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,” explains Charlotte Bodells. File feet weekly after bathing, then 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 percent urea from the chemist.” If heels crack, a podiatrist can remove callused areas or put blister plasters over them. “This keeps moisture in and bacteria out

while skin heals.”

Try Lanolips Lano Minty Foot & Leg Balm, $22, and Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Foot Magic, $6