If there’s one malady that virtually every outdoorsman has shared, no matter where in the world they may be, it has to be blisters on the feet. Blisters are the annoying skin irritations that everyone seems to acquire, yet few seem to know how to prevent. Caused by excess friction between your bones and soft tissue, it’s no wonder that outdoor activities such as hiking, trail running, or camping on uneven surfaces can bring about these pesky problems for your feet. Next time you’re out and about, use one or more of these tips to prevent blisters on the trail.
1. Tape
Since most blisters are caused by friction against the top layer of skin, causing everything underneath it to move around as well, you can prevent blisters on the trail by wrapping the ball of your foot in medical tape. This not only protects the bottom of your foot from immediate rubbing and contact, but also holds the multiple layers of skin in one place.
2. Good Fitting Boots
People underestimate the importance of their footwear when taking to the wilderness. If you wear tennis shoes or other light shoes that may be better suited for in town, you will certainly regret it. Instead, source a great fitting pair of boots or shoes designed specifically for hiking and outdoor use. If they’re too tight or too loose, the friction and pressure could still lead to blisters. It is crucial that you wear your hiking boots around the house or while running errands to break them in a little before hitting the trail.
3. Thick Socks
The challenges and stress your feet undergo when traveling a trail are actually much greater than you might imagine. This is especially true if you are wearing heavy hiking boots, whose weight will cause intense points of friction and pressure. Instead of lightweight socks, opt for heavy, double layered materials such as merino wool or synthetic nylon to offer your foot the buffer it needs to prevent fluid from building up under your skin.
4. Toe Socks
A common form of blister occurs between the toes. That’s because our toes are naturally designed to fan out and distribute our weight evenly, without touching one another. However, modern shoe designs bring our toes closer together, causing heightened friction. Toe socks wrap around each individual toe, keeping them from experiencing direct contact.
Getting out on the trail is a great way to get some exercise, clear your mind, and experience nature. Unfortunately, blisters are all too common due to the lack of foot protection. By following the tips above, you’ll save your feet, and ultimately your adventure, from a lot of pain and soreness that is so easily avoided with a little forethought!
Featured Image from David Marcu/Unsplash
