Cracked Heels: A Podiatrist’s Guide to Choosing the Right Foot Cream
Dry, rough or cracked heels are extremely common, but the most suitable care depends on more than simply choosing the product with the highest urea percentage.
As a podiatrist, I consider the condition of the skin, the amount of callus, whether any fissures are open, the person’s circulation and sensation, their footwear and the pressure being placed around the heel. A moisturiser can be an important part of heel care, but persistent cracking may also require changes to footwear, pressure management or professional treatment.
This guide explains why heels crack, how urea works and how to select an appropriate foot cream for your needs.
Why do heels become dry and cracked?
The skin on the soles of the feet does not contain sebaceous glands, which produce the oils found elsewhere on the body. Heel skin therefore relies heavily on its natural barrier and regular moisturising to remain flexible.
Cracking usually develops through a combination of dry skin, thickened callus and pressure. When weight is placed through the heel, the fatty tissue underneath it naturally expands outwards. If the skin around the edge of the heel has become dry and inflexible, that repeated movement can cause it to split.
Contributing factors may include:
prolonged standing, particularly on hard surfaces;
open-backed shoes, sandals or thongs;
walking barefoot regularly;
dry weather or low humidity;
hot showers and harsh soaps;
increasing age;
excessive callous around the heel;
increased pressure through the heels;
eczema, psoriasis or other skin conditions;
diabetes, reduced circulation or altered sensation; and
some thyroid and other medical conditions.
Small surface cracks can become deeper fissures if the dry skin and contributing pressure are not addressed.
Not every cracked heel needs the strongest cream
It can be tempting to assume that a higher urea percentage must provide a better result. In practice, stronger is not always more appropriate.
A person with mild general dryness may only need a comfortable daily moisturiser. Someone with substantial thickening and callus may benefit from a more concentrated urea formula. A person with fragile, irritated or broken skin may require a different approach altogether.
The best choice also needs to be one you will use consistently. A lighter mousse may suit someone who dislikes greasy creams, while another person may prefer a richer traditional formula.
What does urea do in a foot cream?
Urea is a component of the skin’s natural moisturising system. In skincare products, it acts as a humectant, helping the outer layer of the skin attract and retain moisture.
At higher concentrations, urea can also help soften and loosen thickened surface skin. This is why it is frequently included in products designed for dry, rough or callused feet.
The appropriate strength depends on:
the severity of the dryness;
how much thickened skin is present;
whether the skin is intact;
sensitivity to the product;
other ingredients in the formula; and
individual health considerations.
Urea can sting when applied to fissured, inflamed or broken skin. Unless the product directions or a healthcare professional advise otherwise, concentrated urea products should not be placed directly into open or bleeding cracks.
Which type of foot cream may suit you?
The following guide compares three different products available from The Foot Care Shop. It is intended to help you understand their differences rather than identify one universal “best” product.
Which type of foot cream may suit you?
For general dryness without substantial thickening
Consider: Akileïne Blue Foot Cream
A lightweight, fast-absorbing daily moisturiser without a concentrated urea formula.
For very dry, rough or thickened heel skin
Consider: Walker’s Urea 25 Foot Cream
Contains 25% urea for more intensive moisturising and skin-softening care.
For dry or callused skin when you prefer a lighter texture
Consider: Callusan Forte Foot Mousse
Contains 15% urea in a quickly absorbed, non-greasy mousse.
For ongoing care after thickened skin has improved
Consider: Walker’s Urea 15 or another daily moisturiser
A lower-strength option may be more comfortable for regular maintenance.
Walker’s Urea 25 Foot Cream
Walker’s Urea 25 Foot Cream is an Australian-made intensive moisturiser for very dry, rough and thickened skin around the heels and soles.
Its 25% urea formula helps retain moisture and soften areas of hard skin. The current formulation also contains ceramides, which help support the skin’s moisture barrier.
I would generally consider a product of this type when the heel skin is intact but noticeably dry, rough or thickened. It is available in several sizes, including a travel-sized tube, 500 ml pump and larger refill options.
Do not apply it directly to an open wound or bleeding fissure.
Callusan Forte 15% Urea Foot Mousse
Callusan Forte combines 15% urea with a light cream-mousse texture.
It spreads easily, absorbs quickly and does not leave the same heavy finish as some traditional heel creams. This can make it a useful choice for people who need regular moisturising care but dislike a rich or greasy product.
It is intended for dry, rough and callused skin. Only a small amount is required, and socks or shoes can usually be worn once it has absorbed.
Akileïne Blue Foot Cream
Akileïne Blue Foot Cream is a lightweight daily moisturiser for general foot care.
Unlike Walker’s Urea 25 and Callusan Forte, this particular Akileïne Blue product is not a concentrated urea cream. It may suit feet that are dry but do not have substantial thickening or heavy callus.
Its smooth, quickly absorbed texture makes it convenient for daytime use or for people who prefer a lighter everyday moisturiser.
A podiatrist’s approach to home heel care
A simple routine is often more useful than repeatedly changing products.
1. Check the skin first
Before applying a strong product, inspect the heel for:
open or bleeding fissures;
redness or swelling;
discharge;
unusual warmth;
increasing pain; or
broken skin that is not improving.
These signs require professional advice rather than routine cosmetic care alone.
2. Wash and dry your feet
Wash with comfortably warm water and dry carefully, especially between the toes. Long soaking is generally unnecessary and can leave the skin waterlogged or more vulnerable to dryness after it has evaporated.
3. Reduce callous carefully
If the skin is intact and you have normal circulation and sensation, a gentle foot file may help gradually reduce superficial thickening.
Do not use razor blades, scalpels, scissors or aggressive callus-removal tools at home. Removing too much skin can cause pain, bleeding and infection.
Do not self-file callus without professional advice if you have diabetes, neuropathy, reduced circulation, fragile skin or difficulty seeing or reaching your feet.
4. Apply moisturiser to the dry areas
Apply the selected cream to clean, dry skin around the heels and soles. Follow the individual product instructions and allow it to absorb before walking.
Avoid applying ordinary foot moisturiser between the toes. Keeping these areas dry helps reduce maceration—the soft, white and waterlogged skin that can develop when excess moisture becomes trapped.
5. Be consistent
Regular application is generally more helpful than using a large amount occasionally. The time required to see improvement varies according to the depth of the fissures, the amount of callus, product choice and ongoing pressure around the heels.
6. Review your footwear
Cream alone may not fully address cracking if mechanical stress continues.
Open-backed footwear allows the heel pad to spread more freely. A shoe with an enclosed heel counter can provide greater support around the heel. Suitable heel cups or cushioning may also help some people by redistributing pressure, but they need to fit correctly inside the footwear.
Should you wear socks over foot cream?
Clean socks can help prevent moisturiser from transferring onto the floor or bedding. They may also help keep the product in contact with the skin.
However, heavily occlusive socks or gel booties are not suitable for everyone. Stop using them if the skin becomes excessively moist, white, irritated or itchy.
Take care when walking after applying cream, as moisturised feet and smooth floors can create a slipping risk.
When should you see a podiatrist?
Arrange an assessment if:
the cracks are deep, painful or bleeding;
the skin is red, swollen, warm or producing discharge;
a fissure is not improving;
thick callous returns quickly;
you cannot comfortably manage your foot care;
cracking continues despite regular moisturising;
you have reduced sensation or poor circulation; or
you have diabetes.
A podiatrist can assess the condition of the skin, safely reduce excessive callus when appropriate and identify footwear or pressure factors contributing to the problem.
People with diabetes should seek early advice about cracked or broken skin rather than waiting for the problem to worsen.
Frequently asked questions
What percentage of urea should I use?
There is no single percentage that suits everyone. Lower concentrations are often used for everyday hydration, while more concentrated products may be selected for very dry or thickened skin. Skin integrity, sensitivity and medical risk factors also need to be considered.
Is 25% urea always better than 15%?
No. A 25% formula offers more intensive skin-softening care, but a 15% formula may be entirely appropriate for moderate dryness, regular moisturising or someone who prefers a lighter product.
The most effective option is one that is suitable for your skin and used consistently.
Can urea cream sting?
Urea can cause temporary stinging or irritation, particularly on fissured, inflamed or broken skin. Stop using the product if irritation is persistent or significant.
Should I file cracked heels?
Gentle filing may help reduce superficial callus when the skin is intact and circulation and sensation are normal. Do not file open cracks, and never use a blade to remove heel callus yourself.
People with diabetes, neuropathy or circulation problems should obtain individual advice before using a foot file.
Can I put foot cream between my toes?
Ordinary moisturising cream is usually best kept away from the spaces between the toes. Excess moisture in this area can contribute to maceration and irritation.
Why do my cracked heels keep returning?
Recurring heel cracks can be associated with ongoing dryness, callus, pressure, open-backed footwear, prolonged standing or an underlying skin or medical condition. Cream can improve moisture levels, but recurring problems may also require pressure or footwear management.
How long will my heels take to improve?
There is no reliable timeframe that applies to everyone. Mild dryness may respond relatively quickly, while deep fissures or heavy callus can require longer-term care and professional treatment. Seek advice if the skin is worsening or not responding as expected.
Explore foot creams for different needs
Browse our range of foot creams for dry feet and cracked heels, including daily moisturisers, concentrated urea creams and lightweight foot mousses.
Written and clinically reviewed by our AHPRA-registered podiatrist.
Last clinically reviewed: October 2026
This article provides general educational information and is not a substitute for an individual assessment, diagnosis or treatment plan. Consult an appropriate healthcare professional if you have concerns about your feet or general health.
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