Our feet undergo rigorous daily activities, and if you're a runner like me, periodic treatment is necessary to soothe the pain. Whether you're standing all day, have cracked heels or just need a little TLC for your feet, a foot mask can deliver the hydration and exfoliation they need.
The bottoms of our soles are delicate and often neglected, which can result in having more calluses and dry heels. "Foot masks are excellent for addressing dry, cracked feet and heels," says board-certified podiatrist Dr. Saylee Tulpule. They're an easy skin care treatment you can do at home without having to invest time or money into salon pedicures.
We asked the experts about what ingredients to look for to soothe troubled tootsies and which at-home foot treatments are actually worth it.
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What to look for in a foot mask
"A good foot mask should fit well and ensure even absorption. It’s crucial to remove the foot mask according to the instructions to prevent moisture trapping and macerated skin," says Tulpule.
If you're looking to eliminate calluses, ingredients matter. Tulpule says to look for specific ingredients "like urea or salicylic [acid], which safely hydrate and break down thick skin. Aloe vera and vitamin E are also beneficial healing ingredients to find in foot masks."
"For dry, cracked feet, opt for masks with humectants like urea or hyaluronic acid. If you’re aiming for exfoliation, ingredients like glycolic or lactic acid can help slough off dead skin," adds board-certified dermatologist Dr. Pooja Rambhia.
Best foot masks, according to experts
These colorful socks are packed with urea and niacinamide that deeply penetrate and exfoliate your dead skin. Tulpule recommends this one if you're looking for a standard and effective pair of booties. All you need is to slip it on and relax for 30 minutes. Afterward, massage in any remaining serum for even distribution.
Rambhia recommends these booties because they're "a milder alternative to Baby Foot, ideal for light exfoliation with AHA blends." While the process takes a bit longer and requires soaking your feet in warm water for 30 minutes prior to use, the peeling is more gentle. Many buyers who used this product said the formula is great if you have sensitive skin and leaves you feeling as smooth as a baby.
This foot mask is Shop TODAY-approved for its simple process that delivers big results. "Into week two, the skin on my feet was pink, perfect and glowing,” raved one writer.
It was previously recommended by physical therapist Dr. Karena Wu as a "must-have foot product." The package includes a pair of plastic booties that contain an exfoliating gel to help soften the layers of dead tissue. While this is a standard sock foot mask, the results are magnificent. Rambhia also recommends this product, adding that it's "well-known for sloughing off dead skin in a single treatment."
Best foot masks, according to an editor
This has been one of my favorite foot masks to wear. At first, I was hesitant to try a foot peel due to the gruesome images from other reviewers. Once I tried it, I couldn't believe I had never worn peeling masks before. This one is formulated with aloe vera and other vegan ingredients to help shed away calluses.
After just a few days, the bottoms of my soles started revealing some cracking on the forefoot and heels. Since I put pressure on this area of my foot, the skin started to crack. Sometimes I had to pull the skin off because it became uncomfortable when I wore socks.
After a week, my arches and the top of my foot started peeling. I used a soft, dry brush to remove excess and followed with a moisturizer to protect the new skin layer. I enjoyed the level of exfoliation and softening the formula delivered after the shedding was complete. It took about 10 days to completely peel.
If you have limited time for a spa-worthy treatment, the Voesh socks are an easy solution for getting rid of dry feet. I used these earlier in the spring to start removing calluses. However, you need to follow five steps for the best results: First, soak your feet for 10 minutes in warm water prior to wearing the socks. Open the inner liner of the socks and place your feet inside. Put on a pair of tight-fitting socks over the masks for better absorption. Wear them for 90-120 minutes. When the time is up, remove your socks and sock masks, and wash your feet thoroughly.
The brand says the dead skin will begin to naturally peel off within 7-10 days. I personally found the peeling process to be less gruesome and more gentle with this mask.
I've been using products from Earth Therapeutic for quite a while now. From their aloe vera socks to their foot repair creams, the brand's beauty products are formulated with natural ingredients that feel soothing. This foot mask contains an AHA complex to gently exfoliate the soles of your feet. It's also developed with other soothing botanicals like Australian tea tree oil to condition and calm tired feet. It takes about two weeks to start seeing visible results with this mask.
If peeling is not your preference, then opt for this purifying foot soak. This product is 100% vegan, according to the brand, and feels very soothing once you soak your feet in this formula. Mix two tablespoons of this powder with a half gallon of water for 10-15 minutes if your main purpose is to alleviate achy feet.
I usually take this to my nail salon when I go for pedicures for an added treatment. It's formulated with Epsom salts, Himalayan salt and meadowfoam and marula oils to break down dryness.
Frequently asked questions
"Calluses can be gently removed at home using a pumice stone or foot file," says Tulpule. You can also look for foot repair treatments that contain ingredients like salicylic acid and urea for exfoliation.
Rambhia also recommends moisturizing your feet daily with a urea-based cream and wearing supportive footwear to avoid calluses.
Tulpule suggests using a hydrating foot mask once or twice per week, "provided there are no underlying systemic conditions like diabetes or skin conditions such as athlete’s foot. Peeling or exfoliating foot masks should be applied every 6-8 weeks. Overuse can lead to skin damage, fissures or infection."
According to Tulpule, foot masks that cause peeling are not suitable for everyone but they're effective at removing callused skin.
People who have underlying skin conditions should be wary of foot masks. "I would not recommend these masks for individuals with circulatory issues, diabetes or neuropathy,” notes Tulpule, who adds that foot masks should only be done on healthy skin.
Rambhia says to “avoid harsh fragrances, essential oils or alcohols that can irritate sensitive or broken skin. Those with eczema, open cuts or compromised skin barriers should be cautious with strong exfoliants like glycolic acid or salicylic acid.”
How we chose
We selected foot masks recommended by a podiatrist, physical therapist and dermatologist. We then shared a few of our editors' personal favorites while considering the suggested ingredients from the experts.
Meet the experts
- Dr. Saylee Tulpule is a board-certified podiatrist who specializes in foot and ankle medicine.
- Dr. Karena Wu, PT, DPT, is a physical therapist and the owner and clinical director of ActiveCare Physical Therapy in New York City.
- Dr. Pooja Rambhia, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York City.
