If you’re on your feet a lot — whether pounding the pavement in Melbourne’s city streets or chasing the kids around the park — chances are you’ve come across a callus at some point. These thick, tough patches of skin can be a bit of a nuisance: sometimes unsightly, other times downright sore. I see plenty of patients at Well Heeled Podiatry who are confused about what calluses actually are, why they pop up where they do, and what the best ways are to manage or avoid them altogether. So, let’s have a proper yarn about these foot warriors, shall we?
Where Do Calluses Like to Hang Out — And Why?
From my years treating patients here in Melbourne, I can tell you calluses aren’t shy about picking their favourite spots. Knowing where they usually pop up helps us nip them in the bud early.
1. The Plantar Aspect — The Sole of the Foot
This is the bottom of your foot, the bit that’s always in contact with the ground. It’s the busiest, hardest-working part, and it takes the brunt of your body weight every step of the way.
Why calluses love this spot: Whether you’re walking the sandy beaches down in Mornington Peninsula or standing on concrete floors at work, your soles are under constant pressure. Toss in a pair of tight shoes or those killer heels Aussies are famous for, and the skin thickens up to shield itself.
Real Talk: I once had a patient who works as a retail assistant in the Melbourne CBD. She was clocking 10-hour shifts on her feet in unforgiving leather shoes — no wonder the balls of her feet developed painful calluses that made her dread every step.
2. The Sides of the Feet
The inner (medial) and outer (lateral) edges of your feet, especially near joints or bony bits, often catch the callus bug.
Why? Shoes that are too narrow or wide cause your feet to rub along the sides, especially if you’ve got a bunion or foot shape that’s a bit out of the ordinary. This friction is a callus factory in the making.
Local Insight: I often remind patients here that Aussie shoe sizes and widths can be all over the place depending on the brand — so don’t just grab the same size you always wear. Take your time, and get measured properly. Sometimes orthotics are the unsung heroes in easing pressure on these side spots.
3. Around the Big Toe Joint
That big toe joint — the metatarsophalangeal joint, if you want to get fancy — is a pivot point, so it’s under a lot of action when you walk, run, or kick a footy.
Calluses here form when shoes pinch or when your foot structure places extra pressure on the joint.
A Quick Story: I had a netballer come in with a stubborn callus on her big toe joint. Turns out, her foot was rolling inwards slightly (pronation), and her boots weren’t cutting it. After a bit of Foot Mobilisation Therapy and some custom orthotics, she was back on court pain-free — no more callus drama!
4. The Heels
The heel is a tough, weight-bearing spot but it’s not immune to calluses. Poorly cushioned shoes, open-backed sandals, or walking barefoot on hard pavements (hello, Aussie summers!) can toughen up the skin here.
Tip: Wearing supportive shoes with good heel cushioning, especially during the warmer months, can save you a lot of grief. And yes, that means leaving the thongs at home sometimes.
5. The Balls of the Feet
This area right behind your toes plays a starring role in balance and movement. It cops a lot of pressure, especially if you’re on your feet all day or wearing heels that shift your weight forward.
Repeated pressure thickens the skin, and before you know it, a callus has set up shop.
Quick Checklist: How to Help Your Feet Dodge Calluses
- Wear shoes that fit properly: Not too tight, not too loose, and with plenty of cushioning.
- Use orthotics if you have foot shape quirks: Custom or off-the-shelf inserts can make a world of difference.
- Moisturise your feet daily: Dry skin is more likely to harden and crack.
- Protect pressure points: Gel pads or cushioned socks can take the edge off.
- Rotate your shoes: Don’t wear the same pair every day to give your feet a break.
- Check your feet regularly: Keep an eye out for any thickened skin or changes.
Why Do Calluses Even Happen? Causes and Prevention Tips
Having treated all sorts of foot complaints, I can say calluses usually boil down to one thing: too much pressure or friction in the wrong spots. But that can come from a bunch of different things, so let’s unpack the common culprits.
What’s Driving Those Calluses?
- Shoes That Don’t Fit Right
Whether it’s the old pair of runners you keep pushing through or fancy leather boots that pinch after a few hours, ill-fitting shoes are a top offender. They rub, squeeze, or leave certain spots with too much pressure, which your skin hates. - How You Walk
Believe it or not, the way you walk (your gait) can load weight unevenly on your feet. Maybe you roll your foot inward a bit too much, or you tend to put more weight on your toes. These habits can lead to calluses popping up in stubborn spots. - Foot Shape and Deformities
Stuff like bunions, hammertoes, or even high arches can shift your weight distribution. I’ve seen plenty of patients with bunions develop calluses around the big toe joint because that area bears more pressure. - High-Impact Activities
If you’re a runner pounding the trails around the Dandenong Ranges, or a netballer smashing the courts, repetitive impact can thicken your skin as a defence — a bit like building callus armour for your feet.
Prevention — How to Keep Calluses at Bay
You don’t have to accept calluses as part of everyday life. With a few simple changes, you can keep your feet smooth and comfy.
- Get the Shoes Sorted
Visit a good shoe store and get properly measured. It’s worth it. Look for shoes with decent arch support and cushioning — especially if you’re on your feet a lot. Avoid buying shoes that are tight or too loose; both can cause friction. - Consider Orthotics
If you have foot shape quirks or gait issues, orthotics can be a game-changer. Custom ones from a podiatrist like me can redistribute pressure and take the load off vulnerable spots. - Moisturise Like a Boss
A dry foot is a prime candidate for calluses. Slather on a rich moisturiser daily — especially after a shower or bath — to keep your skin soft. I often recommend products with urea or lactic acid; they help keep calluses from hardening too much. - Use Protective Padding
For areas that tend to get sore, gel pads or moleskin patches can stop calluses forming by cushioning and reducing friction. - Rotate Your Footwear
Don’t wear the same shoes every day. Give your feet a break and allow shoes to air out — damp shoes can cause other problems too.
How to Treat Calluses That Have Already Settled In
Let’s say you’ve got a callus that’s overstayed its welcome. What now?
At-Home Options
- Pumice Stone or Foot File
After soaking your feet in warm water (a good 10-15 minutes to soften the skin), gently rub the callus with a pumice stone or foot file. Don’t overdo it — the goal is to smooth the skin, not make it raw. - Over-the-Counter Callus Removers
There are plenty of creams and pads designed to soften calluses. Just be cautious with products containing salicylic acid — they can be harsh, especially if you have sensitive skin or diabetes.
When to See a Podiatrist
If your calluses are thick, painful, or you have underlying health issues like diabetes or poor circulation, it’s time to get professional help. I often see patients who’ve tried everything at home but still struggle with painful calluses.
A podiatrist can:
- Safely trim or pare down thick calluses.
- Identify and treat any foot deformities or gait problems causing the issue.
- Provide custom orthotics to offload pressure.
- Offer advice tailored to your lifestyle — whether you’re a tradie, a dancer, or just someone wanting comfy feet for weekend beach walks.
When Should You See a Podiatrist About Your Calluses?
Most of the time, calluses are harmless — a bit like those stubborn weeds in your garden: annoying but manageable. But there are times when it’s wise to get a professional to have a look.
Here’s a quick guide to help you know when to book that podiatry appointment:
Watch Out For These Warning Signs
- Persistent Pain or Tenderness
If your callus starts to hurt every time you walk or stand, or the skin underneath feels sore, don’t tough it out. Pain can be a sign of an underlying problem, like an ulcer or inflammation. - Signs of Infection
If the area around your callus is red, warm, swollen, or oozing, this could be an infection needing urgent care. This is especially important for those with diabetes or circulation issues. - Change in Appearance
Sudden changes like darkening, bleeding, or cracking could point to skin damage or poor blood flow. These shouldn’t be ignored. - No Improvement With Home Care
If you’ve been faithfully moisturising, padding, and filing but your callus just won’t budge or keeps coming back, it’s time for expert advice. - Underlying Health Conditions
People with diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, or poor circulation must be extra vigilant. What looks like a simple callus can quickly turn into something serious if not treated properly. - Recurring Calluses in the Same Spot
Frequent callus build-up often points to biomechanical issues or ill-fitting footwear. A podiatrist can assess and help fix the root cause rather than just treating symptoms.
Love Your Feet, They’re Carrying You Everywhere
I often say to patients, “Your feet are your foundation — treat them like the precious asset they are.” Calluses are the skin’s way of looking after itself, but they’re also a signal that something’s not quite right.
With the right care, footwear, and professional guidance, you can keep calluses from taking over and enjoy comfortable, happy feet no matter where life takes you — from barefoot strolls on Bondi Beach to weekend hikes in the Grampians.
If calluses are getting in the way of your day or causing pain, don’t put up with it. Reach out, and let’s get you back on your feet — pain-free and ready to tackle whatever comes next.
Quick Action Plan Checklist
| Step | What To Do | Why It Matters |
| 1 | Check your shoes for fit and support | Prevents unnecessary friction |
| 2 | Moisturise feet daily | Keeps skin soft and less prone to hardening |
| 3 | Use protective pads on pressure points | Cushions sensitive areas |
| 4 | Gently file calluses after soaking | Reduces thickness safely |
| 5 | See a podiatrist if pain or changes occur | Professional treatment and advice |
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