Calluses are toughened areas of skin that form when your feet face repeated friction or pressure. They’re your body’s natural defence mechanism, but that doesn’t mean they should be ignored. Left untreated, calluses can become sore, cracked, or even infected. The good news? With the right care — from better shoes to simple home treatments — most calluses can be managed easily and prevented from coming back.

This guide covers causes, symptoms, treatment, prevention, and the shoe features that help.

Calluses on Feet: Causes, Relief, and the Best Shoes to Prevent Them

Calluses on feet are one of the most common skin complaints. They’re not usually dangerous, but they can be painful, unsightly, and make walking uncomfortable. The good news is that with the right footcare routine, footwear, and treatment, calluses can be managed and often prevented.

What Are Calluses?

Calluses are thickened, hardened areas of skin that develop in response to repeated friction or pressure. Unlike corns, which are more focused and often painful, calluses tend to cover a wider area and feel rough rather than sharp. If you think you have a corn, read our Guide to learn about corn relief and treatment.
Corns often form from bunion pressure or tight-fitting shoes — learn how to reduce that friction for good.

What Causes Calluses on Feet?

• Tight or narrow shoes that create constant pressure.
• Repeated friction from footwear or walking barefoot.
• High activity levels, especially running or hiking.
• Structural foot problems such as flat feet, bunions, or hammertoes.
• Age-related changes — older skin is thinner and develops hard spots more easily.

When toes bend or overlap, hammer toes can cause callus build-up in hard-to-reach areas.

Symptoms of Foot Calluses

• Rough, thickened skin
• Yellowish or greyish hard patches
• Tenderness when walking or standing
• Cracks or fissures in severe cases

Callus Treatment at Home

You don’t always need to visit a clinic. Many people manage mild calluses with simple at-home treatments:

1. Soak and soften – warm water foot baths loosen thick skin. Adding Epsom salt can help.
2. Exfoliate – gently rub the callused area with a pumice stone or foot file.
3. Moisturise – use urea-based creams to hydrate and soften hard skin.
4. Protect – wear cushioned insoles or pads to reduce friction and pressure.

⚠️ Tip: Avoid cutting calluses with sharp objects. It increases the risk of infection.

When to See a Podiatrist for Calluses

If home remedies don’t help, or if you have diabetes, poor circulation, or painful recurrent calluses, see a foot specialist. Podiatrist callus removal involves safe, sterile debridement to reduce hard skin without causing damage.

Prevention Tips: How to Prevent Calluses on Feet

• Break in new shoes gradually.
• Wear moisture-wicking socks to reduce friction.
• Keep feet dry and clean.
• Use anti-friction balm or tape on hot spots.
• Regularly replace worn-out shoes.
• Maintain a routine of gentle exfoliation and moisturising.

Why the Best Shoes for Calluses Matter

Wearing the wrong shoes often causes calluses to form in the first place. Choosing the best shoes for calluses means opting for:

• Wide toe boxes to avoid squeezing.
• Cushioned soles to reduce pressure.
• Breathable uppers to control sweat.
• Supportive insoles for proper weight distribution.

For many, switching to wide-fitting shoes is enough to dramatically cut down on painful hard skin.

Final Thoughts

Calluses on feet are your body’s way of protecting against friction and pressure. They’re common, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with the discomfort. A mix of at-home callus treatment, preventive footcare, and supportive footwear makes all the difference. And if things get tough, a podiatrist callus removal session will put you back on track.

Don’t forget that the causes of calluses on feet can be for several reasons, not just one.
For broader advice on pain prevention and comfort strategies, check our Complete Guide to Foot Pain Relief.

Questions About Calluses

Q: What exactly is a callus?
A: A callus is a thickened patch of skin that forms in response to repeated pressure or friction. It’s a protective response but can become uncomfortable.

Q: Where on the foot do calluses usually form?
A: They’re most common on the heel, ball of the foot, and along the sides — anywhere that bears extra pressure.

Q: Can calluses be completely prevented?
A: You can’t always stop them, but wide-fitting shoes, cushioned insoles, and moisturising greatly reduce the risk.

Q: Are calluses painful?
A: Most are painless, but they can hurt if very thick, cracked, or pressing on nerves.

Q: Do calluses mean my shoes don’t fit properly?
A: Often, yes. Shoes that are too tight, too loose, or lack support are common triggers.

Q: Can flat feet or bunions cause calluses?
A: Yes, abnormal foot shapes change pressure patterns, which often leads to callus build-up.

Q: What’s the safest way to treat a callus at home?
A: Soak, file gently with a pumice stone, and moisturise. Avoid razors or knives.

Q: How long does it take for a callus to go away?
A: With proper care, thick calluses improve within a few weeks. Recurrence is likely unless the cause (shoes/pressure) is addressed.

Q: Do callus-removing patches work?
A: Some do, especially those with salicylic acid, but they should be used carefully — not suitable if you have diabetes or fragile skin.

Q: Can calluses get infected?
A: Yes, particularly if they crack. Infection signs include redness, swelling, pus, or pain.

Q: Is it safe to cut off a callus myself?
A: No. Cutting can cause injury or infection. Leave trimming to a podiatrist.

Q: Do calluses go away on their own?
A: Sometimes — if the source of friction stops. But most persist until treated.

Q: Can diabetes make calluses more dangerous?
A: Absolutely. Diabetes increases the risk of infection and ulcers. Professional foot care is essential.

Q: Why do calluses keep coming back?
A: Recurrence means the underlying friction or pressure is still there. Addressing footwear and gait is the best prevention.

Q: Can children get calluses?
A: Yes, especially active kids in tight or stiff shoes.

Q: Do barefoot walkers get more calluses?
A: Yes — the skin adapts to pressure by thickening.

Q: Can orthotics really help with calluses?
A: Yes. By redistributing pressure, orthotics reduce hot spots and recurrence.

Q: Do calluses affect walking?
A: Thick calluses can alter gait, cause discomfort, or increase strain on joints.

Q: What’s the difference between dry cracked heels and calluses?
A: Cracked heels are dry skin splits, while calluses are thick, hard build-ups. They can overlap, especially on heels.

Q: When should I definitely see a podiatrist about a callus?
A: If it’s painful, keeps coming back, or you have underlying health issues like diabetes or poor circulation.

Calluses are a pressure problem. Reduce the load, soften the skin, and keep up light regular care — your feet will feel smoother and more comfortable with every step.