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Now In: Keep blisters away and renew your rewarding relationship with your boots
Keep blisters away and renew your rewarding relationship with your boots
Q:
I get wicked blisters whenever I go walking. It doesn't matter if I go for an hour or two weeks, blisters plague my feet. I know my boots fit right because I had them fitted. What can I do to prevent painful blisters?
Simon
Wokingham, Berkshire
A:
Good question Simon.
First, get out the old nail clippers and trim down those razor-sharp toenails. Second, check out the inside of your boot with your hand. Make sure there are no deficiencies in the fabric. Even the smallest rough spot can cause blisters. If you've just purchased a boot, try vacuuming your house and go grocery shopping. Breaking in a new boot will help immensely.
Next, invest in a pair of hiking liners and socks. The liners will act as an intermediary between your sock and the boot. Instead of your bare foot rubbing on the sock, which then rubs on the boot, the liner will rub on the sock and the boot, taking your foot out of the equation.
Finally, always check your feet while walking. Stop every hour or so and de-boot to inspect your feet for hot spots (red spots on your feet that feel warm and uncomfortable). If you do see or feel a hotspot, take out your first-aid kitand put on an anti-blister dressing. This will protect that area from further rubbing and stop the hot spot in its tracks, before it becomes a nasty blister.
If you still get blisters, it may be time to invest in a different pair of boots or switch to a lighter hiking shoe. Also, never pop a blister on the trail. An open blister can lead to infection, which will quickly lead to the end of your trip.
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