Cracked heels and calluses are unsightly and uncomfortable. But a little scrubbing can solve the problem. All you need is one of the best pumice stones for the feet.
People prefer pumice over foot files and graters because it’s less intimidating to use a stone instead of a blade on the skin. Plus, pumice stone is good for the feet (as long as you don’t have diabetes). If you’re careful, you can use it every day to keep the skin smooth.
The best way to use a pumice stone on your feet is when they’re wet, especially after a few minutes of soaking. Pumice plus soap can also remove stains from the skin (1).
Choose your favorite pumice stone here:
The best pumice stones for the feet | Why we love them |
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Onyx Professional Double Sided 100% Siliglass Callus Remover Pumice Stone |
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GILDEN TREE 2 in 1 Pumice Stone for Feet |
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Maryton Foot Pumice Stone |
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KuuCare Pumice Stone for Feet |
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Pumice Stone Shower Foot Scrubber |
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Ecotools Foot Brush, Bamboo Bath Brush and Pumice |
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Dr. Scholl's Dream Walk Exfoliating Stone File |
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The Original Pumice Stone for Feet and Foot File Set |
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Contents
- 1 How to use a pumice stone to remove calluses, corns, and fix cracked heels
- 2 Best Pumice Stones for the Feet in 2024
- 2.1 Onyx Professional Double Sided 100% Siliglass Callus Remover Pumice Stone
- 2.2 GILDEN TREE 2 in 1 Pumice Stone for Feet
- 2.3 Maryton Foot Pumice Stone
- 2.4 KuuCare Pumice Stone for Feet
- 2.5 Pumice Stone Shower Foot Scrubber
- 2.6 Ecotools Foot Brush, Bamboo Bath Brush and Pumice
- 2.7 Dr. Scholl’s Dream Walk Exfoliating Stone File
- 2.8 The Original Pumice Stone for Feet and Foot File Set
- 3 Conclusion
How to use a pumice stone to remove calluses, corns, and fix cracked heels
We’ll let you in on a little secret. Filing down rough skin is all well and good, but it takes time and effort. Also, if you’re diabetic, aggressive scrubbing is a no-no. Instead, look for an exfoliating cream with plenty of emollients. For extra smooth feet, apply this cream after using the pumice stone.
What is pumice? It’s lava rock, but it’s not the only option on the market. There are other types of foot files with alternative materials like terra-cotta or glass. You’ll see some of those in the reviews below.
Now, let’s get down to business. Round up the pumice, a brush to clean the stone and sweep dead skin off your feet, and moisturizer.
Soak those little piggies in warm water for at least five minutes. It might soften your skin more if you add oil or soap to the water. Otherwise, you can count the time spent taking a shower and scrub your feet at the end.
Make sure the stone is wet so that it glides smoothly and doesn’t tear at the flesh. With light pressure, use a circular motion to massage the rough spots. It may take anywhere from a few seconds to a couple of minutes to remove the dead skin. Stop if it hurts.
Use a brush to remove the flakes and clean the pumice stone and your feet under running water. It doesn’t hurt to use soap on the stone to prevent bacteria from growing on it. (Let the stone dry completely before storing it). The stones don’t last forever, so you may have to replace it after a few months. If it develops mold, you can try boiling it for a few minutes.
Apply moisturizer to your feet and you’re done. Yes, this is a necessary step even though your skin might feel very smooth at the moment. You don’t want cracked skin again, do you?
Best Pumice Stones for the Feet in 2024
Onyx Professional Double Sided 100% Siliglass Callus Remover Pumice Stone
We kept hearing about the Onyx pumice stone alternative, so here it is. There are some serious benefits here that make it our top foot care tool.
First, it’s two-sided. One side is rough for scraping off calluses and the other is for polishing the rough patches smooth.
Second, it’s made of a type of glass that’s bacteriostatic. In other words, it doesn’t allow bacteria to grow on it like a regular pumice stone. This material is also straightforward to clean.
What’s interesting is that the cellular glass material consists of powdered recycled glass. Then it’s molded at a high temperature to create the stone. It’s ingenious and just what we’d expect from a woman-owned business.
Users say the texture is perfect and the stone makes quick work of removing calluses.
Pros:
- Dual-sided pumice stone alternative made of recycled glass
- One side has a rough texture and the other is for polishing
- Bacteriostatic to prevent contamination
- Easy to use and clean
Cons:
- None – it’s even affordably priced
GILDEN TREE 2 in 1 Pumice Stone for Feet
Don’t you hate it when your pumice stone falls apart? The natural stone is fragile and tends to crumble. But this terra-cotta foot file is kiln-fired and rock-hard. It may last you a lifetime – no kidding.
Give yourself a pedicure starting with the strongly textured side that resembles pumice, then buff the skin smooth with the ribbed side. The reviewers love how well it works and how long it lasts. Still, it comes with a satisfaction guarantee just in case.
These pedicure tools are handmade in Pakistan. One of the brand’s founders is a Pakistani American, so the company also supports education for women and children in Pakistan.
Pros:
- Handmade terra-cotta foot file for the perfect pedicure
- Dual-sided for callus removal and buffing the skin smooth
- Durable and comes with a satisfaction guarantee
Cons:
- Not as cheap as a basic pumice stone, but likely to last three times as long
Maryton Foot Pumice Stone
These two-sided foot stones are constructed from man-made pumice with a consistent texture. One side is coarse and the other fine. Even so, the rougher side is not as aggressive as natural pumice.
Each rectangular block measures approximately 5 x 2-inches and they come four to a pack. Therefore, it ends up being an inexpensive pedicure tool
Pros:
- Man-made pumice that’s not as aggressive to the skin as natural stone
- Two sites: one fine, one coarse
- Palm-sized blocks come in a multipack
Cons:
- Not as coarse as natural pumice
KuuCare Pumice Stone for Feet
Okay, here’s a real pumice stone. It’s genuine volcanic lava rock carved into an oval shape for the palm of your hand. Then, it’s been drilled so that you can hang it with the included cord and suction cup.
In case you’re curious, the stone measures approximately 2.5 x 3.5-inches. Since it’s a natural product, the exact dimensions vary.
This is the original foot scraper to take care of calluses and corns. It has more texture than synthetic stones. Just clean it with a little soap and hang it up to dry when you’re done using it.
By the way, did you know that pumice stones are also handy for removing body hair and de-pilling sweaters? You can use them to remove deposits from the toilet bowl and baked-on food from the oven or pick up pet hair from upholstery.
Pros:
- Palm-sized natural volcanic lava rock
- More effective at dead skin removal than some synthetic stones
- Comes with a cord and suction cup to hang dry
- Also useful for other tasks like removing body hair and fuzzies from sweaters
Cons:
- Not the cheapest option, but it’s the real deal
Pumice Stone Shower Foot Scrubber
This pumice stone is perfect when you’re in a hurry or have trouble reaching your feet. It’s housed in a bamboo base with suction cups to stick it to the shower floor. All you have to do is stand there and scrape your feet on it.
It’s genuine volcanic rock that somehow manages to give your foot a massage while it exfoliates.
Is there a downside? Not if you remember to rinse the stone to keep the surface clean.
Pros:
- Genuine volcanic lava mounted in a bamboo base with suction cups on the bottom
- Sticks to the shower floor so that you can scrape your feet without bending over
Cons:
- A little pricier, but worth it for the convenient design
Ecotools Foot Brush, Bamboo Bath Brush and Pumice
If you have sensitive feet, don’t start with a real pumice stone. Instead, introduce your feet to exfoliation the easy way with this combination brush and pumice stone. It’s a synthetic glass stone with a smoother texture that is gentler to the skin. Unfortunately, we know this will leave some people dissatisfied, but we’ve reviewed plenty of other more aggressive options above.
Oddly, the company bundles four foot brushes in one package. The logic is that you should be changing them each month. Fortunately, the handles are handcrafted bamboo and the bristles are synthetic. All the materials, even the packaging, are recycled inasmuch as possible. Each foot brush also comes with a ribbon to hang it.
Pros:
- Made from and packaged with mostly recycled materials
- Handcrafted bamboo handle with a ribbon for hanging
- Synthetic bristles and synthetic glass pumice stone with a pleasant texture
Cons:
- Skip this option if you prefer a coarse-textured stone
Dr. Scholl’s Dream Walk Exfoliating Stone File
The classic Dr. Scholl’s foot file isn’t just a pumice stone on a stick. It’s an abrasive surface contoured to tackle cracked heels. The texture is just right for removing callused skin without becoming painful. Plus, it’s on a plastic handle so you don’t have to bend over as far.
Although it may not be the most eco-friendly or premium product on the market, it’s inexpensive and made in Taiwan. Happily, the brand offers a sixty-day satisfaction guarantee.
Pros:
- Abrasive surface similar to the texture of a natural pumice stone
- Curved especially for treating heels
- Mounted on a handle to reach the feet easier
- Comes with a sixty-day satisfaction guarantee
Cons:
- Not a true pumice stone
The Original Pumice Stone for Feet and Foot File Set
Here’s the best foot file with pumice stone in a set. But which one do you use first?
The foot rasp looks like a cheese grater on a handle. The whole thing is about ten inches long, making it about the size of a hairbrush. The metal part has a finer texture than an actual cheese grater which makes it less scary for paring off dead skin. Use it to file off corns and flaky skin.
Follow up with the palm-sized pumice stone to smooth the surface. Be sure to rinse them both clean when you’re done.
Both tools come with a cord so they can be hung to dry.
Pros:
- Pedicure set with a corrosion-resistant foot rasp and pumice stone
- Both tools come with cords for hanging
Cons:
- The foot file has a plastic handle
Conclusion
Give yourself a pedicure at home with something as simple as a pumice stone. It’s impressive how well lava rock can smooth calluses and cracked heels. The extra attention you give your feet will keep them comfortable (and make your socks last longer).
We hope our reviews helped you find the best foot care tools for your needs today. If you’re pleased with your new pumice stone, tell us more about it in the comments below.
Source:
1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7354146/ Baden HP. The pumice stone in dermatologic therapy. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1980 Jan;2(1):29-30. doi: 10.1016/s0190-9622(80)80287-8. PMID: 7354146.
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