There are many reasons to go for an indulgent pedicure. Many of these are associated with relaxing and having pretty feet. But seldom do you get a thorough education in personal foot care, to the point where you may never have to go for a pedicure again.

Internationally renowned foot virtuoso, Bastien Gonzalez is responsible for the most glamorous — and expensive — foot treatment in this country, and I was lucky enough to experience it first-hand halfway through a very stressful fashion week.

'The most knowledgeable foot-man around'

In South Africa to touch base with his latest spa at the One&Only Cape Town Resort and to support his friend and collaborator, fashion designer Gavin Rajah, Bastien Gonzalez was in an educational mood when I met him.

In the hour and a half that I spent chatting and then enjoying the unique hand and foot treatments, I learned more about my own feet than in the preceding 40 years.

A trained podiatrist, Bastien is unquestionably the most knowledgeable foot-man around and has built up a celebrity client list across the globe.

I learned that the story I wrote on the perfect heels was scientifically correct — higher than the five-centimetre heel, that I have found to be perfect, and your foot arch stops working.

When the foot arch stops working you walk almost exclusively on the front of your feet and this is what causes the pain.

Also, when the foot arch no longer flexes, the blood circulation drops as the turbo-boost action fails to pump the blood as effectively to the heart. Who knew? I feel so vindicated in my heel selection!

Foot maintenance?

Then I learned a whole heap of information regarding maintenance of your feet — and how to prevent callous build up, corns, in-grown toe nails and cuticle damage. If you follow the instructions, you will always have soft and beautiful feet, without the additional expense of further pedicures. What a winning solution.

Of course by pedicure, Bastien does not mean the filing and painting of nails. Oh no, this is what he calls "make-up".

When you go for a Bastien Gonzalez treatment, it is a medical pedicure, where your feet are treated and cures are found for any issues you may have. It is literally a Pedi (foot) cure.

For those looking for a nice foot rub and file and then some pretty colour on your toes, this is not for you. At R880 a treatment, you may feel that you are a bit cheated as you leave with no toe paint. But let me try and justify it to you. Having experienced it, I know now that there is a world of difference between the foot "make-up" and the pedicure.

A Bastien Gonzalez treatment provides three key benefits. First of all there was this invaluable education that will last me the rest of my life. Secondly, there was a reflexology based massage that re-establishes the flexibility, padding and foot mobility to ensure excellent blood flow, lightness and comfort. And finally, there was the treatment of my feet; the diamond drill bit as part of the four-stage buffing process that renders your nails shiny and healthy and the gentle treatment of the skin of the foot to relieve any issues.

If one stops confusing the two types of treatment, you can easily see that this kind of foot maintenance can supplement your everyday paint and pedicure, and is much more of an investment in the long-term health of your feet.

'The feet are our foundations'

If I could, I would try and have a Bastien Gonzalez treatment once a year, and supplement this with the homework he has given as part of the educational process. Then, when I want a nail paint, I will simply go to my usual lady down the road.

The feet are our foundations and they anchor us to the earth. They provide us with balance, support and strength. Our total physical well being is directly linked to the health of our feet. And yet we force them into too-high heels, we rush around all day before coming home and standing around in the kitchen sorting out our families.

Isn't it time we took some proper care of them? Isn't it time to treat them with a cure that may ensure comfort and health? Isn't it time for a bit of luxurious pampering? How much is too expensive for all that?

For more information on Bastien Gonzalez go to www.bastiengonzalez.com and for more fashion insights and tips from Robyn, go to: http://styleguidecapetown.blogspot.com