As a podiatrist practicing in Australia, I see countless patients struggling with dry, cracked heels. With our hot climate and beach lifestyle, foot care becomes especially important. Many patients believe any moisturizer works, but I have found that special heel balms help a lot. Balms with urea are especially effective.
In this guide, I’ll share my top recommendations for heel balms and explain why each one works for specific foot conditions. These aren’t just generic recommendations – they’re products I personally recommend in my clinic based on years of patient experience.
Why Urea is the Gold Standard for Heel Care
Before looking at specific products, it’s important to know why urea-based heel balms are the best in podiatry.
Urea is a naturally occurring compound found in the skin as part of our natural moisturizing factor (NMF). What makes it special for foot care is its multiple beneficial properties:
- Moisturizing: Urea attracts and retains moisture in the skin
- Keratolytic: At higher concentrations, it helps break down thickened, callused skin
- Skin barrier enhancing: It improves the skin’s barrier function
- Antimicrobial properties: Helps protect against infections
For dry, cracked heels, urea goes deep into the thick skin. It improves hydration from within. At the same time, it helps to gently remove dead skin cells from the surface.
Not All Dry Heels Are Created Equal
One of the most important things I tell my patients is that not all dry, peeling skin needs a generic heel balm. In Australia’s hot climate, tinea pedis (athlete’s foot) is exceedingly common which can look a lot like dry skin. Bacterial skin infections that require different treatment approaches also exist.
I now recommend specialized heel balms that contain urea as the main ingredient. These balms also use other advanced technologies and ingredients for specific foot problems.
My Top 6 Recommended Heel Balms
Here are the heel balms I often recommend to my patients. Each balm has specific benefits for different foot issues.
1. Footlogix Cracked Heel Formula
This is more than just a standard heel balm. What I love most about this product is its special mousse formula. It uses Dermal Infusion Technology® to absorb quickly. It does this without the greasy feeling that many creams leave behind.
The Footlogix Cracked Heel Formula treats deeply split and cracked skin on very callused heels. This is a common problem I see in my practice, especially during Australian summers. When patients have very cracked heels that regular moisturizers don’t help, I often recommend this first.
What makes it particularly effective is the combination of:
- Evening Primrose Oil with anti-inflammatory properties that help improve skin structure
- Urea that hydrates and locks moisture into the skin
- Dermal Infusion Technology® that helps deliver these ingredients deeper into the skin
I’ve found this product especially beneficial for:
- Patients with very dry skin and thick calluses
- Deep cracks in heels that are at risk of becoming painful or infected
- Prevention of heel cracks for patients who have previously experienced severe cracking
For the best results, I tell my patients to use this in their regular skin care routine. They should do this until calluses and cracked heels improve. After that, they can continue using it 2-3 times a week for maintenance.
2. Footlogix Peeling Skin Heel Formula
When patients come to me with peeling skin between their toes or on their heels, I first check for a fungal infection. In Australia’s hot climate, athlete’s foot is incredibly common, and using the wrong product can worsen the condition.
The Footlogix Peeling Skin Formula is my top choice for peeling, scaling, and itching between the toes. It also helps with irritation from infections.
What makes this product special is Spiraleen®. It is a patented algae extract. It has strong anti-fungal, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial properties.
As with the Cracked Heel Formula, this comes in a mousse format that absorbs easily and doesn’t leave a greasy residue. This is particularly important for treatment between the toes, where trapped moisture can worsen fungal infections.
I typically recommend this product for:
- Treating peeling skin associated with clammy feet prone to athlete’s foot
- Itching, cracking and irritation between the toes
- Patients who often walk barefoot in public places like locker rooms, saunas, swimming pools, airport security, and shared showers.
The anti-microbial properties help both treat the current condition and provide protection against reinfection. For many of my patients, this product has been the difference between recurring fungal infections and healthy, comfortable feet.
3. PodoExpert Orange – Skin Repair Foam
When patients come to me with very dry, cracked, and thick callused skin, I often suggest PodoExpert Orange Skin Repair Foam. This product is special because it uses advanced BarrioExpert® LIPO² Technology. This technology is different from traditional urea-based products.
What impresses me most about this formulation is how it works with the skin’s natural structure. It has lipids that are similar to those in skin. These lipids fill the gaps in dry skin. This helps start the repair of the damaged skin barrier. This approach doesn’t just moisturize temporarily – it helps restore the skin’s natural protective function.
The foam format offers several advantages over traditional creams:
- It’s quickly absorbed without leaving a greasy residue
- Patients can put on socks and shoes immediately after application
- It’s not slippery on floors (a safety concern for many of my elderly patients)
- It forms a non-occlusive, breathable protective mesh that keeps out germs while letting skin breathe
I particularly recommend this product for:
- Severely cracked heels with significant callus buildup
- Patients who find traditional creams too greasy or messy
- Diabetic patients who need effective hydration without compromising skin breathability
- Patients who need to apply treatment between toes where creams might cause maceration
This product has no artificial fragrances, colorants, or preservatives. This makes it a good choice for people with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivities.
4. PodoExpert Red – Skin Repair Foam
The PodoExpert Red formula addresses a different set of foot concerns than the Orange variety. I often use this treatment when patients have dry skin with irritation. This includes redness, itching, scaling, and peeling.
What makes this product particularly valuable in my practice is its dual action. It repairs the skin barrier with the same BarrioExpert® LIPO² Technology as the Orange formula. It also helps prevent fungus from coming back and targets germs that cause foot odors.
In Australia’s hot climate, many patients struggle with recurring fungal issues alongside dryness. This product offers an elegant solution by:
- Nourishing the skin with an intensive supply of lipids and specially-selected moisturizing factors
- Creating a protective barrier that helps prevent fungal reinfection
- Addressing multiple foot problems with a single product
Like the Orange formula, the foam application leaves no greasy residue. Patients can put on socks right away. It is great for use between the toes, where controlling moisture is very important.
I typically recommend this formula for:
- Patients with a history of athlete’s foot or fungal nail infections
- Those with dry, flaky skin that also shows signs of irritation or inflammation
- Patients concerned about foot odor alongside dryness
- Anyone who needs treatment between the toes where traditional creams might trap moisture
5. Restorate Revive Extra Strength with 30% Urea
I am proud to recommend Restorate products. Australian podiatrists in Western Australia make them. These experts understand our unique climate and foot care needs. 
The Restorate Revive Extra Strength formula has 30% urea. This is the highest concentration I recommend. This product works well for cases where regular moisturizers do not perform effectively.
At this higher concentration, urea works as a moisturizer and a keratolytic agent. It helps break down and remove thick, callused skin. This makes it particularly valuable for:
- Severely cracked heels that haven’t responded to lower-concentration products
- Thick calluses that need softening before they can be properly addressed
- Extremely dry skin that needs intensive treatment
What impresses me about this product is how effectively it balances potency with gentleness. Despite the high urea concentration, it’s formulated to be safe for daily use and has been extensively tested in dry Australian climates.
It’s also friendly for diabetics. This is important for many of my patients. They need effective treatment that keeps their skin healthy.
For my patients with stubborn heel cracks or calluses that do not respond to treatment, this strong formula often helps. I usually suggest it as a strong treatment for serious problems. After the skin improves, use a lower-concentration product for maintenance.
6. Restorate Intensive Foot Spray
The Restorate Intensive Foot Spray is perhaps the most innovative product in my recommendations. Australian podiatrists made this spray. It helps with a common problem many of my patients have. They often struggle to apply foot products to hard-to-reach areas, especially if they have trouble moving.
What makes this product truly stand out is its unique delivery method. You can use the fine mist spray from any angle, even upside down.
This makes it great for patients who have trouble reaching their feet. This may be due to age, weight, pregnancy, or mobility issues. Even better, it doesn’t need to be massaged in. This is a big help for many elderly or diabetic patients. 
The formula is impressive. It has 25% urea, soothing aloe vera, and a special mix of amino acids. These ingredients help replace and heal damaged, dry skin. This combination provides:
- Deep hydration through the high urea content
- Soothing relief from the aloe vera, especially beneficial for sensitive or irritated skin
- Skin regeneration benefits from the amino acid blend
I often recommend this product for:
- Elderly patients or those with mobility issues who struggle with traditional application methods
- Patients with sensitive feet who find rubbing in creams uncomfortable or painful
- People who need quick, convenient application without waiting for absorption
- Diabetic patients who need effective treatment with minimal manipulation of the skin
I support this product because someone makes it in Australia. It is designed for our climate and conditions. Podiatrists created it to meet our unique foot care needs.
Beyond Heel Balms: A Holistic Approach to Foot Care
While quality heel balms are essential, I always remind my patients that proper foot care extends beyond topical treatments. If you’re very active, you may develop more callus buildup on your heels and the balls of your feet. While heel balms can help manage this, it’s also crucial to wear supportive, cushioned shoes that provide shock absorption to these high-pressure areas.
Additionally, regular professional assessment is valuable. As podiatrists, we can diagnose different foot skin conditions. We will recommend treatment options that fit your needs.
When to See a Podiatrist
If you have dry, cracked heels that don’t get better with store products, see a podiatrist. This is very important if you have diabetes or circulation problems. Foot issues can lead to more serious complications.
Signs that indicate you should seek professional care include:
- Deep, painful cracks in the heels
- Bleeding or signs of infection
- Associated pain when walking
- Rapid thickening of skin despite regular moisturizing
Conclusion
Finding the right heel balm isn’t just about choosing any product with “heel” on the label. The most effective approach involves selecting specialized formulations with proven ingredients like urea, combined with newer technologies that enhance absorption and effectiveness.
All six heel balms I recommend are high-quality products. I have seen them work well for my patients.
Remember, healthy feet are the foundation of an active lifestyle. Investing in proper foot care now can prevent more serious issues down the road.
About the Author: About the Author: Dr. Rudo Makuyana is a dedicated podiatrist with over 10 years of experience practicing in Australia. As a specialist in foot health, she has helped thousands of patients achieve healthier, pain-free feet through evidence-based treatments and preventative care. With a particular interest in skin conditions of the feet, Dr. Rudo regularly shares professional insights to help people maintain optimal foot health in Australia’s unique climate..
