Heels are one of the first places the body shows ageing and not just cosmetically.
After 50, the fat padding under our heels naturally thins and skin produces less oil. Add years of pressure from walking and standing and the skin responds by thickening to protect itself. The result is what we recognise as hard skin, calluses and eventually cracking.
Here is the problem. Cracked heels are not just dry skin.
They are a loss of flexibility in the skin structure. When mature skin loses moisture, it becomes rigid. Every step then pulls the skin apart slightly until splits form. This is why heel fissures often appear suddenly even if feet were fine for years.
There is also a comfort factor. Studies show foot pain significantly reduces mobility in older adults, and reduced mobility leads to reduced balance and strength. In other words, looking after your heels is not vanity, it is maintenance.
The good news is heel care works best when it is simple and consistent. Softening, hydrating and sealing the skin regularly prevents cracks forming in the first place.
Here are some heel balms and routines I have been trying that make a noticeable difference.
DU’IT Foot & Heel Balm Plus $15.49
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A very effective intensive repair balm that focuses on softening thickened skin rather than just moisturising the surface. It absorbs surprisingly well but does leave a slightly tacky finish at first. My tip is to put socks on afterwards to seal the moisture in. Otherwise you will definitely hear yourself walking across floorboards. Once absorbed though the heels feel significantly smoother by the next day which is impressive at this price point.
DU’IT Roll On Heel Balm $14.95
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This is genuinely helpful if you struggle to reach your feet or find rubbing in creams uncomfortable. The roll on applicator lets you apply product without bending or twisting too much. It is also excellent for quick top ups during the day or when travelling. A practical option rather than a pampering one, and sometimes practicality is exactly what keeps routines consistent.
SynxBody SynxPedi Footcare Gift Set $99
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A complete system with a cream, file and mask. The file is the standout because it is easy to control and reaches curved heel areas without effort. I particularly liked that it can also be used gently on nails which makes it feel like a useful two in one rather than another tool in the drawer. Used regularly it leaves feet noticeably softer rather than just temporarily smooth. I really enjoyed the foot mask as well – it’s ultra hydrating and really helped improve my heels when used with other products.
Renovatio Activated Routine
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This range works as a simple step routine rather than a single product fix, which often works better for persistent dry heels. Start with the Activated ACV soak in warm water for about 10 to 15 minutes to soften hardened skin so moisture can actually penetrate. Follow with Everybody Cream applied generously to repair and hydrate the barrier. Finish with Remedy Oil to seal everything in overnight, ideally with cotton socks if heels are very dry. The idea is soften, hydrate, then protect. When done consistently it prevents the cycle of cracking returning rather than just treating it repeatedly.
Skin Federation Urea Body Smoothing Cream $42.00
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Not marketed specifically as a heel balm but excellent for ongoing maintenance. Urea is one of the most effective ingredients for thickened mature skin because it both hydrates and gently breaks down hardened areas over time. Used regularly on feet and legs it keeps skin flexible so cracks are less likely to form in the first place.
CeraVe SA Renewing Foot Cream (88ml) $17.95
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This is a brilliant addition to any foot care routine because it combines exfoliating and moisturising action in one step. It contains salicylic acid, which gently helps break down hardened skin so moisture can penetrate more effectively. CeraVe’s signature ceramides and hyaluronic acid work to reinforce the skin’s protective barrier while binding in hydration. That barrier support is especially important for mature skin that loses lipids and moisture more easily.
Used consistently, it keeps heels softer without needing separate filing every time.
Heel care works best when you think of it the same way as facial skincare.
Soften the skin, add moisture, seal it in and then repeat it constantly.
Once heels are already cracked you are repairing damage. When you keep them hydrated you are preventing it.
Comfortable feet make walking easier, balance steadier and daily movement more enjoyable which matters more every year. Sometimes the smallest routines make the biggest difference to how we move through the day.
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