Question for people who walk/run outdoors

Gaygirl2120
Gaygirl2120 Posts: 541 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I’m used to walking/running on a treadmill. But since all the gyms are currently closed I’ve been doing long walks outdoors. My poor feet are getting the worst blisters 😩 I wear shoes that fit well and even bought socks with extra cushion because I thought it would help. Anything else I can do to stop myself from developing more?

Replies

  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    Blisters are caused by friction and improperly fitting shoes. Your stride changes in subtle ways when you're off the treadmill and minor fit issues start showing up. I'll second the advice to go to a wicking sock and add that there are double layer ones available that you may find helpful.
  • jayhschmidt
    jayhschmidt Posts: 32 Member
    Try faster cadence / shorter stride length
  • GummiMundi
    GummiMundi Posts: 396 Member
    jjpptt2 wrote: »
    Are the socks cotton? That's generally the first thing to rule out... Try synthetic or wool socks. I like swiftwick and smartwool brands, but there are a zillion options.

    Something like tri-glide can help, but ultimately if something is rubbing that much, there's a bad fit somewhere. Since you've got thick socks now, try thinner ones. Try thing your shoes tighter or a bit more loose.

    What would the problem be with cotton socks? I'm genuinely curious, because I wear cotton socks pretty much all year, I walk in average 8 kms a day, with regular sneakers, and never have blisters. And I suspect if I wore wool socks during my walks, my feet would just be "cooked".

    As for the OP, I agree that some sort of friction must be happening, so I second the suggestion of trying to tie the shoes tighter or looser and see if that helps at all.
  • NorthCascades
    NorthCascades Posts: 10,968 Member
    Wool isn't inherently hot. If you wear thick wool socks your feet mint get too warm, but thin ones are just like any other fabric. Except they deal with moisture better and resist smelling.

    Cotton basically never dries when it gets wet, so if there's any sweat or you walk through a puddle, they don't dry for hours. That's why hikers have the term "Johnny cotton socks.". For context though it can get cold here any time of year and people get hypothermia.
  • ritzvin
    ritzvin Posts: 2,860 Member
    NorthCascades wrote: »
    That's why hikers have the term "Johnny cotton socks.". For context though it can get cold here any time of year and people get hypothermia.

    Never heard that one, but "cotton kills" is one I've heard plenty.

    Holding onto sweat and being (and staying) damp results in more blisters versus a wicking synthetic sock.

    You can also try moleskin if there is a particular shoe bit that is rubbing, or wrap with tape. Nexcare makes a waterproof tape that is slightly padded, yet slightly stretchy that I find pretty good for that.
  • ritzvin
    ritzvin Posts: 2,860 Member
    I always wonder why cotton socks are so common.... They hold in sweat and cause blistering in the summer, and lose all warmth when they invariably get wet from the snow in the winter. Useless all around!
  • janejellyroll
    janejellyroll Posts: 25,763 Member
    ritzvin wrote: »
    I always wonder why cotton socks are so common.... They hold in sweat and cause blistering in the summer, and lose all warmth when they invariably get wet from the snow in the winter. Useless all around!

    I completely believe they do cause problems for many, but they've never been an issue for me. I've run marathons in them without any problems and I do virtually all my training in them. That said, if blisters were an issue for someone, it's one of the first things I'd recommend taking a look at.
  • springlering62
    springlering62 Posts: 8,481 Member
    I got walking shoes from the New Balance store, which fitted me for them old school style: propped my feet up, laced them, squeezed my toes, lol.

    When I started running I had absolutely no clue those shoes weren’t appropriate, until I lost a toenail from the constant hammering.

    I went to a local running shoe specialist. They told me that they suggested you go a size larger for running shoes, to allow lots of room in the toe box. They videoed me running, and made suggestions for shoes based on the type of stride I had.

    I could not BELEIVE the difference in comfort, blistering, toe pain that their shoes made for me. I figure they were about $30 a pair more than a mall type shoe store, but the advice and choices they gave me were worth every penny.

    When I went back a few months later and got a second pair of running shoes to put in rotation, I had them fit me for walking shoes. They gave similar advice. The walking shoes they gave me are aeons better than the New Balance walkers, although I still like those for just wearing around.

    I’ve also gotten hooked on Balega socks. They cost an arm and a leg, but they are thick and cushy, and very comfortable to run in. I treat them like gold due to the cost. Those babies get drip dried.
  • Talan79
    Talan79 Posts: 782 Member
    Proper fitting shoes and socks are really important.
    I just gave in & purchased 6 Bombas socks at $12 each. They are expensive but you can save 20% at checkout with a cupon code. My sister is an outdoor runner & suggesed them vs the puma ones I was wearing.

    Also, do you have proper shoes? I had been wearing Asics for years, and only half a size up from my normal shoe size & I've started having thick skin under one of my toe nails.
    I also ordered larger shoes today since I don’t foresee gyms opening any time soon. I’m averaging 5 miles a day outside so I don’t wanna do damage to my toes or feet.
  • littlegreenparrot1
    littlegreenparrot1 Posts: 702 Member
    I absolutely agree with the comments above about shoes and socks, they make an enormous difference.

    I have also found though that if I haven't run for a couple of months my feet seem to soften up. So even when I'm using well worn in trainers the first few times I get blisters. Then they harden up again and are fine.
    In the meantime compeed blister plasters work like magic.
  • Lainna21
    Lainna21 Posts: 20 Member
    I am following this thread due to having the same problems! I have terrible blisters when I usually walk on the treadmill just fine. Ive been waking 5 miles on a trail a day and I can’t do it anymore due to the blister pain. The shoes feel comfortable, I’ve tried polyester by itself, double layer socks, thick socks..different shoes and the blisters just got worse!
  • Avidkeo
    Avidkeo Posts: 3,209 Member
    Lainna21 wrote: »
    I am following this thread due to having the same problems! I have terrible blisters when I usually walk on the treadmill just fine. Ive been waking 5 miles on a trail a day and I can’t do it anymore due to the blister pain. The shoes feel comfortable, I’ve tried polyester by itself, double layer socks, thick socks..different shoes and the blisters just got worse!

    It's probably your shoes. I had one pair once that I kept getting blisters on my little toe even though I was fine in the same socks in my other shoes. It was the shoes.

    I went and got properly fitted, and do not have issues now. I do wear proper running socks - balega.

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