When I go for a run the last thing, I want is to end it with nasty blisters on my feet. Here is how I solved my blister problems.
I am running blister-free now, but it wasn’t always that way. It took experimentation along with some lucky happenstance. For me, it all came down to shoes, socks, and patching. The right combination was the trick.
Shoes
I went to a pro-running store to get my first pair of shoes, thinking they would know best. Wrong! My first mistake was believing my shoes should fit like a glove. It was only later when I bought a pair of discount running shoes that were extra wide (4E) I discovered the right amount of space in your shoes prevents blisters.
I was running with my feet tightly bound in the shoe thinking this was how it was supposed to be. I got blisters all over my feet and my toenails unless meticulously trimmed would dig into the toe beside it. No adjusting of the shoelace’s tightness would help. I’m running in a wide (2E) shoe right now and I’ll never go back. The next problem was my sock. The average gym sock didn’t work for me.
Socks
They do make running socks I found out of a reason. They fit closer and have padding in critical places. I tried several different socks brands. I prefer merino wool because its padding holds out longer and I felt dryer at the end of the run. Running socks although expensive solved all but my last blister problem, the heel.
Patching
I have bone spurs on my heels and they quickly destroy the back of the shoe while giving me a magnificent blister. I worked at building up a callus, but it couldn’t withstand the regular beating and I couldn’t handle waiting for it to harden.
Next was moleskin which worked but at the rate, I was going through it I was going to go broke. I made my own moleskin with neoprene. This worked better but didn’t always stay in place and wore out too.
At a pro shop, I came across ENGO Heel Blister Patches. This is my present solution. They are sticky patches with a super slick side. The only drawback is the sides can curl down and attach to the sock. The patch heats up and the running action can pull it away from the shoe. I use a shoehorn to put my shoes on to ensure I don’t have the patch accidentally peel back and get my sock. I’m working on finding a way to either place the patch better or seal the edges down.
Summary
To sum it all up, get shoes that feel comfortable and aren’t tight. Find some socks that don’t bunch or lack padding that will help. Look to patch with something slippery like ENGO Blister Patches to solve the last places that are causing trouble.
I hope this helped you enjoy running more. Please share with me other solutions you find in your running journey.