Readers Respond: How Do You Prevent Blisters?

Responses: 11

Updated June 16, 2009

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How do you prevent developing blisters on your feet when you walk, run, or hike? What is your favorite way to prevent blisters? Share Your Tip

Nothing works! I've done the double layer socks, Body Glide, vasoline, talc, bandaids - you name it. My problematic areas are the bottom (sole) of my left heel and a wannabe bunion on my right. Now, don't cringe but the ONLY thing I have found to work is Duct Tape! It prevents blisters, stays in place and, surprisingly doesn't remove layers of skin when I peel it off.
—Guest Sue

I also get blisters but more after the 13 mile mark. I use duct tape on those areas that blister. Fortunately, my skin will tolerate the adhesive from the tape. I just did this for the NYC Marathon and it worked perfectly!
—Guest Randy Haake

This will sound crazy but it works -- duct tape I used it walking the 60 mile 3day breast cancer walk & it was great! Try it out!
—Guest joann

There is a product called Tegaderm that is like an artificial skin. I wear it on area that are prone to blisters when walking >3 miles and as treatment for any blister that arises. It is sterile and easy to apply.
—Guest Phil Waldor

Try going barefoot. Not everybody's cup of tea, I know, but more and more people are doing just that. Check out this link for more details: http://www.going-barefoot.info/
—Guest MickeyMudTurtle

I've got very narrow heels and have tried new walking boots, 2 socks, specialist socks, plasters....... nothing worked until i tried engo. A blister patch sick to the shoe, lasts a long time and i've not had a blister since.
—Guest Steve

The first rule all walkers should follow is "NO COTTON SOCKS"! Besides that, I never put on my walking shoes, running shoes, or hiking boots without giving my feet a good coating of BodyGlide.
—KL_in_KG

I used to get awful blisters playing basketball until my Grandmother told me to soak my feet in a potassium permanganate solution (Condi's crystals). It turns your feet purple, but shuts down the sweat glands and your feet stay dry as a bone. Lasts up to a week. Make the solution strong, it does no harm.
—Guest RobT

Well all I did so far was leave it alone. I bought new summer sneakers at a shop I never go to, so I guess it was a way of telling me this shop sells summer sneakers. LOL a painful way but I cope!! I actually threw the plastic sandals I bought in the bin. I learned to only buy shoes that are soft on the side and comfortable to wear not only on bottom but on the side as well. No more getting tricked oh this is comfortable and then after 5 minutes walking, ow! I am writing these tips, they suggest, so in the future can prevent blisters, when my current blisters disappear and I start wearing sandals and no socks again.
—Guest Maryanne

Wear a decent pair of walking socks as the second layer - as the first layer, use a pair of pop-socks (ladies knee length tights). Stops all the friction and is much much cheaper than socks that have been designed with 2 layers like 1000-mile socks (Which I have found in my experience to be rubbish)
—Guest Jim Worley

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