We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Running Injury Prevention The 9 Best Blister Bandages for New Shoes, Hot Spots, and Pain-Free Steps Stop blisters before they start with our top picks By Christine Luff, ACE-CPT Christine Luff, ACE-CPT Christine Many Luff is a personal trainer, fitness nutrition specialist, and Road Runners Club of America Certified Coach. Learn about our editorial process Updated on August 15, 2023 Reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by nutrition and exercise professionals. Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Michele Stanten, ACE-GFI Reviewed by Michele Stanten, ACE-GFI Michele Stanten is a walking coach, certified group fitness instructor, and running coach. She is the author of Walk Off Weight and The Walking Solution. Learn about our Review Board Fact checked Verywell Fit content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Cara Lustik Fact checked by Cara Lustik Cara Lustik is a fact-checker and copywriter with more than 15 years of experience crafting stories in the branding, licensing, and entertainment industries. Learn about our editorial process Print Verywell Fit / Amelia Manley A common and painful annoyance among runners, walkers, hikers, and other athletes, foot blisters are usually caused by wearing too-tight shoes or wet footwear. Blister bandages can be used to cover the fluid-filled sacs, reducing the pain so you can keep walking or running. They also serve as a protective barrier around the skin by sealing out water, dirt, and germs that can cause infection. What type of blister bandage or patch you need depends on whether you're trying to prevent blisters from forming or whether you already have blisters you're trying to protect and heal. Look for patches made from soft material that are the appropriate size you need or can be cut to size. To find the best blister bandages, we researched dozens of options from the most popular, trusted brands. We considered each bandage's effectiveness, shape, material, durability, cost, and more. We also had a certified walking coach and RRCA-certified running coach from our Review Board review this story for accuracy and blister prevention tips. Our top picks are easy to wear and provide soothing relief, so you can keep your favorite shoes in rotation all year long. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Engo Blister Prevention Patches at Amazon ($17) Jump to Review Best Budget: Dr. Scholl’s Moleskin Plus Padding Roll at Amazon ($7) Jump to Review Best for Running: Compeed Bllister Care at Amazon ($16) Jump to Review Best Waterproof: Dr. Frederick's Original Better Blister Bandages at Amazon ($13) Jump to Review Best for Walking: Dr. Scholl’s Blister Cushions at Amazon ($10) Jump to Review Best for Toes: Band-Aid Hydro Seal Adhesive Bandages at Amazon ($10) Jump to Review Best Tape: KT Tape Blister Prevention Tape at Amazon ($10) Jump to Review Best for Hiking: All Health Extreme Hydrocolloid Blister Bandages at Amazon ($9) Jump to Review Best for Custom Size: Spenco 2nd Skin Dressing Kit Bandages for Blister Protection at Amazon ($15) Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks How We Selected the Best Blister Bandages What to Look For FAQ Why Trust Verywell Fit Best Overall Engo Blister Prevention Patches Amazon View On Amazon $17 View On Ithacasports.com Pros Can be trimmed to fit Goes in your shoes, not on your feet Ultra-thin Cons May be difficult to install Our best overall pick, Engo's Blister Prevention Patches stop blisters at the source by going inside your shoes rather than on your foot. Once you identify hot spots where you’ve been prone to blisters in the past, you can place an Engo pad inside your shoe. They can be trimmed to fit any shoe size and once in place, they stay put—even for extremely long races, like marathons. The pads are ultra-thin, so they won’t affect your shoe’s fit or comfort. The pad’s slick surface reduces friction and allows your foot to slide down where it's supposed to go, rather than rubbing and getting caught in the edges or seams of your shoe. Runners swear by their effectiveness and some are able to use the same patch for hundreds of accumulated miles. However, some have found that it can take a few tries to get the patches to stick exactly where you need them to. Best Budget Dr. Scholl’s Moleskin Plus Padding Roll Amazon View On Amazon $7 View On Walmart $7 View On Drscholls.com Pros Can be cut to size Water-resistant Stays put Cons Some may prefer thicker padding Need scissors for application Moleskin is a tried-and-true solution for blisters, and this Dr. Scholl’s product goes beyond the usual protection. In addition to the extra-soft cotton fabric, it also has foam padding to cushion and protect your blisters, providing all-day relief. The adhesive backing sticks well and the moleskin conforms to the shape of your foot, so you don’t have to worry about rough edges or bumps in the fabric. It’s also water-resistant—a plus if your feet tend to sweat. Plus, the large size can cover big areas, such as the heel, and can also be cut to a specific shape. It also has a thin design that can easily fit in all types of shoes. However, moleskin may not be thick enough for some—if that's the case, try Dr. Scholl's Blister Cushions instead. Also, note that you'll need scissors for the application process, as these have to be cut to size every time you use them. Best for Running Compeed Bllister Care Amazon View On Amazon $16 Pros Waterproof Comfortable Cushioned Cons May not work for toes If you're a runner, you're especially prone to painful blisters. We recommend a dependable treatment solution like these bandages from Compeed. They're easy to apply, cushioned, and stay in place for several days, even holding up through showers and exercise. Plus, they're waterproof, so you don't have to worry about sweat seeping into them while you run. The bandages also contain hydrocolloid gel, which helps to speed up the healing process. With tapered edges, they fit comfortably, like a second skin, making them a smart choice for runners or any active individual who doesn’t want blisters to take them off their game. However, their shape means they may not work well for blisters or hot spots on your toes. How Can You Prevent Blisters on Feet? Best Waterproof Dr. Frederick's Original Better Blister Bandages Amazon View On Amazon $13 Pros Extremely sticky Soft padding Flexible Cons Edges may curl up Dr. Frederick’s Original Better Blister Bandages are ideal for active people who don’t want blisters to slow them down. They’re fully waterproof and provide a tight seal over your blisters, protecting them from water, bacteria, sweat, and friction. By not allowing any moisture in, they also help promote recovery by allowing the blister to dry out. Additionally, the padding provides comfy relief, taking the sting out of blisters. These flexible blister pads are extremely sticky, so they’ll stay in place no matter how much you’re moving. They also come in a variety of sizes and can be used on all parts of your feet. An added bonus is that you can also use them to prevent blisters in areas where you’ve been prone to them. Some wearers have found that the edges tend to curl up after long periods of wear. But for a reliable waterproof bandage, Dr. Frederick's is still our top pick. Best for Walking Dr. Scholl’s Blister Cushions Amazon View On Amazon $10 View On Walgreens $10 View On Target $7 Pros Cushioned and comfortable Water-resistant Good for sandals or dress shoes Cons May not work for toes Another outstanding product from Dr. Scholl’s, these blister cushions are thick, extremely comfortable, and ideal for fitness walkers or anyone who spends a lot of time on their feet. Designed to stay put all day, they protect blisters while reducing friction and shoe rubbing. Made from soft gel cushioning, they move and bend with your foot while providing soothing relief. They're also water-resistant, so they allow the blister to dry out and heal. These pads are clear and nearly invisible, making them a great choice if you’re wearing sandals or dress shoes and want to discreetly treat your blister. They can even be placed on your hotspots to help with blister prevention. But the shape makes them difficult to use on your toes. Best for Toes Band-Aid Hydro Seal Adhesive Bandages Amazon View On Amazon $10 View On CVS $6 View On Instacart.com $8 Pros Stays on for up to seven days Waterproof Stays on for long periods Cons Expensive Some blister bandages are too big to cover up blisters on your toes, but these from Band-Aid are just the right size for that area. The waterproof bandages seal out water, dirt, and germs to allow your blister to heal naturally, while also providing cushioned comfort for the area. Versatile and convenient, these bandages can be used for other types of wounds on the toes. They’re very easy to apply and stay on for up to seven days, even holding up through multiple showers. If you’re a runner, walker, hiker, or active person, these bandages are great to stash in your pocket or backpack for on-the-go blister emergencies. Just note that they're one of the more expensive bandages on our list, although we think you get what you pay for in terms of an effective remedy for blisters. Best Tape KT Tape Blister Prevention Tape Amazon View On Amazon $10 Pros Works for all size blisters Durable Preventative Cons Not waterproof Blister bandages that come in small, pre-cut shapes can be convenient until they just don’t work for the size or location of your blister. These pre-cut strips of KT Blister Prevention Tape can cover a larger area, so they allow blisters to heal, as well as help new ones from forming. The tape conforms well to the shape of your foot and stays put, even if you’re walking, hiking, or running long mileage. Thin and smooth, it goes on easily and fits well underneath your socks and shoes. Additionally, the tape is not difficult to remove and doesn’t leave behind tape residue, which is often the case with first aid tape. But unlike many of our other top picks, KT Blister Prevention Tape isn't waterproof. As a result, you may need to reapply it more often. Best for Hiking All Health Extreme Hydrocolloid Blister Bandages Amazon View On Amazon $9 Pros Stays in place Good cushioning Ideal for heel or ball of foot Cons Not for toes or small areas Difficult to remove A long day of hiking can sometimes lead to painful blisters, but hikers can get relief with these bandages from All Health. The cushioned bandage flexes with your feet and helps reduce rubbing and friction as you’re moving. Designed to stay in place for multiple days, they’ll keep your blisters protected from dirt and bacteria. The large size of these self-adhesive bandages makes them ideal for the heel area or the ball of the foot, which are common trouble spots for hikers. But they're too large for most toe blisters. Although they’re very effective and comfortable, one small downside is that these bandages are so extremely adhesive that removing them may require some scrubbing in the shower. Best for Custom Size Spenco 2nd Skin Dressing Kit Bandages for Blister Protection Amazon View On Amazon $15 Pros Stays in place Cooling relief Very flexible Cons Not waterproof Blisters come in all shapes and sizes, so sometimes you need a product that allows for a custom fit. This kit from Spenco comes with pads that can be cut to fit, so you can trim them to the exact area you need to cover. The 2nd Skin gel pad provides cooling and soothing relief to your blisters on contact while protecting the area from pressure and friction. With a super-strong, medical-grade adhesive, the knit strips keep the pads in place for long periods, so you don’t have to worry about changing bandages multiple times a day. Although we like how durable and easy to use these are, note that they're not waterproof, unlike many of our other top picks. How We Selected the Best Blister Bandages To find the best blister bandages, we first spoke with Patricia M. O'Donnell, DPM, a podiatrist at Northwestern Medicine Regional Medical Group in Naperville, Illinois, and Pamela Mehta, MD, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and a medical advisor to The Good Feet Store. They helped us learn how to prevent and treat blisters, as well as what to look for in a soothing, effective blister bandage. Next, we researched dozens of products from the top, trusted brands. We prioritized bandages that are thin, flexible, and easy to apply. We also considered price, shape, materials, and whether the bandage was waterproof. Ultimately, we used guidance from our experts along with our own findings to create our final list of recommendations. What to Look for in a Blister Bandage Purpose Some blister bandages are designed to treat blisters, while others help to prevent those painful fluid-filled sacs from forming. In some cases, products excel at both prevention and treatment. Be sure to choose the right product for your needs. Shape Blister bandages come in a range of shapes and sizes, and you’ll want to pick one that works for you. “Look for a bandage that will fit nicely over the lesion with some room around the edges,” says O'Donnell. Some pads are designed for larger areas such as the heel or ankle, while others are small and perfect for toe blisters. Others can be cut into custom shapes so you can get the exact shape and size you need—ideal for accommodating supportive inserts like insoles for flat feet. Effectiveness Look for products that are from trusted brands and provide more benefits than just a simple bandage. “Blister bandages should be cushioned and prevent further friction and rubbing,” says Dr. O’Donnell. “There are many new bandages available made with hydrocolloid gels that are able to help heal blisters while preventing further damage.” Frequently Asked Questions How should you bandage a blister? “The most important aspect of treating a blister is to keep the area clean and protected from contaminants, and the best method for protection is to cover the blister with an adhesive bandage,” says Mehta. “It is best not to pick at or pop the blister, as this can lead to irritation and infection."To properly bandage a blister, cut a piece of moleskin padding into a doughnut shape with a hole in the middle and place it around the blister. Then keep it covered with an adhesive bandage until it fully heals. Can you use liquid bandage on a blister? “Using a liquid bandage on a blister can be beneficial if the liquid in the bandages is a petroleum jelly or hydrocolloid,” says Mehta. “Hydrocolloids contain particles that absorb the liquid in a wound and create a gel-like covering to keep the wound moist and protected, which is an optimum healing environment.” Can you put a bandage on a burn blister? If you have a blister from a burn, it’s important to not break it, since fluid-filled blisters protect against infection. You can reduce pain and protect the area by covering it with a sterile gauze bandage. Wrap it loosely to avoid putting pressure on the blister or burned skin. Why Trust Verywell Fit Certified running coach and fitness writer Christine Luff has spent years researching, testing, and recommending fitness and athletic products and knows that the right gear can tremendously improve performance and comfort. Additional reporting by Sarah Felbin With over two decades of dance experience, Sarah Felbin knows how important it is to keep your feet dry, comfortable, and blister-free. As a health and fitness editor, she's passionate about finding products that are a great value and make life easier. We Walked for Miles to Test the Best Walking Socks From Asics, Saucony, and More 2 Sources Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Bergeron BP. A guide to blister management. The Physician and Sportsmedicine. 1995;23(2):37-46. Rushton RJ. Exploring the mechanism for blister prevention using moleskin. Curr Sports Med Rep. 2020;19(11):451-453. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Helpful Report an Error Other Submit