Why Cracked Heels Worsen in Winter

Why Cracked Heels Worsen in Winter

Cracked heels (heel fissures) happen when the skin around your heel becomes dry, thick and hard, eventually splitting under pressure. In winter this problem often gets much worse. Cold outdoor air and indoor heating both strip moisture from skin, and low humidity makes feet drier than in summer. Short, hot showers or baths (common in winter) also leach oils from your skin. And as a result, the natural fat pad under the heel is less able to stay supple, and hard callus builds up and cracks. In severe cases these cracks can be deep and painful, even bleeding or becoming infected if left untreated. 

Indoor heaters and fireplaces dry the air, and wearing heavy boots or standing for long periods can add pressure to the heel. People with already dry skin such as those with diabetes, eczema or circulatory issues are at especially high risk for winter heel fissures. Overall, the cold season creates a perfect storm of low moisture and extra stress on feet, which is why heel cracks often appear or deepen as temperatures drop.

7 Ways of Prevention & Treatment

The good news is that cracked heels are very treatable at home, especially if you act early. Here are expert tips to protect and heal your heels through winter:

  • Moisturize daily, especially after showering. 

    • Apply a thick foot cream or balm every night and morning, focusing on the heel area. Urea-based creams are especially effective – they chemically dissolve hard skin and draw in moisture. Podime’s foot-care line includes Hydra20 (20% Urea Heel Balm) and Urebalm40 (40% Urea Cream), which are formulated to exfoliate rough, flaky skin and deeply hydrate heels. (For convenience, Podime also offers a 500 ml UreBalm25 pump and a 35% Urea UreSpray to reach tough spots.) 

  • Wear breathable, cushioned socks. 

    • Keeping feet covered helps lock in moisture and protects the heel from cracking. A sock made of soft, breathable fabric will wick sweat and prevent friction. For example, Podime’s Soles Diabetic Sock is a bamboo/cotton blend with a seamless toe and gentle arch compression to boost circulation. The bamboo-cotton yarn is naturally antimicrobial and has excellent thermal resistance, so your feet stay warm but don’t overheat. These socks are designed to cushion the heel and reduce pressure which are a great option in winter shoes or slippers!

  • Use cushioned inserts or heel pads. 

    • Extra padding under the heel redistributes weight away from dry fissures. A high-quality heel pad, such as Podime’s Podi Poron Heel Pad (soft EVA foam insert), can relieve pain and protect tender spots on the heel. PodiMe orthotic insoles are also an option: their innersoles provide firm arch support and extra cushioning that reduces stress around the surrounding tissues. In practice, adding gel heel pads or an arch-support insole in your shoes can take pressure off cracked skin while it heals.

  • Exfoliate gently. 

    • Once a week (or whenever callus builds up), soak feet in warm water for 10–15 minutes, then use a pumice stone or foot file to lightly remove thick dead skin. This prevents calluses from growing into deep fissures. Be gentle because over-scrubbing can make cracks worse. After exfoliating, immediately apply a urea cream or balm and slip on socks to trap in moisture.

  • Avoid irritants. 

    • Stay away from harsh soaps or baths that dry out skin. Also avoid walking barefoot on hard floors, which can worsen cracks. If using moisturizer on your feet, apply it everywhere except between the toes (excess moisture there can encourage fungal infection). At bedtime, a simple home remedy is to spread a layer of Vaseline on your heels and wear socks overnight; the occlusive petrolatum seals in moisture

  • Humidify your home. 

    • Use a humidifier in living and sleeping areas to add moisture to the air. Even low-cost models make a difference on dry winter evenings. Well-humidified air helps your skin stay moist naturally between showers.

  • See a podiatrist if needed. 

    • If home care isn’t improving your heels, especially if cracks are deep, painful, or show signs of infection, get professional help. A podiatrist can safely debride (shave) thick callus, bandage painful fissures, or prescribe a medicated cream. This is especially important for people with diabetes or circulation problems, who risk serious foot ulcers if heel skin breaks down

By combining daily care with the right products and footwear, you can prevent winter’s cold, dry air from wreaking havoc on your feet. Remember to moisturize, cushion and cover your heels, and consider Podime’s foot-care solutions (like Hydra20 heel balm, Urebalm40 cream, Soles Diabetic Socks, or the Podi Poron Heel Pad) to keep your feet happy and crack-free all winter long!

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