And How Do You Prevent Them?

For years I thought that they were inevitable. Blisters developed when I would run, hike, even out walking. I couldn’t prevent them. They were painful. I had to treat them.

I tried the most common blister prevention methods: getting comfortable, well-fitting shoes, wearing good quality socks, adding a second pair, cushioning my feet with insoles, taping my feet where most often affected. Some were partially effective, but none were reliable over time. For instance, tape would lose adhesive and the blisters and pain were back, again.

I needed to prevent blisters before they happened and read about patches, powders, lubricants, and balms. I decided to try all of them to see which worked best for me. Some worked. One was and remains my favorite.

Foot Glide® anti-blister balm is easy to use. I apply it before putting on socks and shoes. It’s quick, easy, and works to prevent the rubbing that causes blisters. It works hour after hour with no need for frequent reapplication. I never have to take off my shoes and socks in public or wonder if and when blisters will strike during long hikes, walks, and runs! I love that Foot Glide is dry, never oily or messy!

What are blisters anyway?

I’ve learned a bit about blisters. Blisters occur when the first layer of skin pulls away from lower layers and fills with fluid.  They look and feel like a bubble under the skin.  Large or small, they can be extremely uncomfortable. Blisters get in the way of what you want to do, interrupting work, play, fitness or training routines, or ruining your vacation. I know!

What causes foot blisters?

When we are active, even just walking, our feet get a work out. Our body weight goes to our feet, foot temperature rises, feet swell, and heat is expelled in perspiration that carries salt and minerals to the surface. The net effect is like sand paper that wears on the feet with the least amount movement of the feet against socks and the shoes. Pure and simple, the movement is rubbing – and without prevention, we get blisters.

Rubbing happens with any kind of footwear from flip flops to athletic and formal wear, boots, flats, pumps, strappies, no matter how good they look or comfortable when you slipped the on the first time. If you’re walking, jogging, running, or hiking, if a sock is wrinkled, you may be vulnerable to rubbing. Feet swell, feet chafe and develop blisters even with the slightest rubbing, and heat and humidity make it worse. How you prepare determines your fate.

Humidity is not the only form of moisture contributing to blisters. Others are rain, puddles, and foot sweat. Damp skin is more vulnerable, less durable. The top layer of skin is more likely to pull away from lower layers and fill with fluid. Moisture may also change socks from a soft, protective barrier to sticky friction magnifiers!  Moisture wicking socks (and liners under a heavier pair of socks) may help, but I still earned some crazy foot blisters. Powder is supposed to reduce moisture and help prevent blisters, but I find it messy, temporary, and unreliable.

What are the symptoms of foot blisters?

Often the first symptom is “hot spots”. It’s just what it sounds like. A spot on your foot feels hot or irritated. It means there’s trouble brewing in your shoe!

If you don’t stop what you are doing, a painful bubble, blister, will develop. Unattended, if it breaks, it can become infected, and that’s a real problem for anyone. Intervene quickly. Better yet – prevent it!

Why is foot blister prevention better than treatment?

Most blisters can be avoided. Better to act first,  not need to react later.

Avoid the problem in the first place. As you know now, my go-to recommendation is Foot Glide® balm.

Generously apply Foot Glide® balm anywhere skin on your feet may be vulnerable to rubbing. It’s a comfortable, invisible barrier against forces that can rub your skin raw. It’s time tested, repeatedly recommended, with a history of reliability that started in 1996 – allergen-free, fragrance free, ingredients never tested on animals.

As the old saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” – and truer words were never spoken!

– Dayne

Learn how to protect yourself from more types of blisters using Body Glide® Balms.

Rowing Blisters 

Soccer Blisters

Running Blisters

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