The spring foot reset: 7 products to tackle dry heels and rough skin

After spending winter hidden in socks and closed-in shoes, our feet are often the last thing we want to put on display when the weather warms up. Dry heels, rough patches and neglected cuticles do not disappear overnight, but the right mix of exfoliation and moisture can make a noticeable difference. From a clever glass file to an intensive peeling mask, these are the products to help get your feet ready for sandal season.

Lush Pumice Power Foot Scrub – $13

This solid scrub is a good place to start when heels feel rough, but you do not want to commit to a full foot peel. Finely ground pumice physically buffs away dry, hardened skin, while coconut and rapeseed oils, glycerine and sorbitol help soften the feet, so they do not feel stripped afterwards. Rub it directly over wet heels and other rough areas, then rinse. The solid, packaging-free format also makes it easy to concentrate the exfoliation exactly where it is needed.

Buy it here Lush Pumice Power Foot Scrub

Dr Scholl’s ExpertCare Hard Skin Remover Foot File – $19.99

This little tool is a game changer for anyone who wants to see an immediate difference without using a chemical exfoliant. Its nano-glass surface creates very fine, even exfoliation, gently buffing away hard and dead skin rather than relying on the coarser grit of a traditional file. It can be used on clean feet when they are wet or dry, is washable and reusable, and its ergonomic shape makes it easy to work around the heels and balls of the feet. Use a light hand and follow with moisturiser once the skin feels smooth.

Buy it here Dr Scholl’s ExpertCare Hard Skin Remover Foot File

Dr Scholl’s Exfoliating & Moisturising Peeling Foot Mask – $12.99

For feet that need more than a quick scrub, this sock-style treatment does the hard work over the following fortnight. Alpha hydroxy acids loosen the bonds between dead surface cells to encourage shedding, while urea attracts moisture and helps soften thick, rough skin. Wear the masks for 60 to 90 minutes before rinsing; peeling generally begins three to five days later and may continue for up to two weeks, so this is one to use well before the sandals come out rather than the night before an event. Do not pull at the shedding skin and avoid using it on broken or irritated feet.

Shop Dr Scholl’s Exfoliating & Moisturising Peeling Foot Mask

Lush Repeat Foot Balm – $24

Once the hard skin has been dealt with, this rich balm helps keep the results going. Jojoba and castor oils soften dry skin and cuticles, glycerine draws water into the skin, and candelilla, sunflower and orange-peel waxes create a protective layer that slows moisture loss. It is particularly useful on heels before bed, when a generous layer has time to sink in without making daytime footwear slippery. The blood-orange scent makes the practical job of moisturising feet feel a little less like a chore.

Buy it here Lush Repeat Foot Balm

OPI Moisture Mission Hand & Foot Cream – $35

This is the useful all-rounder for anyone who does not want separate tubes for hands and feet. Glycerine acts as a humectant, helping draw water into dry skin, while shea butter and avocado and sweet-almond oils replenish lipids and leave rough areas feeling softer and more flexible. Massage it into heels, soles and cuticles after showering or filing, then use the remainder on your hands. It is a good maintenance product once the heavier exfoliating work is done.

Buy it here OPI Moisture Mission Hand & Foot Cream

L’Occitane Shea Butter Intensive Foot Balm – $59

With 25 per cent shea butter, this is the heavy-duty option for feet that stay stubbornly dry. Shea butter is rich in fatty acids and works as an emollient, filling the gaps between rough skin cells, while glycerine and sodium PCA attract moisture. Panthenol and allantoin help soothe and condition the skin, making the formula a strong choice for cracked-looking heels and rough patches. Apply once or twice daily, or use a thick layer as a 10-minute mask twice a week before massaging in the excess.

Buy it here L’Occitane Shea Butter Intensive Foot Balm

Mavala Deodorising Foot Gel – $31.95

Spring shoes can bring a different foot problem: heat and odour. This lightweight gel uses Mavala’s Deo-Active formula, alongside alcohol and grapefruit extract, to help prevent unpleasant smells and leave feet feeling fresh. Alcohol also helps the formula dry quickly, which is useful when you want to apply it before putting shoes on, while the non-sticky gel texture avoids the heaviness of a balm. This one is about freshness rather than treating cracked heels, so pair it with a separate moisturiser if your feet are also dry.

Buy it here Mavala Deodorising Foot Gel