Why Do Calluses and Cracked Heels Form?
Calluses form when skin repeatedly experiences friction, pressure, or irritation; most commonly on the heels, balls of the feet, and the sides of the big toe. The skin responds by thickening and hardening as a protective mechanism. Over time, this thickened skin can crack and develop into painful heel fissures.
Common causes: prolonged standing or walking, ill-fitting footwear, dry skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, and lack of regular foot care. Calluses build up gradually and they become harder to remove the longer they are left untreated.
Why This Soak Is Specifically for Calluses and Cracks
Imperial Feet makes two different foot soaks and they serve very different purposes.
| Cracks & Callus Foot Soak XL | Anti-Fungal Foot Soak XL | |
|---|---|---|
| Target | Callus softening, hard skin, cracked heels | Toenail fungus, athlete's foot, general freshness |
| Key Actives | Epsom Salt, Turmeric Oil, Chamomile Oil, Rosemary, Eucalyptus Leaf Oil | Tea Tree Oil, Epsom Salt, 6 essential oils |
| Best Used | Before using the Stainless Steel Foot File | As part of nail fungus or athlete's foot treatment |
| Price | €19.97 | €23.97 |
If you have both calluses and nail or skin fungus, use this soak before filing sessions and the Anti-Fungal Foot Soak on days you are treating fungal conditions.
Why Choose the Cracks & Callus Foot Soak XL?
- Specifically formulated for hard skin and calluses: Unlike general soaks, this formula targets thickened, hardened skin with keratolytic actives that break down callus structure from within.
- Makes filing dramatically easier: 15–20 minutes softens skin to the point where filing takes a fraction of the time and requires less effort for better results.
- Softens cracked heels and heel fissures: Warm water combined with the soak formula hydrates and softens even deep heel cracks, reducing pain before balm treatment.
- 450g XL size: Approximately 40–60 soaking sessions per pack. Professional quantity for regular weekly use.
- The perfect first step: Soak → File → Balm. This 3-step sequence delivers the most effective and longest-lasting callus removal results.
- Paraben-free, professional grade: No parabens, no harsh chemicals. The same quality used in professional pedicure settings.
- A spa experience at home: The sensory ritual of a 15-minute soak is part of the benefit, not just the result.
How to Use the Cracks & Callus Foot Soak
- Fill a foot basin with warm water, enough to cover feet up to the ankles.
- Dissolve 1.5–2 tablespoons in approximately 4 litres of warm water. Stir until fully dissolved.
- Soak both feet for 15–20 minutes. For very thick calluses, soak for the full 20 minutes.
- While skin is still warm and soft, use the Stainless Steel Foot File on callused areas — coarse side first, then fine side to smooth.
- Rinse and dry thoroughly, especially between the toes.
- Apply Urea Foot Balm generously to heels and rough areas. Wear cotton socks overnight for best results.
Frequency: 2–3 times per week for active callus treatment. Once weekly for maintenance.
Pro Tip: The hotter the water, as comfortably tolerable, the better the softening effect. For cracked heels, apply Foot Fissure Cream directly into the cracks after soaking and filing, before applying Urea Foot Balm on top.
For the full step-by-step routine, read: How to Safely Remove Calluses at Home .
Your 3-Step To Healthy Nails
This Foot Soak Is Perfect For
- Anyone with stubborn calluses on heels, soles, or balls of feet that don't respond to dry filing.
- People with deep or painful cracked heels who need to soften skin before applying a balm.
- Home pedicure enthusiasts who want professional-quality callus removal without a salon visit.
- Anyone using the Stainless Steel Foot File who wants faster, more effective filing.
- Athletes, nurses, teachers, and anyone on their feet all day who develops regular callus buildup.
- People preparing for sandal season who want noticeably smoother heels quickly.
Key Ingredients
Key Actives
- Epsom Salt: Draw out impurities from the skin.
- Turmeric Oil: Gentle warmth & revitalization.
- Chamomile Oil: Calms & comforts the foot skin.
- Rosemary: Builds refreshness & relieves tension.
- Eucalyptus Leaf Oil: Deodorizes the skin of the feet.
Product Specs
| Product Type | Foot soak (dissolve in warm water) |
| Size | 450g / 15.97 oz (XL) |
| Doses per Pack | Approx. 40–60 uses at 1.5–2 tablespoons per soak |
| Water per Soak | Approximately 4 litres |
| Soak Duration | 15–20 minutes |
| Recommended Frequency | 2–3× per week for treatment; 1× weekly for maintenance |
| Key Actives | Epsom Salt, Turmeric Oil, Chamomile Oil, Rosemary, Eucalyptus Leaf Oil |
| Paraben-Free | Yes — always |
| Price | €19.97 EUR |
| Pairs Best With | Stainless Steel Foot File + Urea Foot Balm |
| Shipping | Free within USA, EU & UK |
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I use after soaking?
After soaking, use the Stainless Steel Foot File to remove softened dead skin, coarse side first, then fine side to smooth. Rinse and dry thoroughly, then apply Urea Foot Balm generously. Put on cotton socks and leave overnight. This 3-step routine delivers the most effective and lasting callus removal. For the full step-by-step, see: How to Safely Remove Calluses at Home.
How is this different from the Imperial Feet Anti-Fungal Foot Soak?
They serve entirely different purposes. The Anti-Fungal Foot Soak targets toenail fungus, athlete's foot, and general freshness, with Tea Tree Oil and Epsom Salt. This soak is specifically formulated to soften thickened callus skin and cracked heels with keratolytic actives. If you have both calluses and a fungal condition, use both on alternating days. Browse the full callus removal collection for all options.
How many soaks does the 450g pack provide?
Using approximately 1.5–2 tablespoons per soak, the 450g pack provides approximately 40–60 uses. At 2–3 soaks per week, that gives 4–8 months of regular use from one pack.
How is this soak different from a regular warm water foot soak?
Plain warm water softens skin slightly but contains no active ingredients to break down callus structure. The Cracks & Callus Foot Soak XL contains keratolytic activities that chemically loosen the bonds between dead skin cells. The result: calluses soften from within and can be filed away with significantly less effort in a fraction of the time. A plain water soak cannot replicate this.
How long should I soak before using the foot file?
Soak for 15–20 minutes. You can tell skin is ready when callused areas appear slightly whitened and feel noticeably softer to the touch. For very thick, long-established calluses, soak the full 20 minutes. File immediately after removing feet from the soak while skin is still warm and soft the softening effect reduces within minutes of drying.
How often should I use this soak?
For active callus treatment, use 2–3 times per week combined with filing. For cracked heels, daily soaking for the first 1–2 weeks accelerates results noticeably. Once calluses and cracks are reduced, switch to once per week as a maintenance routine. For the full routine, read: How to Safely Remove Calluses at Home.
