How to prevent blisters when running?

MarlyIc1
MarlyIc1 Posts: 39 Member
edited November 25 in Fitness and Exercise
Hi guys, I love walking/running long distances but I always tend to get blisters after. Got good shoes, and it has happened with all of my shoes in the past, so I assume it's not the shoes. Is there any way you know how to prevent this from happening?
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Replies

  • dewd2
    dewd2 Posts: 2,445 Member
    edited October 2015
    Have you been fitted for shoes? At a real running store? Runners typically need a shoe that is a bit bigger than their normal everyday shoes. Proper fitting shoes as well as shoes made for your stride are important.

    What kind of socks to you wear? Ones made for runners? Moister winking socks are important as well. Keeping your feet dry will help prevent blisters.
  • MarlyIc1
    MarlyIc1 Posts: 39 Member
    dewd2 wrote: »
    Have you been fitted for shoes? At a real running store? Runners typically need a shoe that is a bit bigger than their normal everyday shoes. Proper fitting shoes as well as shoes made for your stride are important.

    What kind of socks to you wear? Ones made for runners? Moister winking socks are important as well. Keeping your feet dry will help prevent blisters.

    Yes I have been fitted for shoes, but did not know about socks. What kind of socks should I get? I don't run as much as I walk, mainly hiking. Thanx for the reply :)
  • jgnatca
    jgnatca Posts: 14,464 Member
    I have used both moisture wicking and hikers socks. Try a few kinds. I get hikers socks from Marks Work Wearhouse and they have merino wool.

    The moisture wicking you can get from a runners store.

    Try body glide in the trouble spots.
  • jgnatca
    jgnatca Posts: 14,464 Member
    He blisters are from chafing and these days a good fitting shoe should not be giving you blisters.
  • DopeItUp
    DopeItUp Posts: 18,771 Member
    Don't run. That should solve your problems.
  • MarlyIc1
    MarlyIc1 Posts: 39 Member
    jgnatca wrote: »
    I have used both moisture wicking and hikers socks. Try a few kinds. I get hikers socks from Marks Work Wearhouse and they have merino wool.

    The moisture wicking you can get from a runners store.

    Try body glide in the trouble spots.

    Thanx for the advice, might give merino wool a go :) I do have problem feet though, always had to have fitted shoes but still get problems. What is a body glide? Is it a tape?
  • MarlyIc1
    MarlyIc1 Posts: 39 Member
    DopeItUp wrote: »
    Don't run. That should solve your problems.
    I don't run that much, mainly outdoor walking/hiking

  • jgnatca
    jgnatca Posts: 14,464 Member
    Body glide comes in a container that looks like deodorant. It is super slick and prevents chafing. Where I have applied it, no blisters.
  • MarlyIc1
    MarlyIc1 Posts: 39 Member
    jgnatca wrote: »
    Body glide comes in a container that looks like deodorant. It is super slick and prevents chafing. Where I have applied it, no blisters.

    Sounds good, I'll give it a go, thanx so much!

  • barbh2001
    barbh2001 Posts: 29 Member
    I've tried all kinds of shoes and wicking socks. I always got blisters. The only thing that works for me is toe socks. Sounds like a weird fashion throwback. But they're made for runners. I buy a brand called ininji off amazon.
  • valmaebel
    valmaebel Posts: 1,045 Member
    I second Body Glide. You should find it at any running or sporting goods store.
  • mbaker566
    mbaker566 Posts: 11,233 Member
    I have an all natural version of body glide. it works well too

    but i definitely recommend some sort of antichafe item. some people also use moleskin for the trouble areas
  • jacksonpt
    jacksonpt Posts: 10,413 Member
    Socks can make a huge difference. I like super thin socks when I run, mid-weight socks when I hike... either synthetic or wool, NEVER cotton.
  • WickedPineapple
    WickedPineapple Posts: 698 Member
    I used to tape up my feet with duct tape (heels mostly) when doing long term hiking. It sounds crazy, but it worked really well protecting blisters and preventing new ones. It's probably comparable to moleskin, which I haven't used since my feet are one big callous these days.
  • 7lenny7
    7lenny7 Posts: 3,498 Member
    Another great option is Leukotape placed over the problem area BEFORE a blister developes.
  • theawill519
    theawill519 Posts: 242 Member
    jacksonpt wrote: »
    Socks can make a huge difference. I like super thin socks when I run, mid-weight socks when I hike... either synthetic or wool, NEVER cotton.

    This. Cotton socks=sweaty feet=blisters.
  • msf74
    msf74 Posts: 3,498 Member
    Get some decent socks
    Make sure your shoes fit properly
    Make sure they are laced and tightened well to prevent them rubbing

    Blisters be gone
  • MarlyIc1
    MarlyIc1 Posts: 39 Member
    Thanx everyone for your responses, helps a lot. Will def try and get better appropriate socks and see how I go :smile:
  • gaelicstorm26
    gaelicstorm26 Posts: 589 Member
    I found running socks that wick away moisture at one of those discount stores (think TJ Maxx/Ross/Marshall's). I actually found moisture wicking undies at Target, of all places. They'll do for the time being. And you should be able to find body glide even at some big box stores. I haven't gotten blisters in a while. I switched to a shoe with a lower back because I like to wear low socks. The shoes I had before gave me awful heel blisters.
  • kristinegift
    kristinegift Posts: 2,406 Member
    Vaseline. Wherever your hot spots are, just lube 'em up before you put on your socks and you'll be good to go!
  • mbaker566
    mbaker566 Posts: 11,233 Member
    edited October 2015
    kristinegift wrote: »
    Vaseline. Wherever your hot spots are, just lube 'em up before you put on your socks and you'll be good to go!

    but be careful with vaseline as it can stain some clothing-body glide and other similar products are not supposed to
  • McCloud33
    McCloud33 Posts: 959 Member
    I've opted for two pairs of socks before too and that has helped.
  • bwogilvie
    bwogilvie Posts: 2,130 Member
    My two solutions are:
    1. Wool socks (usually Smartwool PhD socks)
    2. Polypropylene wicking socks under another pair of socks

    I do #1 when running, and #1 or #2 when hiking and when running in the winter. I tried Wigwam synthetic exercise socks for running, but I ended up getting a couple of blisters.

    Fellrnr.com's advice on avoiding blisters is worth reading.
  • sallygroundhog
    sallygroundhog Posts: 133 Member
    barbh2001 wrote: »
    I've tried all kinds of shoes and wicking socks. I always got blisters. The only thing that works for me is toe socks. Sounds like a weird fashion throwback. But they're made for runners. I buy a brand called ininji off amazon.

    +1 I love the Injinji toe socks. I also have some SmartWool toe socks, but I'm not sure they make them anymore.
  • MarlyIc1
    MarlyIc1 Posts: 39 Member
    kristinegift wrote: »
    Vaseline. Wherever your hot spots are, just lube 'em up before you put on your socks and you'll be good to go!

    Yes, I've heard that before, will do, thanx!

  • MarlyIc1
    MarlyIc1 Posts: 39 Member
    barbh2001 wrote: »
    I've tried all kinds of shoes and wicking socks. I always got blisters. The only thing that works for me is toe socks. Sounds like a weird fashion throwback. But they're made for runners. I buy a brand called ininji off amazon.

    I've had those once, they felt weird, like I had something between my toes. Haven't really worn them, does the weird feel go away after getting used to them?

  • kristinegift
    kristinegift Posts: 2,406 Member
    moyer566 wrote: »
    kristinegift wrote: »
    Vaseline. Wherever your hot spots are, just lube 'em up before you put on your socks and you'll be good to go!

    but be careful with vaseline as it can stain some clothing-body glide and other similar products are not supposed to

    True, but I don't think that stains on socks are a big deal, and the OP was asking about her feet specifically.
  • MarlyIc1
    MarlyIc1 Posts: 39 Member
    kristinegift wrote: »
    moyer566 wrote: »
    kristinegift wrote: »
    Vaseline. Wherever your hot spots are, just lube 'em up before you put on your socks and you'll be good to go!

    but be careful with vaseline as it can stain some clothing-body glide and other similar products are not supposed to

    True, but I don't think that stains on socks are a big deal, and the OP was asking about her feet specifically.

    Hahaha correct, not really a concern but thanx for pointing that out :)

  • girlwithcurls2
    girlwithcurls2 Posts: 2,281 Member
    If all else fails, turn your socks inside out. Seriously.
  • caracpowers
    caracpowers Posts: 5 Member
    I have the same problem. My solution is Wrightsocks. They are a double layer sock made for running and athletics. They are crazy expensive but they totally prevent blisters. You can get them at REI or some specialty running stores. Just wearing two pairs of socks can work too, but you have to fiddle around to find a good combination of material, thickness and fit. Wrightsocks eliminate the fiddling.
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