Calluses are one of the most common foot issues among runners and people who walk regularly. In many cases, they are harmless and even protective. In others, they can become uncomfortable, painful, or a sign that something in your footwear or gait needs attention. This Frequently Asked Questions post explains what foot calluses are, how they form, why active people get them so often, how to manage them safely at home, and when professional care is the better option.
Editorial note: This content reflects general podiatric guidance commonly recommended for active adults and is intended for educational purposes, not individualized medical diagnosis or treatment.
Standards note: Information in this article aligns with widely accepted podiatric care standards used in clinical and sports medicine settings.
What is a callus?
A callus is an area of thickened skin that develops in response to repeated friction or pressure. On the feet, calluses most commonly appear on the ball of the foot, the heel, the outer edge of the sole, or beneath specific toes.
Calluses differ from corns in both size and structure. Corns are typically smaller, more localized, and may have a hard central core. Calluses usually spread over a wider area and are less sharply painful unless they become excessively thick or dry.
How do calluses form on feet?
Calluses form as a protective response. When the skin experiences repeated stress, it produces extra layers of keratin to shield the tissues underneath.
For runners and walkers, this stress often comes from:
- Repetitive impact with the ground
- Concentrated pressure points caused by foot structure or gait
- Shoes that rub, squeeze, or distribute weight unevenly
- High mileage or long periods on your feet without adequate recovery
Over time, the skin thickens to reduce damage—but that same thickening can lead to discomfort if pressure is not addressed.
Why do runners and walkers get calluses more often?
Distance and repetition play a major role. Even well-fitted shoes can create friction over thousands of steps.
Common contributing factors include:
- High weekly mileage or long daily walks
- Overpronation or supination
- Shoes with narrow toe boxes or insufficient cushioning
- Worn midsoles that no longer absorb impact
- Socks that retain moisture or bunch inside the shoe
Because calluses develop gradually, many people don’t notice them until they become thick, dry, or sensitive.
Are foot calluses bad?
Most calluses are not dangerous. Mild callusing can actually help protect the feet of active people.
Problems arise when calluses:
- Become excessively thick
- Crack or split (fissures)
- Cause pain during walking or running
- Mask pressure points that lead to blisters or skin breakdown
For people with diabetes, circulation issues, or reduced sensation in the feet, even minor calluses require closer attention.
How can I manage calluses at home?
For most runners and walkers, gentle and consistent care is enough to keep calluses under control. The goal is to reduce thickness gradually—not remove the skin completely.
Safe at-home care typically includes:
- Soaking feet in warm water for 10–15 minutes to soften the skin
- Using a pumice stone or foot file lightly a few times per week
- Applying moisturizing creams containing urea, lactic acid, or salicylic acid in low concentrations
- Keeping feet clean and dry, especially after workouts
Aggressive removal often leads to irritation or injury. Slow, routine maintenance is safer and more effective.
What should I avoid when treating calluses?
Some approaches cause more harm than good. While it may be tempting to remove calluses quickly, the methods below increase the risk of injury or infection—especially for active feet. You should avoid the following efforts to remove calluses:
Cutting calluses with razors or scissors
The American Podiatric Medical Association advises against cutting calluses at home. Callused skin often has reduced sensitivity, making it easy to cut too deeply without realizing it. Even small wounds on weight-bearing areas can bleed, become infected, and heal slowly due to constant pressure from walking or running.
– Source: American Podiatric Medical Association, “Corns and Calluses”
Using strong chemical “callus remover” liquids without guidance
The Mayo Clinic warns that products containing high concentrations of salicylic acid can damage healthy surrounding skin, not just the callus itself. Misuse may cause chemical burns, ulcers, or open sores, particularly when applied repeatedly or left on too long.
– Source: Mayo Clinic, “Corns and calluses”
Ignoring painful or discolored areas
Cleveland Clinic guidance notes that pain, redness, dark spots, or discoloration beneath a callus can indicate bleeding under the skin, excessive pressure, or early infection. Continuing activity without addressing these signs can worsen the problem and lead to skin breakdown.
– Source: Cleveland Clinic, “Corns and Calluses”
Treating calluses if you have reduced sensation in your feet
The American Diabetes Association cautions against self-treatment of calluses when sensation is reduced. Nerve damage or circulation issues can make injuries difficult to detect, allowing minor skin damage to progress into serious complications. Professional care is safer in these cases.
– Source: American Diabetes Association, “Foot Care”
Can shoes cause calluses?
Yes. Footwear is one of the most common contributors to callus formation. Calluses often develop when shoes:
- Are too narrow or compress the toes
- Lack cushioning in high-pressure zones
- Have seams or overlays that rub repeatedly
- Are worn beyond their effective lifespan
When should I see a podiatrist or doctor?
At-home care has limits. Professional evaluation is recommended if:
- A callus is painful or worsening
- You notice cracks, bleeding, or signs of infection
- The callus keeps returning in the same spot
- Walking or running mechanics are affected
- You have diabetes, vascular disease, or neuropathy
A podiatrist can safely reduce thick calluses, evaluate gait mechanics, and recommend footwear changes or orthotics that address the root cause.
Can calluses be prevented?
You may not eliminate calluses entirely if you’re active, but you can reduce how thick and uncomfortable they become. Prevention strategies include:
- Wearing shoes with adequate width and cushioning
- Replacing shoes before midsoles break down
- Choosing moisture-wicking socks
- Rotating footwear to vary pressure patterns
- Addressing gait issues that contribute to uneven loading
How do I treat my foot calluses?
Foot calluses are a common response to repeated pressure and friction from walking and running, often forming on the heels, ball of the foot, or under the toes. While mild callusing can be protective, thick or painful calluses may signal issues with footwear, pressure distribution, or gait mechanics. This guide explains how calluses form, how to manage them safely at home, when professional care is recommended, and which remedies address both the skin and the underlying causes—helping active adults reduce discomfort and prevent recurrence.
