Callus on Heel: How to Get Rid of Heel Calluses
Whether it’s from constantly walking around outdoors barefoot or poor-fitting shoes, a callus on the heel is your body’s way of protecting itself - but it can become very painful over time. Not to mention unsightly.
We’re going to show you how to get rid of heel calluses in this guide. Even if you’ve tried pumice stones and urea creams in the past to no avail, the Nuvé Silk 3 Pro electric foot callus remover can effortlessly remove tough buildup in minutes. Learn more below.
Key Takeaways
- A callus on heel is caused by repeated friction, pressure, and dry skin.
- Manual callus removers can cause more harm than good, while most creams and masks leave a lot to be desired.
- An electric callus remover is safe, fast, and easy to use at home. It’s the best way to remove heel calluses.
- Moisturizing after removing the heel callus is key to preventing it from coming back.
- See a podiatrist if your callus cracks, bleeds, or you have diabetes/poor circulation.
What Causes a Callus on Heel of Foot?
We get asked all the time: what causes heel calluses? They tend to pop up out of nowhere - but the truth is, that’s never really the case. They just eventually reach a point where they’re impossible to ignore, because they snag on your socks or hurt to put pressure on when you walk or stand.
Friction and pressure cause a callus on the heel of the foot over the course of time. It’s the result of the same exact spot on your heel absorbing repeated force, leaving the skin with no choice but to thicken up and protect itself.
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Kiran Mian says, “The skin on our feet is thicker than anywhere else in the body. It's designed to be protective. A callus will form if that force is constant.”1
Your heel takes the brunt of every step you take. It’s where most of your weight is concentrated while you’re standing, too. If you’re going to get a callus on your feet, this is one of the most likely places for it to form.
Poor-fitting shoes that slide, pinch, or even just lack proper support can make matters worse. So can the opposite end of the spectrum (going barefoot). Dry skin only makes matters worse, since thickened skin becomes harder without moisture.
How to Get Rid of Heel Calluses
You’re probably already to the point where it hurts if you’re looking for tips on how to get rid of heel calluses. Don’t worry. You have quite a few options, but the best way to remove heel calluses is with an electric device specifically designed to remove foot calluses.
The Nuvé Silk 3 Pro
The Silk 3 Pro by Nuvé is widely considered to be the best electric callus remover on the market. It comes with two micro-mineral rollers:
- Fine for maintenance
- Coarse for heavy buildup like you’re probably up against right now
The device spins at 2,000 RPM, so you don’t have to guess about how much pressure to apply or how fast to buff your heels. Let the device do all the heavy lifting as you see buildup get sloughed away right before your eyes. It takes just 5 minutes per foot.
The device is backed by a 100-day money-back guarantee and real clinical results. 96% of users said it was more effective than anything else they’d tried. This is where you should start if you’re struggling with a callus on your heel.
Other At-Home Remedies
You’ll see no shortage of home remedies suggested when you look for advice on how to get rid of calluses on feet.
One of the first is simply soaking your feet in warm water for 10-15 minutes. Maybe even putting some Epsom salt in the soak. Then, you can gently file the callus on your heel with a pumice stone. You have to go really easy, though. Podiatrist Dr. Priya Parthasarathy says, “Traumatizing that skin can cause the calluses to come back worse because your body's trying to protect itself.”2
You can follow up with a urea-based moisturizer, or anything with salicylic acid or ammonium lactate. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) says each of these can soften calluses over time.3
When to Consult a Podiatrist
You shouldn’t try DIY removal methods for a callus on your heel that’s bleeding or cracked. Not only will it be very painful, but it could leave you at risk of a potential infection.4 This situation calls for professional guidance. You shouldn’t attempt to self-treat heel calluses if you have diabetes or poor circulation, either.5
Tips on Preventing a Thick, Painful Callus on Heel Going Forward
Removing a callus on the heel is only a band-aid solution if you don’t take steps to actively address the cause of the friction, which can usually be traced back to your footwear. It could be poor-fitting shoes, a bad shoe design, or both.
You also need to make regular moisturizing part of your foot care ritual. We recommend the Nuvé Hydracare Balm. It’ll prevent your skin from rehardening. Use it on a regular basis, especially after follow-up treatments with the Silk 3 Pro. Use the fine roller for maintenance.
Bottom Line on the Best Way to Remove Heel Calluses
Our blog has a wealth of resources on how to get rid of hard skin on feet permanently if you’re still searching for answers, but hopefully, this guide on managing a callus on heel has left you feeling clear in your next steps. Get the pedicure tools you need at Nuvé today and see for yourself why customers say the Silk 3 Pro is the best way to remove heel calluses.
Frequently asked questions
Do heel calluses go away?
Not on their own. In fact, they only get worse over time. You have to address the source of the friction and pressure, then remove the callus.
Why are my heel calluses so thick?
Because the skin there is already thick to begin with. We’d venture to guess you have unsupportive shoes, or you may have suboptimal gait. It could even be that you’re skipping regular foot care. It’s likely a combination of these things causing thick calluses on the heel.
How to get rid of really hard skin on heels?
Use the Silk 3 Pro electric foot file and follow up with the Hydracare Balm. You may need to use the device more than once to address really tough calluses.
References
- Mian K, quoted in NBC News Select. 2026. NBC News
- Parthasarathy P, quoted in NBC News Select. 2026. NBC News
- American Academy of Dermatology. How to treat corns and calluses. AAD
- Moore L, quoted in Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials. Cleveland Clinic
- American Podiatric Medical Association. Corns and Calluses. APMA