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

[wdwobsessed]

Hey guys,

The past two years I have gotten horrible blisters while touring WDW.

Last year I bought good, comforatable shoes and still ... I got blisters.

I'm was armed with foot powder, moleskin and all .... I got blisters.

We are not even in the parks all day! We take a mid day break and I always take off my socks & shoes to let the tootsies air out.

This year I plan to moleskin my problem areas in advance.

Any other tips? Maybe I have bad socks?

Thanks

wdwo

 

[TLinden16]

Definitely moleskin the problem spots every day before you leave for the parks. I know a couple of spots where I'm prone to get blisters, so I moleskin them before leaving, and it definitely helps me.

Some people have luck with cutting down on the blisters by wearing two light pairs of socks instead of one thick pair. This cuts down on the friction on your foot, as the two socks moving against each other catches the friction.

I've never tried it before, but I've been reading a lot about people using spray antipersperant on their feet. I'm going to try that out in August.

Karen

 

[TreeOfLife]

This is what I do:

At the park, take a break to pop (if you need to) and clean your blister. Apply Neosporin and cover with a band-aid.

Normally it is enough for me to completely ignore the pain as it heals. The band-aids really shield you from the shoes.

And comfortable shoes don't always protect us from blisters. You can wear the best and still, the way we walk often makes our skin rub against a certain spot. Add those hills and steps for hours and it happens. I always get blisters too, and the band-aids always help me like nothing else.

 

[Minnie Mare]

I have the very same problem. I buy very comfortable shoes/sneaks before, break them in very well and I end up with horrible blisters nonetheless. I often have to purchase flip flops while there as I can no longer get the shoes on (ouch!). I've tried the moleskin to no avail. I was planning on trying Teva's this trip. The antipersperant sounds interesting. Is that regular ol' underarm spray or is it foot stuff?

 

[PaulaJ]

Thorlo socks are great! They're expensive and generally just found in shoe/atheletic stores. They energize my feet as well as keep the blisters down.

 

[peachgirl]

I've had the same problems as you in the past. I've tried everything from expensive shoes/sandals to moleskin, bandaids, specialty socks and anti-perspirant. Nothing worked. I finally just gave in and went with the $4 Wal Mart flops and the problem was solved.

I know some people will say that wearing flops aren't safe, but I've never had a problem wearing them and it sure beats limping around with hurting feet and huge blisters!

 

[babyblue61]

I agree with the flip-flop crowd. I get terrible blisters all the time. I live in my Adidas soccer sandals at the parks, and I've never had a problem. Also, no one has mentioned this, but when I used to dance competitively, I used to buy something called "Nu-Skin" (can't recall the spelling). Basically, what it is is a liquid that you brush over your blister and it forms a thick layer (alas, "new skin"). I loved this product and my mom recently told me they still make something like this. I would recommend asking the pharmacist at CVS.

 

[Sharby]

Here are some tips from a long-distance walker:

Get some Band-aid brand "Blister Relief" or "Blister Block'"cushions (as well as moleskin). The Blister Relief/Block cushions are a little pricey - but you won't think so when you have a blister. You can use the Blister Relief cushions on your worst blisters.

The other tips posted here are good ones - 2 pair of light socks or 'sock liners', anti-perspirant etc.

You might want to carry a light backback with you. Alternate every couple of hours between socks and shoes and sandals/thongs. Or wear socks and shoes in the morning and then sandals/thongs as the day heats up.

Blisters are caused by moisture, swelling, heat and friction. I will see if I can find a foot care tip sheet for long distance walkers and post it here - but basically the posts here so far pretty much have it covered.

 

[kdibattista]

I have not had a blister problem but I recall someone that did posting that they would bring 2 pairs of sneakers and alternate a different pair each day.... problem solved.

 

[Sharby]

Oh, yeah.

If you take a break in the middle of the day back at your hotel room - run some warm water in the bathtub and sit on the edge and soak your feet. Dry your feet thoroughly. Then go lay on the bed and watch TV for at least 20 minutes - while elevating your feet above your heart level and gently rotate, move, or gently kick your feet and legs in the air. This helps your heart to pump the blood back up your legs and recirculate it and it should reduce some of the mild swelling in your feet.

Also it makes your companions laugh at the spectacle you are making of yourself.

 

[Figment2]

I bring along two pairs of sneakers and alternate shoes. My favorite are Easy Spirit. I also do the spray antiperspirant. I haven't had a blister since I started this.

Last trip a friend was wearing flip flops and got terrible blisters. She ended up buying a pair of sneakers down there.

Cyn

 

[jkovick]

Just a quick question-- Have you had your feet professionally measured and fitted for shoes? The reason I ask is because often times shoes that are too short (or long) or the improper width cause blisters. When I sold shoes in a department store, it was amazing how many people didn't realize that they had been buying the wrong size shoe--for years! Good Luck!

 

[HM]

I usually get a few hot spots each trip, but this time....not a one. The difference seems to be that I bought shoes that were one size larger than I usually buy and I wore socks that were a blend (not cotton) with extra padding on the heels and instep. Didn't have to get the moleskin out once.
-HM

 

[Luvdisney]

I'm going to try the moleskins this trip. Boy oh boy I always get blisters. This thread made me think of our last trip where we saw this women wearing spiked heels, couldn't believe it. My wife and I just had a good laugh, would hate to she her feet that night!

 

[Barbruka]

I'm telling you the anitpersperant works!! I use to get tons of blisters. Now I spray the stuff all over the feet and in between toes. Then let dry good before putting socks on. Also trade off shoes each day. I have not had one blister since!

 

[DisneyRoys]

I always, always, always get blisters. When we went to Disney I was armed with everything. The first day we tried the anti-perspirant and I was miserable. I was developing blisters by mid-day even though my feet weren't sweating.

What I finally found that worked was a combination of New Balance shoes, Thorlos socks and Bodyglide- which is a runners lubricant that prevents chaffing and blisters. Bodyglide comes in a deodorant stick form and you just rub it on. I bought two- one for those areas that tend to chaff and one just for my feet. It was truly a life saver.

 

[Muffy]

Where do they sell body glide?

 

[Robert P]

We have worn Thorlos (socks) for the last 3 years and have not had a blister. This compared to wearing 2 pair of socks and still having blisters, the year before that.
Hope that helps.

 

[wdwobsessed]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for all the wonderful tips!

Where do I get the Thorlos socks? At a Sporting store?

I'm going to try the above tips.

I usually find by about day 3 I'm in misery ... only due to my darned feet blisters. If it were not for the blisters I would be able to enjoy the last few days so much more as I don't really get tired ... it's just my feet are killing me!!!!

I hope the tips will help! Thanks so much!

wdwo

 

[dylansdad]

I found the solution: I take on vacation my sneaks, docksiders, and sandals. I switch shoes during the day. start with sneaks and at midday break switch to sandals and maybe switch a 3rd time at dinner. works great.