Dry, hard skin on the feet and cracked heels are especially common in summer — open-back shoes and sandals, walking barefoot and hot weather all take their toll — but they can happen year-round. The skin on our heels is thick and under constant pressure, and with few oil glands it dries out and splits easily. Here's how to get smooth, comfortable feet again.
Why heels crack and feet get so dry
The soles and heels have thick skin and no oil glands, so they rely entirely on moisture and care to stay supple. Pressure from standing and walking makes the skin build up and harden (callus); when that hardened skin dries out, it loses flexibility and splits — those are heel fissures. Open shoes, being barefoot, hot showers, harsh soaps and simply not moisturising all speed it up.
How to heal cracked heels and dry feet
- Soak briefly, then gently exfoliate. A 10-minute lukewarm soak softens hard skin; then use a foot file or pumice on damp skin to reduce callus gradually — never cut or over-file.
- Use a urea foot cream. Urea (often 10–25% in foot creams) both hydrates and softens thick, hard skin, making it the single most effective ingredient for heels.
- Moisturise twice a day, especially after bathing, working it into the heels and soles.
- Treat deep cracks with a balm or ointment and keep them clean; petrolatum helps seal and protect while they heal.
- Wear cushioned, supportive shoes while healing and avoid going barefoot on hard floors.
Urea foot cream (10–25% urea)
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A dedicated urea foot cream is the most effective at-home fix for hard, cracked heels — urea softens and hydrates thickened skin at once. Apply generously twice a day, and overnight under cotton socks for faster results. Patch-test and avoid open cracks if it stings.
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The overnight sock trick
This works brilliantly for stubborn heels: at night, apply a thick layer of urea foot cream or petrolatum, then pull on clean cotton socks and sleep in them. The socks hold the product against the skin all night and stop it rubbing off. A few nights usually makes a visible difference.
How to stop them coming back
Moisturise your feet daily (keep a tube by the bed), use a urea cream a couple of times a week for maintenance, exfoliate hard skin gently and regularly rather than letting it build up, choose supportive footwear, and rinse and dry feet properly. Staying hydrated and avoiding very hot, long soaks helps too.
When to see a professional
See a GP, pharmacist or podiatrist if cracks are deep, painful, bleeding or showing signs of infection, or if they won't heal with home care. If you have diabetes or poor circulation, don't self-treat foot problems — see a healthcare professional promptly, as foot care needs extra caution.
Frequently asked questions
How do I heal cracked heels fast?
Soak briefly, gently file hard skin, then apply a urea foot cream generously — ideally overnight under cotton socks. Treat deep cracks with a protective balm. Most heels improve noticeably within a few days to a couple of weeks.
What is the best cream for cracked heels?
A dedicated foot cream with 10–25% urea is the most effective, as urea both softens hard skin and hydrates it. For deep cracks, seal them with petrolatum overnight to protect while they heal.
Why do my heels keep cracking?
Thick heel skin with no oil glands, pressure from walking, open shoes, going barefoot and not moisturising all cause heels to harden and split. Regular exfoliation, a urea cream and supportive shoes prevent it.
Should I see a doctor for cracked heels?
See a professional if cracks are deep, painful, bleeding or infected, or won't heal. If you have diabetes or poor circulation, don't self-treat — get foot problems checked promptly.
