Many people think of foot cream as a luxury confined to posh pedicures. In fact, it should be part of your daily routine. In winter, your feet spend most of their time deprived of fresh air and moisture, while in summer they can get too much exposure to the elements. Either way, the upshot is that they’ll take kindly to some regular pampering. If your feet are prone to cracked heels, calluses or dry or itchy skin, then it’s essential to apply a decent foot cream after a shower or bath, when they’re more likely to absorb the minerals and nutrients. But with so many foot creams claiming to be the best, which one should you buy? Scroll down to see the best foot creams available, along with top tips about what to look out for when buying one.
How to buy the best foot cream for you
What makes a good foot cream?
The best general foot creams renew and repair damaged and dry skin, soften hard skin and help to prevent a variety of foot problems including itchy skin, cracked heels, bacterial and fungal infections, as well as aches and pains.
Alternatively, you may need a foot cream that targets a specific foot problem. The most common is dry feet, for which you’ll need a highly moisturising formula that absorbs quickly and deeply into the skin. If you suffer from pain in your feet, look for a cream with pain-relieving ingredients such as tea tree oil, menthol or arnica Montana, as well as essential oils. All foot creams should be hypoallergenic, ideally with no synthetic chemicals, and should feel soothing upon application.
But aren’t some of the best foot creams prescription only?
If you have a specific problem that causes your feet much pain and discomfort – diabetic neuropathy or very badly cracked heels, for example – then yes, you should get a prescription treatment from a dermatologist. But if the problem isn’t yet at that state then there are plenty of off-the-shelf foot creams that should do the job.
How much do I need to spend?
It isn’t a case that the more you pay, the better the cream. As our reviews show, some of the most reasonably priced foot creams include quality ingredients and are highly effective. That said, more expensive creams are likely to contain more natural and hypoallergenic ingredients, as well as essential oils to help soothe pain, prevent infection and relieve inflammation.
Do your homework before you buy, as some so-called ‘luxury’ foot creams that can set you back £50 or more don’t actually do any more for your feet than those costing under a fiver. Pay attention to the quantity and how much you need to apply, too. Some foot creams come in tubes or pots of 100ml, while others contain two or three times that amount – with some products you’ll only need a pea-sized blob, while others require a more generous application.
The best foot creams to buy in 2018
1. Eucerin Dry Skin Intensive Foot Cream: Best for dry feet
Price:£8 | Buy now from Amazon
Eucerin promises to stimulate the natural healing process of the skin by hydrating it and regulating the pH balance. It’s been a staple foot cream among folk with super-dry or rough feet, as well as those who suffer from pressure marks and calluses. It offers excellent value at under a tenner, and the concentration of ingredients (including 10% urea and lactate, the body's own natural moisturisers) means a little goes a long way. It doesn’t feel greasy, absorbing into the skin quickly. Is it any wonder that it’s recommended by so many dermatologists.
Key specs – Volume: 100ml; Type: Cream
2. L’Occitane Shea Butter Foot Cream: Best for tired feet
Price:£20 | Buy now from Amazon
This cream provides an instant feeling of luxury, largely thanks to the all-natural ingredients that include 15% shea butter and essential oils. You’ll be in no doubt over where this cream originates; the evocative scent of the Haute-Provence region of France hits your senses on first application . It’s super-moisturising – some may find it a bit too sticky – and we love that it feels comforting, soothing and repairing, bringing your feet back to life at the end of a hard day. L’Occitane’s Shea Butter Foot Cream has won awards, and includes lavender essential oil and arnica extract, which have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Key specs – Volume: 150ml; Type: Cream
3. Flexitol Heel Balm: Best for cracked heels
Price:£5 | Buy now from Boots
Cracked heels – otherwise known as heel fissures – can be uncomfortable, painful even. Resulting from dry skin, they can also be unsightly, with thickened areas of skin that sometimes appear yellow with brown calluses around the edges of the heel. This heel balm is a great solution, largely thanks to its 25% concentration of urea, which is outstanding at moisturising the skin and exfoliating deep below it. Lightly perfumed, it’s easy to spread and absorbed quickly, but it works a treat. Unlike some other foot creams, is good for those with sensitive skin and diabetics too. Expect results within just a few days.
Key specs – Volume: 56g; Type: Balm
4. Body Shop Peppermint Intensive Cooling Foot Rescue: Best cooling foot cream
Price:£9.50 | Buy now from The Body Shop
If you want your feet to feel soothed, cooled and refreshed, then this minty and moisturising foot cream is for you. Expect lots of ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ to escape your mouth involuntarily when you apply it to hot and bothered feet – and the longer-term effects won’t disappoint either. Hard and cracked skin are among the ailments it will tackle, although it isn’t as hardcore as the Eurocin, CCS or Flexitol. Containing peppermint essence oil from Norfolk, it’s nourishing, hydrating and repairing. We like the appealing small round blue pot it comes in too – it’s perfect for throwing into your bag when travelling.
Key specs – Volume: 100ml; Type: Cream
5. CCS Foot Care Cream: Best for hard skin
Price:£8 | Buy now from Boots
If you suffer from hard skin on your feet, then this exceptionally moisturising, thick Swedish foot cream will get your tootsies feeling smooth and soft within days. The urea helps break down existing hard skin, as well as preventing it from coming back. It’s lanolin-free and hypoallergenic too. Massage it into your feet every morning and evening for best results, giving it some time to soak in. This isn’t to say it feels greasy or wet, but it’s best not to walk around for a little time after you’ve just applied it. The mildly minty scent will perk you up, too.
Key specs – Volume: 175ml; Type: Cream
6. Susanne Kaufmann’s Foot Cream Warming: Best warming foot cream
Price:£38 | Buy now from Susanne Kaufmann
Yes, it’s expensive, but this cream feels expensive too; with the glass pot only adding to the luxury feel. Best applied after a shower or bath and just before getting into bed – you won’t need much product to experience the ultimate in pampering for the feet. It boasts marigold extract and plus camphor, menthol, rosemary, thyme and sage – all of which do their bit to help you fall asleep and wake up to silky-soft feet. It smells divine, too, with a subtle minty, herbal aroma. If you suffer from cold feet, it’s particularly heavenly since it keeps your feet feeling warm for hours after application.
Key specs – Volume: 200ml; Type: Cream
7. Burt’s Bees Coconut Foot Cream: Best for instant softness
Price:£12 | Buy now from Amazon
Coconut oil is well known to protect against microbial infections, as well as being a powerful antioxidant – and it's the main ingredient in Burt’s Bees’ foot cream. This formula helps to nourish and repair hard and cracked skin on the feet. Alongside coconut oil are rosemary and peppermint extracts, which help to smooth your skin to leave it feeling soft. The cream is thick and gloopy, and therefore a bit sticky on application, but savour the heavenly smell and be patient while it absorbs; consider wearing socks for a bit straight afterwards. No review of this cream would be complete without mentioning the incredible minty coconut smell too – and the fact that one tube will happily last a few months.
Key specs – Volume: 120g; Type: Cream
