Running Problems

sheepingly

I don't really like running but I like to run races. I'd do them more often but I started gaining weight over the years and I guess also came with running more to lose weight was the blisters. When I run a 5K or even walk it, I'd get blisters after the first mile. B

I thought it was cause of the wrong shoes so i went to a running store and got some better ones. Still happens. Probably more so. Tried moleskin only helps up until the 2 1/2 mile mark and then i get blisters. I even got better socks (non cotton, breatheable) still doesn't work.

So I figure it's my weight which made my feet wider i guess. I get blisters on the inside curve of my feet or on the ball of my feet.

Any runners know what the issue is? or what a permanent solution is. Do you think its the weight gain?

BTW, over the past 8 years or so I've gained about 60lbs.

CTcutie

I'm only a C25K grad & you've probably run a lot longer & further than I have, but... I do know if your weight changes significantly in either direction, being re-fitted for running shoes (and possibly insoles as well) is recommended.

Have you tried wool socks, like Smart Wool or other brands? There are lots of different blends out there that may help prevent blisters!

Are you training for a few months before racing? My feet needed to adjust slowly- we ask a lot of our feet, especially when we're overweight, but we should treat them well :-)

I over-pronate (one foot) & the insoles that were recommended to me were the Super Feet ones with a neutral running shoe- no more blisters (I have only run up to 4 miles, though!)

ContraryMaryMary

You may need to go up a size in shoes - running shoes should be at least a half a size bigger than your regular shoes. I've had blisters on the inside curve of my foot too - I put it down to a combination of having high arches and sweaty feet, so I started tying my shoes really loosely (just enough so my feet don't slide in my shoes). You could experiment with how you tie your laces to try and reduce pressure through the arch of your foot - Google is your friend here. Changing socks really made a big difference to me - I now wear Drymax and they're made from a state-of-the-art moisture wicking fabric. Cost a fortune for a pair. Worth every cent.

Good luck!

nowine4me

Second on trying different socks.

spiriteagle99

A friend who has blister problems swears by Injinji toe socks. Another possibility is to put body glide or vaseline on your feet. Deodorant on feet can keep moisture down. Or put athletic tape on the areas that you know blister before you run.

Get shoes that really fit your feet. Go to a good running store and find out what works for your gait.

GemstoneofHeart

I also think in addition to what's been mentioned above, have you tried alternate lacing styles? I have my shoes laced non traditionally to help with my arch. When I got my shoes the running store laced them for me that way.

Here's a link that talks about it.

https://www.on-running.com/en-us/articles/the-6-best-ways-to-lace-your-running-shoes