Cracked heels are not just a problem for older people. Even in your 20s, walking a lot, wearing sandals, and being exposed to dust and sweat can make your heels dry, rough, and cracked.
The good news is that the right foot cream can help. You just need to choose one that suits your skin and how dry or cracked your heels are.
Why Do Heels Crack?
Dry skin and less natural oil
Constant friction from walking or standing
Open sandals and slippers
Dust, sweat and hot or cold weather
Skin conditions like eczema or diabetes
Best Foot Cream by Age
Dark, Peeling Heels? Do This
If your heels look dark, rough, and start peeling, dead skin may be building up due to friction and everyday exposure to dust. A regular moisturizer may not be enough on its own. Try a foot cream with urea or lactic acid to soften rough skin and gently remove dead skin. You can also use a soft pumice stone a few times a week to keep your heels smooth.
What to Look for in a Foot Cream
Urea: softens thick, hard skin
Lactic acid: gently removes dead skin
Glycerin & shea butter: lock in moisture
Petrolatum or ceramides: protect and repair deep dryness
Best Foot Creams for Dry and Cracked Heels
1. Eucerin UreaRepair Foot Cream 10% Urea
Helps moisturize dry, rough feet and soften hard skin with 10% urea. Ideal for everyday foot care and maintaining smoother heels.
Eucerin Urea Repair Foot Cream 10% Urea
Moisturizes dry, rough feet and softens hard skin. Ideal for everyday care and smoother, healthier-looking heels.
2. Flexitol Heel Balm 25% Urea
Designed to soften thick, rough skin and improve moisture in dry, cracked heels. A suitable option for heels that need intensive care.
Flexitol Heel Balm 25% Urea
Helps soften thick, rough skin and moisturize cracked heels. Perfect for intensive care when feet feel extra dry.
3. O’Keeffe’s Healthy Feet Foot Cream
Provides concentrated moisture for extremely dry feet and helps prevent further moisture loss. Ideal for daily care of rough heels and dry skin.
O’Keeffe’s Healthy Feet Foot
Cream Provides lasting moisture for extremely dry feet and helps prevent moisture loss. Ideal for daily care of rough heels.
Save More on Your Foot Care Essentials
Looking for a simple way to save on your foot-care routine? Shop selected foot creams and heel-care essentials from our store and get on your purchase. Choose your favorite product and use the offer before it ends.
Simple 7-Day Heel Routine
Wash and dry your feet well
Apply cream generously on your heels
Wear cotton socks at night
Use pumice gently 2-3 times a week
Repeat daily, results often show in about a week
Mistakes to Avoid
Very hot water for long showers
Scrubbing too hard
Walking barefoot or in open-back footwear all day
Peeling dead skin with your hands or blades
When to See a Doctor
Visit a doctor if your cracks bleed, hurt a lot, look infected, or if you have diabetes. Don't treat these on your own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Creams with urea (20% or more), plus a heavy moisturizer like petrolatum, work best for deep cracks.
Friction, dust, sweat, open sandals and dry skin are common causes, even at a young age.
Most people notice softer heels in about 7 days with daily use, though deep cracks can take longer.