Nothing may demolish a hike or backpacking trip as speedily as foot blisters. The pain may be intense, and walking further on blistered feet may cause them to get worse, or to break and get infected. So how do you just keep out of the way of them altogether? Here are ten things that have worked for others.
1. Wear running shoes rather of hiking boots. Not every one will agree with this, nor may every one forgo the extra support that a boot offers, but this is a huge portion of what stopped me from getting blisters. I likewise get enjoyment from hiking much more without heavy weights on my feet.
2. Try dissimilar socks. Wearing light nylon dress socks was another of the best changes I made. Blisters are caused in percentage by heat, so heavy boots and socks add to the problem. Try a couple dissimilar kinds, to see what works best for you.
3. Be sure your shoes or hiking boots fit properly, with no spots that will be rubbing on your toes, the back of your heel or the side of your foot. Not sure how to fit your shoes? Go to a footwear store where severe runners go.
4. Treat “hot spots” early. If you feel an irritation or hot spot on your foot, stop and implement a heap of moleskin before it becomes a blister. Duct tape may work as well, if that is all you have (but it may be messy to remove later, and if a blister formulates it may tear it open when you undertake to remove the tape). Small bandages may be used too.
5. Lace up your shoes well. When shoes are loose your foot may slide around inside, and the resulting friction may lead to foot blisters, so lace up well. Tighten the laces evenly along the shoe, not just at the top.
6. Keep your shoes clean and comfortable. Shake them out before putting them on. Stop to remove sticks, stones or other objects promptly. Adjust your socks if there are wrinkles or seams versus the bottom of your feet.
7. Try insoles. Some persons swear by their “gel” insoles. Even cheap foam ones may help keep your feet more comfortable. Also, if foot motion inside the shoes is causing blisters, an insole may make your foot more snug, preventing this. Experiment.
8. Bring extra socks, and change them often. If you use light socks as suggested above, this is easy to do, even on a lightweight backpacking trip (my socks are one-ounce per pair). Changing into clean cool socks is a pleasure, and it likewise helps prevent foot blisters. You may rinse out the dirty socks in a stream and hang them on your pack to dry, so you will be ready for the next switch.
9. Take care of your feet at home. Prior to any hike, deal with athlete’s foot or other skin conditions that may soften or weaken the skin. Healthy feet are less likely to invent blisters on the trail.
10. Remove shoes and socks for the duration of breaks. When I reach the top of a mountain, I undertake to go barefoot for a while. I commend taking your shoes and socks off assorted times for the duration of a day of hiking. This allows your feet to cool, and your socks and shoes to air out and dry. Keeping your feet cool and arid is a sure way to prevent foot blisters.
Follow the tips here for healthier, happier feet. But if you do get foot blisters, here is the treatment routine: Apply a piece of moleskin with a hole cut out for the blister to rest in. This keeps pressure off the spot, so it won’t get worse. You in general shouldn’t pop blisters, but if you do, sterilize a pin with alcohol or a flame and insert it from the skin along the bottom of one edge. Push out the liquid gently, cover the blister and keep it clean.
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