The ideal is to reduce friction to the OUTSIDE of the sock, rather than on the inside next to the skin. Using a goop on the foot attempts to deal with a symptom that causes blistering, but it leaves the cause for the problem unsolved.
Primary prevention involves preventing the shear force friction, from socks rubbing on the skin, from causing blistering. This is done by:
- Using a sock material which does not deform, becoming saggy and stretched. Socks like Smart Wool, Ice Breaker, Darn Tough, Coolmax, Wigwam, etc use synthetic content (even in those that are Merino Wool) to prevent sock deformation to good effect.
- Proper sizing. Here, you want a fit that follows the opposite of what you want in footwear for hiking/walking. You want socks which are very snug on the feet, but not gangrene inducingly tight.
- Wearing lightly padded socks. Heavier padding allows more movement of the sock against the skin.
- Except on long and steep downhill grades, wear shoes on the loose side. This allows the sock to remain in place against the skin by allowing the sock to remain in place on the foot, but allowing the shoe to slightly slide around the sock. A tight shoe can force the sock to move against the skin.
An effective add on to the shoe is the application of the self-adhering Engo Anti-Blister patches. They are very effective at preventing shear force friction blistering by making it easy for the sock to move inside the shoe. Again, this keeps the shoe from forcing the sock to rub against the skin.
For those interested, I did a thorough review of the Engo Patches in an earlier Forum post.
For hotspot treatments, Leukotape P, Omnifix tape, Moleskin, sports tape (the white adhesive tape stuff) are better than Compeed for a few reasons.
An issue with using slippery substances on the feet, they will interfere with the application of hot spot treatments. Most treatments for the pre-blister hot-spot involves the application of barrier materials, like tapes or moleskin, etc, so it is vital for the adhesives to adhere securely to the skin. The adhesives will fail if applied to skin coated with lubricant. So care must be taken to use hand sanitizer or alcohol to clean the goop off of the skin.
If committed to using skin goops for blister prevention, use preparations that do not require more frequent application. Pure petrolatum-based goops, like vaseline, tend to rub off fairly quickly and get absorbed into to the skin as they are warmed up from body heat.
Ironically, the softening effect to the skin by the absorption of petrolatums can make one more prone to blistering.
So a goop that is more persistent and less absorbable will perform better. I would look for a more 'waxy' type of goop. Many times, beeswax is an ingredient for these types of foot or skin treatments for blister protection. BodyGlide, HikerGoo, ChafeX, Compeed Anti-Blister Stick, etc all use this type of formulation. These products might include some petrolatum as a part of the formula, but it is the beeswax and paraffins and other waxy components which allow for a longer duration of the product on the skin.
). As an aside, the hospitalera claimed Vick repels bedbugs but I can not vouch for that as I have never come across the critturs. To use, rub all over the foot and between the toes. Your feet will thank you
