TAKE off your shoes, and look downwards, beyond your knees. Are your feet a part of the body you don't mind touching, or would you prefer to look away in disgust?

Sandal season is upon us, which means that there's nowhere for your tootsies to hide. As you unveil them from their encased winter state, they may be in need of much-deserved TLC before you expose them to the world.

"Maintenance is terribly important. I do think one should have clean feet. I clip, clip, clip and buff, buff, buff and really, anyone can spend time with some pumice stone," says famous shoe designer Manolo Blahnik.

You don't even need to spend hours tending to your feet before they become suitable to show off - a few minutes a day can make all the difference.

  • UNDER FIVE MINUTES

If you're in a rush in the morning or can't wait to fall asleep at night, a couple of minutes will suffice. A fast scrub will turn feet from eurgh to zing.

Within that time, speedy treatments such as Crabtree & Evelyn three-in-one Revitalising Foot Smoother with peppermint oil, £10.50 (020 7361 0499/www.crabtree-evelyn.co.uk), or Leighton Denny Sole Mate scrub, £8 (0845 004 2053/www.leightondenny.com), will do the job for you. Both products contain natural pumice to soften hard heels and freshen stale feet.

The Sanctuary Foot Salt Scrub, £5.95 at Boots, has a luxurious blend of salts to exfoliate, and includes essential oils of tea tree and lavender to dispel any nasty smells. A quick swipe with The Sanctuary Foot Wipes, £5 for 20 wipes, or a spritz of REN Revivo-Tonic Cool Comfort Leg & Foot Gel, £18 at John Lewis and House of Fraser, will instantly refresh feet in seconds.

You won't even need to moisturise afterwards, as these all have moisturising and soothing ingredients, so just slip on those flip-flops and you're ready to go.

Creative Nail Design pedicurist Amanda Fontanarrossa says: "When we only have a few minutes to tidy up a model's toes for the runway, the top trick is to give the feet and toes a quick wipe-over with a baby wipe, paying attention to the cuticles and sides of the nail, before passing a file very quickly across the top line to ensure no snags and topping off with a quick wash of a sheer nude colour."

  • UNDER 15 MINUTES

With more time to spare, you can spend a bit longer treating your feet. Maintain their neatness by removing all traces of nail polish and trimming toenails.

"Exfoliate toughened winter feet using a wooden foot file. Always use on dry skin for faster and better results - the dead skin will appear as a chalk-like white and is far easier to see than with wet skin," explains toe technician Andrea Fulerton, who has given pedicures to Keira Knightley, Naomi Campbell and Charlotte Church.

Follow up with a a light layer of cream like Norwegian Formula Refreshing Foot Balm, £5.99, Origins Reinventing The Heel, £16.50 (0800 731 4039), The Sanctuary Intensive Rescue Heel Balm, £6.95, or Vesagex HeelBalm, £4.99 from Boots and supermarkets.

With a few more minutes to go, apply a clear nail varnish to keep nails looking glossy and shiny, without having to worry about chipping.

  • UNDER AN HOUR

Indulge tootsies with an hour-long pampering pedicure to allow feet to repair.

"During the winter months, cuticles tend to build up on the toenails, due to lack of attention. Start by softening nails with a cuticle cream, then give your feet a real treat with a foot mask," Andrea says.

Create your own DIY-style by applying an intensive moisturiser like comfort zone Lushly Floral Foot Balm with avocado and jojoba oils, £11 (01827 280 080), Lush Running To The Embassy, £3.95, or Botanics Overnight Foot Rescue Cream, £5.99 from Boots, or buy a ready-made one like Creative Nail Design Marine Masque, £19.95 as part of a Duo pack (0113 216 2994), Foot Heaven Relaxing Foot Mask, £3.29 at Superdrug, or Christy Feet Treats, 99p a sachet.

"Wrap feet in clingfilm and cover with a towel. After five minutes, dead hard skin will be loosened. Plunge feet into a hot footbath of Epsom salts or a soak to purify and cleanse."

She adds: "Push back the cuticle gently with an orange stick or damp towel - and never cut your cuticles. Nails on the feet are naturally hard, so filing them whilst soft is much easier."

Once your feet are in a better state, go bold and bright with some beautiful hues that are perfect for the summer months. Jessica Samba Parade, £7.75 (020 8381 7793), Max Factor Nailfinity in Disco Pink, £5.50, and GOSH Pink Lady, £5.99 at Superdrug, are great to show off tanned, pedicured toes.