12 Remedies for Cracked Heels You’ll Love

Let’s be honest—cracked heels aren’t just a cosmetic issue. They’re a silent cry for help from your feet, often brushed off until the pain kicks in or someone comments. We tend to hide them under socks or avoid sandals altogether. But the truth is, this common problem affects millions, especially in dry or tropical climates, or among those of us who stand for hours. I know the struggle. I once found myself limping during a wedding because the cracks on my heels had split deeper. Embarrassing? Absolutely. Avoidable? Completely.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through 12 tried-and-true remedies for cracked heels. These aren’t just quick fixes—they’re loving rituals for feet that carry you through every day. And trust me, your heels will thank you. Whether you’re dealing with mild dryness or painful splits, this article offers relief that feels like a warm hug.

1. Soak & Scrub – A Spa for Your Soles

There’s something magical about soaking your feet after a long day. It’s not just about pampering—it’s healing. One evening, after a full day of errands and a toddler on my hip, I sank my feet into a warm basin filled with Epsom salt and a splash of lemon. Bliss. And better yet, it softened my cracked heels almost instantly.

Start by soaking your feet in warm water for 15–20 minutes. Add a few tablespoons of Epsom salt or apple cider vinegar. Once your skin softens, use a pumice stone or foot file to gently scrub off dead skin. This process helps in removing the thick, dry patches that cause cracking.

Do this three times a week, and you’ll see real change. It’s like giving your heels a breath of fresh air.

2. Coconut Oil – Nature’s Liquid Gold

If I could bottle up love and care into one remedy, it would be coconut oil. Rich in fatty acids and anti-inflammatory properties, coconut oil seeps into the skin and seals in moisture like a dream.

After your evening soak, pat your feet dry and massage coconut oil into your heels. Cover them with cotton socks overnight. The next morning, they’ll feel plump, soft, and deeply nourished. I’ve done this for years—especially in the winter—and it’s the closest thing to a magic potion.

Coconut oil doesn’t just heal. It protects. It prevents bacteria from infecting deep cracks, so your skin stays healthy as it heals.

3. Banana & Honey Mask – A Sweet Treat for Cracks

Sounds strange? Maybe. But bananas are loaded with potassium and natural oils that help soften cracked heels. When you blend it with honey—a natural humectant—it becomes a powerhouse foot mask.

Mash one ripe banana with a tablespoon of honey. Apply this gooey mix to your heels and leave it on for 20 minutes. You’ll feel silly, but your heels will feel heavenly. Rinse off with warm water and moisturize.

This remedy feels like dessert for your feet. Sweet, sticky, and oh-so-satisfying.

4. Shea Butter Overnight Treatment – Silky by Sunrise

When my feet hit rock bottom during a winter trip to Chicago, shea butter came to the rescue. It’s ultra-moisturizing and rich in vitamins A and E, which promote skin repair.

Warm a dollop of raw shea butter between your palms and massage it generously onto your feet before bed. Slip on some breathable socks. By morning, the transformation is noticeable. Do this nightly for a week, and your heels will look brand new.

Think of shea butter as a thick, velvety blanket that tucks your skin in for the night.

5. Aloe Vera Gel – Calm the Cracks

Cracked heels aren’t just dry—they’re often sore. Aloe vera brings instant cooling relief. During summers, especially when I go barefoot indoors, my heels dry out fast. A quick aloe rub helps soothe that tight, stingy feeling.

Use fresh aloe from a leaf if you can. If not, grab a pure gel (no alcohol or colors). Apply before bed and let it work overnight. Aloe promotes collagen production, helping the skin regenerate faster.

It’s like a cool breeze after a long, hot walk.

6. Listerine Foot Soak – Tingly Yet Effective

This is one of those strange internet hacks that actually works. Mix 1 cup of Listerine, 1 cup of vinegar, and 2 cups of warm water. Soak your feet for 15 minutes. It’ll feel tingly and refreshing.

Listerine contains menthol and essential oils that help break down tough, dry skin. Pair it with a scrub right after for best results.

The first time I tried this, I was skeptical. But my feet looked like I’d just come from a pedicure.

7. Oatmeal & Milk Scrub – Breakfast for Your Feet

Oatmeal isn’t just good for your gut—it’s a gentle exfoliant packed with skin-soothing properties. Blend 2 tablespoons of oatmeal with 3 tablespoons of milk to form a paste. Apply it to your heels, leave it on for 10–15 minutes, then scrub gently and rinse.

This works beautifully for sensitive skin types. Milk contains lactic acid, which helps dissolve dead skin without being harsh.

It’s comfort food for your skin—soft, creamy, and calming.

8. Petroleum Jelly – Old-School but Gold

Sometimes, Grandma really does know best. Petroleum jelly (like Vaseline) forms a thick barrier that locks in moisture better than most fancy creams.

Apply a generous layer on clean feet, cover with socks, and let it work overnight. The cracks start healing faster because there’s no moisture loss.

I still keep a tiny tub by my bed. It’s the kind of solution that never goes out of style.

9. Rice Flour Scrub – The Natural Polish

This remedy takes a little extra effort but is worth it. Mix 2 tablespoons of rice flour with a teaspoon of honey and a few drops of olive oil. This gritty mix buffs away dead skin and nourishes at the same time.

Scrub your heels for a few minutes after soaking. Rinse and moisturize. It’s like giving your heels a natural facial.

I use this on weekends when I have time for a slow, indulgent self-care moment.

10. Hydrating Foot Cream – Choose the Right One

Not all creams are created equal. Look for ones that contain urea, glycerin, or lactic acid. These ingredients go deeper than surface hydration.

After trying multiple brands, I found one with 10% urea that worked wonders. The trick? Apply it after every shower, not just when your feet hurt.

Make moisturizing a habit, not a fix. Your skin will stay soft and crack-free longer.

11. Change Your Footwear – Prevention Matters

Wearing open-backed shoes, like flip-flops or sandals, can dry out your heels faster than you think. I used to wear flip-flops daily—until my heels cracked so badly they bled.

Switch to shoes with back support and cushioning, especially if you’re on your feet a lot. Use insoles if needed. Breathable socks also help reduce friction and sweating.

Sometimes, healing starts with what you stop doing.

12. Stay Hydrated – Heal from the Inside Out

All the creams in the world won’t help if your body is dehydrated. Skin, especially on your feet, dries out fast when you’re not drinking enough water.

Make it a goal to drink at least 8 glasses a day. Add fruit-infused water if plain water bores you. Think of water as the root of healthy skin—without it, even the best remedies struggle.

One change I made? A water bottle on my desk and another on my nightstand. Simple, but game-changing.

Wrapping It Up: Love Your Heels, Love Yourself

Cracked heels are more than just rough skin—they’re a sign your body is asking for a little extra love. When you take the time to care for your feet, you’re nurturing your whole self. These remedies are simple, affordable, and often already in your kitchen. Try one or a few. Make it a ritual, not a chore.

Remember: healing takes patience. Some cracks disappear in days, others may need a week or two. But the real joy? That first barefoot walk on smooth, happy heels. Pure bliss.

So go ahead. Treat your feet like the heroes they are. Because when your feet feel good, you feel unstoppable.