Important Update for Existing Customers: With the launch of our new website, existing customers will need to reset their password before accessing their account. Reset Password

Contact Us

Corns/Calluses

Understanding Corns and Calluses

Corns and calluses are areas of thickened skin that develop in response to repeated pressure or friction. While this is the body’s natural way of protecting underlying tissue, these areas can become uncomfortable—or even painful—when the stress continues over time.

Corns are typically smaller and more concentrated, often forming on or between the toes. Calluses are broader and usually develop on weight-bearing areas such as the ball of the foot or heel.

This guide explains what corns and calluses are, what causes them, and how improved cushioning and pressure redistribution may help reduce discomfort and protect the skin.

Shop All Products for Corns and Calluses

About Corns and Calluses

What Are They?

Corns and calluses are forms of hyperkeratosis—a thickening of the outer layer of skin caused by repeated mechanical stress.

Corns are usually small, well-defined, and may contain a hardened center. They commonly develop on the tops or sides of toes, or between toes, due to friction from footwear or contact with adjacent toes.

Calluses are larger, flatter areas of thickened skin that typically appear on the soles of the feet, especially under the heel or ball of the foot where pressure is greatest.

Common signs include:

  • Thickened or hardened skin
  • Rough or dry texture
  • Localized tenderness or discomfort
  • Pain with direct pressure
  • Sensitivity in certain footwear

Symptoms often develop gradually and may worsen if pressure or friction is not reduced.

What Causes Them?

Corns and calluses form when the skin is exposed to repeated pressure, friction, or irritation over time.

Common contributing factors include:

  • Ill-fitting shoes that create pressure points
  • Tight or narrow footwear that compresses the toes
  • High heels that increase pressure on the forefoot
  • Repetitive activities such as walking or running
  • Foot structure (e.g., hammertoes or prominent bones)
  • Lack of cushioning or proper support
  • Walking barefoot or in thin-soled shoes

Over time, this repeated stress causes the skin to thicken as a protective response—sometimes leading to discomfort if not addressed.

Close up of a woman's feet with calluses

How To Help Prevent Discomfort

Managing corns and calluses starts with reducing friction and redistributing pressure.

Helpful habits include:

  • Wearing properly fitting shoes with adequate cushioning
  • Choosing footwear with a wider toe box
  • Limiting the prolonged use of high heels
  • Using protective pads to reduce pressure points
  • Keeping skin moisturized to maintain flexibility
  • Replacing worn-out shoes that no longer provide support
  • Modifying activities or incorporating cross-training

Supporting the foot and minimizing concentrated pressure can help protect the skin and improve overall comfort.

Shop Featured Products for Corns and Calluses

Below are Hapad products designed to cushion sensitive areas while helping reduce pressure and friction on the skin.

Metatarsal Bars

Forefoot & Metatarsal

$6.25

  • The widest metatarsal pad.
  • Perfect when pain, pressure, or irritation extend into the big or little toe area.
Shop

Metatarsal Cookies

Forefoot & Metatarsal

$6.25

  • A wider metatarsal pad.
  • Treats corns, calluses, and/or blisters at the ball of the foot.
Shop
Shop All Products

How Hapad Products Help

Founded by an Orthopedic Surgeon

Hapad was founded by Dr. Emil D.W. Hauser, F.A.C.S., who began by hand-skiving wool felt pads to deliver precise, anatomical support. His early designs quickly earned a reputation for helping relieve localized pressure while preserving natural foot movement and function. From the beginning, every Hapad product has been shaped with human anatomy in mind—providing targeted structural support where it is needed most, without over-restricting the foot’s natural mechanics.

100% Natural Merino Wool Felt

Hapad products are made from 100% natural merino wool felt. It is supportive, breathable, and durable — offering superior comfort compared to synthetics. Every felt product is precision skived for comfort and comes with an adhesive backing for secure placement.

Precision-Skived for Targeted Structural Support

Hapad felt pads are individually skived and contoured—not stamped from generic templates—allowing for precise placement and focused structural support. The unique design allows the pad to follow the natural shape of the foot, instead of forcing the foot to adjust to the pad.

Promotes Balanced Pressure Distribution

By supporting key areas of the foot—including the metatarsals, arch, and heel—Hapad felt products encourage more balanced mechanics and help reduce uneven pressure. The result is improved stability and comfort during standing, walking, and running.

Designed to Last

Natural wool felt is inherently durable, maintaining its supportive properties through long days on your feet. Most Hapad products are designed to last approximately 6 to 12 months, depending on usage and activity level. By investing in a premium Hapad product, you reduce the need for frequent replacements—providing long-term value and consistent support.

Testimonials

“I've been ordering my arches from Hapad for years now… They are soo much better than those old-fashioned orthotics.”
Richard S.
“Website works, I ordered from Hapad twice in my life, once in 2011, once in 2025, both times, they saved my feet from needing to see a doctor.”
Matt W.
“I have been wearing Hapad inserts for 12-15 years. I have flat feet, roll to the outside, and have arthritis in my lower back. I have found that their products do wonders for my feet, back, and overall structural health. All of my shoes have Hapad inserts in them. When I do shop for shoes, I always put in Hapad inserts to see how the shoes feel with them in it.”
Valued Customer
“Excellent insoles (using Comf-Orthotic® Pro-Blue Replacement Insoles), which I could immediately feel the arch support and relief I desperately needed. Strongly recommended!"
David T.
Hapad has been a great partner because they consistently provide high-quality products at competitive pricing. They are easy to work with and are always willing to collaborate on new requests, product updates, and business opportunities. Their team is highly responsive, communicates clearly, and does an excellent job following up to keep projects moving forward. Overall, their reliability, flexibility, and customer-focused approach make them a trusted manufacturer that I would highly recommend.
Medline Industries
ACO Med Supply has been a Hapad distributor for over 23 years. Their customer service has always been top notch with quick confirmations and relatively no discrepancies. You don’t sell a product for as long as we have if the quality wasn’t great!
Med
From a procurement and supplier partnership perspective, Performance Health has valued our relationship with HAPAD. They are responsive, easy to work with, and understand the importance of clear communication, dependable service, product quality, and competitive pricing.
Performance Health
I am a foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon with more than 30 years of experience, including fellowship training in Baltimore with Dr. Lew Schon and Dr. Mark Myerson, and I have been using HAPAD products for approximately 25 years. I particularly value the company’s insoles, scaphoid pads, heel lifts and wedges, and metatarsal pads, which I use frequently both therapeutically and, at times, diagnostically. The products reflect a deep understanding of foot biomechanics and the practical needs of both physicians and patients. They allow me to provide effective, accessible, and relatively low-cost solutions for many common foot and ankle problems.
Dr. Eyal MelamedMD
Hapad has been a dependable partner that consistently demonstrates professionalism and strong customer support. Their team is responsive, flexible, and committed to helping us meet the needs of our customers. We appreciate the ease of doing business with Hapad and look forward to continuing our partnership.
Henry Schein

FAQs on Corns and Calluses

What is the difference between a corn and a callus?

Corns are smaller, more concentrated areas of thickened skin—often with a hardened center—and typically form on or between the toes due to localized pressure.

Calluses are larger, flatter areas that develop on the bottom of the foot in response to more evenly distributed pressure.

Because of their concentrated structure, corns are more likely to cause localized tenderness.

Corns often feel like small, hardened spots with a dense core that can cause sharp or aching pain when pressed—especially in tight shoes.

Calluses tend to feel like rough, thickened patches of skin. They are usually less sensitive but may cause a dull ache or burning sensation with prolonged standing or walking.

Yes. Footwear is one of the most common contributing factors.

Tight or narrow shoes can compress the toes, while loose shoes allow excessive movement and friction. High heels shift weight onto the forefoot, increasing pressure under the metatarsal heads.

Shoes with inadequate cushioning or worn-out support can also increase stress on the skin.

Choosing shoes with proper fit, width, and cushioning can significantly reduce risk.

Hapad products are designed to reduce localized pressure and improve overall weight distribution across the foot.

Metatarsal cookies and bars support the metatarsal arch and redistribute weight behind the metatarsal heads, helping shift pressure away from sensitive areas of the forefoot and reduce stress on the ball of the foot.

By improving pressure distribution and reducing friction, these products can help minimize irritation and support healthier skin over time.

No. Hapad products are designed to fit comfortably inside your regular footwear.

Remember that “less is more.” Start with a smaller-sized pad to gently support and strengthen the foot. Down the road, you may want to gradually increase the pad size, but this is not normally necessary.

Keep in mind that the pad should never “feel like a lump” within the shoe. That is a clear sign that the pad is too large, and a smaller size should be used.

Get Started with Your Trusted Foot Experts

Whether you’re managing a specific foot condition or simply seeking better comfort, Hapad® is here to help you move with confidence.

Contact Us