I’ve been on Camino Norte for about eight days averaging around 30 to 35 km. I’ve gotten some blisters on the sides of my feet mostly the pinky toes and one on my big toe. I just came to the revelation that my shoes might be too small
. I actually wore these after buying them last month in South America and had no problems, but my averages were closer 15 kms. in the morning im fine but I think my feet are really swelling towards the end of the day for the last 10 to 15 km. I have some hiking sandals that aren’t great quality, I usually put them on for a little bit, but can’t wear them the whole day.
towards the end of my walk today, I took the insoles out and I noticed that it made them fit much better, but I’m wondering if that’s sustainable?
Sadly, I’m 4 or 5 days away from the next decathlon.
It doesn't sound like you have much in the way of options if the shoes are too small. I'm inferring from you comment about the next Decathlon store that you plan to purchase new larger ones, so doing what has to be done to get there seems the right thing to do.
Long term, I would be concerned about losing arch support by pulling out the insoles to make more room for your toes. I'd also be concerned about losing cushioning, particularly on the forefoot which could lead to a difficult to treat plantar surface blister.
One option that I've used on the trail with success for treating toe blisters is something I call a "Toe Cast." Here's an excerpt on how to make them I wrote for a hiking book (now out of print).
The toe cast system is something I developed during my running days to prevent blisters and hot spots. It is quite possible that someone else thought of this before me, but I have yet to see a published reference to credit.
The casts are constructed from multiple layers of Nexcare (Micropore) paper tape. It is important not to substitute any other brand of tape because the adhesive and backing have unique properties suited for this use. The adhesive increases in strength when exposed to small amounts of moisture, such as inside a shoe. This allows the cast to stay in place though long hikes, and even through multiple showers. Shortly after a cast is applied, the paper layers fuse together to form a flexible cast-like material that acts like a protective layer of callused skin.
Toe socks help extend the life of the cast for up to a week, but typically I change them every 2 to 3 days to prevent characteristic foot odors from developing. It is important to allow them to thoroughly dry after a shower and exposing them to air overnight is sufficient. They adhere quite strongly to skin and may be difficult to remove when they are dry but are easily removed when wet. Therefore, when you decide to remove a toe cast, do so within a half hour of showering or bathing while they are still wet.
Figures A through F show construction of a toe cast on a big toe. The method is similar for all toes, but the middle toes are more challenging because you need to work around other toes. If you desire a thicker cast apply additional layers of tape. If a blister has already formed, apply the toe cast directly over the blister once the blister is drained. Additional drainage will be absorbed by the cast. A tubular foam toe bandage can be placed over the toe cast to cushion the blister. Another option is to drain the blister and apply a small bandage or moleskin over the blister and then apply the toe cast over the bandage. Anti-chafe cream can be applied over the cast to give it more glide within the sock. Petroleum jelly tends to soften the adhesive, lessen the life of the toe cast, and leave more adhesive residue on the skin than anti-chafe creams.
