National I Love My Feet Day
August 17
About National I Love My Feet Day
National I Love My Feet Day takes place every year on 17 August and is a light-hearted reminder to appreciate and care for the feet that carry us through life. Created in 2015 by children’s author and foot-care advocate Carolyn D. Jenkins, the day combines a bit of fun with a genuine message about looking after your feet.
How to Celebrate National I Love My Feet Day
This is a day made for pampering, so put your feet first and try a few of these ideas.
- Treat yourself to a pedicure – Whether at a salon or at home, a soak, scrub and trim leaves your feet feeling fresh and cared for.
- Give yourself a foot massage – A few minutes of kneading the soles and arches can ease tension and improve circulation after a long day.
- Soak your feet – Fill a basin with warm water and Epsom salts, sit back, and let tired feet relax.
- Check your footwear – Use the day as a prompt to swap worn-out shoes for properly fitting, supportive ones that protect your feet.
- Go barefoot in the grass – Kicking off your shoes and feeling the ground underfoot is a simple, grounding pleasure.
- Learn some foot-care basics – Read up on trimming nails correctly, moisturising and spotting problems early, especially important for anyone with diabetes or circulatory conditions.
- Donate socks or shoes – Giving good footwear to a shelter or charity helps people who lack access to basic foot protection.
- Share the love online – Post your best happy-feet photos and tag friends to spread the word about caring for their feet too.
What is National I Love My Feet Day?
National I Love My Feet Day is an annual observance that celebrates our primary mode of transportation and encourages people to take better care of their feet. It blends a playful, feel-good spirit with a serious wellness message, reminding us that healthy feet underpin an active, comfortable life. Anyone can take part, from people who simply fancy a relaxing soak to podiatrists and foot-health organisations who use the day to share advice.
When is National I Love My Feet Day?
National I Love My Feet Day falls on Monday, 17 August 2026. It is observed on 17 August every year, so the date never changes. It originated in the United States, where some local governments have officially recognised the day, helping to raise its profile.
The History of National I Love My Feet Day
National I Love My Feet Day was created in 2015 by Carolyn D. Jenkins, a foot-care advocate and the author of the children’s book “My Feet: An Ode”. Jenkins submitted the day in May 2015, and the first observance was held that same year on 17 August.
Her book was written to teach children that feet are strong, helpful and worth looking after, and the awareness day grew naturally from that mission. Jenkins wanted people of all ages to think about their feet in a more positive and caring way, rather than taking them for granted until something goes wrong.
Beyond the day itself, Jenkins founded the Jenkins Donelson Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to promoting good foot health among underserved communities by providing socks, shoes, foot-care supplies, educational materials and access to podiatric care. Over the years the day has gained recognition nationally, with growing participation from podiatry groups and foot-health advocates. If you enjoy quirky observances with a caring twist, you might also like National Disco Day, another excuse to get on your feet and have fun.
Fun Facts About National I Love My Feet Day
- The day was founded in 2015 by children’s author Carolyn D. Jenkins.
- It grew out of her picture book “My Feet: An Ode”, written to help children appreciate their feet.
- Jenkins also established the Jenkins Donelson Foundation to provide footwear and foot care to people in need.
- The human foot contains 26 bones, 33 joints and more than 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments.
- Good foot care is especially important for people with diabetes, for whom small foot problems can become serious.
- Some local governments have officially proclaimed 17 August as I Love My Feet Day.
Why National I Love My Feet Day Matters
Our feet carry us thousands of steps a day yet are often the last part of the body we think about. National I Love My Feet Day matters because it turns a moment of self-care into a wider message about foot health, encouraging people to notice problems early and to value the part of the body that keeps them moving. It also supports those who lack access to proper footwear, reminding us that healthy feet are something worth sharing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National I Love My Feet Day?
It is an annual day celebrating and caring for our feet, blending lighthearted pampering with a genuine message about foot health.
When is National I Love My Feet Day in 2026?
It takes place on Monday, 17 August 2026, and on 17 August every year.
Who created National I Love My Feet Day?
It was created in 2015 by Carolyn D. Jenkins, a foot-care advocate and the author of the children’s book “My Feet: An Ode”.
Spread the Word
Join the celebration and share your happiest feet photos on social media with #ILoveMyFeetDay and #ILoveMyFeetDay2026. Tag your friends and challenge them to give their feet some well-earned attention!
Related Awareness Days
- National Disco Day – A joyful day that gets everyone up on their feet and dancing.
- National Ice Cream Month – Another feel-good observance perfect for a summer treat.
- Hobbit Day – A playful celebration that famously honours characters known for their bare, hairy feet.
Links
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