New shoes, sore feet that feel like blisters but not...

It is very likely that this will go away with the breaking in process - your foot is getting rubbed in a spot that your other shoes do not. You're probably not going to make it go away other than wearing the sandals frequently. Try shorter distances and work up to longer ones.

There are a couple of products I have seen on the market used for Blister/chafing prevention.

I have used Body Glide. It was great! no blisters at all- A similar one is called Foot Glide.

Since you have some time until your trip, I would start wearing your new sandals gradually, but not every day. Slowly your foot will form the sandal so hopefully there shouldn't be any hot spots.

I have also stretched out a spot on new shoes if there is an annoying place that rubs. Dampen the leather & put in a wooden shoe stretcher (or shoe tree) after abt 24 hrs it seems to do the trick!

After you feel like you've got them broken in be sure to wear them again before your trip -- don't just put them away to "save" them. I had a pair of sandals that did what you describe and beyond -- by the time I could get out of them the large blister did form and I hobbled around with moleskin stuck to my foot for the next three days. Then they were fine. Took the sandals with me six months later on another trip and the same thing happened again, only it took just about an hour's wear that time. I'd figured once I went through the agony on the first wearing, I was done. Finally decided no one knew me anyway so I wore them with socks! They work just fine at home, but the extended walking on vacation just doesn't work out. Next time I'll slap the moleskin on the bottom of my foot to start with.

I wore a pair of Finn Comforts for nearly 20 days solid during a Berlin, Prague and Viena Tour plus personal time. They do a different feel than most shoes, but they were fantastic once you get accustomed. I had a bought a pair of mephistos that really disappointed me, which was why I ended up living in the Finn Comfort sandals.

There is a newer saying in the shoe world - that good (hiking) shoes should NOT require a breaking in period (or very very short). If they dont feel good in the store then you need to find another model.

Hi Hazel,

Along with using one of the blister sticks to decrease friction on your foot (found in the foot products aisle of the drugstore), you might consider getting a gel insole for your sandal - they sell ones that are just for the ball of your foot that won't show in your sandal once your foot is in your shoe.

Good luck,

Roxanne

If you are willing to wear socks it is the answer but only if you wear the "wick" away type ie.(Thorlos). I walk 5 miles 3X a week and my running shoes and special running Thorlo socks with a orthotic insert is the ONLY thing that keeps me from getting blisters. I do wear scandals if I am driving on vacation. to stay cooler and more comfortable.Try it it may not look classy but you will look sporty at least and have no blisters.

Please note about gel shoe inserts, from the tsa.gov site: "Gel shoe inserts are not permitted, but shoes constructed with gel heels are allowed and must be removed and screened....."
I always take a pack of Dr Scholl's Cushlin Blister treatment cushions for just in case although I haven't had to use one since 2004 and we travel every year. I found that if I have a blister, the cushions allow me to continue walking with almost no pain.

Agree with Tom...you should not have to "break in" a shoe or sandal. If you are experiencing foot pain or blistering, then the shoe you have doesn't fit right and you need to get another pair. Unfortunately, it's usually the ugly shoes that fit best - so save the hot pair for when you are taking taxis and sitting a lot.

I have worn Merrell and Keen straight out of the box on trips (with no breaking-in period whatsoever) and not had any problems with blisters or pain. But every foot is different - you need to get measured (even if you think you know what size your foot is) and try on a lot of different styles.

If you can't return the shoes, consider some modifications. Try different sox, thinner or thicker. If the shoes have laces, wear them looser while you break in the shoes. Different insoles function differently; I like Superfeet. I also have used prescribed orthotics. Since I have bunions, I use a shoe stretcher (available at shoe repair shops) to modify the shape of my shoes. One mistake many of us make in buying shoes is to buy a size too short. Be sure there is toe space. If you want to be able to wear the shoes, break them in gradually over a period of several weeks or months. In my experience, the stiffer more supportive shoes require more breaking in. I've worn several brands of walking shoes in my travels, but have settled on Merrells and Keens.

Actually - when I tried them on in the store in they FELT GREAT!!!! That's why I bought them. (It was in the afternoon when I bought them and my feet were a little swollen from walking all day). I actually wore them around town yesterday - and didn't have a problem with them. So all is good. =)

Thanks,
Hazel