Good heels

Our heels are happiest in shoes and socks. In summer, when we wear sandals or go barefoot, heel skin builds up to protect the fat pad and bone. “There’s a huge amount of force passing through the heel, so the body goes into protection mode,” Charlotte Bodell explains. File feet weekly after bathing, and once a month, go to bed for a week in heel balm and socks. “My favourites are fast-absorbing foams from a podiatrist, or formulas with 20 to 30 per cent urea from the chemist.” If heels crack, a podiatrist can remove callused areas, or put blister Band-Aids over them. “This keeps moisture in and bacteria out while skin heals.” Lanolips Lano Minty Foot & Leg Balm, $18.95. Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Foot Magic, $6.99.