Let’s face it – summer means more open-toed shoes, and while they’re perfect for keeping cool, they often come with an unexpected side effect: cracked heels! Not really the not be the best look for those cute thongs or summery vibes – but don’t worry! Cracked heels are super common, and with the right care, you can have smooth, soft feet again. Our Podiatrists in Thornbury are here to help get your feet back on track!
So, what’s the deal with cracked heels? Well, they’re usually the result of dry, thickened skin around the heel area, and you might even spot some yellowish or brownish calluses on the edges. The culprits? Things like low humidity, too many hot showers, or spending too much time in open-toe shoes can all play a part.


What Causes Cracked Heels?
Unfortunately, cracked heels don’t have a simple explanation. There are a bunch of factors that could be contributing:
- Pressure: If you’re standing a lot during the day, the pressure on your heels can cause the skin to crack.
- Weight: Extra weight increases the pressure on the fat pad under the heel, which can cause it to expand and lead to cracks.
- Lack of moisture: Your sweat glands don’t do as much work as we age, leaving your heels drier than they should be.
- Vitamin deficiency: A lack of key vitamins can make your skin more prone to cracking.
- Footwear: We love thongs & slides, especially ones like Archies with arch support… but open-back shoes expose your heels to more pressure and friction, making them more prone to dryness and cracks. This doesn’t mean stop wearing your Archies, it just means to take better care of your heel & foot health.
- Genetics: If your family members deal with dry skin or calluses, it might be in your genes too! A solid footcare routine can help keep it under control.
- Diabetes: If you’ve had diabetes for a while, it can lead to dry skin and cracked heels.
How Can I Treat Cracked Heels?
The treatment for cracked heels depends on what’s causing them, but here are some tips that’ll help:
- Consult a Podiatrist: They can safely remove the thick, calloused skin (please don’t attempt to DIY with razors or sharp tools) and give you personalised advice.
- At-home care: Use a foot file to gently reduce hard skin in between appointments. And we mean gently. If you are worried, get your Podiatrist to do this for you.
- Footwear: Choose for shoes that fit properly and, if you can, wear closed shoes to avoid extra pressure on your heels. Your Archies are still good & safe to wear if you follow other protective measures.
- Moisturise: Find a good, hydrating cream to restore moisture. Apply it daily to keep your heels feeling soft. Look for a moisturiser that contains urea—specifically, one with a 15-25% concentration. Urea helps stimulate the healing process, promotes hydration, and improves the flexibility of your skin. We love Walker’s Urea 25 Heel Cream, which we sell in the clinic! It packs a punch with 25% urea to keep your heels happy and hydrated. Bonus: pop on a cotton sock after applying the cream to help it absorb better! A nice foot balm, such as Foot-A-Roo foot balm can also provide a nice moisturising option, made with Australian Tea Tree Oil & Lemon Myrtle for a more organic approach inspired by Indigenous traditional healing. Feel free to browse & try different brands to find one that suits you, but make sure it hydrates!
- Consider Your Diet: Make sure you’re getting the right nutrients, as vitamin deficiencies can lead to skin issues.


Don’t let cracked heels cramp your summer style. Book an appointment with one of our expert Podiatrists in Thornbury today and get your feet ready to show off those thongs, slides or sandals!
You can Book Online or Call Us on 9480 4935.