Foot Care

[Twende]

I am looking for ideas on how to avoid problems with my feet.

Last year the first full day in the parks it rained off and on, mostly on, the entire day. I had on running shoes that were well broken in but the wet really did it's thing to my feet. The second day I started off with dried shoes and nice socks and got caught in a down pour and I got wet again. It only lasted about 1/2 of an hour but it was enough to get the socks wet again. By that night my feet when a blistered mess! I used bandaides and tylenol to cope with foot pain the rest of the trip. It was tolerable but not fun!

This year I do not want a repeat for the feet.

New sandals are not an option becuase of money restrictions so I have to find a way to make what I have work. I have well broken in running shoes and a newer pair. I plan on taking extra socks with me into the parks. I have some moleskin.

I have heard that spraying your feet with antiperspirants helps? Any advice?

I have a pair of wet suit boots from my scuba days and I have considered trying them! Ugly but super comfortable!

 

[caitycaity]

i have never tried the antiperspirant thing, but many people claim it works.

i usually 1) bring an extra pair or socks so i can change if mine get wet - sometimes i even wear two pairs of socks. 2) bring multiple pairs of comfy shoes so you can alternate every day. 3) bring some moleskin or blister bandaids in case i do get a blister.

 

[LSUDis]

I know that you said "no" to more sandals, but how about just some cheap flip-slops from Walmart. Carry them with you and, if it looks like rain, throw your running shoes and socks into your waistpack or backpack or a locker. Put on your flip-flops, tour some, then when it stops raining, put your running shoes and socks back on. That's what we do sometimes on water rides like Kali.
The anti-perspirant won't help with rain...only with the dampness that sweaty feet produce...but maybe that's what you were talking about.
I can identify with you. Every year, despite wearing thick socks and running shoes, I get blisters on my toes--even with moleskin. Someone mentioned that runners use duck tape on areas of friction, so maybe I will try that????

 

[D L and K's Mom]

I agree with bringing flip flops for the rain. We carry them and just put them on when it looks like rain this way our "Good walking sneakers" do not get wet and then we dont have the blister problem. Good Luck

 

[Twende]

Hmmm.....Interesting thought about putting flip flops in our backpack and switch to them in case of rain! Not a bad idea at all!

You DisBoarders are so smart!

I looked at prices of the recommended sandals from other foot threads. They look great but wayover budget for us for this year. Maybe in the future though!

 

[LSUDis]

I was always concerned with wearing sandals b/c I just didn't know if I could walk 7-8 miles a day in sandals--no matter how good they were. So, I tend to stick with walking/running shoes in the hope that something that is designed for walking will support our feet and legs better.

Once, I got a sunburn on my feet wearing sandals.....crazy, I know, but these things seem to happen to me!

Oh, and don't start thinking that we're really smart......we have just learned some things the hard way and share to try to get some good out of our own idiocy

 

[minijeanie]

A few years ago I walked in the Avon Breast Cancer walkathon

the tips I got from them were extremely useful. and they worked
take extra pair of socks, and if it rains or your feet are to perspired, change them.

Also before you even start walking either use vaseline all over your feet or buy this product called "glide"...I got in a small store that sold running clothes, sneakers, etc. you probably can get it at MOdells sports authority or a retail store of that nature.

It basically looks like a deodorant stick and you glide it all over your feet. I even put in under my arms where you can also chafe from sun and rain.

It worked wonderfully.

First day I walked it rained the entire day.

Not one blister did I have

try it, it really works

and as fars the flip flops go, if your like me and need the support with shoes, don't wear flip flops. Will just put more wear and tear on your legs and back.

I am so jealous when I see people who can wear skimpy sandals and flip flops.
I would love to but unfortunately, cannot.
so I have to wear my broken in walking sneaker

 

[LSUDis]

Is this product "glide" a barrier against water or is it used for blister prevention?

Sounds promising.

 

[hawkrn]

I always wore the socks/tennies thing, until last year. I listened to the Disboards and bought a $30 pair of Tevas at Famous Footwear and ended up wearing them every minute of our 9 day trip. It was in June and it rained every day. Not only did my feet get tired, but I was able to wear them in the rain and then they dried out after the rain stopped. No blisters or stinky sandals either (my DS's flip-flops stunk!). I will never wear anything else!

 

[Twende]

Great ideas everyone! I will look for this glide product and see if I can find it.

I am going to go shopping and see if any of the stores around me have Tevas for in the $30 range. I just can not put a bunch of money into shoes right now.

If not it is extra socks and flip flops to keep my shoes dry and this Glide product if I can find it!

 

[bard721]

The product is called Body Glide and is sold in stores that focus on running and walking products. It is to prevent chafing but may also have uses for feet.

 

[Twende]

I found Body Glide today at a sports shoe store. It certainly sounds like just the product I need! Cost $6.99...if it stops the blisters then is is worth a thousand times this!

THANKS!

 

[minijeanie]

One other worthy "note"

make sure your socks have the ingredient "cool max" in them. keeps the perspiration out.

can be found in walmart, target, etc....

and yes the glide does try to prevent water which prevents chafing

and trust me, if truth be told, I glided my whole body.
especially inner thighs....

worked great

 

[experiment626mom]

It's called body glide and they sell online at drogstore.com. It pretty inexpensive. It removes friction between you and your socks/clothing.

I allways carry an extra pair of socks and moleskin. Both have worked wonders!!

 

[Twende]

I just wanted to thank minijeanie, bard721 and experiment626mom for the endorsement of Body Glide!

I applied it every morning before we hit the parks and I took it with me incase I felt something rubbing wrong and I have returned from 7 days of walking without a single blister on my feet! Our one travel day was rainy and one afternoon in the parks was a downpour and my feet are perfect!

Thank you all for your ideas! My feet are super happy!

 

[CourtasanSatine]

Can a pair of flip flops be tossed into a small knapsack?

 

[goofy4tink]

We now travel with both our sneakers and some water proof sandals. I have some from either Land's End or LL Bean...they are both similar. Very comfortable walking around and if/when they get wet it's no problem since they are made to be wet. They are about $30. Dh has Nike Straprunners that he really likes. That's surprising since he really doesn't like sandals. We are sure to put sunscreen on our feet tho!!! Then we can change shoes mid-day. Sneaks in the morning, swim in the pool after lunch and change into our sandals for those afternoon showers!!

 

[SEAlla]

make sure your socks have the ingredient "cool max" in them. keeps the perspiration out.

These socks are great. Although I have resorted to wearing flip flops in the parks, I wear cool max for running.

I used to think the thicker the sock the better for protecting the feet. Boy was I wrong. Thick socks only make things worse because they trap moisture. Cool max socks are thin but the keep the sweat away and stay dry.

Also they say not to wear anything but ankle socks if you are going to be on your feet for extended periods of time. Most socks that are higher up than your ankle inhibit circulation which in turn promotes swelling of the feet.

You would think that longer socks give more support like pantyhose but unlike pantyhose they don't give an all over even support.

Just some thoughts...

 

[beattyfamily]

Another great product that works similar to Bodyglide to prevent blisters and moisture in running shoes is "Blistershield". It comes in a roll on or a powder. I recommend them both but I've heard the powder is great for sneakers. I use the roll on for chafing and with my sandals for blister prevention. I think the powder prevents moisture better when wearing sneakers. It's great stuff!

 

[nickandalexmom]

Where do you get this blistershield? thanks.