Tip for Blister Prevention

suse, this was interesting and useful. Thanks!

Also moleskin. You can cut it to size.

Thanks for posting that. I've been lucky never to develop a blister in Europe, but it has happened at home when I wore athletic shoes that rubbed the back of my heel the wrong way. I actually thought about putting some adhesive tape in the vulnerable spot, but I never got around to trying that. Now I know something much better to use.

I've got a few pairs of tried and true perfect for all day walking shoes and boots, but I never leave home without a little roll of tape in my bag, because anything can happen and I've had unhappy feet wreak havoc on a vacation.

Barbara:

Moleskin has very strong adhesive that can tear the skin. That's one reason the paper tape is better. If moleskin works for you, that's great. I have sensitive skin, so I use the tape.

Prevention is the key. Make sure your quality and properly fitting shoes/boots/sandals merge with good socks, if you wear them, and then walk, walk, walk, BEFORE traveling.

Thanks suse for the link. I have always packed moleskin with poor results. I will definately try the paper tape. My other standby are Compeed pads that help heal blisters. Originally bought some in Europe. Found them at my local pharmacy when I got home. They were lifesavers.

Not sure if its the same stuff, but I've used sports tape for years for this purpose. Thats the kind sold for taping ankles, etc. It sticks pretty well, so won't come off under stress. Moleskin works, but sometimes its just too thick.

And if you have surgical tape, you can utilize gauze pads if you get a large scrape that's too big for regular band-aids.

Thanks for the reminder about compeed pads. I have some in the medicine cabinet in a curad package sold under the curad brand

I have used Compeed too and would not leave on a hike without (though I haven't had to use it many years)

surgical tape

This is very good to add before you get blisters. As soon as you start feeling sore.

Personally, that's why I like the moleskin, it stays in place and doesn't rub off. In fact it will stay for a few days if needed. Luckily my feet are not sensitive and I can handle the moleskin.

duct tape works wonders. Its thickness protects and the shiny side is slippery, minimizing rubbing.

I’ve had good luck with Bandaid Blister bandages both toe size and heel. Moleskin doesn’t stick as good. Another trick from my 3-Day Breast Cancer Walk years ago was to change socks and shoes half way thru the day. That’s not practical if packing light but I didn’t get blisters. Wright socks help too since the double layer is anti-blister.

Great article! I've been using paper tape for blister prevention for years - my brother, who was a forester, used it all the time when he wore boots daily so I started doing this perhaps in the 1990s. It will stay on thru a few showers as well. I always have a roll in my backpack/day pack/purse.

Unlike moleskin which yes, I have had tear my skin, you don't need scissors to cut the paper tape.

I've been using duct tape around my heels before walking in one pair of boots that rubbe d a bit at the back. Paper tape would have the advantage of not requiring scissors, but I wonder if the top edge would tend to roll down if used at the back of the heel?

I have osteoarthritis and my toes are slightly slanted and rub after a lot of walking. Foot dr told me to rub Vaseline on each toe to reduce friction to prevent blisters. I’ve used moleskin on the bottom of my foot but it is harsh to the skin when removing. I needed the extra padding though.

Wool fleece is great for padding and for keeping toes separated and blister-free. I bought some in New Zealand and love it. You can watch the video to see how to use it:

https://enzeesfootsoother.com

REI carries this brand. Other brands (probably not New Zealand wool) are available for less at pharmacies and online (Amazon).

https://www.amazon.com/Preffered-Plus-7-63189E-11-Padding/dp/B001EW8O6A?th=1

You might also look at Injinji brand toe socks to keep your toes separated. I wear Correct Toes toe spacers and had gotten blisters from them during a hot spell in Paris a few years ago as I usually wore them with my socks over them. The Injinji really work well to keep my feet dry and unblistered.

They do feel a little creepy at first and I realized after I traveled with them I need to take some regular socks to change in to after a long day!

Necessity is the mother of invention. About 10 years ago, I foolishly traveled with a new pair of shoes that I would wear all day at a conference as I was on my feet much of the day presenting. The back of the shoe was so stiff, I could feel the blister coming.

All I had with me was an Always minipad. I took it and put it in my sock. VOILÀ! Instant comfort and the blister never came to fruition! The padding was perfect and its flexibility made it ideal.

Thanks for this suse! I find it very useful.

For my Camino, I wore knee high hosiery with my wool socks. No blisters and I was walking about 25km each day. One day I fell into a creek and walked for another 4-5 hours with soaking wet boots and socks. No blisters. Other people swear by coating your feet with Vaseline each day, but can't see normal tourists doing this. Wearing the hosiery is easier.

I would like so make a suggestion using a product called Second Skin. I comes in a bottle and is applied with the included small brush. This product always goes in the 3 1 1 bag just in case. I came in very handy one summer when wearing sandals. It works great.

I love the Bodyglide Anti-chafe roll-on. It's the same thing as bicyclists and runners use to prevent chafing. I rub it on my feet before walking and don't get blisters. I used to get them constantly because I walk/run many miles.
https://www.rei.com/product/745879/bodyglide-anti-chafe-formula-skin-protectant-15-oz

Wearing the right shoes (well broken in and with thick enough sole support) and socks is also really important.

Throw a roll of paper tape in your bag if you're prone to developing blisters!
Thank you!
I ALWAYS get a blister on the outside of my left big toe, and I've had reasonable success with blister pads and moleskin. The paper tape seems to work even better because of the lack of bulk. I always suspected that too much stuff in my shoe wasn't helping--now I have some evidence that may be true.

So far I've only done hour-long walks, but I will be giving the paper tape a serious test next week on a hiking trip.

I bring a small bottle of liquid bandage. I know where I'm prone to get blisters and so I just paint the spots with the liquid bandage in the morning and give it a minute or two to dry.

It's like an extra layer of skin without having to wrap a piece of tape around a toe to make it stick. I've tried tape before but found that as my feet get sweaty walking around the tape comes off unless it is wrapped around so it can stick to itself.