The best toenail guns

Foot care for festival weekends: nail tools, comfort and common sense

A festival weekend asks a lot of your feet. Hours of standing in front of a stage, walking between the campsite and the arena, damp grass in the morning and dusty paths by afternoon all add up. Long or poorly trimmed toenails are a surprisingly common cause of discomfort, because they press against the front of boots and trainers with every step. Sorting them out before you travel is one of the simplest ways to enjoy a weekend of reggae, dub and dancehall without limping back to your tent.

Choosing a toenail tool

For most people a sturdy pair of straight-edged toenail clippers or nail nippers does the job well. Toenails are thicker than fingernails, so a tool with a wider jaw and a solid lever is easier to use and less likely to split the nail. Battery-powered nail files and grinders can help with very thick nails, but they are optional rather than essential. Whatever you use, a few general points apply:

• Cut straight across rather than rounding the corners, which helps reduce the risk of ingrown nails.
• Trim a day or two before you travel, not on the morning you leave, so any tenderness has time to settle.
• Keep tools clean and personal; do not share clippers at the campsite.
• File rough edges so they do not snag socks or rub neighbouring toes.

Packing for happy feet

Pair well-kept nails with footwear you have already broken in, plenty of spare socks and a small kit with plasters and blister patches. Sandals or flip-flops are handy for the showers and for airing your feet in the evening. Our camping page covers what else is worth bringing for life on site, and the travel guide helps you plan the walk or ride to Fulda.

If you have diabetes, circulation problems, a painful ingrown nail or signs of infection, it is best to see a doctor or podiatrist rather than tackling it yourself. This is general advice only, not a substitute for professional care.