfoliation work on thicker skin, more intensive callus management, nail trimming technique focused on preventing ingrowns, massage focused on tension release and no decorative polish unless you want it.

Is a pedicure good for athletes?

Yes — particularly the circulation and recovery benefits. The foot massage component stimulates blood flow, reduces swelling in the lower legs, and helps muscles recover after training. Proper nail trimming also prevents ingrown toenails that can sideline runners and active people. Many of Footwork's regular clients in San Mateo are runners, cyclists, and gym regulars who treat it the same way they treat sports massage or stretching — as maintenance, not a luxury.

Can I book a men's pedicure near me in San Mateo?

Yes. Footwork is located in San Mateo, CA and specializes in foot care for men and active people. [Book online →] or call us directly to schedule.