Cracked Heels: Everyday Foot Care That Works

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Cracked heels happen when the thick skin on the heel becomes dry and hard and then splits under the pressure of walking. For most people a simple routine solves the problem within a few weeks: a short warm soak, gentle filing of hard skin, a rich foot cream every evening and cotton socks overnight. If you have diabetes, poor circulation or cracks that bleed or hurt, see a GP or podiatrist rather than treating your feet at home.

Here you will find why heels crack, a step-by-step routine, the habits that make cracks worse, and the warning signs that mean your feet need a professional.

In short

The skin on the soles of the feet is the thickest on the body, and pressure makes it thicker still, so it cracks when it dries out.
Open-backed shoes, sandals, long periods of standing and hot baths all add to dry skin on the feet.
A daily routine of moisturising, plus gentle filing once or twice a week, is enough for most cracked heels.
People with diabetes should check their feet every day, avoid soaking them and let a podiatrist deal with hard skin.
Deep, bleeding, painful or red cracks can let bacteria in and should be seen by a professional.

Why do heels crack?

Your heels carry your whole weight with every step. InformedHealth.org, the patient information service of the German Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care, explains that skin is thickest on the soles and palms and that repeated pressure or friction makes the outer layer thicker still, forming a callus. Thick, hard skin is less flexible, so when it dries out it cannot stretch as the heel spreads during walking, and fissures appear around the rim.

Several everyday factors make this more likely. Open-backed shoes and flip-flops let the heel fat spread sideways, standing for long hours at work increases pressure, and long hot baths remove the skin’s natural oils. Mayo Clinic lists heating, low humidity, hot water and harsh soaps among the general causes of dry skin, and notes that dry skin becomes more common over 40. Cracked heels are often a summer complaint, when bare feet and sandals meet hot pavements, but central heating causes plenty of winter cases too.

How do you treat dry skin on feet at home?

A home routine for dry skin on feet needs a little patience, as hard skin builds up over months and softens over weeks. The plan below suits most adults without diabetes or circulation problems.

When	What to do	Why it helps
Every evening	Wash and dry your feet well, including between the toes, then massage a rich foot or body cream into the heels.	Regular moisture makes thick skin more flexible.
Every night	Put on clean cotton socks after applying cream.	Socks keep the cream on your heels rather than on the sheets.
Once or twice a week	Soak your feet in warm, not hot, water for five to ten minutes.	A short soak softens hard skin before filing.
After the soak	Use a foot file or pumice gently on the hard skin only, a few strokes in one direction.	Removing the top layer of callus lets cream reach the skin underneath.
Every day	Wear supportive shoes with a closed back where possible.	Less sideways pressure means fewer new cracks.

Most people see softer heels within one to two weeks. Once the cracks have closed, keep using a cream several times a week so they do not return.

Which foot cream works best for cracked heels?

Heels need a richer product than the rest of your body. Look for a thick cream or balm with emollients such as plant butters and oils, and with an ingredient that softens rough skin, such as urea. Our guide to moisturiser ingredients for dry skin explains these ingredients in plain language, and our article on choosing a body cream by texture helps if you want one product for your whole body.

In our family we use the LR Aloe Vera Protecting Propolis Cream on heels and other rough areas in the evening, because its rich texture stays on the skin under a pair of socks. For lighter daily care of feet and legs, the Aloe Vera Soft Skin Cream absorbs quickly enough to use in the morning before putting on shoes. Neither should go on open or bleeding cracks, and anyone with an allergy to bee products should check the propolis cream’s ingredients first. Further creams are in our aloe vera skincare category.

These are the two creams we mention for feet:

Which habits make cracked heels worse?

A few common habits undo the good work of a cream. Try to avoid them while your heels recover:

Cutting hard skin with a blade or scissors can easily injure the skin and lead to infection.
Filing too hard or too often makes the skin produce even more callus as protection.
Long hot foot baths dry the skin out again once you get out.
Walking barefoot on hard floors and wearing backless shoes for long periods increase pressure on the heel rim.
Applying cream between the toes keeps that area damp, which Mayo Clinic notes can encourage fungal infection.

What if you have diabetes?

Diabetes changes the rules for foot care. Nerve damage can reduce the feeling in your feet, so a crack or blister may go unnoticed and turn into a sore or ulcer. Mayo Clinic advises people with diabetes to check their feet every day for cracks, blisters, redness and swelling, to wash them in lukewarm water without soaking, to dry them well between the toes, and to use moisturiser to help prevent cracking while keeping it off the skin between the toes.

If you have diabetes, do not file or cut hard skin yourself and do not use corn plasters or other products containing acids. Ask your GP practice to refer you to a podiatrist, and make sure you have your feet checked at least once a year.

When should you see a GP or podiatrist?

Make an appointment with your GP or a podiatrist if:

you have diabetes, poor circulation or reduced feeling in your feet;
cracks are deep, bleed or make walking painful;
the skin around a crack is red, hot, swollen or oozing, which can be a sign of infection;
the skin on your feet is also itchy, peeling between the toes or thickened in a way that looks unusual;
your heels do not improve after two to three weeks of regular care.

Mayo Clinic notes that cracks in dry skin can let bacteria enter and cause infection, so open cracks should not be left untreated.

Frequently asked questions

How long do cracked heels take to get better?

Mild cracks often close within one to two weeks of daily moisturising and gentle filing. Deep cracks can take longer and may need professional care. Keep going with the routine even after they close.

Should I file my heels when they are wet or dry?

Many people find filing easier after a short soak, when the skin is soft. Some foot files are designed for dry skin, so follow the instructions for the one you use. Either way, file gently and stop before the skin feels sore.

Do socks overnight really help?

Yes, they keep the cream in contact with your heels for longer and protect your bedding. Clean cotton socks are the most comfortable choice.

Can I use body lotion on my heels?

You can, but a light lotion is often not rich enough for thick heel skin. A cream or balm usually works better on heels, while lotion is fine for the rest of the leg.

Sources

This article is general information and not medical advice. We are independent LR partners and do not speak for LR Health & Beauty.

Author: Nikoleta Genova, independent LR partner since 2022 and an educator, writes about everyday care and family routines. Last reviewed: 29 October 2026.