In the height of winter, your feet likely need a little TLC and it’s best not to wait too long or you risk your feet not being ready for spring footwear that will further expose the issues you neglected. Whether thick socks and boots are bringing athlete’s foot or toe fungus, the dry air is causing cracked heels or your soles are just sore — this tea tree foot cream is offering users “incredible,” even “magic” results. While it’s usually a humble $9.99, it’s currently 15%, the first time it’s been on sale since Black Friday.
Many name it the only thing that helps soothe and hydrate their feet and “puts an end” to dryness-induced itchiness. Users love the non-greasy feel, “pleasant” scent, and how quickly it absorbs into their piggies. Yet, the all-over draw is how effective it is, at such a budget price. “I’ve tried so many products to help keep my feet from getting dry in the winter and this is the best thing I’ve tried,” reviewer Randi Correll wrote. “The amount of lotion for the price is great, I’ve paid double for much less product.”
Like this HuffPost Reader fave antifungal toenail treatment, this foot cream contains tea tree oil — a powerful ingredient renowned for its antiseptic and antifungal properties, according to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Angela Brimhall.
The powerful mix of tea tree oil, spearmint oil and aloe vera fights off dryness and irritation, while keeping your feet hydrated and smooth. Users say the 8-ounce jar “goes a long way,” stating that after a month of consistent daily use, they didn’t need to use it daily anymore for their feet to stay soft and fungus-free.
Users love the cream for both their feet and toenails, with many saying it’s been the only product to give them results, “wake up” their winter toes and make their feet smooth and supple.
“Had horrible nail fungus for years - tried everything and I mean everything. This came up on the list for next 🙄,” one wrote. “Takes time and dedication but it works. Thick yellow nails disappearing and lovely natural nails growing in. Hello open toe shoes😊😊😊👍.”
Made in the USA, the product has a “pleasant and not overpowering” scent and is lightweight on the feet, feeling more silky than greasy. Reviewers like to generously apply it, then put on thick socks to create a DIY foot mask that’s soothing and refreshing after a long day of walking and standing.
Reviewers love it for their hands, elbows and knees too.
If you thought the soothing hydration was just for your feet, you’d be wrong. The brand says the cream is safe to use on your body, with many, many reviewers confirming positive results. Steven J. Berendes, who calls the lotion the “best skin care product on the market,” said he accidentally put the cream on his hands and arms, “and it is better than any lotion I have ever used.”
Others love it for soothing dry patches on their knees and elbows, as well as jock itch, eczema, and even psoriasis.
If you’re looking for a winter skin pick-me-up for your hands and toes, grab this refreshing cream while it’s on sale.
Check out more 5-star reviews of the tea tree foot cream before buying your own.
“I have a problem with my feet drying out in the winter and getting cracks in my heels. I have tried a few products and this is one of the only foot creams that has worked.” — LghPuppy
“I’ve tried so many products to help keep my feet from getting dry in the winter and this is the best thing I’ve tried. The amount of lotion for the price is great, I’ve paid double for much less product. The consistency is thick but still easily applied. I only need a small amount. I put this in before bed and in the morning my feet feel soft. I sometime struggle with my feet being itchy from dryness at night and this lotion puts an end to that. I will sometimes put this on with thick socks and it lasts for quite a while. It’s also not super greasy which is exactly what I needed for a foot lotion.” — Randi Correl
“Love this stuff. So cooling for the skin! Feels amazing. I put it on more than my feet. When my skin was dry and itchy this past winter, this calmed it right down. Not greasy or messy. Buy it!” — Tracy
Looking for more foot care? I asked podiatrists how to make walking a little more comfortable. Here’s what they said.
A pair of arch support orthotic inserts
Michael J. Trepal, professor of surgical sciences at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine, previously spoke to HuffPost about the best products for dealing with plantar fasciitis and said that arch support inserts might be worth trying to make walking more comfortable.
These highly-rated insoles use a high arch and deep heel cup to offer support and maintain correct foot positioning so that the heel is better protected from impact. The inserts are available in both men's and women's sizing.
Seamless wool, nylon or polyester socks
When it comes to foot care, you want to think about socks almost as much as you think about shoes. "Socks are very important as well," said New York City-based podiatrist Dr. Gary Evans. "Can your foot benefit from a thicker, more cushioned sock? A thinner sock for better shoe fit?"
If you're overwhelmed with sock options (believe me, there are many), Evans suggests trying a moisture-wicking sock, which can help prevent blisters, and "socks that are seamless, which means less pressure into and around the toes," he said.
Dr. Michelle Castiello, a podiatrist at Scarsdale Medical Group, an affiliate of White Plains Hospital, said that for walking or exercising, you want to stay away from cotton. "Choose moisture-wicking socks made from fabrics like merino wool, nylon and polyester," she said via email. "Cotton socks can trap moisture against your skin."
These unisex seamless polyester blend athletic socks have a 4.4 rating on Amazon from 3,379 reviews. They come in 12 colors in packs of three, and have a pull-on tab for accessibility as well as a padded instep and cushion in the heel. They're lightweight and moisture-wicking and run from S-XL. Consult the size chart to ensure the best fit.
A four-pack of seamless arch-support socks
Another seam-free sock option we found based off of Castiello's guidance are these from the popular sock and undergarment brand, Bombas, Lightweight and perfect for everyday wear, these ultra-breathable socks have a seam-free toe that won't irritate or rub awkwardly while you walk. There's also a micro-band around the arch of the foot for a light compressive support and they are available in three sizes and a number of different colors.
A heavy-duty emollient
You may be used to putting lotion on your feet after a shower or before bed, but Castiello recommends giving your piggies a little product before hitting the streets.
"Moisturize your feet before a long walk," she said. "Apply creams or ointments to areas that are at risk for blisters, such as bunions and hammertoes."
Per Castiello, having moisturized feet can help prevent blisters, cracking, corns and calluses while you work out.
One possible option is O'Keeffe's Healthy Feet foot cream, an unscented and non-greasy lotion intended to keep your feet from cracking or drying out.
Castiello recommends putting a thin layer of Vaseline on the back of your heels to prevent blisters or discomfort.
A soap or foot wash to ward off fungus
When you come in from a walk, you may automatically head to the shower to get the sweat off. But even if you don't fully bathe, Castiello recommends giving your feet a foot scrub after every walk.
"After exercise, take off your socks and shoes as soon as possible, [and] wash and dry your feet well, especially between the toes, to avoid fungus," she said.
This Daily Defense foot wash contains tea tree oil and Epsom salts to help clean and deodorize your feet.
Pure Epsom salts
If you're dealing with foot pain, McEneaney recommends doing regular foot soaks. "I like Epson salts, so when people have muscle joint aches, some warm and salt soaks can be soothing and can help them feel better," he said. "[You want to] avoid products with any perfumes or dyes."
McEneaney pointed out that some foot pain may be caused by overuse. If you're just starting to go on walks or are trying to go on longer walks, resting and soaking your feet is an important part of getting (and staying) in shape.
"People’s feet are used to taking a certain amount of pressure over time, and that's something that can build up over time," he said. "But if you start walking more than usual or you are doing different types of activities — [such as] walking more inclines — [that] can lead to overuse-type injuries."
This five-pound bag of pure Epsom salt is made in the USA. It has a 4.8-star Amazon rating from 7,158 5-star reviews.
The Real Deal: We use deal trackers and commerce experience to sift through “fake” hike-and-drop deals and other deceptive sales tactics. Products will usually be rated at least 4 stars with a minimum 15% discount. (And when there’s an exception, we’ll tell you why.)