Question for runners - lots of (non-painful) blisters?

itsuki

So I noticed today that I have a lot of large blisters on my feet (heels, toes, and the "palm" of my foot - does that area even have a name?)

They range in size from about a quarter to the whole heel of my foot.

The strange thing is they don't hurt at all- I only noticed them while I was stretching barefoot today!

I've been running fairly regularly for about 3 months now, distances of 2-5 miles at a time, and as best I can tell, this is the first time this has happened.

The only thing different about my run today was that it was on a treadmill rather than outside.

So my questions:
- Could running on a treadmill vs. outside be the cause?
- If not, what could it be? Shoes? Socks? Or is this normal?
- If they don't hurt, should I just ignore them?

wolfchild59

Treadmill vs outside shouldn't make any difference in blister cause.

Could be shoes and/or the socks. You should get shoes fitted for your feet and gait/stride. I used to get blisters every time I ran, along with chafing so bad I was pulling off bloody socks after every long run. Once I got fitted, I've only ever had one blister since then. That blister was caused by a bad running sock that didn't fit properly and I could feel was not right inside my shoe but I was already out on the trail by the time I noticed it and it was too late at that point.

Once you get fitted, get some socks that are made for running, that feel good on your feet, don't move around on your foot while it's in the shoe, and preferably are something that wicks moisture away from the foot. Many running stores will have sample socks available to try on since there are many different types and they all come in different sizes.

Also, something like Body Glide or Sports Shield applied before you put on your socks will help with eliminating blisters as well.

Finally, I wouldn't ignore them. You shouldn't just be building up blisters on your feet, whether they are painful or not. Take measures to eliminate them and you'll likely feel better running overall.

Sox90716

Also, something like Body Glide or Sports Shield applied before you put on your socks will help with eliminating blisters as well.

Or save your money and use solid anti-perspirant. Works like a charm! Good luck!