Blisters from Walking, Anyone Know How to Prevent?

Falyesai
Falyesai Posts: 41
in Fitness and Exercise
Good morning MFP'ers!

Last week, I got my tail up, got on the treadmill and walked two miles. By the end of the walk (not jog or run) I had drummed up a beautiful 4 inch blister on my heel. Long story short, I cannot heal properly due to a medication I took in the past. It is just now scabbing over.

My question is this, what factored into getting a blister? Was it too thin of socks? Not tying my shoes tight enough? Overwalking? My heel of my shoe rubbing against it?

I want to correct where I went wrong, because I felt SO good after my walk. I was walking in my Newbalance shoes. Please be gentle with me, I am recently trying to get into better health, and unaccustomed to the proper techniques that will help me in the long run.
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Replies

  • acpgee
    acpgee Posts: 7,939 Member
    When I used to ice skate a recommendation was wearing a thin tight sock (say pantyhose with lycra) under your regular socks. That way any chaffing occurs between the two layers of fabric. Compeed bandages work great over an existing blister.
  • LouiseH238
    LouiseH238 Posts: 199 Member
    In my experience the number one thing that causes blisters is ill-fitting socks and shoes. If your socks are too big, they will rub. If your shoes are too big, with your socks on, they will rub.

    It may sound OTT for walking on a treadmill but I would recommend you go and buy a proper pair of hiking socks that snugly fit your shoes.
  • mjculbertson4512
    mjculbertson4512 Posts: 157 Member
    I use a product called New Skin. Has clove oil to cover wounded areas. You may want to check with your doc, just in case.

    This is a case of socks and shoes. Your shoes may be too large in the heel, causing slippage. Have a running shoe store show you the runners knot to tie your shoes. (this may be online too). I found thin socks work best for me. There are also socks with the grippy stuff on the bottom for runners. In theory, the foot stays in one place in the shoe.
  • SenseiCole
    SenseiCole Posts: 429 Member
    my new gym shoes give me blisters the 1st few times

    I started walking in them thru out the day to soften them, works a treat 20 mins on the rowing machine yesterday no blisters:smile:




    anyone can add me
  • Falyesai
    Falyesai Posts: 41
    Thanks for all the ideas! As for a running shoe store, what should I google specifically to find one in Georgia? By brand?
  • ms_leanne
    ms_leanne Posts: 523 Member
    I would say if your footwear is a bit loose, try buying some thicker walking socks and wear them over your regular socks. I find my running socks nice and comfy and padded too.
  • Dewdropps
    Dewdropps Posts: 111
    I went to the pharmacy area in Walmart and stepped onto the Dr. Scholls Mat they have there. It senses where you put most pressure etc. It recommended I get a specific insert for my shoes and although it cost me around $50, I was desperate so got them. Haven't gotten a blister since.
  • Falyesai
    Falyesai Posts: 41
    Also any suggestions on what are good walking shoes to be looking at? Or is my newbalance ok? I can't run because of an old injury (had to have my achilies tendon cut halfway, so now that I am older it bothers me when I try to run. Jarrs it somehow.)
  • Falyesai
    Falyesai Posts: 41
    I went to the pharmacy area in Walmart and stepped onto the Dr. Scholls Mat they have there. It senses where you put most pressure etc. It recommended I get a specific insert for my shoes and although it cost me around $50, I was desperate so got them. Haven't gotten a blister since.

    Oh lordy, I wonder what it would say about mine. For the past few years, I have walked around either barefoot or with flipflops. (I am positive that hasn't helped any)
  • laddyboy
    laddyboy Posts: 1,565 Member
    Tons of running stores in GA. Fleet Feet, Totally running, peachtree running.

    You only have 1 set of feet. Spend the money for proper shoes or you WILL regret it later.
  • todayis4me
    todayis4me Posts: 184 Member
    I will preface my reply with the the knowledge that I am a penny pinching fool. I do not like to pay for anything especially for something for myself ...........that said after years of dealing with blisters THE ABSOLUTE BEST THING I DID WAS WALK INTO THAT REALLY EXPENSIVE SHOE STORE AND GET PROPERLY FITTED! I can not tell how wonderful my feet felt. The salesperson was knowledgeable. She realized my issues right away....one foot a little longer....one a little bigger.....a narrow heal.....she got me a proper size and showed me different ways of lacing the shoes in order to address slippage etc. I paid $100 bucks for those shoes but the information I got and the lovely way they felt was so worth every penny! My advice go get fitted by pro !
  • iscarrie
    iscarrie Posts: 1 Member
    I use to get them all the time even though I tried all these suggestions so I went to the shoe store and ended up with a pair of running shoes that has a soft back at the heal not a hard back. They are a perfect in my opinion. And as a added benefit they have thick white tread for a cushioned walk. Brand does not matter although mine are Nikes'.
  • harlanJEN
    harlanJEN Posts: 1,089 Member
    I've walked for fitness and relaxation nearly my entire adult life. No blisters. The key? GOOD, properly fitting shoes. I wear them with thin, yet " cushioned" on the bottom socks. Nothing really special, but sport socks vs. " everyday" casual socks. I get them at Target.

    Lots of great shoes and shoe stores. Get fitted. Spend the $$. Worth every penny. I'm into minimalist / zero drop shoes these days for walking. Merrell Pace Glove my current fave.
  • hosegirl
    hosegirl Posts: 157
    New Balance is a good shoe. I agree with everyone else it is the sock and shoe combination as well as the shape of you foot. I would go to the Dt. Scholls good feet sensor. You can try moleskin for the blister. Dr Scholls brand. My son would use it when he was out west fighting forest fires. He qould be working 10-14 hour days in boots.. He said that he and his fellow fire fighters were ever so greatfult hat mom packed extra mole skin!:smooched:
  • crista_b
    crista_b Posts: 1,192 Member
    I definitely second what everyone has said above about going to a running shoe store (not a large chain like D icks) and getting properly fitted for shoes. But, also make sure you're wearing "active wear" socks, not cotton. You can find them at Walmart or Target. They'll wick away the moisture which will help.

    Edited because MFP apparently thought the name of the store was bad
  • nekoface
    nekoface Posts: 149 Member
    I blister easily around my ankles. I walk a lot and up mountains and things and wear really comfortable leather shoes. I have proper running shoes and find them less comfortable than when I wear leather shoes or moccasins. It's worth trying old-school soft leather walking shoes and I find they tend to be cheaper and more flexible for walking long distances than running shoes. I find that I need to break in running shoes or I blister but don't with soft leather shoes or moccasins. Thick socks are also useful. Another thing you could check out are those little blister protection pads that you can stick on the bit of your shoe where you get blisters. I think they're normally used with heels and such but I've used them when breaking in boots and they're really useful.
  • jrbb03092
    jrbb03092 Posts: 198 Member
    On top of what everyone else has recommended, I'd suggest getting a stick of Bodyglide: http://running.about.com/od/injurypreventiontools/gr/bodyglide.htm

    You can order it online through a number of places and it'll run you $10-15 but last you a long time

    You rub it over a "hot spot" (preferably before the blister forms) and it'll stop the rubbing that forms the blister

    Once you have the start of a blister, it will stop it from getting worse and once it's healing, it will stop it from forming again

    I have two sticks of this - one I use on my feet on huge walks and one I use on my thighs when wearing skirts and dresses to stop chafing - I swear by the stuff
  • JasmineRose14
    JasmineRose14 Posts: 34 Member
    I havent read all of the replys, so I apologize if I am reapeating but, tighter shoes immediately solved my blisters issues!
  • rduhlir
    rduhlir Posts: 3,550 Member
    Everyone gets blisters, hate to say. But, you should start seeing a pattern develop. I get blisters on my heels if I don't wear socks that come up over the lip enough. My shoe will start rubbing and then I will get a blister. I either use certain socks when I run, or I use mole skin. Mole skin is great, and it helps a lot. You can use it on already formed blisters, or if you know of trouble spots on your feet, you can apply it before hand and prevent the blisters from forming. That is what I do at least.
  • jaxCarrie
    jaxCarrie Posts: 214 Member
    Go to the running store and get fitted for walking shoes - also, I find that straight cotton socks give me blisters (mine are running, but should apply to walking too.) I also coat my feet with a really thin layer of vaseline before I do any distance greater than 7/8 miles....helps with the friction.

    Although being that this was from a 2 miler on the treadmill, I'd guess it's due to slippage on your shoe.
  • luvtcuk
    luvtcuk Posts: 69 Member
    1. You should go to a runner store and get a running shoe and socks for runner too. It will be pricy a bit, but it worth the trouble. People there will help you find the shoe that fit for your feet type. Even though you are not running but the running shoes are the best for your feet. I used to walk in the Avon walk 13 miles a days for 2 days. And I was trained many miles, a few months before that. I never have a blister.
    2. There a few running store you can google.
    Road runner sport
    Potomac river run.
  • denezy
    denezy Posts: 573 Member
    Your shoes don't fit. Everyone has different feet and all shoes fit differently. Find a pair that don't give you blisters.

    I also second the "maybe you need better socks" solution.
  • FP4HSharon
    FP4HSharon Posts: 664 Member
    What everyone else said, plus anti-blister socks (double layer socks) are used by a lot of diabetics to prevent blisters. It's also better to wear white socks. Also, until they heal, Band-Aid makes blister bandaids that are cushioned. You put them on & pretty much leave them on until they wear off. Helps to protect them while they heal & reduce discomfort.

    Link for Anti-Blister socks...
    http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001O6XE8O/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_2/184-8083489-7973940?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_r=1A8YW04PATD3D3B62J7M&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_p=1535523722&pf_rd_i=B00A0TZHP4

    Link for Blister Bandaids...
    Note: Scroll to near bottom for anti-blister bandaids for toes or other areas...
    http://www.band-aid.com/our-products/advanced-protection
  • Em2je05
    Em2je05 Posts: 215 Member
    I get blisters on my feet as well, except that it is right underneath my big toe and becomes huge. I have noticed that wearing two socks (1 being the moisture wicking one) really helps when I go on long distance walks (more than 1 mile outside or on the treadmill), They say that cotton socks are really bad for you if you are prone to blisters. When I do have a blister I buy the blister bandaids (by nextcare I think) and that helps to cushion the blister and helps with the pain.

    Hope this helps! :)
  • chezzychez
    chezzychez Posts: 1
    I trekked the great wall of china for 8 days and did not get one blister!! the best prevention is to wear 2 pairs of socks. The socks will rub together and not on your foot. 1 pair of cotton socks and a pair of trekking socks worked best for me.. good luck. xx
  • Dewdropps
    Dewdropps Posts: 111
    I went to the pharmacy area in Walmart and stepped onto the Dr. Scholls Mat they have there. It senses where you put most pressure etc. It recommended I get a specific insert for my shoes and although it cost me around $50, I was desperate so got them. Haven't gotten a blister since.

    Oh lordy, I wonder what it would say about mine. For the past few years, I have walked around either barefoot or with flipflops. (I am positive that hasn't helped any)


    LOL me too! The good thing about going with inserts is that you don't have to buy new shoes, so the $50 wasn't so bad. I was able to keep the shoes I had. Newbalance are great running shoes, so it's probably the way you land/put pressure on a certain area.
  • mazdauk
    mazdauk Posts: 1,380 Member
    Quite apart from all the good advice above...are the shoes new? I just got a new pair of Skecher which rubbed first time out (and that was wearing tights with sock over) - for me it was that the heel of the shoe came in a different place from any of my other trainers, and it was quite hard. Try either breaking down the back of the shoe a bit or wearing them round the house for a few days.

    I've had bisters on toes before where I wasn't wearing new shoes, just on ym feet for a very long day (Around Disneyland Paris).
  • Falyesai
    Falyesai Posts: 41
    Thanks so much for the advice and I truely appreciate the listing of places in Georgia! Going to try all the suggestions, because I really want to get in better cardio health. Strength wise I am ok, Cardio, I am out of breath in minutes.

    So basically:
    * Thicker Socks
    * Better fitting shoes
    * Attempt to convince husband to take me to a footwear specialty store. (I think there is one in athens)
    * And protect those heels. (funny how thick my bottom of the feet are, can walk on gravel barefoot and not even wince, but anywhere higher is thin skinned lol)
  • bethgrayster
    bethgrayster Posts: 56 Member
    I don't know what part of GA you are in but look and see if there is a Phidippides or Fleet Feet near you. They both have multiple locations in the Atlanta Metro area. I got fitted for running shoes at Fleet Feet and they were awesome and nice!
    Edited to add:
    Also at Fleet Feet they will do custom sports bra fittings too. If you decide to start running or jogging, it is very important to have good support!
  • bethgrayster
    bethgrayster Posts: 56 Member
    Thanks so much for the advice and I truely appreciate the listing of places in Georgia! Going to try all the suggestions, because I really want to get in better cardio health. Strength wise I am ok, Cardio, I am out of breath in minutes.

    So basically:
    * Thicker Socks
    * Better fitting shoes
    * Attempt to convince husband to take me to a footwear specialty store. (I think there is one in athens)
    * And protect those heels. (funny how thick my bottom of the feet are, can walk on gravel barefoot and not even wince, but anywhere higher is thin skinned lol)

    Oh you are near Athens! Go to Athens Running Company: 367 Prince Ave, Ste 2 Athens, GA 30601

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