I used to have plantar fasciitis and everything hurt after a day in the parks! This trip, dd and I averaged 30,000 steps a day and we both came out with zero blisters and very little pain. DD alternated between her very broken in sorel boots and her olukai slip on shoes. The key here is both were already broken in, but also still had excellent insoles. I alternated between my merrell encore breeze slip ons and my new balance 880s, also broken in, but the insoles are still up to the task.
Next, good socks are a must, and extra pairs of them. For me ”no show” puma socks, which actually hit at my ankle work great, dd has some random socks from various stores that work for her. The important part is the ability to put fresh socks on if your feet get too sweaty halfway through the day.
Then, I buy pre-cut strips of KT tape, and cut them into thirds and quarters. At the first sign of rubbing, stop what you are doing, take your shoe and sock off and slap a piece of KT tape over that spot. But you can’t wait for the blister to form. If you are too slow, put a bandaid over the blister and KT tape over it.
Lastly, and this is a new trick for us… biofreeze gel. When you get back to the room for the night, slather that all over your feet (wash your hands good after or it is COLD between your fingers), pop a couple of Advil and go to bed! Worked like a charm!