Dry, cracked heels make each step harder. A steady routine fixes the causes: thick skin, moisture loss, and friction. This guide provides five clear steps to follow tonight: soften, exfoliate, treat, seal, and protect. You use a warm soak, a gentle foot file, an intensive heel cream, and targeted corn or verruca care only as directed. You set one weekly review, so the results hold. The routine fits a small budget and a busy week. Shop our Foot Care category to choose heel creams, files, cotton socks, and targeted treatments. Establish a routine that helps prevent cracks and keeps your heels comfortable every day.

1. Soften and cleanse

• Soak in warm water for 10–15 minutes to soften thick skin; in winter, shorten to 8–10 minutes to avoid over‑drying.
• Clean with a mild cleanser; rinse and pat dry, including between toes; confirm skin feels soft, not tight.
• Prepare a towel, cotton socks, and products before starting to keep the session short.
• If open cracks or bleeding appear, skip exfoliation tonight and move to gently moisturising only.

2. Exfoliate safely

• Use a gentle foot file or pumice, never a blade; pass lightly over heel edges and calluses; stop if redness appears.
• Limit to short, even strokes; rinse dust, pat dry; confirm skin looks smoother without soreness.
• Repeat 2–3 times weekly; on off‑days, skip tools and go straight to cream to build the barrier.

3. Treat and repair

• Apply an intensive heel cream (urea‑based or emollient‑rich); use a pea-to almond‑size amount; spread thin layers.
• For deep dryness, add a second thin layer; wear breathable cotton socks to reduce moisture loss.
• For corns, apply corn caps only on the spot as the package directions state; for verrucas, use plasters as directed.
• Check in the morning: skin should feel softer without greasy residue; adjust cream amount as needed.

4. Seal in moisture

• After cream, add a light occlusive to the heel only to reduce water loss; avoid full‑foot application to limit slip risk.
• Wear cotton socks overnight in cool weather; in summer, allow open air if sweat builds under socks.
• If socks feel damp by morning, reduce occlusive or switch to a lighter day cream.
• If stinging occurs, pause occlusives 48 hours; restart with a smaller amount once skin settles.

5. Protect daily

• Use a lighter heel cream after your morning shower; reapply after long walks or workouts.
• Wear supportive footwear with cushioned insoles; avoid hard, backless styles on long days.
• Use heel sleeves only on high‑friction days; at home, remove and air feet.
• Review heels weekly; if dryness returns, increase Step 3 nights; if redness appears, reduce exfoliation frequency.

Shop Foot Care

Choose the products you will use this week. Select an intensive heel cream, add a gentle file, and pick breathable cotton socks for overnight use; keep corn caps and verruca plasters for spot treatment only, as the pack directions state. In the evening, soak and cleanse, exfoliate on scheduled days, apply cream nightly, and seal if needed. In the morning, use a lighter cream and supportive shoes. Review progress weekly and adjust frequency based on comfort and results. Browse the Foot Care category to find sizes and variants that fit your routine and budget, add to basket, and set your five‑step plan today.