How to avoid blisters

How many times have you suffered from blisters on your feet? Toe, heel or ankle blisters can cause a lot of pain and discomfort, sometimes lasting many weeks!

There are four main ways to help prevent blisters forming on your feet when out walking.

Causes of blisters on feet

Blisters are commonly caused by friction and heat. As you walk, your foot rubs against your sock, which in turn rubs against the inside of your walking boot. This creates friction and heat which can form a raised portion of skin which fills with fluid – resulting in a blister!

So, what are the main causes?

• Not wearing the right type of walking boot
• Not having footwear of the right ‘fit’
• Wearing the wrong type of socks
• Unsupportive insoles

Tips and suggestions

Below are three tips to help you avoid blisters on your feet when out walking.

Tip 1:  Wearing the right style of walking boot

When planning to go out walking, always make sure you have the right type of footwear. Traditional trainers are not considered suitable footwear for walking as they do not provide the correct support that’s needed.

There are many walking boots brands available on the market offering both support and comfort. For example, the Grisport walking boots quality collection is made in Italy.  This manufacturer has designed it’s footwear in such a way that customers can be assured that they will enjoy the right fit. The unique sole unit offers comfort, support and durability and the anatomically designed insole provides the necessary arch support necessary for a comfortable walk.

If you suffer from blisters on your heel or ankle – or perhaps you are prone to tendonitis – then this collection includes specifically designed boots that will provide relief and support. For example, the Grisport Quatro walking boot has been designed with an anti-tendonitis relief system that helps to alleviate pressures on your tendons. This boot also boasts a heel lock system to prevent your heel from lifting within your boot when walking.

Tip 2: Having the right fit boot

If you wear walking boots or shoes that are too big, as you walk down hills your foot will move forward and backwards within the boot, causing friction. This can often result in the formation of blisters!

If however you wear walking boots or shoes that are too small you will find that, as you walk and your feet get hotter, there is no room for your feet to expand. This results in pressure, heat and friction building up inside of your footwear.

It’s always best to seek advice to make sure you are wearing the right sized boots.

Tip 3: Walking Socks

The type of walking sock you wear is just as important as the type of walking boot you wear. Walking socks provide the cushioning and indeed the latest technology needed to keep your feet comfortable throughout your whole walk.

A manufacturer called ‘1000mile’ offers a unique walking sock that guarantees a blister free walk – or you’ll get your money back!  These socks are made from a unique two layer construction that eliminates friction between your sock and your boots. Many of the 1000mile socks have been designed with a Tactel inner lining, which is extremely soft and breathable.  This lining has been found to dry 8 times faster than cotton.

Other walking socks too can offer the necessary cushioning and support you need at the pressure points of your foot. Again, always seek advice as careful selection of walking socks is very important.  Please do remember that ideally socks should be tried on, along with your walking boots, before making a purchase.  This will help to ensure they provide the necessary fit for your feet.

Tip 4: Insoles

It won’t always be the case that insoles provided with new walking boots will be suitable for your feet.  For example, if you suffer from low or high arches, the insoles may need to be removed and changed.

Currently there are many insoles on the market that provide necessary arch support, heel cushioning and also breathability to help reduce the ‘build up’ of heat and pressure. The Grisport Gel Sports Insoles are a perfect choice for anybody who suffers arch pains and these insoles offer shock absorption as you walk.

Other feet pains

You may also suffer from other feet problems, such as pains in your heels, for example. Heel aches and pains may be as a result of plantar fasciopathy, which is more commonly known as jogger’s heel. This extremely painful disorder can affect your heel and the underside of your foot and is caused by the structural breakdown of the plantar fascia. (This is a muscle located on the heel and underside of your foot).

There are are many causes of plantar fasciitis including an increase in weight, aging or even just an increase in the amount of exercise you undertake.  Also, wearing incorrect insoles can be problematic and lead to this condition.

Warming up and stretching your feet prior to walking will assist, which will also help to avoid inflammation.

If you would like any further information, please view Cherry Tree Country Clothing’s website or please feel free to contact them on 01978 437029.