Blisters (feet) !?

[markfftang]

Hi, does anybody have some good advice to avoid blisters on the ball of the foot ?

Have been having trouble lately, once I exceed a half-marathon distance in one go.

At the moment I'm going back to double socks and my old army boots to avoid it, but would like to find something a bit more elegant. I've tried cheap through to  expensive trainers, fittings and bespoke insoles, but I just can't seem to find any that work for longer distances ...

Thanks !

[gerrymcd]

Well, there is always this solution!

I'm a big fan of Injini toe socks.  I've found the toes prevents the sock from sliding around and causing friction.

[Skreese81]

Good socks are key. Also, anti chaffing cream on toes works well too. (Even after you get blisters)

[Mel_Linn]

I agree  with what everyone said on the socks. Don't go with cotton, but if you insist, wear them over synthetic socks. Personally, I don't like to double bag it because I don't want my toes feeling that constricted, which can also cause blistering apparently. If it's always the same spot, try putting a thin layer of Tattoo Goo just on the balls of your feet before running. If you don't have TG, Aquaphor works well, too.

You sound like a runner, so I'm sure you know this, but just in case... maybe go larger in shoe size. When I first "started" running, I only went up a half size. Pains later, I realized a full size was necessary for me. Sorry I don't have a lot of advice on this, but I hope it was helpful. Good luck finding what works best for you, Markfftang!

[jacynda6817]

Same problem here blisters on my left foot only the ball, heel, and pinky toe!  Tried different shoes, size bigger shoe, blister pads, taping!  I don't want to stop because im in a good exercise grove right now.  I have not tried doubling up socks.  Today is my rest day so tomorrow I will try doubling up my socks next week!  

[flyboy]

Double socks will likely give you more blisters and make your shoes too tight. 

I use Body Glide on my feet and crotch when running anything over 5 miles to prevent chafing and blisters.  I use 3 different sticks, one for my left foot, one for my right, and a seperate one for my nether regions to avoid spreading athletes foot, or other issues from one area to another.  The sticks aren't cheap but they last a long time and in my experience really help. 

[patzwz]

There's some helpful tips in here. I've been having some blister-issues myself on the ball, heel and between my pinky toe and whatever the one next to it is called 😉
Can someone explain to me why it's better to wear synthetic socks instead of cotton?

[flyboy]

@ Patzwz,

Synthetic socks will assist with wicking moisture from your body, cotton tends to hold onto moisture in the form of sweat and the salt and wet environment will cause your skin to chafe and blister. 

[patzwz]

Thanks for the explanation flyboy! Guess I need to get myself some new socks... lol

[carmensimpson]

What are synthetic socks?  I have a blister on the side of my left foot, near my heel, that I just noticed yesterday.  Any suggestions on how to take care of this and still continue my walking routine would help.  Thanks!!

[jacynda6817]

Been doing body glide since this post works great! I do it every time I work out and no more blisters, I do start to feel the "hot spot" but they don't form. Thanks flyboy.

[carmensimpson]

What is bodyglide?  Where can you purchase it?

[flyboy]

@carmensimpson, 

Synthetic socks are socks made out of polyester or other non cotton fiber, I haven't tried the bamboo socks for running, but I do wear them with my work shoes and they work well in that situation so you might give them a try. 

Body glide is a skin lubricant that comes in stick form, it looks like a stick of deodorant and you can get it at many running or triathlon stores.  It isn't greasy but it does make things slip so it helps prevent blister formation and chafing.

[flyboy]

@jacynda6817,

I'm glad that Body Glide is working for you, it is good to know that it was a helpful tip for you.

[carmensimpson]

Can you buy body glide online?  Where I live we don't have running stores or anything like that close by.  I live in he country.

[jacynda6817]

I bought mine at Walgreens

[flyboy]

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@carmensimpson wrote:
Can you buy body glide online?  Where I live we don't have running stores or anything like that close by.  I live in he country.

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Yes, you definately can.  You can either search for online triathlon and running stores or try a few that I know about like Bike Nashbar, Performance cycle, Trizone, Trisports, or Roadrunner.  Then once you get to their site search for Body Glide and you should be good to go.

[TandemWalker]

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@jacynda6817 wrote:
Been doing body glide since this post works great! I do it every time I work out and no more blisters, I do start to feel the "hot spot" but they don't form. Thanks flyboy.

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Ditto here - 100%!

[Algenon]

Band-Aid makes bandages for blisters (advanced healing).  These work really well since you can apply them to the affected area and leave them in place for days until your blister is healed.  Since I sometimes walk around the house barefoot, these are perfect.

[carmensimpson]

The blister that I found last Sunday afternoon is finally drying up but will still take another couple days to finally go completely away though.  I have purchased some bodyglideonline and didn't walk as much today.

I hope the bodyglide will help.  I don't want any more blisters!!!