Foot Blister Prevention!?

G-G_4

Hey everyone,

I've been getting into hiking recently and my crappy feet have started giving me blisters as usual.. As soon as I go past 3 miles it starts.. Now i've started doing 6-10 mile walks, and more in the future it's becoming a problem.

I've got special blister socks, but I still get them.

Tried two different pairs of walking boots.

Tried 2 pairs of socks.

I'm debating whether to stick some sports tape all over the back of my heel to prevent it, but not sure whether this is a good idea or not?

People have said Compeed, but with walking that distance i'm worried they won't work or they will get pulled off.

I always put plasters on my heels, but eventually they rub off, especially if I get wet feet, and then they add to the blister forming.

Anyone got any hints or tips?

I thought tape would be cheaper than compeed plasters..

Bargain_Rzl

There's a spray you can get to toughen the skin on the problem areas - but I can't for the life of me think what it's called or who told me about it

G-G_4

Thanks! I'm sure someone else might be able to tell me.. I didn't know anything like that existed.. Sounds good to me

splishsplash

If your boots are continually causing you problems, you need new boots!

If that's not an option, Compeed are great - they're far better than plasters, and shouldn't move too much at all in the boot.

Alikay

Compeeds stick very well and don't wrinkle or rub off like ordinary plasters - I think they work very well. You can also get some special double-layer technical type socks from Milletts or Blacks which help prevent blisters- don't know if they're the type you've used before, though!

G-G_4

Well, i've tried my old boots which are well worn in from dog walking, but after a while they start rubbing. I also have some nearly new North Face Goretex trainer hiking shoes but they also start rubbing at about 3 miles, they cost £80 about 3 months ago..

Hmmm.. I may have to reconsider the compeed then..

I did get some Powermax socks from Mountain Warehouse on saturday, wore them for my walk on sunday but the dreaded 3 miles came and they started rubbing, I put on a 2nd layer at that point (should have done that at the beginning), and it helped, but still left a hole in the back of my left foot. The socks say that they are specially designed to help prevent blisters.

Thanks for the replies..

melancholly

compeed are really amazing! they are actually very difficult to remove so i doubt that they would fall off. they also don't end up all nasty and stuck to your socks like normal plasters. i know they're pricey, but they have come up on BOGOF at boots in the past which makes them more reasonable.

susan1

cover the hot spots wih duct tape, it reduces the friction and prevents blisters. if you already have a blister cover with blister plaster and then duct tape!

G-G_4

I was thinking of duct tape - would it work ok?

G-G_4

Well, spent £4 on compeed and they came off within a mile of a 12 milek hike yesterday

So, I have fresh blisters, and back to square one on what to do..

Would a sports tape wrapped around my feet be any good?

lauranurse

I have heard that rubbing surgical spirit over your feet/heels every day hardens the skin and helps prevent blisters. I havnt tried it myself though, but it might be worth a try!