Feet first….
Dry, Cracked Heels? Here’s How to Get Soft Feet Again (Naturally)
If your heels are feeling rough, cracked or uncomfortable, you’re not alone. Dry feet are one of the most common complaints I hear — especially in the colder months, but honestly… it can happen all year round. Link to my own amazing Foot Balm
The good news? With a few simple changes, you can transform your feet at home and bring them back to soft, happy condition without needing anything complicated or harsh. It all starts with moisture. Dry heels can also be a sign of dehydration too… take note!
Here are my favourite gentle, natural ways to treat dry, cracked heels — and a little foot-care ritual you can start tonight.
Why Do Heels Get Dry and Cracked?
Your feet work hard every single day. They carry you everywhere, and they’re often the most neglected part of your body.
Dry heels can happen for lots of reasons, including:
Walking barefoot around the house
Wearing open-backed shoes or sandals
Cold weather and indoor heating
Hot baths and showers
Dehydration
Standing for long periods (me)
Ageing skin (it naturally becomes drier over time)
When the skin becomes too dry, it loses elasticity and starts to split — leading to painful cracks, especially around the heel.
The Mistake Most People Make
A lot of people try to “scrub” the problem away.
Foot files and pumice stones can help, but if you overdo it, you can actually make your feet worse by stripping away too much protective skin.
The key is this:
Soft feet come from moisture, not force.
Instead of attacking your feet, you want to soften them gradually and consistently.
A Simple Routine for Soft Feet (That Actually Works)
If your feet are dry, rough or cracked, try this routine for one week and you’ll genuinely notice a difference.
1. Soak Your Feet (Just 5–10 Minutes)
You don’t need anything fancy — warm water is enough.
If you want to add something soothing, try:
A handful of Epsom salts
A few drops of lavender oil
This helps soften hard skin and relax tired feet at the same time.
Tip: Don’t soak for too long. Over-soaking can dry out the skin further.
2. Gently Remove Dry Skin
After soaking, pat your feet dry and use a pumice stone or foot file lightly.
Be gentle. You’re not trying to remove everything in one go — think of it as “maintenance”, not punishment.
Focus on:
heels
balls of the feet
edges of toes
If your feet are sore or cracked, skip this step until the skin calms down.
3. Massage in a Nourishing Foot Balm
This is the most important step.
A proper foot balm doesn’t just moisturise — it locks in hydration, softens hard skin and helps restore the natural barrier your feet need.
Massage it in using circular movements, especially around the heel area.
This also boosts circulation and feels amazing after a long day.
4. Socks Overnight = The Secret Weapon
If you want to wake up with softer feet, apply your balm and pop on a pair of cotton socks before bed.
It keeps the moisture in and gives your skin time to repair while you sleep.
Honestly, this step is magic.
My Favourite Bedtime Foot Ritual
If you want a little ritual to unwind at the end of the day, this is a gorgeous one:
Apply balm to both feet
Massage each foot for 60 seconds
Pull each toe gently
Press into the arch (firm but comfortable)
Finish with a few slow ankle circles
Not only will your feet feel better, but it can help your whole body relax.
How Often Should You Use Foot Balm?
For very dry or cracked heels:
Daily for 7–10 days
Then to maintain soft feet:
2–3 times per week
Consistency is everything.
When Should You Seek Help?
If cracks become deep, painful, bleeding, or you have conditions like diabetes, it’s always best to speak to a podiatrist or healthcare professional.
Foot care is self-care, but safety comes first.
A Natural Balm I Recommend
If you’re looking for a balm that’s deeply nourishing but not greasy, I created my Foot Balm with Lavender and Peppermint specifically for tired, dry, hard-working feet.
It’s a beautiful, rich blend designed to soften skin and bring comfort — perfect for bedtime rituals or post-shower care.
Final Thoughts
Your feet do so much for you — and they deserve a little kindness.
A few minutes a day can make a massive difference, and soft feet don’t require harsh treatments. Just warmth, gentle exfoliation, and proper nourishment.
If you try this routine, let me know how you get on. I love hearing people’s foot-care wins!
With love,
Elizabeth x