Cracked Heels Cracked heels are pale, vertical splits on the skin around the heel. The skin can split due to excessive walking or standing. Wearing open-back shoes can also cause cracked heels. Find out how simple filing and moisturizing can help you prevent cracked heels. Scholl Foot Care Smoothing Foot File Scholl's Smoothing Foot file's coarse surface safely removes rough, dry ir hard skin while its finer surface smoothes the skin, leaving it softer and more refined.