The 14 Best Callus Removers for Smoother, Softer Soles

Best Overall

Rikans Foot File and Callus Remover

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Thousands (and we mean thousands; at last count, there were over 58,000 ratings) of people have purchased this Amazon best-seller. It’s so simple yet so effective, quickly removing everything from flaky skin to calluses to corns. While yes, it does kind of look like a cheese grater, you’ll quickly get over that mental block once you see just how well it works, no matter whether you use it on wet or dry feet.

Key Ingredients: Metal, Plastic | Type: Manual

Best Drugstore

AmLactin Foot Repair Foot Cream Therapy

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“This formula contains a variety of different acids to help chemically exfoliate the skin while also moisturizing it,” says Boyce of one of her picks. Namely, it’s a combo of different AHAs that help leave your feet softer and smoother with continued use. (The affordable price and drugstore availability is a nice bonus.) We like to slather on a nice thick layer and then slip on a pair of socks for overnight use.

Key Ingredients: Lactic Acid, Glycerin | Type: Exfoliating Cream | Size: 3 ounces

Best Cream

PurSources PurOrganica Urea 40% Foot Cream + Pumice Stone

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Urea is a standout exfoliant; you’ll typically find it in body products, where it’s ideal for softening and smoothing dead, dry patches on areas such as elbows, knees, and, yes, feet. It gives you extra bang for your buck by not only breaking down the dead skin but also imparting extra moisture, too. Another Amazon standout, reviewers note that it’s great for softening and decreasing calluses with continued use, and you can even use it on other dry spots.

Key Ingredients: Urea, Tea Tree, Aloe Vera, Chamomile | Type: Exfoliating Cream | Size: 4 ounces

Best Pumice Stone

Pumice Valley Natural Earth Lava Pumice Stone

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A pumice stone is the most classic callus remover of all time, and this is one great option. It’s made of pure volcanic lava (as you can tell by the pure black color); when rubbed onto feet, it buffs away dead skin and helps stimulate circulation, a nice treat for tired feet. Follow Boyce’s lead and try using it after applying one of the other chemical-based callus removers, a super effective two-step process.

Key Ingredients: 100% Pumice Stone | Type: Manual, stone

Best Professional Strength

Orly Callus Eraser

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This pro-level formula earns Boyce’s vote: “Because it was formulated for in-salon use, it works really fast and is very effective, yet still gentle,” she says. (Credit the addition of clove and aloe vera oil, respectively.) Apply onto any affected areas, let sit for three to five minutes, then rinse off and use a pumice stone to buff away any dead skin.

Key Ingredients: Potassium Hydroxide, Clove, Glycerin, Aloe Vera | Type: Gel | Size: 4 ounces

Best Peel

Baby Foot Exfoliation Foot Peel

4.8

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If you think that the whole foot-sloughing process at the nail salon is satisfying, wait until you try this peel. (Let’s just say there's a good reason why it’s a cult classic.) Pop on the single-use peel for one hour; it comes in plastic booties that are filled with a gel that contains a blend of botanical extracts and exfoliating acids. Wash your feet after, and then wait. The effects start to show up about a week later, namely when you see your feet peel and shed layer after layer of skin. “You have to be patient, but it really does give you super soft, baby feet,” says Boyce, who says this is one of her top picks for at-home use.

Key Ingredients: Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Malic Acid | Type: Peel socks | Size: 2.4 ounces

Best Scrub

The Body Shop Peppermint Reviving Pumice Foot Scrub

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Again, scrubbing your own feet may not be as enjoyable as when someone else does it, but it is a good way to start to break down dead skin—and it works especially well to help prevent new calluses from building up. This particular scrub is a great choice, with tiny, volcanic rock granules that do the buffing (not unlike a pumice stone, as the name suggests). But what’s especially nice is the addition of peppermint oil, which makes it feel supercooling, soothing, and refreshing—we reach for it time and time again after long runs.

Key Ingredients: Pumice, Peppermint Oil | Type: Scrub | Size: 3.45 ounces

Best Electric

Amope Pedi Perfect Extra Coarse Electric Foot File

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All you have to do is switch on this handy-dandy, battery-operated device and let it go to town. The exfoliating head is made with diamond crystals and spins 360 degrees, essentially sanding down calluses. It’s effective and pretty easy to use, though reviewers note that if you accidentally get it near non-callused, thinner skin, it can be a little bit painful.

Key Ingredients: Metal, Plastic | Type: Electric, roller

Best for Targeted Calluses

Dr. Sholl’s Duragel Salicylic Acid Callus Remover Cushion

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If you have just one or two super stubborn calluses, try these convenient stickers. The cushiony gel patches are infused with a whopping 40 percent concentration of salicylic acid, which is a well-known peel and rejuvenating agent for skin. Since they’re stickers, they're also great to stick onto individual calluses. They’re meant to be worn for 48 hours, though you’ll likely need to repeat with another sticker for at least one more round.

Key Ingredients: Salicylic Acid | Type: Gel Sticker

Best Value

Asutra Tea Tree & Lavender Therapeutic Foot Soak

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If you’re looking for a spa-worthy experience at home, try this therapeutic foot soak. The star ingredient is dead sea salts, which are shown to soften and moisturize dry skin. Essential oils like coconut and peppermint oils further help smooth skin. This foot soak is packaged with a free pumice stone to complete the at-home treatment and leave feet with a velvet finish. 

Key Ingredients: Dead Sea Salt, Tea Tree, Peppermint | Type: Scrub | Size: 16 ounces

Best Splurge

Bare Hands The Natural Pedicure

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This beautiful pedicure set naturally softens soles in two steps. First, the unique glass file buffs rough skin more gently and precisely than a regular file. Then the slightly scented verbena balm, which includes hydrating cocoa butter, rolls right on, distributing a creamy layer to lock in moisture. Because it comes in a paper push-up tube, the balm is less messy than a regular lotion, and you can easily apply it to other dry areas like your elbows and cuticles. Take this luxe set anywhere with its reusable pouch. 

Key Ingredients: Glass File, Balm: Verbena, Cocoa Butter, Calendula | Type: Manual file and Balm | Size: 2 ounces

Best for Sensitive Skin

Skin Buttr Pomango Scrub

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Ready for your softest soles? This sugar scrub deeply nourishes skin with shea butter and coconut oil l which repair the skin barrier. Sugar gently exfoliates skin to soften calluses and smooth soles. When it comes to scrubs, consistency is key, so we recommend using this one a few times a week for best results.

Key Ingredients: Shea, Castor Oil, Pomegranate | Type: Scrub | Size: 3.4 ounces

Best Anti-bacterial

Tweezerman Sole Smoother Antibacterial Callus Stone

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There is no denying the ease of this callus stone. Made with an ergonomic handle to increase your control and grip, this gentle yet effective sole hugs the curves of your foot. The rough side quickly sloughs off calluses while the opposite side smooths. Infused with silver to provide antibacterial benefits, it's also waterproof, which makes for a great option to use and store in the shower.

Key Ingredients: Ceramic stone, Silver | Type: Ceramic Stone