blisters in arch when running

LernRach
LernRach Posts: 286 Member
edited November 27 in Fitness and Exercise
Hi,
Have just got back into running after having had a baby 4 months ago. Did my first 5k last week and out came a blister in the arch of my right foot. I have had this problem before, bought new trainers and still blisters came... I don't think I want to get orthotics, are there any other options available to stop myself from getting these?

Thank you,

Replies

  • mbaker566
    mbaker566 Posts: 11,233 Member
    how did you choose your shoes? what socks were you wearing?
    bodyglide might help
  • LernRach
    LernRach Posts: 286 Member
    Have tried running in regular thin socks, my husband's (thick)socks.
  • earlnabby
    earlnabby Posts: 8,171 Member
    LernRach wrote: »
    Have tried running in regular thin socks, my husband's (thick)socks.

    What are the socks made of? Remember . . . cotton kills. You need something absorbent AND wicking.
  • jacksonpt
    jacksonpt Posts: 10,413 Member
    edited December 2015
    Most likely causes are poor socks and poor fitting shoes.

    Socks are easy enough to change out, so try some different options - thick vs thin, polyester/lycra vs wool - and see how you make out. I do suggest actual running socks rather than run-of-the-mill "athletic" socks from big-box department/discount stores. I like (and recommend) brands like swiftwick, features and smartwool.

    After that, better fitting shoes is really your only other option.


    Some people will suggest bodyglide or similar on the problem area. That may work, but it's really not solving the problem. It's fine for a short term solution, but if you're going to be doing more running, you'll want to fix the blister issue properly.
  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
    I can't wear regular running shoes because of this- I really only run specifically in minimalist shoes despite the warnings to not... but time and time again I get blisters from shoes that aren't minimalist- even low drop running shoes cause blisters. Seriously annoying.

    Body glide may help- but it may not (didn't help me any quite frankly)- so try socks- try the body glide- but realize- you may just need new shoes.
  • LernRach
    LernRach Posts: 286 Member
    going to sit on amazon and buy new socks and see if that helps! If not I suppose I Will go buy new trainers!

    Do I stop running until then? Should I just put Compeed on it and carry on running?

    Thank you
  • Stoshew71
    Stoshew71 Posts: 6,553 Member
    Do you have a running speacilty store?

    You keep referring to your shoes as "trainers". Are these shoes designed specifically for running? And are these shoes specific for your fit type and gait? If not then you really need to go to a running store and get a "gait analysis for a shoe fitting". If the store you go into has no idea what that is then immediately walk out and find one that does.

    Good running socks will take care of the blisters as well.
  • beemerphile1
    beemerphile1 Posts: 1,710 Member
    First off, what causes blisters? Friction is the answer and friction is caused by surfaces moving against each other.

    You need to stop the movement by using different shoes, socks, or try some over the counter arch supports.
  • lemurcat12
    lemurcat12 Posts: 30,886 Member
    Socks and poorly fitting shoes are the culprits. I used to have these issues all the time and fixed it with socks. The shoes I've been wearing for the past 2 years (different shoes, but rebought the same shoe) didn't cause it at all, though, so I thought it was kicked, and then it came back with my brand new shoes (they discontinued the model I was using, boo), which I think are a bit big.

    Anyway, what worked for me in the old days of the issue was socks with two pieces of material at the bottom that are designed for preventing blisters -- you can find them in the running store, and also ask what else they'd recommend and experiment.
  • MsJulesRenee
    MsJulesRenee Posts: 1,180 Member
    edited December 2015
    Try tying your shoes like this video before you go out buying new socks and shoes. When I first started running I thought my shoes/socks alone were causing blisters- Tying my shoes like this video completely solved the problem, never had another blister. The point is to have your shoe tightly conform to the top of your foot so your heel does not rub the back and your whole foot doesn't slide around. Make sure to pull down towards the ground, at around 1:00 minute into the video, so the loops completely close. I would be really surprised if this doesn't solve your problem!!

    https://youtube.com/watch?v=IijQyX_YCKA
  • LernRach
    LernRach Posts: 286 Member
    lol sneakers are called trainers in England!!! they are running shoes,New Balance...

    I will watch the video before buying socks... TBH, I was slightly shocked that one of the socks recommended on here costs about £45! Could almost get new "sneakers" for that...
  • kristinegift
    kristinegift Posts: 2,406 Member
    LernRach wrote: »
    lol sneakers are called trainers in England!!! they are running shoes,New Balance...

    I will watch the video before buying socks... TBH, I was slightly shocked that one of the socks recommended on here costs about £45! Could almost get new "sneakers" for that...

    That may be because they're sold out versions that people are trying to get lots of money for. That happens with popular but no longer manufactured gear sometimes. Usually a pair of Feetures socks (my preferred brand) in the States will be $11-15, so they should be similarly priced in the UK. They're expensive for socks, but you only need 2 or 3 pairs, depending on how much you're running, and the comfort can't be beat!
  • earlnabby
    earlnabby Posts: 8,171 Member
    edited December 2015
    I look for socks that are labelled "Light hiking". They seem to be the best at absorbing and wicking moisture away. The brands I tend to go for are Smartwool, Thorlos, and Wigwam. Not sure if any of those are available in the UK but I would expect that you would have some similar. A good pair will usually run you $10-$12 (USD)
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