Another blister thread

[WldWil]

I completed a 21 mile (33.8k) pilgrimage this weekend in the USA. I carried a pack weight of 3.5k (out of spirit for my Camino. It was pretty empty). The temperatures were 6-22C that day. It was a perfect walking day. 80% of the path was on pavement

Blister Prevention – Not all things work the same way for each person. I wore 2 pair of merino wool socks and changed them 3 times during the day (after airing the feet out for 15 minutes), Used the little blister prevention stick, used moleskin on hotspots (peeled in 30 minutes), used tape on hot spots (lasted 30 minutes) and got a few blisters anyway.

They were not broken, but sore.

The wool sock also gave my foot and ankle heat rash that was painful as the blisters with red spots.

I understand walking is different from running, but I never had anything like this while running and that was with cotton socks.

I ordered 2 pair of 1000 mile socks and will also be trying out nylon (Leggs) liners with smartwool socks as well. Hopefully, I can find a formula that works for me.

My prevention care worked great. So, the good news is I should have that down at least. Better now then later, eh?

 

[cher99840]

Much better now than later. Good example of how you learn by testing. I had the same experience with moleskin; it got saturated and was worthless. I had better luck with taping though. I used LOTS of it and wrapped it around several times. It lasted three to four days, even through daily showers.

 

[Waka]

@WldWil

I too have been trying out various socks over the last couple of weeks. I've now settled on thin Bridgedale for the left foot and marino wool for the right foot (right foot smaller so packing out the shoe is needed). So far I've only done a few 10 mile hikes with this sock combination, but the good news is that I came out of it blister free.
With 4 months to go I still have time to try other combinations.

 

[ebrandt]

Sounds like your feet may be perspiring a lot. In addition to experimenting with socks ( I like vey cushoned cool max socks by Feetures FWIW), think about whether you might benefit from more breathable shoes. Ultreia. Liz

 

[WldWil]

Sounds like your feet may be perspiring a lot. In addition to experimenting with socks ( I like vey cushoned cool max socks by Feetures FWIW), think about whether you might benefit from more breathable shoes. Ultreia. Liz

Hi Liz, I think you are right. In fact, I just ordered a set last night.

It just concerns me that I thought I was doing everything right. I am thrilled how fast things healed. I will be doing a 5k today just to see how happy the feet are. BUT, prevention would be so much better. I think I would have lost a day trying to recover and my away time is limited.

I am putting this in the to-do box though and not the fear box.

 

[Deleted member 12253]

I completed a 21 mile (33.8k) pilgrimage this weekend in the USA. I carried a pack weight of 3.5k (out of spirit for my Camino. It was pretty empty). The temperatures were 6-22C that day. It was a perfect walking day. 80% of the path was on pavement

Blister Prevention – Not all things work the same way for each person. I wore 2 pair of merino wool socks and changed them 3 times during the day (after airing the feet out for 15 minutes), Used the little blister prevention stick, used moleskin on hotspots (peeled in 30 minutes), used tape on hot spots (lasted 30 minutes) and got a few blisters anyway.

They were not broken, but sore.

The wool sock also gave my foot and ankle heat rash that was painful as the blisters with red spots.

I understand walking is different from running, but I never had anything like this while running and that was with cotton socks.

I ordered 2 pair of 1000 mile socks and will also be trying out nylon (Leggs) liners with smartwool socks as well. Hopefully, I can find a formula that works for me.

My prevention care worked great. So, the good news is I should have that down at least. Better now then later, eh?

Prevention better than cure. Don’t go near nylon. No blisters after 22 caminos passed 100000 km in 2017. Pair of light wool socks and light trekking boots

 

[Scott Sweeney]

I completed a 21 mile (33.8k) pilgrimage this weekend in the USA. I carried a pack weight of 3.5k (out of spirit for my Camino. It was pretty empty). The temperatures were 6-22C that day. It was a perfect walking day. 80% of the path was on pavement

Blister Prevention – Not all things work the same way for each person. I wore 2 pair of merino wool socks and changed them 3 times during the day (after airing the feet out for 15 minutes), Used the little blister prevention stick, used moleskin on hotspots (peeled in 30 minutes), used tape on hot spots (lasted 30 minutes) and got a few blisters anyway.

They were not broken, but sore.

The wool sock also gave my foot and ankle heat rash that was painful as the blisters with red spots.

I understand walking is different from running, but I never had anything like this while running and that was with cotton socks.

I ordered 2 pair of 1000 mile socks and will also be trying out nylon (Leggs) liners with smartwool socks as well. Hopefully, I can find a formula that works for me.

My prevention care worked great. So, the good news is I should have that down at least. Better now then later, eh?

Why two pairs of Marino wool socks? I know some prefer a pair of liner's but I never seen the need. Spend more time learning to lace your boot for the topography you'll be walking any given day.

 

[Tincatinker]

Why two pairs of Marino wool socks? I know some prefer a pair of liner's but I never seen the need. Spend more time learning to lace your boot for the topography you'll be walking any given day.

Scott, the original question was posted in 2015 and @WldWil hasn't been back to the forum since December 2018 so I guess he'll not benefit from your comment though others might.