Blisters

Foot sole

Blisters can be a bane for walkers, making what’s supposed to be a fun day out into an uncomfortable slog. But the good news is that there are now lots of ways to prevent and treat them. Try out our top tips below to help maintain happy walking feet.

Try these tips:

Wear comfortable, good-fitting, worn-in boots or shoes - especially on long walks
Wear good walking socks in the right size - wearing two pairs of socks can help prevent rubbing
Immediately remove anything from your socks or boots which causes irritation
Check your feet carefully and regularly, for any sign of rubbing and tenderness
Walk as much as possible in your boots so that your skin hardens
Act as soon as you feel any discomfort, as blisters can form very quickly

Remove your boots and socks when you stop for a rest to give your feet a chance to dry off and cool down, which helps prevent blisters.
Carry some blister plasters, plasters or padded dressings in your rucksack just in case

If you do feel a blister developing, stop walking, take your boots and socks off and check your feet. The earlier you catch blisters the better. Apply some material cushioning or padding, or a plaster to the area that is rubbing.

If a blister has formed, you can either burst the blister carefully and then immediately apply a sterile dressing or you can clean the area and cover it over with a blister plaster or a dressing.

Lots of chemists and outdoor shops now sell special blister plasters which you apply over the blister providing a ‘second skin’. This not only helps provide cushioning to lessen the irritation of the blister but also help it to heal more quickly.