Blister Fixer Uppers & other Old Wives T ales

“OK, I've been walking around the house with my 2 year old Vasque Clarion II's... got a few blisters the first major hike I did, and despite moleskin and 2nd Skin treatment, I wound up using most of what I had for longer than I anticipated. Damn near hiked in bare feet to seek relief.

What do YOU do? Use anything special? Conditioning, of course, goes without saying, but beyond that, what have you used that worked?”

“OBI... did you see the article in the April 2001 Backpacker Magazine ? "40 ways to banish blisters forever" They rated Band-Aid Blister block as #1.
I have always just used Mole skin. But I haven't had a great deal of trouble with blisters.”

“Duct tape! Works every time. Just don't try to put it on chaffed thighs though. Ouch!”

“Although I haven't used it in a long time, Mole Skin always did the trick.”

“Okay, how about this. I'm getting new running shoes in a week, but my current ones give me awful blisters. I've covered the spot in bandaids, in mole skin, and left it bare. Nothing works. I'm currently three layers down in blisters and they are starting to draw blood. Any suggestions?”

“Obi... if you're trying to seek relief from blisters at the end of the day, 2nd Skin is a good idea. However, DON'T put it on before you hike! We all know what our skin looks like after soaking in the bath for a long time, right? Well, that's what 2nd Skin does to the intact skin around your blister. It softens it up & makes the skin more prone to breakdown.

The Band-Aid Blister Block that Wind Walker mentioned is awesome stuff, we call it Compede up here. Just make sure you put moleskin or duct tape over top of it since the edges tend to catch & roll.

The best preventative measures I know(aside from conditioning), are to tape your known problem areas before you start, wear a thin pair of liner socks and stay away from the foot powder! Hope this helps... :o)”

“Deathmarch I have a suggestion for you....Stop wearing those shoes before you make a really BIG boo-boo.”

“Try this website out for info www.monmouth.com/~mconnick/

Applying duct tape to blister prone areas before setting out does seem to work the best.”

“I agree with medic girl and adventurist. I apply duct tape to blister prone areas before hiking, wear a thin pair of liner socks under some high quality outer socks. I also carry some denatured alcohol in a small spray bottle for quick, cooling releif on rest breaks. The alcohol evaporates quickly and dries your feet in no time.”

“My new one's are comming in this week! I just have to suffer a little longer.”

“DM99,
Don't suffer, dude. Take a few days off. Life is too short for the agony of hurtin' dogs.”

“Does anyone know if spraying deodorant on your feet before a hike really help or is that an old wives tale?”

“I used to suffer big-time with blisters. Thought they were just a part of backpacking.

Since I got my current boots (won't mention a brand cuz they have to fit you) I haven't had a single blister despite some killer days.

I always use a thin liner sock and a heavy wool-blend outer sock too so any friction is between the two socks.

Good luck.”

“Obi, get your boots broken in before our Desolation trip! I usually carry moleskin, second skin & duct tape w me...hope you don't need it!!”

“Thanks for the tip, Wanderer... LOL, yea, the boots are "broken in", it's my FEET that need the attention, LOL. Seriously, Medic Girl raised a good point... (not THAT one, honey)... I found myself using 2nd skin to treat blister areas, then covered that with moleskin with a hole cut in it. This I placed over the area covered with 2nd skin, and kept right on walking.

Another "solution" was using that sticky grey duct tape (never again) which just gooed up all over the inside of my liner socks - I'll never get that out. So... I then bought - but haven't tried yet - some CLOTH duct tape. That appears to be a little better, but the Compede you mention has crossed my eyes before. I think it's a good idea to pick some up. Thanks!”

“Benzion compound tincture before”

“I have blister prone feet also. Try all the tricks. Treat the boot too. I tried the anti-perspirant trick to dry out my feet,it works!!
Some boots have seams in a bad spot. May have to switch brands.”

“Many years ago, when I was first getting into this silly sport, I had a bad experience with blisters one trip. My Dad told me that,once my feet healed up, I should soak them in vinegar now and then. He claimed regular vinegar soaks would toughen up the skin and reduce the liklihood that I'd have blisters in the future. He was a Fish and Game Warden in Alaska in the '20's and said he learned the trick from an old geezer he met up on Kodiak Island.

I never tried it - pickling my feet just seemed a bit too far 'out there' on the reality check scale. I've often thought about that advice though....”

“For pity sweet sake quit buying those silly boots. All terrain tennis shoes and no more blisters.”

“...and wet feet and no ankle support. I need my Montrail Moraine AT's for ankle support due to an old ankle injury. With gaiters, I can walk across shallower water crossings quickly and not get my feet one bit wet from the water.

Like I've always said....whatever works for you.”

“i agree, ski. i never get blisters with my asolos and thorlos. tennis shoes would kill me on long distances.”

“Duct tape troublesome boot seams.

Attack hotspots immediately. Keep the feet clean and dry.

Toughen up you feet. Go barefoot more often than in the shower. Some fine grit sandpaper works great too.

Look for a better boot and sock/ liner combo.

It has been so long since I have gotten a blister on my feet. Must be the luck rabbits foot.”

“8D”

“take a raw potato. Slice it in half lengthwise and rub it on the blister-prone area. Then, on the night of a full moon, bury the potato under a huckleberry tree on the eastern side of a hill. Recite some incantations and presto! no more blisters...LOL”

“I agree with Briars advice. When you feel hotspots, stop and make an adjustment. Put on dry socks.

Liner sox may be the answer. If your feet are moving in the boot a liner sock will move inside a thicker sock putting the friction between the two pair of sox not your skin.

Conditioning is probably the most effective measure. Regular walking will get rid of those chaffing thighs as well.”