STAYING HEALTHY STARTS WITH YOUR FEET

GEHWOL Foot Care Trends 2026: Why mobility, prevention and regular skin care are becoming increasingly important

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The desire to remain healthy, active and independent for as long as possible shapes many people’s understanding of health in Germany. The latest GEHWOL Foot Care Trends 2026 reveal the impact this prevention-oriented mindset has on care practices, foot health and purchasing decisions. The study is based on a representative survey of 1,000 consumers. The results make it clear that health is increasingly viewed in a holistic way. Regular skin care routines, foot health and maintaining mobility are becoming significantly more important.

HEALTH TAKES TIME – EVEN IN A STRESSFUL DAILY ROUTINE

The desire to remain healthy and able-bodied for as long as possible is firmly embedded in the daily lives of many people. This is particularly evident among those with a strong health consciousness. They are significantly more likely to consciously set aside time for self-care despite the pressures of work and personal life. Whilst 65 per cent of the general population manage to do this, the figure rises to 78 per cent among those with a prevention-oriented approach to health. They do not view health as a short-term project, but as a regular part of their daily routine. At the same time, it is clear how strongly personal attitudes influence behaviour: those who view health primarily in a reactive way are significantly less likely to consciously set aside time for their own wellbeing.

FOOT HEALTH BECOMES PART OF PERSONAL PREVENTIVE CARE

Healthy feet are important to most people. However, this awareness is particularly pronounced among people who invest in their health in the long term. In this group, 85 per cent consider the health of their feet to be important or very important. Feet are no longer viewed merely as part of personal hygiene, but as an important prerequisite for movement, activity and independence. The results show that foot health is integrated much more strongly into personal healthcare where prevention is already firmly established as a fundamental approach.

FOOT CARE MEANS MORE THAN JUST WELL-GROOMED FEET

Foot care is increasingly associated with health and wellbeing. People with a strong health consciousness, in particular, see foot care as more than just a cosmetic routine. 92 per cent of health-conscious people with a strong affinity for foot care regard it as part of a holistic approach to health and wellbeing. The results thus show that the significance of foot care is expanding: Alongside well-groomed feet, aspects such as self-care, wellbeing and the long-term maintenance of physical fitness are playing an increasingly important role.

MOBILITY IS BECOMING A KEY HEALTH GOAL

Mobility and physical freedom are among the most important health goals of all. This desire is particularly pronounced among people who take a keen interest in their health and foot care. Almost all respondents in this group consider physical mobility to be important. At the same time, they engage in physical activity more frequently to promote their health, for example through sport or regular walks. The results highlight the close link between health awareness, physical activity and preventative behaviour. Mobility is increasingly seen as a prerequisite for quality of life and independence into old age.

Figure 4: Physical mobility is particularly important to people with a longevity mindset

MOTIVATION FOR FOOT CARE CHANGES WITH AGE

Whilst younger people often prioritise a well-groomed appearance, the functional aspects of foot care become increasingly important with age. From the age of 50 onwards, maintaining mobility becomes more important than purely aesthetic reasons. Among those aged over 60, 63 per cent cite the desire for mobility as their main motivation for foot care. The results thus reveal a clear shift: the greater the focus on long-term health and independence, the more important the feet become as the foundation for an active life and mobility.

SOURCES AND STUDY NOTES

About the GEHWOL Foot Care Trends 2026

The GEHWOL Foot Care Trends regularly analyse the attitudes of people in Germany towards foot health, foot care and societal factors influencing foot care behaviour. The current analysis is based on a representative online survey of 1,000 people aged 16 and over in Germany – conducted by Statista+ Research. The survey was carried out in June 2026.

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All results in detail

The full presentation of the GEHWOL Foot Care Trends 2026 is available to download here: