UKC

Whatever the boots and after trying several sock types inc smartwool, bridgedale and thorlos, I am still plagued with crappily painful blisters on my big toes. Anyone got any suggestions to combat this problem (apart from stopping walk ins!)

In reply to Moodo:

this might sound weird but where are the blisters? on the bottom, the end or where the big toe touches the next toe along?

In reply to Moodo:

Blisters require MOISTURE and MOVEMENT


excess movement will be due to a poor fitting boot
excess moisture will be due to sweat. if your feet are very sweaty then a thin wicking sock and a thick wool sock will be the best combo. you may need to change them during the day.

d hunter r+r

In reply to Moodo: Blisters are on the base of the toe. The idea of the wicking sock is worth trying - Thanks Dave - something like a coolmax liner?

In reply to Moodo:

Bridgedale coolmax liners are ace! lots of my friends swear by them so I investigated, and found that they work a treat. what are the insoles of your boots like? they might be worn out?

In reply to Moodo: try a pair of trainers in summer so your feet stay cool and therefore not hot,sweaty,damp, blister-porne

In reply to Moodo:

coolmax or merino. the coolmax shifts moisture faster but the merino is more efficient in the long run.

bear in mind that it may not be socks or sock combo that is the problem it may be excessive movement within the boot.

how wet are your socks at the end of a day

In reply to Moodo: Try the advice above to prevent them, but if you get them try this cure; I know this sounds nasty, but it is effective. You need 1 x needle, 1 x cotton thread, 1 x antisceptic/disinfectant, several large conventional plasters.

Wipe down needle and thread with disinfectant (I dont bother with this but I should, if you do it just makes it sting more). "thread" the blister from one side to the other so that you have a piece of of thread going through it. Do this carefully so you just pass the needle through the top layer of skin and do not touch the sensitive flesh underneath. Once the stinging subsides (about 30 secs) snip the thread so you have about 10 mm sticking out each end. This works as a "wick" to remove the liquid from inside the blister and allows it to be absorbed by the plaster. Cover with a plaster as well as possible, and change plaster as often as possible. In about 1-2 days the skin of the blister hardens and the thread can be removed.

In reply to Anonymous: It happens in all three pairs of boots I own and they have all been shop fitted with great time and effort, but I have to confess to having exceptionally sweaty feet - my socks are wringing when I take them off!

I find a tight fitting thin pair of socks, combined with a thick pair over the top is the best way to avoid blisters.

In reply to Moodo:

If socks don't work, presumably you are already using compeeds, moleskins or duct tape?

In reply to Moodo:
I recently did a 50 mile walk in boots that often give me blisters ( a bit silly to do 50miles probably) but I wrapped my feet in zinc oxide tape and I didn't have 1. I was amazed. However if you wrinkle the tape when overlapping you will still get blisters. oh and don't forget to change your socks If you feel them to be wet.

In reply to Moodo: a long time ago I did the bullock smithy hike (56m) and followed advie of friends who had done it previously. Cover toes and feet with vaseline. It worked

In reply to Moodo:

I agree with the taping idea. My mate and I have walked hundreds of miles in 3 season boots, in all seasons. By carefully taping our heels and toes with micropore, we have never suffered.

We once walked so far, his heel filled with blood from the constant impacting, but there was no blister.

I also agree that coolmax are good.

In reply to Moodo:
Tape the buggers up!! zinc oxide tape