Many people suffer from cracked heels. Cracked heels or heel fissures are caused by standing too long, wearing ill-fitting shoes, having dry skin, going barefoot or wearing open heeled sandals, having flat feet, diabetes, neuropathy or psoriasis. When weight and pressure are applied to the foot when standing, walking and exercising, the plump pad under the heel, pushes outwards and puts pressure on the skin. If the skin is dry and lacking in moisture, it becomes stiff and less elastic so the skin can crack and develop fissures in the heels. Cracked heels can be painful if left untreated.