The Best Foot Creams Will Hydrate Your Skin and Prevent Sad Cracks from Forming
These formulas will make your life a whole lot better.
Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links.
Feet can get very bad, very fast. Is there anything worse than cracked heels or callused toes, anyone? Short answer: No. Imagine being on your feet all day, going from one destination to the next, feeling the utmost discomfort. It’s literally a pain. Luckily, it takes minimal effort to avoid this scenario; there’s no need to delve into intensive preventative measures. All that’s required is that you get your hands on one of the best foot creams out there.
Yes, fending off cracks, calluses, and rough patches is as simple as lathering your trotters with foot cream. So, when you get up in the morning and start getting ready to head out the door (we’ve finally come to that point, folks), make sure you coat your heels, toes, and everything in between with a thick layer or two. Or you could even do it at night before tucking into bed. Whatever the time, adding this step to your grooming regimen will save you in the long run—especially during winter, when the dry, cold air does a number on your skin. There are also some formulas that help mitigate the formation of bacteria, thus minimizing odors.
Of course, everyone’s biology is different; some require complexes with lactic acid, which both exfoliates and moisturizes, while others simply need nourishing ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, or peppermint. The common thread between all these foot creams is that they normally have a higher concentration of said elements when compared to, say, the stuff you put on your face and other parts of your body. This is because the skin on your feet is thicker and much less sensitive. Not sure where to start? We have all the options you need to, well, put your best foot forward.
Burt's Bees Coconut Foot Cream
If rough patches are more your issue, Burt's Bees uses coconut oil to smooth those areas over.
Gold Bond Ultimate Softening Foot Cream
Gold Bond Ultimate Softening Foot Cream
For all things feet, you can never go wrong with Gold Bond. This one is great for callous-heavy feet.
Palmer's Cocoa Butter
For any sort of dry skin ailment, there's no problem area you can't enlist Palmer's for. This foot formula is great for post-shower and pre-bed use.
Eucerin Advanced Repair Creme
For those feet that have year-round dryness, make hydrating them a part of your routine. Eucerin's repair cream is light enough to use after a morning shower.
Bliss Aloe Leaf & Peppermint Foot Cream
Bliss Aloe Leaf & Peppermint Foot Cream
Peppermint is a big go-to ingredient for foot creams. It smells great, first of all, and it also leaves a cooling sensation so your feet don't feel like they're covered in lotion.
AmLactin Foot Repair Foot Cream Therapy
AmLactin Foot Repair Foot Cream Therapy
If you suffer from cracks and rough patches daily, AmLactin's complex, rich with lactic acid, will soften the texture of your skin with no fuss. And the price is pretty great, too.
Advanced Clinicals Cracked Heel Cream
The lactic acid in this formula will break down your calluses, and the shea butter and avocado oil will soften the skin. There's really nothing more you need to keep your feet fresh.
Carpe Antiperspirant Foot Lotion
Athletes, this one is for y'all. Carpe's foot cream, as the name states, is powder-based antiperspirant that creates a layer of sorts, reducing friction and blocking moisture. This prevents bacteria from forming and, by extension, minimizes odors.
Caudalie Restorative Foot Beauty Cream
Caudalie Restorative Foot Beauty Cream
Caudalie is the expert in super-hydrating lotions that don't leave residue. Give your feet a second to dry after applying and you'll be good to go.
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
Suffering from scaly, bumpy skin? This derm-developed cream—made with salicylic acid, lactic acid, and (for good measure) hyaluronic acid—will help you get the smooth texture you rightfully deserve.
Gehwol Foot Cream Extra
Gehwol goes beyond just addressing dryness. This cream also disinfects and deodorizes, which in turn protects from athlete's foot, blisters, and questionable smells.
Mayron's Goods Foot Cream
Mayron's Goods Foot Cream
The beeswax in this lotion makes it very effective, and the clover and cucumber make your feet smell like a spa. Use while lounging around the house.
C.O. Bigelow Lemon Body Cream
A very important dry-skin hack: After a shower (not too hot, either, because hot water dries out skin), apply lotion all over, including touchy spots like your feet. Go to bed and wake up with less-cracked heels.
Baby Foot Original Deep Skin Exfoliation Pack
Baby Foot Original Deep Skin Exfoliation Pack
Hey, sometimes feet get really dry. Really, really dry. Give them some extra love with a foot mask.
Aveda Foot Relief Foot Cream
If you tend to have callouses or flaky areas, Aveda's foot relief minimizes and prevents spots from popping up.
Kiehl's Intensive Treatment and Moisturizer
Kiehl's Intensive Treatment and Moisturizer
From the avocado oil to the shea butter, the ingredients in this creamy formula will soften and soothe your skin with minimal effort. What's more, it's fragrance-free, which means it'll appeal to just about everyone.
L'Occitane Shea Butter Foot Cream
L'Occitane Shea Butter Foot Cream
L'Occitane makes lotion that makes you feel fancy just using it. You can practically feel your skin getting less dry as soon as it's on.
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