There are many potential causes of “cracked heels.” Dry skin (xerosis) is common and can get worse with wearing open-back shoes, increased weight, or increased friction from the back of shoes. Dry cracking skin can also be a subtle sign of more significant problems, such as diabetes or loss of nerve function (autonomic neuropathy). A crack or a fissure can get infected resulting in ulcer or abscess or spreading infection i.e. cellulitis.