For many, sandal season is the time to get feet in tip-top shape. That could simply mean a fresh pedicure, but if your heels are looking a bit scaly, you’ll want to establish a proper foot care routine before applying polish. And when winter rolls around, there’s no excuse to neglect your feet either. Just because they may be hidden away in boots or sneakers doesn’t mean they don’t deserve some TLC. After all, if you suffer from dry, split heels, you know how painful they can be.
“The skin is thickest on the bottom of your feet to help absorb shock,” New York podiatrist Dr. Jacqueline Sutera explained to FN. “But over time, the stress and friction imposed on your feet from everyday mileage can cause them to become parched, cracked and in some cases even bleed.”
For soft, supple toots, we tapped into Sutera’s expertise to round up some of the most powerful over-the-counter foot creams on the market. Another pro tip? Sutera suggests starting with a pumice stone or foot file in the shower, as sloughing off dead skin will help your feet better absorb the ingredients.