12 Best Athlete’s Foot Creams to Restore Healthy Feet

Written by Anoushka Sinha, Skincare Coach & Writer
Updated on Feb 12, 2024
Athlete’s Foot Creams to Restore Healthy Feet
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Dealing with itchy feet is a concern — not a big one though, as we thoroughly analyzed some of the best athlete’s foot creams and found a ray of hope for those seeking immediate relief and an effective remedy. Based on our observations, the best over-the-counter athlete's foot creams do work in many cases! When you spot tell-tale signs of redness or cracked skin, particularly nestled between your toes, you might be facing the age-old adversary, athlete’s foot. This pesky fungal infection has had a long-standing reputation for troubling athletes, especially those who spend prolonged hours in the snug embrace of their sneakers. 

While an athlete's foot, scientifically termed tinea pedis, might sound like a condition reserved for the sports elite, it's far from exclusive (ask those working from office!). Many fall victim to this contagious nuisance, courtesy of sweaty feet trapped in tight shoes. Symptoms range from mere itchiness to more severe manifestations like inflamed, scaly rashes. The combination of an athlete's foot with other fungal menaces like ringworm and jock itch make it worse. But you have got a solution.

Despite the stubborn nature of fungal infection on feet, there’s a bunch of over-the-counter solutions designed to banish the itch and restore your feet to their former glory. Stepping beyond basic hygiene routines, which might sometimes fall short, these creams are infused with the power to counteract the fungus and usher in swift recovery. Scroll down to discover the best solution!

12 Best Athlete’s Foot Creams

This fast-absorbing formula by ISDIN is perfect for anyone struggling with a foot infection. It instantly hydrates cracked feet and reduces odor-causing bacteria. Infused with lactic acid, shea butter, and panthenol, this cream boasts exfoliating and moisturizing together. It eliminates rough, hard skin to give you visibly softer skin. Whether it's scaly skin or any other skincare concern, this cream aids in maintaining moisture levels of your feel. You will see a significant change with just a few uses. 

Pros
  • Repairs dryness
  • Lightweight texture
  • Instant smoothness
  • Reduces rough, scaly skin
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Best Rapid Relief

    Lotrimin Ultra Butenafine Hydrochloride Cream

    Lotrimin Ultra Butenafine Hydrochloride Cream
  • Lotrimin Ultra Butenafine Hydrochloride Cream is a powerhouse when it comes to combating those stubborn fungal skin conditions. Perfect for treating an athlete's foot, it also doubles as a treatment for jock itch and ringworm, ensuring comprehensive care for a variety of skin issues. While it packs a punch against fungus, its non-staining feature ensures no residual marks on your clothes or sheets. Its greaseless, odorless nature ensures easy application, letting you seamlessly incorporate it into your daily routine.

    Pros
    • Soothes itchy skin
    • Treats multiple conditions
    • Safe for teens
    • Odorless application
    • Non-greasy formula
    • Reduces nail fungus risk
    Cons
    • None
  • Most Effective

    Puriya Wonder Balm

    Puriya Wonder Balm
  • With the potent power of tea tree oil, Puriya's Wonder Balm provides swift and effective relief from skin conditions often birthed in humid, sweaty settings. This foot fungus cream forms a protective layer on the skin. This layer shields against irritants in places like gyms, saunas, or swimming pools, ensuring optimal comfort no matter how active your lifestyle. The concoction of olive oil, macadamia oil, and eucalyptus essential oil ensures that the skin is nourished, without the inclusion of any harmful preservatives or parabens.

    Pros
    • Fast-acting relief
    • Sweatproof formulation
    • Non-greasy feel
    • Odor prevention
    Cons
    • May be a bit pricey for some budgets
  • Best Budget Buy

    Globe Pharmacy Clotrimazole Cream

    Globe Pharmacy Clotrimazole Cream
  • Globe Pharmacy's Clotrimazole Cream is a stalwart in providing effective treatment against notorious skin ailments like athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm. This relieving formula not only combats these conditions but also alleviates the accompanying discomforts of itching, burning, cracking, and scaling. Recommended by pharmacists across the United States, this cream stands toe-to-toe with leading name brand ingredients, offering both quality and reliability. Plus, with the backing of Trifecta Pharmaceuticals USA, based in sunny Fort Lauderdale, Florida, this fungus cream for feet meets the highest pharmaceutical standards.

    Pros
    • Alleviates discomfort
    • Pharmacist-recommended
    • Travel-friendly
    • Fresh product guarantee
    • Budget-friendly
    Cons
    • Only available in small size
  • Best Natural Option

    MAJESTIC PURE Cosmeceuticals Athletes Foot Cream

    MAJESTIC PURE Cosmeceuticals Athletes Foot Cream
  • Introducing a cream that's more than just foot care, Majestic Pure offers the best foot fungus treatment for healthy, rejuvenated skin and feet. This maximum-strength foot cream boasts the power of 100% pure and natural tea tree essential oil. It not only promotes soft, moisturized, and clean skin but also serves as an adept deodorizer. Beyond that, it's versatile enough to be used as a foot lotion, massage cream, or even as a moisturizer for an athlete's foot. 

    Pros
    • 100% natural ingredients
    • Multi-purpose use
    • Promotes soft skin
    • Strong deodorizer
    • Cruelty-free
    • Affordable
    Cons
    • None
  • Best Multi-Purpose Cream

    TruRemedy Naturals Remedy Tea Tree Oil Balm

    TruRemedy Naturals Remedy Tea Tree Oil Balm
  • For those battling skin infections or seeking soothing relief from discomfort, Truremedy Naturals offers a solution with its unique foot and body balm. Enriched with organic-grade tea tree, eucalyptus, and a hint of lavender essential oils, this anti-fungal cream for athlete's foot not only combats athlete’s foot, jock itch, and eczema but also provides alleviation for itchy, cracked, and inflamed skin. Suitable for all skin types, it’s an all-in-one balm for overall skin wellness.

    Pros
    • Fights infections
    • Provides relief
    • 100% organic
    • Suitable for all
    • Smells great
    • Versatile application
    Cons
    • Price is on a the higher side
  • Best for Severe Cases

    CareAll Clotrimazole anti-fungal Cream

     CareAll Clotrimazole anti-fungal Cream
  • Combat stubborn skin issues head-on with CareAll's Clotrimazole anti-fungal cream. Formulated to rival the efficacy of the active ingredient in Lotrimin AF, this strong anti-fungal cream effectively addresses athlete’s foot, jock itch, and ringworm, with the additional benefit of preventing future flare-ups. Not just a treatment, it also offers a soothing experience, curbing the itching, especially between toes and easing the burn often associated with these conditions. Packaged in a 1oz tube with a tamper-evident foil safety seal, it ensures quality with every application.

    Pros
    • Itch relief
    • Prevents recurrence
    • Comparable efficacy
    • Affordable
    • Multi-symptom relief
    Cons
    • None
  • Best Cooling Sensation

    New York Biology The Ultimate Cosmeceuticals Tea Tree Oil Foot Cream

    New York Biology The Ultimate Cosmeceuticals Tea Tree Oil Foot Cream
  • Experience the potent power of tea tree oil with New York Biology's foot cream. This is one of the best foot fungus creams to address various foot woes — from hydrating dry, parched feet to soothing the itchy discomfort of athlete's foot. Beyond being just a foot moisturizer, it doubles as a body cream, ensuring softness and relief across multiple areas. Natural in its formulation, this cream is devoid of parabens, sulfates, and alcohol, and staunchly cruelty-free, ensuring only the finest for your skin.

    Pros
    • Dual-purpose cream
    • Natural ingredients
    • Moisture boost
    • Moisture boost
    • Cruelty-free
    • No parabens
    Cons
    • None
  • Best for Daily Use

    Tinactin Antifungal Cream

    Tinactin Antifungal Cream
  • Combat fungal infections effectively with the best anti-fungal cream from Tinactin. Clinically validated to not only provide relief from itching, burning, and cracking but also prevent them, it ensures your skin remains calm and protected. Infused with Tolnaftate 1%, this cream doesn't just stop at tackling athlete’s foot (tinea pedis); it extends its prowess to treat tinea corporis or ringworm, serving as a comprehensive solution for fungal woes. Easy to apply, it smoothly adheres to the skin, making treatment seamless and odorless.

    Pros
    • Clinically proven
    • Multi-fungal treatment
    • Affordable
    • Odorless application
    • Prevents recurrence
    • Easy use
    Cons
    • Small package sizing
  • Rite Aid Clotrimazole Anti-fungal Cream

    Rite Aid Clotrimazole Anti-fungal Cream
  • Rite Aid's Clotrimazole anti-fungal cream is a targeted solution designed for those battling various skin conditions. This cream offers multi-symptom relief by alleviating itching, burning, cracking, scaling, and other discomforts linked to conditions like athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm. Serving as an effective alternative, this cream stands toe-to-toe with the renowned Lotrimin AF. Beyond its healing properties, Furthermore, it is one of the best anti-fungal creams for foot fungus that continually prioritizes the health and wellness of its consumers and cater to unique needs.

    Pros
    • Multi-symptom relief
    • Treats various conditions
    • Relieves itching
    • Addresses scaling
    • Soothes burning
    Cons
    • None
  • Best Organic Ingredients

    Aidance Natural Terrasil Athletes Foot Anti-Fungal Treatment

    Aidance Natural Terrasil Athletes Foot Anti-Fungal Treatment
  • Based on our research, Aidance Natural Terrasil Athletes Foot Anti-Fungal Treatment is effective in bringing rapid relief from stubborn foot fungal condition. Being grounded in over 15 years of dedicated research, the formula is bolstered with Terrasil, a proven agent in fungus elimination and hastened recovery — a fact that makes it one of the best anti-fungal foot creams in the market. Made predominantly from natural, organic ingredients, this cream quick relief from itching, scaling, cracking, and burning sensations.

    Pros
    • Rapid action
    • Research-backed
    • Terrasil infused
    • Organic ingredients
    • Broad condition relief
    • Soothing formula
    Cons
    • None
  • Roycederm Advanced Athletes Foot Treatment

    Roycederm Advanced Athletes Foot Treatment
  • Roycederm offers an extra-strength athlete’s foot treatment specially formulated to cater to the unique needs of athletes and active individuals. Targeting and eliminating fungal infections that lead to athlete's foot, this fast-acting cream delivers prompt relief from uncomfortable symptoms like itching, burning, and scaling. Moreover, it doubles as a soothing moisturizer, ensuring skin protection throughout the healing process. Designed for ease of application, the cream absorbs swiftly, promising long-lasting respite. So, if you're in search of a dependable foot care solution, this is the top anti-fungal cream to provide superior relief and rejuvenation.

    Pros
    • Extra-strength formula
    • Fast-acting relief
    • Moisturizes skin
    • Easy application
    • Durable relief
    • Suitable for athletes
    Cons
    • None

    With these top-tier selections based on our firsthand experience, no more you will suffer from smelly feet. Let these standout creams be your trusted allies against athlete's foot, merging science and relief in every application.

    How to Choose the Best Athlete's Foot Cream?

    Stepping into the aisle or browsing online for athlete's foot cream can be so overtiring with the vast options available. However, certain aspects can guide your choice to ensure you pick the most effective anti-fungal cream for your feet.

    • Pick strong anti-fungal agents: When dealing with an athlete's foot, you want a cream that's power-packed with anti-fungal agents. Ingredients such as terbinafine, clotrimazole, and tolnaftate have a proven track record of effectively combating fungal infections.
    • Seek soothing sensations: Apart from treating the infection, the best creams also offer relief from symptoms. Look for aloe vera, vitamin E, or chamomile that soothe irritation, itchiness, and inflammation.
    • Be cost conscious: Price doesn't always equate to quality. Consider the cream's efficacy, size, and recommended application frequency to gauge its true value for money.
    • Look for natural ingredients: If you prefer all things natural, scout for creams with organic or natural ingredients. Look for nature-derived elements like tea tree oil, aloe vera and lavender that work as anti-fungal properties.
    • Consider the severity: Different creams tackle varying severity levels. Opt for stronger formulations for intense cases.
    • Check for active ingredients: Ingredients like terbinafine or clotrimazole are proven to combat fungal infections effectively.
    • Browse user reviews and recommendations: Personal experiences can provide insights into the product's real-world effectiveness.
    • Compare price with value: A more expensive cream isn't always better. Gauge the value based on its ingredients and efficacy.

    Finding the best lotion for athlete's foot is not just about considering the brand or price. It's about understanding your needs, and the key ingredients and ensuring the product aligns with your preferences.

    How to Use Athlete’s Foot Creams?

    Using your pick of the best over the counter anti-fungal athlete's foot creams may seem straightforward. However, it's vital to use it correctly to derive maximum benefits and eradicate the fungus.

    1. Clean your feet: Before even uncapping the cream, ensure your feet are immaculately clean. Wash with mild soap, rinse thoroughly, and pat dry, paying special attention to spaces between toes.
    2. Dab a little: Apply a thin layer of the cream. It's tempting to slather on a lot, thinking it might work faster, but using more than recommended can cause skin irritation.
    3. Stick to the schedule: Consistency is important. Use the cream as per the directed frequency, and don't stop even if the symptoms vanish. Completing the entire course ensures the fungus doesn't make an unwelcome comeback.
    4. Your feet need to breathe: After application, let your feet breathe. Avoid immediately enclosing them in socks or shoes. This lets the cream work its magic and reduces conditions that fungus thrives in.
    5. Apply as directed: Don't overuse. A small amount, as instructed, often suffices.
    6. Consistency is key: Regular application, even after symptoms subside, ensures complete fungal eradication.
    7. Avoid Tight Footwear: Let your feet breathe. Avoid tight shoes which can exacerbate the condition.

    While the best skin anti-fungal cream promises relief, its efficacy is partly determined by how you use it. Adopting the proper method ensures faster healing, offering your feet the comfort they deserve.

    Conclusion

    When it comes to foot health, compromising shouldn't be an option. From the mild itch to the agonizing irritation, an athlete's foot can pose a daunting challenge to daily life. But, with the best athlete’s foot creams at your disposal, freedom from discomfort is within reach. They're not just creams; they're your way to comfort, your solution to painful disruptions, and your best foot forward in every sense. For anyone who's faced the trials of this condition, these creams promise a new chapter of relief and foot confidence.

    FAQ's

    Is Lamisil or Lotrimin better for an athlete's foot?
    Both Lamisil and Lotrimin are effective for treating athlete's feet.
    What is the best and fastest cure for an athlete's foot?
    Over-the-counter anti-fungal creams are generally counted among the most effective cures for athlete's feet.
    What can be mistaken for an athlete's foot?
    Conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or dry skin can sometimes be mistaken for an athlete's foot due to similar symptoms.
    Does hydrogen peroxide cure an athlete's foot?
    While hydrogen peroxide can kill fungus, it's not recommended as the primary treatment for an athlete's foot.
    How does an athlete's foot cream work?
    Athlete's foot creams have anti-fungal ingredients to remove fungus and reduce symptoms.
    How long does it take for an athlete's foot cream to work?
    Generally, symptoms improve within a week. It may differ depending on the condition.
    Is it bad to put too much athlete's foot cream?
    Yes, using excessive cream can lead to skin irritation. It's essential to follow the recommended amount.
    Are you supposed to rub in athletes' foot cream?
    Yes, you should gently rub the cream into the affected area to ensure its effectiveness.
    How can we cure an athlete's foot quickly?
    To cure an athlete's foot swiftly, maintain foot hygiene, keep feet dry, use anti-fungal creams as directed, and avoid wearing tight shoes.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Our in-house writer, Anoushka, has delved into exploring the best athlete’s foot creams as healthy feet can be the foundation for a healthy and happily active life. Fungal infections make it hard to carry out daily activities. In order to get rid of an athlete's foot, you can choose any of the top picks mentioned here. Happy feet are no more a myth!

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Anoushka Sinha
    Skincare Coach & Writer

    Anoushka is certified in Professional Skincare and is a Mass Media (Journalism) graduate from Mumbai University. As a More