How is a corn different from a callus?

Corns and calluses are similar, but they aren’t the same thing. Although they both form under pressure and from rubbing against the skin—typically from shoes—they are different and affect the feet in slightly different ways. A corn is small and usually raised. Generally it forms on the tops or sides of your toes or feet, where there isn’t a lot of weight. It has a “core,” too, which may feel soft or hard. It is usually painful when you press against it.

A callus, however, forms in weight-bearing areas like your heel and the ball of your foot. It’s a large, flattened patch of thickened skin. Not all calluses are bad. They become problematic when they are too thick or grow too deep. This can be uncomfortable in its own right, as well as lead to cracking or splitting in your skin.