I always get horrible blisters no matter what I do .... any tips?

[asta]

I have found the best product to use for blisters is Curad brand Blister-Care bandages. These things may be expensive (I paid $4.99 for a box of 5 bandages), but they are worth every penny. My daughter who is a runner uses them and we took them on our last trip to WDW. They have a gel pad in them that gives immediate relief to the blister and then cushions against further irritation. By the end of the trip, we were ready to fight over them. They are that good. Our local pharmicies do not stock them but you just have to ask at the pharmicist's counter and they will order them for you.

I have tried the Band-aid brand blister bandages and they don't seem to work as well. The cushioning material in these usually ends up coming out of the bandage. I also think the gel in the Curad bandages cools immediately and gives better pain relief.

 

[tmq2766]

OK Ok don't laugh because this really really works..... Duct Tape.
Like so many others have said, blisters are caused by friction. If you put the duct tape on the areas that are prone to blisters the duct tape will cut down on friction because the non sticky side is slick and your feet will not rub thus NO BLISTERS. I know it sounds stupid but it really works!!!!

 

[>>^..^<<]

Alternate shoes... don't wear the same pair all the time... wear one pair in the morning then a different pair in the afternoon/evening.

Nothing worse than a blister


>>^..^<<

 

[elemusing]

Well - here's what I did - my 2 cents - I always got blisters on the back of my heels. I solved the problem by buying those shoes like clogs that have no heel - you just slip them on. They are tennis shoes. Anyway, I was a bit concerned that they would slip - but they don't and I didn't have one blister this time!!! Plus I could slip them off during shows, etc when I was sitting and give my feet a break. It was great.

Angie

 

[babyblue61]

The duct tape comment reminded me that I used to use band-aid brand medical tape to tape up my heels before I danced in competition. It really works!

 

[peachgirl]

OK Ok don't laugh because this really really works..... Duct Tape.

You know, my grandmother always swore by something similar to this anytime she bought a new pair of shoes.

If you think yours sounds silly .....She would wrap her feet with saran wrap. Like you, she said it was the friction that was the problem and saran wrap let your foot slide easier. We always laughed about it, but maybe she knew what she was talking about after all.

 

[Bill3]

I have found that consuming several beers before starting out and continuing to consume during the day works wonders. I still get blisters, but I just don't care.

 

[PamCo88]

I always had problems with blisters until I used antipersperant and CoolMax socks last trip. I didn't have a problem until I ran out of spray. I will be sure to pack plenty this time.

 

[babyblue61]

Bill3, that's the best advice thus far!

 

[becka]

I can sympathize. My "foot care routine" by the end of our trips can take me 15 minutes in the mornings. DH doesn't get blisters so he just doesn't understand and he thinks it is funny.

I always take 2 pairs of shoes: good running shoes and my Birkenstock sandals. I use the spray anti-perspirant on my feet, let that dry, cut moleskin and put it on hot spots, use the Band-Aid blister things for blisters that have already formed, use two pairs of CoolMax socks and then finally put on my shoes. At our midday break (or whenever we go back to the room) I always switch shoes and when I am in the room I make sure to give my feet a break.

I wish I could take a WDW vacation without my feet killing me but if it has ever been suggested I have tried it and while I have a little success nothing has brought permanent relief.

 

[beattyfamily]

I've gotten lots of tips here over the last couple of years as I always get blisters too!

Well, first I tried my walking sneakers with the special "CoolMax" socks that reduce moisture and antipersperant and it didn't work BUT I brought some moleskins and they protected my blisters so I could walk. So so far moleskins worked of all the tips.

Then on my next trip I brought my Ecco Cosmo sandals (that are lightweight, with a flexible outsole that has shock absorption points to reduce skeletal concussion and joint stress. The footbed is quick-drying and supportive anatomically contoured and wicks moisture away and is treated to resist bacteria and minimize odor. Fully adjustable straps allow for a custom-like personalized fit) and my sneakers with the special CooMax socks and I ended up only wearing my sneakers the first day...my feet felt so hot and I started to feel like I may get a blister so I switched to the Ecco Cosmo sandals and I was in heaven!

This was the FIRST time I didn't get any blisters! The only day I started to get one was 5 days into my vacation when I wore different sandals and got caught in a down pour. I did switch around my sandals but never wore my sneakers.

I still bring my moleskins for emergencies and I also bought this mint foot spray that makes my feet feel wonderful! I also am considering buying the Bodyglide for chafing and for the blister areas.

Pre-cut the moleskins or bring scissors. And if you do wear sandals, don't forget to put sunscreen on your feet!

Oh, I just remembered another tip I read here, but it's for pain...take Motrin (or Tylenol; whichever decreases swelling??) each morning before you leave your room...for the pain and for the swelling and soak your feet whenever you can.

And switch your shoes around, whatever you end up bringing. And change your socks frequently! There, I think that's all!

 

[LKS]

Just a few words of warning about some of the suggested solutions:

About 12 years ago in Hawaii my husband came up with the bright idea about taping my foot to cover the blisters, but it was white althletic tape, not duct tape. Well, it pulled all the skin off of my foot where it touched (unfortunately, he had wrapped it all the way around my foot and it pulled the skin off the top of my foot too.) I will never use tape again.

Thor-los help me, the blister block bandages only work for me if I put them on a hot spot. Once it's a blister, it's too late. Oh, the curse of being blister-prone.

 

[SnackyStacky]

Last time I went, I had one blister, but it was because I had a cut on my foot, and used a band-aid. The band-aid slipped, and alas, blisters. Anyway, here was my regimen:

Target gad Dr. Scholl's liquid powder on clearance for $2/bottle. I bought almost a whole case, cause I have bad feet problems. I put lots of that on every morning. I would dump a LOT of powder into my shoes, as well as my socks, and I had no problems.

According to the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World by Bob Sehlinger (an AMAZING resource if you don't have one):

Sergeant Blisterblaster's Guide to Happy Feet at Walt Disney World

1. On Your Feet! Get up, Easy-Boy rider: when you go to Walt Disney World, you'll have to walk a lot farther than to the refrigerator. You can log 5-12 miles a day no problem at the Disney parks, so now's the time to get them dogs in shape. Start with some short walks around the neighborhood and increase your distance gradually until you can do six miles on weekends without CPR.

2. A-TEN-SHUN! During your pre-Disney training program, pay attention when those puppies growl. They will give you a lot of information about your feet and the appropriateness and fit of your shoes. Listen up! No walking in flip-flops, loafers, or sandals. Wear well-constructed, broken-in running or hiking shoes. If you feel a "hot spot", that means a blister is developing. The most common sites for blisters are the heels, the toes, and the balls of your feet. If you note a tendency to develop a hot spot in the same place every time you walk, cover it prophylactically with Moleskin (available in drugstores without a prescription) before you set out. No, Sofa Bunny, I did not tell you to wear condoms on your feet! Prophylactically means to anticipate the problem and treat it in advance. One more thing: keep your toenails cut short, and straight across.

3. Sock It Up, Trainee! Good socks are as important as good shoes. When you walk, your feet sweat like a mule in a peat bog, and moisture increases friction. To minimize friction, wear two pairs of socks. The pair next to your feet should ideally be polypropylene thin socks or sock liners. The outer sock can be either a natural fiber like cotton or wool, or a synthetic fiber. To further combat moisture, dust your dogs with some antifungal talcum powder.

4. Who Do You Think You Are, John Wayne? Don't be a hero. The time to take care of a foot problem is the minute you notice it. Carrt a small foot emergency kit for your platoon. The kit should contain gauze, Betadyne antibiotic ointment, moleskin or spenco second skin*, scissors**, a sewing needle or some such to drain blisters, as well as matches to sterilize the needle***. An extra pair of socks and some talc is optional.

5. Bite the Bullet! If you develop a hot spot, cover it ASAP with moleskin or spenco second skin. Cut the covering large enough to cover the skin surrounding the hot spot. If you develop a blister, air out and dry your foot. Next, drain the fluid, but do NOT remove the top skin. Clean the area with your Betadyne, place a dauze square over the blister, and cover the whole shooting match with moleskin. If you do not have moleskin or spenco second skin, do not try to cover the hot spot or blister with band-aids. Band-aids slip and wad-up.

6. Take Care of Your Platoon. If you have a couple of young green troops in your outfit, they might not sound off when a hot spot comes on. Stop several times a day and check their feet. If you forgot your emergency foot kit and a problem arises, don't be reluctant to call the Disney medics. They have all the stuff you need to keep your command in action.

*spenco second skin is AWESOME! I prefer it to the moleskin!!!!!!
** with all of the security, precut some moleskin at the hotel, or at home if you can't bring scissors with you.
*** you can also sterilize with purell

I used these steps, and except for my stupidity with band-aid, remained blister free!!! I don't mean to contradict anything anyone said either. Just passing along what was in the book!

 

[999thghost]

ahh the old blister from disney...well theres a simple cure .a tip from a soldier.pssssst nylon stockings... .thats correct nylons give your foot a slick surface so the friction does not build up.if this is not practicle dont bother buying new shoes, wear your worst broken in shoes you have. these gems are well broken in and shouldnt give you blisters.if they do try taking a brake during the day to give your puppies a rest...oh by the way if you tell anyone i wore nylons on a army roadmarch i'll have to send all the disney charachters to your house every day to sing its a small world non-stop.....p.s. never peel a blister it only opens you up to infection

 

[DiznEeyore]

I am the WDW Blister Queen. At least once on every trip dh offers (seriously) to get me a wheel chair so that I can actually move around the parks comfortably.

I have tried switching shoes, antiperspirant, Blister Blocker, moleskin, etc. etc. all to no avail. Someone on the boards suggested slathering your feet in Vaseline to prevent blisters. I'm thinking this might have the same effect as the runner's lubricant? Has anyone tried it?

 

[beattyfamily]

Originally posted by DiznEeyore
I am the WDW Blister Queen. At least once on every trip dh offers (seriously) to get me a wheel chair so that I can actually move around the parks comfortably.

I have tried switching shoes, antiperspirant, Blister Blocker, moleskin, etc. etc. all to no avail. Someone on the boards suggested slathering your feet in Vaseline to prevent blisters. I'm thinking this might have the same effect as the runner's lubricant? Has anyone tried it?

Yes, runners use Vaseline sometimes instead of the runner's lubricant, "Bodyglide".

 

[Dancind]

And I thought it was just me. I get blisters in the form of ridges on the bottom edges of my toes - so painful! The very worst was last August. I guess coming from my very arid climate at home, flying in a bone dry airplane for 3 1/2 hours, then landing in the humidity of Orlando and walking around made my feet swell up like miniature pressurized rafts. I have done almost all of the above, but need to make a note about Bodyglide. One thing that helps with my particular problem is the little donut shaped corn pads. They come on sheets, you just peel them off and stick them where you need them. They're expensive, but easily fit into a fanny pack and don't require scissors like moleskin. They stick pretty well for at least a day. I've also bought a few of the little toe tubes (REALLY expensive), I forget what they're for. They work pretty well, but my DD keeps taking them to use for pointe, so I never have any when I go to pack. Diana

 

[cyndilou01]

Easy Spirit is the best. I wear those thin cotton socks under my regular socks and that helps a lot. this year I even bought a new pair of shoes and did not have time to break them in still no blisters.....

good luck

 

[laurabelle]

This will be our 5th trip to the world, but our first trip in Aug.(other trips, Nov., Dec., Sept., Feb.) It was pretty warm in Sept, but not bad. I've never had blisters, neither has anyone else in my family. I planned to bring my NB tennys, my Lands End sport sandals and switch off: sandals morning, break in the middle of the day to swim/rest then sneaks in the evening. I guess I'd better arm myself.

 

[Dad]

I've had great success with wright blister socks, particularly the double lined cool-mesh and teflon thread socks. you can get them at the sockcompany.com http://sockcompany.com/wrightsock.html