If your heels get rough or cracked every winter, you are in good company. What helps most is a simple routine: heel cream every evening, gentle exfoliation once or twice a week, and cotton socks overnight. This is general care advice, not medical advice. If you have pain, infection or diabetes, talk to a doctor or podiatrist.

Why winter is hard on feet

• Dry indoor air. Central heating pulls humidity right down.
• Warm, closed boots. Feet sweat, dry, and sweat again all day.
• Hot water and sauna. Lovely, but long hot soaks strip the skin’s natural oils.
• Out of sight, out of mind. In summer we see our feet in sandals every day. In winter they disappear into socks for months.

A simple weekly routine

Every evening: wash in lukewarm water, dry well including between the toes, apply a thick layer of heel cream (urea-based creams work well), and put on thin cotton socks.

Once or twice a week: soak for about 10 minutes, use a foot file or exfoliating cream gently, rinse, dry and moisturise. Never cut or scrape thick skin with sharp tools.

Monthly or before summer: exfoliating foot masks, the “peeling socks”, renew the skin on the whole foot. Peeling starts after a few days and takes about a week. Do not pull the skin off.

Socks and boots

• Wool outdoors, cotton indoors.
• Change wet socks straight away.
• Boots should not be tight, as squeezed feet get cold faster.
• Let boots dry out between wears. Two pairs in rotation is ideal.

In our shop

We stock IDC Institute foot care, heel creams and exfoliating foot masks. A foot care set also makes a surprisingly good gift for someone on their feet all day.

When to see a professional

See a doctor or podiatrist if cracks bleed or hurt, the skin looks red, swollen or warm, nothing improves after a couple of weeks, or you have diabetes or circulation problems.

The Estonian version of this guide is also available.

Frequently asked questions

Why do heels crack in winter?

Indoor heating makes the air very dry, feet spend long hours in warm, closed boots, and skin loses moisture faster. Heel skin is thick and less elastic, so when it dries out it cracks.

What is the best cream for cracked heels?

Look for a heel cream with urea, which helps skin hold on to moisture. Apply it every evening after washing and cover with cotton socks.

How often should you exfoliate your feet?

Once or twice a week is enough for most people. Exfoliating too often or too hard can irritate the skin.

When should I see a doctor about cracked heels?

If cracks bleed, hurt, look infected or do not improve within a couple of weeks, or if you have diabetes or circulation problems, see a doctor or podiatrist.