Prevention of blisters

[Grifter]

Does anybody know of a way to prevent blisters?? I get at least one every time I go running and its pretty annoying. I actually managed to get a blister on a blister last week...that was better cool:woo:. Thanks for any help

[Fish Of Doom]

Does anybody know of a way to prevent blisters?? I get at least one every time I go running and its pretty annoying. I actually managed to get a blister on a blister last week...that was better cool:woo:. Thanks for any help

do you wear socks when you run? having your naked feet sweat inside your shoes can cause that. try to get sports socks and light running shoes, if you don't have them already. if you do, i'd suggest trying to build up some calluses in your feet, if you're willing.

[Mitch]

Ermmm, change your running shoes? Change your socks?

Whereabouts are you getting blisters? Same place consistently or different each time?

How far are you running?

Mitch

[Gary]

How well do your shoes fit? Even if the shoe size is out by only half a size it can cause rubbing that causes blisters.

[Mitch]

How well do your shoes fit? Even if the shoe size is out by only half a size it can cause rubbing that causes blisters.

And bear in mind that your feet swell as you run, so what's loose at the start may be right later.

Mitch

[Grifter]

Alright time to answer some questions. Ill start at the top and work my way down.

I do wear socks when I run. Regular socks though I honestly have no idea what sport socks are. I do have a good pair of running shoes as well they are light, comfortable, and a lot of mesh so they are breathable.


Im on my third of fourth pair of running shoes in the last two years. The ones I have now I have only had for about 2 months. I get the blisters in the same spots on both feet, ball of foot and the start of the arch, regardless of the shoes as well. Blisters are always in the same spots. Runs vary usually anywhere from 2 to 6 miles.

[slipthejab]

I do wear socks when I run. Regular socks though I honestly have no idea what sport socks are.

This might be part of your problem. There is a huge difference in socks. Not only down to weave but also down to the material it's woven out of. Some materials are far slicker and thus give less friction. Making your feet more comfy. Different materials also breathe differently. Cotton is notorious for holding sweat. Holding sweat increases friction and discomfort.

A good pair of socks isn't cheap... but worth every penny. You want to check out the socks section in a quality hiking/camping store. You'll be fricken amazed at how comfy some of their socks are. They'll carry a ton for hiking and most likely some for running/trail running.

I do have a good pair of running shoes as well they are light, comfortable, and a lot of mesh so they are breathable.


Im on my third of fourth pair of running shoes in the last two years. The ones I have now I have only had for about 2 months. I get the blisters in the same spots on both feet, ball of foot and the start of the arch, regardless of the shoes as well. Blisters are always in the same spots. Runs vary usually anywhere from 2 to 6 miles.

Depending on the maker you could be getting blisters in the arch from the fit. Everyones arches differ. So what gives you a blister might not give it to someone esle. Any idea of if you have low or high arches? How much is the little foam arch in the shoe built up?

One thing I've noticed on many shoes is that the foam insert part at the arch often actually has the edge of it meeting your arch when your foot is in the shoe and bodyweight is on it. That right there can be a serious blister maker. Try different inserts or taping the arch part to the side of the shoe.

It's going to take some experimentation to find what works best for you. I'd take a thumb through a runners mag... they usually do some great articles for foot care and socks reviews.

LOL! :D
Socks reviews.:p

[TheCount]

Sports socks are much thicker around the foot than usual socks often with padding at the toe and heel. They are designed to help you stay comfy and supported in trainers.

From what you have said about the rubbing I think tying the front and middle of your trainers tighter may well benefit you as well as sport socks - Sports World/Donnay £2 for 3 pairs.

[Mitch]

...they usually do some great articles for foot care and socks reviews.

You are Rock and Roll!

Mitch:)

Grifter, get yourself along to a specialist running shop who'll be able to look at the pattern of wear on the sole of your shoe and give you some advice, and sell you some proper socks.

Hope you get it sorted!

[Taliesin]

If you have a blister problem, you need to start by getting some decent running socks, personally I like the thicker Thorlo socks, but there are also some quite thin running socks available that others seem to like.

Also, if it's the same spot each time, an anti chaffing lubricant like BodyGlide can help, though I only bother with this for longer runs (10 - 15 miles plus). It's great for preventing bleeding nipples too :rolleyes:

Once you've got the blisters, Compeed plasters are fantastic. I usually carry one or two on the longer runs. It really is a miserable experience having to run home for miles with blisters getting worse with each step - once applied, you can run for miles with no pain from the blisters, and the plasters actually stay put.

[Mitch]

Also, if it's the same spot each time, an anti chaffing lubricant like BodyGlide can help, though I only bother with this for longer runs (10 - 15 miles plus). It's great for preventing bleeding nipples too :rolleyes:

One of the less discussed aspects of running:)

I was once stopping in an hotel and doing a bit of running on the treadmill in their gym. I happened to be in a room nextto the swimming pool so it was pretty hot and humid in their, plus I'm a big fat biffer, so I got pretty sweaty pretty quickly.

I got a bit carried away and ended up doing a 10k on the treadmill, despite getting some funny looks from people coming and going from the gym. I know I'm sweating like a horny hippo in a sauna I thought, but give me a break!

It was only when I stopped that I noticed the two trails of blood running down mysweat drenched cotton t-shirt...

Mitch

[Grifter]

One thing I've noticed on many shoes is that the foam insert part at the arch often actually has the edge of it meeting your arch when your foot is in the shoe and bodyweight is on it. That right there can be a serious blister maker. Try different inserts or taping the arch part to the side of the shoe.

So i put my shoes on to see where my arch meetes the insole and sure enough its right where i get the blister. I think you may be onto something.

Alright I need to get to the store get some sweet new running socks, possible new insoles, and some compeed plasters. Thanks for the help

Oh and one last question. If I get those compeed plaster and put them on at the start of a run, where i always get blisters, do you think it will help or make things worse??

[Taliesin]

It was only when I stopped that I noticed the two trails of blood running down mysweat drenched cotton t-shirt...



If you watch the latter stages of any marathon, you can see many first-timers suffering bleeding nipples :eek::eek::eek:

Failing to protect your nipples is a mistake that you only make once :cry:

[Taliesin]

If I get those compeed plaster and put them on at the start of a run, where i always get blisters, do you think it will help or make things worse??

Compeed blister plasters would probably help prevent the blisters, however I would opt to fix the problem by wearing decent shoes & socks and using a lubricant such as BodyGlide on the blister prone area.