This foot file is different because of the way it's shaped. The handle is actually comfy to hold onto while using, and the gritty surfaces at the end is slightly curved, so it covers more area on your foot, and just makes it easier to use.
It has 2 sides, a fine and a coarse grit. You use the coarser side to really scrub, and then follow up with the softer side to make sure everything's perfectly smooth. I've used a few different tools like this in the past, and they've all worked well, but it seems like my feet are especially soft and smooth after using this one. I think this is because it exfoliates more evenly than some of the others I've tried.
Overall this is a decent pedicure tool, and I'm glad that I chose this one (there were a few different types at the WalMart in my area).