Scholl Velvet Smooth Electric Foot File Review (By a Podiatrist)

Well lookee here. This Dr. Scholl Velvet Smooth Foot File review dissects its pros and cons. 

​Now, I'm a bit biased because I use top-end Podiatry drills.

(I also use better cracked heel creams than Scholl's heel balm)

In comparison, they're much more powerful. I can also use a scalpel.

But, I also have an expert understanding. I know what it takes to really rasp away ugly heel skin. ​

So, without further ado, let's get stuck into this review of the Scholl Velvet Smooth electric file!

​Scholl Velvet Smooth Electric Foot File Review (By a Podiatrist)

I've written lots about shellac nails, foot fungus and heel pain. 

I see these conditions all the time — and know how to treat them. 

But I realize there's a hella lot (more) to explore if I try out things I don't get exposed to. 

So this article is the first in a series of reviews.

Ones where I explore the good, the bad and the fugly home foot care products.

After all, it's what I do day in and day out for a living. 

Poacher Turned Gamekeeper

Foot care isn't like tooth care.

(In a good way)

You can buy a lot of the good stuff that Podiatrists and Pedicurists use. ​Right off the shelf and at a low cost. 

The foot creams, shoe insoles and hand files pros use are a literal click away.

I know this because I am a Podiatrist. I know what brands soar and which ones sink. 

​​But what's the one thing that's tough to get your hands on?

​Answer: decent electric foot files.

​Pro vs Store-Bought Electric Foot Files 

Electric foot files are fast-rotating sanding surfaces. That's literally all they are.

It doesn't matter if it's a Scholl Velvet Smooth, a $3000 Podiatry model or a Dremel from Aldi. 

​I use the top-end ones in clinics and can tell you this — they're powerful.

They're also loud. 

​At top whack, they sound like a helium airplane turbine on full fire. 

(The really good ones throw out a fine mist of spray, lubricating your skin as it sands down) 

​But Scholl has enabled us all to walk around with a good electric foot file in our pockets.

Or have they?

The Elon Musk of Feet

Dr. William Scholl was quite a character. He lived and breathed feet. 

He never married and legend has it he carried around a skeleton foot in his pocket. 

(In fairness, that sounds about right for a male Podiatrist)

It was ol' Billy Scholl who invented the first insole for sole of foot pain.

This was some feat, considering lots of brands get them wrong to this day. 

​Five decades since he trotted to the Podiatry Pearly Gates, Dr. Scholl's legacy lives on. 

Corn plasters, fungal foot sprays and an array of other home weapons to sort hard skin. 

Hi. Meet My Foot

For the benefit of humanity, my own foot is the model for this Scholl Velvet Smooth review.

As I've shown before, my right heel and big toe get callus build-up on the regular.

This is because the way this side moves is different.

It takes more of the load when walking (not running, these days I'm too portly). 

With my own delicate body as the guinea pig, I get feedback as both clinician and patient. 

And how exactly did this patient feel about the Scholl Expert Care File?

​Let's start with the features...

Scholl Velvet Smooth Foot File Review - The Features

​Design: Comfortably Weighty

Hokay, the design. 

The Scholl Velvet Smooth is exactly 7" long and a touch under 3" at its widest. 

Its bulbous and tapered end fits snugly in your hand. 

(That's what she said)

I haven't got a weighing scale to hand, but it has a reassuring balance.

It reminds me of that trusty cosh you keep in case of intruders.

​On inspection, the plastic seems robust. But I don't know how many wine-influenced slips it would endure before cracking. 

​Overall:  It's maneuverable and fits plumb in your hand. It probably won't stand up to knocking in tent pegs.

Power Settings: Tortoise And The Hare

​​A Scholl velvet smooth file has two changeable power settings.

These are button-operated and distinct from the power switch.

The only difference between the two settings is the revolutions per minute it spits out.  

In other words how fast it goes. ​

No complaints here because it's nice to have the option for lighter callus removal. 

But remember: this is an item that literally anyone can buy and use within minutes. 

So I didn't expect it to have angle-grinder torque — and it hasn't.

​Overall: The two-speed option is a nice feature but the low power option may be redundant.

Foot File Attachments: Flowers and Cigars

The velvet smooth comes with two skin-sanding attachments. They're the same length, but different shapes.

(That's what she said)

One looks like a Perfecto cigar. The other resembles an elf's flower vase. 

Now, I like the idea of different contours for different foot parts. But I'd say as foot pro that this is probably more of a gimmick. 

(As a brief aside, the blue file in the picture is bald because I used it for an experiment on toenails. I'll expand another time and in another video!)

These roller files are attached attach via a click and release mechanism. 

It works, but sometimes needs a few attempts.

​Overall: I'm not convinced the different shapes make a difference. The click mechanism for the attachments can be a little finicky. ​

Sanding Surface: The Healthy Rasp

Ahh, the rough file coating. The part that makes contact with your skin.

In other words, the bit that does the heavy lifting. 

This is a fine abrasive sandpaper slash emery board surface. It's not noticeable as it sands away and isn't uncomfortable. 

I didn't notice any difference in the material on the blue or black attachment. They both rasp away merrily.

The biggest issue I've got is how long they last. ​I get that Scholl is a company that has to make money for its shareholders. 

But I don't like the idea of you replacing light-wear refills every few scrapings. 

​Overall: Run-of-the-mill emery-type sandpaper that does the job. But they need replacing!

Battery Power: It Takes Four, Baby

The Scholl Expert Care Velvet Smooth Foot File takes four AA batteries. These are included in the packet. 

So in theory, you could be skin filing your callus while exiting the mall slider doors. 

Now call me an old cynic, but I don't have much faith in batteries that come with a product. 

So, I put my own ones in.

These are a brand associated with rabbits and I don't mean the rampant ones. In other words, Duracell.  

They aren't going to last forever, but they do give that nice counterbalance in the palm of your hand. 

(Plus you haven't got an annoying cable tangling all over the joint)

Overall: What you lose in lasting power you make up for in mobility. 

Filing Power: Prevention is Better Than Cure

This is the real meat of the sandwich. Or the avocado on the toast if you're vegan.

It's the 80/20 rule for electric foot sander reviews. 

You can have the most lack luster, hood-style electric foot file in existence.

It could have wires sticking out and be made from car batteries. 

But if it has enough power it would get the job done, which is why Podiatry drills work so well. 

This was my biggest issue with the Scholl Velvet Smooth Foot File.

It doesn't have enough grip, power, torque, juice etc, etc., to deal with really thick skin. 

Overall: Great for thin callus or small areas of fatter callus. Not so good for deep heel skin. 

​What I Liked About The Scholl Velvet Smooth Foot File

​My Scholl Velvet Smooth foot file is really good for big toe pinch callus. ​

​The smaller area meant I could grab that all-important purchase and push pressure down.

​It also performs well on concentrated patches of thick skin or light areas on the side of your foot. 

​It's portable enough to use without developing RSI. This electric foot file is light enough to take somewhere i.e. the bath. 

No cables means you can get down and dirty with different angles.

This is important with something as flexible as your skin.  

But what about what didn't live up to the mark?

​What I Didn't Like

The Scholl Velvet Smooth electric file struggled with my thick heel skin.

The level of callus here was a bridge too far. 

It rasped the top layer away nicely; but the lack of grip meant I was left with a rough yellow layer.

When I pressed down for better purchase, it simply stopped dead.

(Which is why I reached for the number 10 scalpel and cream)

Would I Tell a Relative To Buy a Scholl Velvet Smooth?

Would I recommend a Scholl Velvet Smooth to a trusted friend or relative?

If you have light callus, say on the side of your foot, or want something between proper treatments.

Then yes. 

Or maybe you enjoy idly buzzing away foot skin dust in front of Netflix. Again, se.

But if you've got heavy crack-prone heel callus and are looking for a quick fix then nay.

It's not powerful enough.  

​Instead, get yourself a Gehwol Pedicure File. You know, the good old elbow grease ones. 

Give your hard skin a good going over 'till you see dust fly and feel a pleasurable burn. Leave it settle.

​Then apply some Gehwol Fusskraft Blue or Mint. 

(The foot cream I use in the video)

Rinse and repeat. 

Would The Scholl Velvet Smooth File Work For Corns?

A ton of you have foot corns you want rid of from home.

I'm not a huge advocate of corn plasters.

They can work but it's ridiculously easy to burn yourself. With the corn still sat there. 

The Scholl electric file could work for early or mid stage seed corns.

​You could run the Scholl file over them and follow up with good foot cream. 

​Scholl Velvet Smooth Electric Foot File Review (By a Podiatrist)

Apparently, Dr. Scholl's business motto was: "Early to bed, early to rise, work like hell and advertise"

Wise words indeed and ones I live by myself.

Only I go to bed late, get up late and don't advertise.

Anyway, the Scholl Expert Care Velvet Smooth Foot File is a great choice for the casual skin scraper. 

It's not really suited to heavy duty, blade worthy callus.