Flexitol Heel Balm Named Best Overall Foot Cream by Dermatologists

Key Takeaways:

• Top honor: Flexitol Heel Balm was named “Best Overall Foot Cream” in a dermatologist-reviewed roundup of the best foot creams for dry and cracked heels.
• Why it won: Two board-certified dermatologists pointed to its 25% urea concentration as the reason it outperforms lighter formulas on stubborn, cracked heels.
• Backed by results: Flexitol Heel Balm is clinically tested and formulated to deliver visibly softer, smoother skin in as little as one day.
• Recommended for more than dry skin: The formula is also called out as a smart option for people managing diabetes-related foot care, alongside general cracked heel relief.
• Best used with the right routine: Experts agree that when and how you apply a heel balm matters just as much as the formula itself.

If your heels have ever felt more like sandpaper than skin, you’re far from alone. Cracked heels are one of the most common (and most stubborn) skin concerns out there, and it turns out dermatologists agree on what actually works to fix them. Flexitol Heel Balm was just named Best Overall Foot Cream in a roundup of the top products for dry, cracked heels, and we wanted to break down exactly why.

What Did the Dermatologists Say About Flexitol Heel Balm?

In a review of the best foot creams for dry and cracked heels, two board-certified dermatologists tested and compared a dozen popular options. Flexitol Heel Balm came out on top as the overall winner, largely thanks to its 25% urea concentration, which one of the reviewing dermatologists called out as the reason it holds up even against severe, long-term dryness. A second dermatologist echoed the pick, noting the formula suits thick, rough heels that need more than a basic moisturizer to see real change.

You can read the full roundup on Parade to see how Flexitol Heel Balm compared against the other 11 products tested.

Why Does Urea Concentration Matter So Much for Cracked Heels?

Urea is considered a key ingredient for softening dry, thickened heel skin. The concentration used in a formula makes a real difference. Lower-strength urea creams (around 10%) are fine for everyday maintenance, but once heels have developed thick calluses or deep cracks, a higher concentration is what actually softens and breaks down that built-up skin.

Flexitol Heel Balm uses a 25% urea concentration, one of the higher levels available without a prescription. That’s paired with a supporting blend of Urea, Aloe, Vitamin E, Shea Butter, Lanolin, Glycolic Acid and Tea Tree Oil, so the formula both softens rough skin and helps lock in moisture at the same time. To understand more about what’s actually causing that roughness in the first place, take a look at what causes skin on your feet and heels to crack and split. 

What Makes Flexitol Heel Balm the Best Heel Balm for Cracked Heels?

A few things set Flexitol Heel Balm apart from the average foot cream on the shelf:

• Clinically tested: Formulated and tested to deliver visible results, not just marketed to.
• Fast-acting: Users can see and feel softer, smoother, more hydrated skin in as little as one day.
• Paraben-free: Suitable for regular, everyday use.
• Podiatrist recommended: Meets a high bar for quality and performance, and is approved by the American Podiatrist Association, with no prescription required.
• Diabetic-friendly: Formulated to support daily skin care and inspection for people managing diabetes.

If cracked heels are a recurring issue for you rather than a one-off problem, it’s worth reading through what causes dry, cracked feet and which heel balm remedies actually help for a fuller picture of what might be going on beneath the surface.

Is Flexitol Heel Balm Safe for Diabetic Feet?

Yes. Flexitol Heel Balm is formulated to be suitable for the daily skin care needs of people with diabetes, and it’s specifically called out as diabetic-friendly on the label. That matters because foot skin changes are a genuine concern for people managing diabetes, and a gentle, dependable moisturizing routine is part of standard foot care advice.

That said, foot care with diabetes involves more than just picking the right cream. Pharmacists generally advise against using urea concentrations higher than 25% for diabetic skin, so it’s worth checking the strength of any product before use. If this applies to you or someone you’re shopping for, it’s worth reading a guide to diabetes and your feet and how to manage dry feet and cracked heels from diabetes for the full picture, and to always check in with your doctor or podiatrist about any new skin changes.

How Should You Use a Heel Balm for the Best Results?

Getting the timing right makes a real difference to how well any heel balm performs. Dermatologists reviewing the category recommend applying to slightly damp skin right after a shower or bath, then following up with a thicker layer before bed under cotton socks for deeper overnight hydration. (Check out our article on whether you should wear socks after applying Heel Balm?)

For Flexitol Heel Balm specifically, the directions are simple: apply sparingly to rough, dry, cracked or thickened skin on the feet, twice daily, morning and night. Once your skin has recovered, continued use helps maintain that softness rather than letting it slide back into cracking. If you’re trying to get your feet in shape for a specific date, our guide to the 14-day sandal-ready challenge walks through exactly how to build that routine.

Where Can You Get the Award-Winning Formula?

Flexitol Heel Balm is available in 2oz, 3oz and 4oz sizes, so you can pick the size that fits your routine, whether that’s a tube for the bathroom cabinet or a travel-friendly size for your bag. Head to our Heel Balm product page to shop, or visit our feet care hub for the full range of foot care products and guides.

It’s not just heels that take a beating from daily life. If you’re prepping for a trip, an event or just want your whole self feeling put together, check out our guide to keeping your hands, feet and lips soft for spring break.

Being named the best foot cream for dry, cracked heels by board-certified dermatologists isn’t a claim we’re making about ourselves. It’s a recognition of what’s already in the tube: a clinically tested, high-concentration urea formula that’s been podiatrist recommended and trusted by users for years. If cracked heels have been a recurring frustration, Flexitol Heel Balm is the product experts pointed to first.