Dr. Scholl's searching for prettiest feet

LAS VEGAS - If you think you have pretty feet, Dr. Scholl's is looking for you.

Its national foot model search rolled into town on Friday with cameras ready to snap pictures of hundreds of feet. For those without model-ready feet, it was a beauty treatment and a quick lesson in podiatry.

"We're here to bring our message of foot health," said Kelly Clark, a spokeswoman for Dr. Scholl's.

Beginning in Miami, the "Do Right By Your Feet" tour bus has traveled to 35 cities since February, with two more stops to go. Foot care experts offer treatment information and product samples for aching or itchy feet.

But Dr. Scholl's is looking for more than just a few people eager to get rid of corns and callouses. The Liberty, N.J., company is seeking the perfect feet, and the qualifications are tough.

Moles, freckles or hairy feet won't do. Scars are out and toenails can't be discolored. Judges also look at the proportion of the foot to the lower leg.

"It's been a huge hit," Ms. Clark said of the foot model search. "It's almost as popular with men as it is with women."

The owner of the perfect feet earns a trip to New York which includes professional pictures of the prize feet.

Body parts model Trisha Webster's dainty feet make her a lot of money. She's been the "stand-in" hands, legs and feet for actresses Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon.

So what if your feet aren't so great?

"Someone's born with beautiful feet, but you need to care for your feet," said Gayle Glickman, another Dr. Scholl's spokeswoman.

Dr. Scholl's estimates that eight out of 10 people suffer from some type of foot problem - the most common being tired, achy feet.

To keep feet feeling and looking healthy, Dr. Scholl's suggests buying shoes that fit properly, paying attention to any redness or blistering and pampering feet with lotions and pedicures.

Lou Zamojcin, a nurse from Hunter, N.Y., came to the tour van with a question about insoles, but opted not to shed his shoes and socks for a picture.

"Oh God, they're ugly," Zamojcin, 55, said of his feet. "You don't want these things. Fred Flintstone's are great compared to these. The toenails are all mangled."

After that comment, no one at Dr. Scholl's wanted to prove him wrong.

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