Preventing blisters

Friction plus moisture is the formula for a blister. Seamless socks that wick moisture and a shoe that is properly secured prevent most of them.

The explanation

Friction makes the top skin layer slide over the layer beneath; a gap forms in between that fills with fluid. Moisture on the skin speeds that up, so a sweating foot in a sock that does not wick is the classic prelude.

Make sure the sock sits tightly enough not to slide and does not wrinkle. Two thin socks over each other let the friction happen between the socks instead of on your skin; that works well over long distances.

Break in a new shoe over a few short outings first, so you know where it presses, and lace tightly enough at the instep so the foot does not slide forward.

Patty's advice

Preferably leave a blister closed; the fluid and the roof protect the skin underneath. Recurring blisters in the same place point to a pressure problem.

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