Blisters

MrsSki
MrsSki Posts: 196
in Fitness and Exercise
I'm training for a half marathon. I've run one before, two years ago. But I'm out of shape again, so I'm basically a newbie. I'm taking the training slow, but I have a question about blisters. Every time I run I get blisters on the inside of my instep. Could this be caused by my shoes? I know they are kind of old and need to be replaced, that's definitely something I intend to do before I run the half, but how soon should I do it? I've been lotioning my feet, and using Band Aid Friction Block, which has worked in the past, but doesn't seem to be helping now. It's only happening on my right foot, so maybe it's a gait issue? I'm kind of at a loss, and can't really put a hold on my training for a few pesky blisters....

Replies

  • omma_to_3
    omma_to_3 Posts: 3,265 Member
    To treat the immediate need, try moleskin in the affected area.

    But I would highly suspect it's your shoes and I'd look for a new pair.
  • moustache_flavored_lube
    moustache_flavored_lube Posts: 849 Member
    Do you wear cotton socks? that could be part of the problem.

    Try walking outside barefoot some to toughen up your feet.

    Get some new shoes!! If they are worn out replace them now. Running shoes don't last very long, and are usually shot before they look worn. If you keep training in them you are likely to injure yourself and miss your 1/2
  • lindsyrox
    lindsyrox Posts: 257 Member
    get new shoes that fit your feet correctly. I haven't had blisters in YEARS and i do a LOT of running. Definitely get new and DIFFERENT shoes.

    also, don't be swayed by pretty colors or designs, your shoes are a tool to help you reach your goal, pick the ones that are the most comfy and don't think "oh i'll break them in", they should be awesome from day one.

    good luck!
    oh and i agree, go be barefoot when you can, its just good for your feet in general, and feels awesome.
  • MrsSki
    MrsSki Posts: 196
    Cotton socks cause blisters?? I never knew that. What kind of socks should I be wearing?

    Is there a guide to how soon running shoes should be replaced? A certain amount of mileage?
  • MrsSki
    MrsSki Posts: 196
    I love being bare foot, but I live in Chicago, so about the only opportunity I get to be bare foot is in my house.... Also, I have kind of high arches, so being bare foot for too long is painful.
  • juliekins64
    juliekins64 Posts: 125 Member
    When I started running that happened to me also, bought new socks and it changed everything.
  • moustache_flavored_lube
    moustache_flavored_lube Posts: 849 Member
    Cotton socks cause blisters?? I never knew that. What kind of socks should I be wearing?

    Is there a guide to how soon running shoes should be replaced? A certain amount of mileage?

    yes cotton socks do not manage moisture well, and moisture is one of the biggest causes of blisters. They tend to get at least a little wet, then bunch with a tiny wrinkle, then rub a hotspot.

    Amazon or any running store sells running socks they usually have a "wicking" fabric, and extra cushioning in critical areas. They are SUPER comfy

    I usually see between 200-400 miles on running shoes which if you are running 20 mile weeks is only 2-5 months
  • zillah73
    zillah73 Posts: 505 Member
    It is most likely your shoes. Running shoes have a limited life expectancy. They can also be very costly; however, so if you need to get more miles out of your old shoes then I recommend the running socks. I use Thorlos Experia socks. They are a little pricey, but worth every penny. I went from blisters to no blisters with just a change in socks. Other suggestion is vaseline. Blisters are caused by friction, so a light coat of vaseline on the hot spots (no need to slather up, you don't want to be sliding around in your shoes) helps considerably.
  • OtiWanKenobi
    OtiWanKenobi Posts: 340 Member
    Need new running shoes. Make sure you go to a running specialty store to look at your gait and suggest which are shoes are the best fit for you. Also, buy good running socks. My favorite brand is Balega...I found them to be the best at wicking off moisture. They are expensive but very worth it.

    Third....make sure you get these shoes AT LEAST 2 - 3 weeks before your race. You want to make sure break them in enough before the big day.

    Best of luck!
  • sevsmom
    sevsmom Posts: 1,172 Member
    Get new shoes and good socks pronto. And don't screw around with big box shoe stores. Go to your local running store. Totally worth it. I like my Balega socks. The comfy and the only time I get blisters anymore is on my 15k + distance races cause I just push so much hard than on my shorter training runs.

    Good luck!!
  • baotzu
    baotzu Posts: 28
    http://lifehacker.com/5979789/prevent-blisters-when-running-or-hiking-with-pantyhose-bottoms

    yw
  • MrsSki
    MrsSki Posts: 196
    http://lifehacker.com/5979789/prevent-blisters-when-running-or-hiking-with-pantyhose-bottoms

    yw

    This sounds like a great fix! Thanks!

    I plan to get a new pair of shoes as well, between the two hopefully this will help. Thanks everyone!
  • SanteMulberry
    SanteMulberry Posts: 3,202 Member
    I'm training for a half marathon. I've run one before, two years ago. But I'm out of shape again, so I'm basically a newbie. I'm taking the training slow, but I have a question about blisters. Every time I run I get blisters on the inside of my instep. Could this be caused by my shoes? I know they are kind of old and need to be replaced, that's definitely something I intend to do before I run the half, but how soon should I do it? I've been lotioning my feet, and using Band Aid Friction Block, which has worked in the past, but doesn't seem to be helping now. It's only happening on my right foot, so maybe it's a gait issue? I'm kind of at a loss, and can't really put a hold on my training for a few pesky blisters....

    A good well-fitting athletic shoe should not make blisters (especially if you are wearing a thicker sock over a thinner one). If you address that and find that you are still getting blisters, you should go to see a foot care specialist (like a podiatrist) to make sure that you don't have a problem that can be corrected by wearing an orthotic in your shoe.
  • SanteMulberry
    SanteMulberry Posts: 3,202 Member
    I love being bare foot, but I live in Chicago, so about the only opportunity I get to be bare foot is in my house.... Also, I have kind of high arches, so being bare foot for too long is painful.

    Ahhh---there's the problem. You need a VERY padded shoe if you have high arches---they should feel like snug "pillows" around your feet. People with high arches have an exaggerated foot "plant"---they do not "pronate" enough (the rolling heel to toe motion). If your shoes are old and the padding somewhat worn-out, it will cause your foot to "slop around" in the shoe--that motion has to go somewhere if it is not dissipating naturally through pronating. I would go see a podiatrist before investing in new shoes to see what he/she suggests. You could be risking a metatarsal fracture unless the structural problems are addressed.
  • dmkoenig
    dmkoenig Posts: 299 Member
    In my experience thicker socks can actually create some rubbing because that extra pile can move around. I look for socks that have lycra bands going along the length of your foot, creating a form fitting snug fit and eliminating any extraneous sock movement. These socks tend to be very thin on the top and may be built up a bit in the heel and under foot area. They also provide a nice support to your foot.

    There are also products like Bodyglide that help prevent chafing/blisters in other parts of your body, but the shoe/sock solution is really the way to go for your feet.
  • krisiepoo
    krisiepoo Posts: 710 Member
    wear two thin pairs of socks or get a pair of blister proof socks... always remember that cotton is rotten and you should never run with it

    although, I get blisters with bad shoes, so maybe you just need a new pair

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