Though new shoes are exciting, they’re also some of the biggest causes of blisters. Since blisters form due to constant friction between shoes and feet, the stiffness of new shoes can increase a wearer’s chances of suffering from foot blisters a great deal. This common type of irritation often shows up as a fluid-filled spot on the skin, especially around the back of your heel, toe, or ankle. Luckily, new shoes don’t have to give you blisters when you know how to prevent blisters from new shoes. Find out more about the top six best ways to enjoy a blister-free experience while ways to breaking in new shoes.
1. Wear Them for Short Periods
When you first get a new pair of shoes, it’s best to take it slow. Instead of trying to wear them all day, begin by just wearing them for short periods, such as while you’re walking around the house. This is one of the top tips on how to stop shoes from blistering.
By slowly breaking them in, you’ll help them loosen and stretch without wearing them for extended periods of time that could lead to blisters on your feet. Once you start wearing them over longer periods, wear blister-free, double layer socks or keep an extra pair of shoes close by just in case. This simple step can help prevent blister formation and reduce friction before it becomes painful.
2. Moisturize Your Skin
A little self-care for runners can go a long way. If you have to wear a new pair of shoes for a longer period, you can moisturize your feet to protect yourself from blisters on the feet while you break in the shoes. Before you go on a walk or run in your new shoes, apply lotion to your feet to moisturize them. To reduce friction in the areas where blisters are most likely to form, place petroleum jelly on hotspots, such as your heels, top layer of the toes, and sides of toes. This method helps create a barrier between your skin and the shoe, which is a proven way to prevent blisters caused by shoes rubbing the back of your foot.
3. Stick Them in the Freezer
While freezers and shoes are an unlikely pair, they go very well together when you need to break in some new shoes, especially if your shoes feel tight or are shoes that are too small.
Before sticking your shoes in the freezer, grab some plastic freezer bags and fill them with water. Next, stick the bags in each shoe’s toe, and then place the shoes in your freezer overnight. After the water freezes in the bag, it will expand, helping stretch your shoes and relieve pressure points that can irritate your skin.
This method is a smart way to stop shoes from rubbing and prevent discomfort in the back of the shoe or the tight toe box. Just make sure you don’t overfill the bag, as it could overstretch your shoe.
4. Blow Dry New Shoes
If you have a new pair of shoes that fit a little too snugly, you can use a blow dryer to help stretch the shoes and reduce irritation.
After putting on your thick socks and shoes, use the blow dryer to distribute heat across the entire shoe. For tighter areas, like the back of your shoes or the back of your heel area, blow hot air on them for at least 20 to 30 seconds. This helps loosen stiff materials that often cause heel blister issues.
Keep in mind, the blow dryer method is best for leather shoes, and you should keep the blow dryer far enough away that it doesn’t burn you. This technique is especially useful for reducing friction and preventing blisters from forming in areas where shoes tend to pinch.
5. Switch Between New and Old Shoes
If you’re trying to break in a new pair of running shoes or sneaker styles, don’t throw out your old pair, as you’ll want to alternate between them.
When you run in your new shoes, keep it to only 20 or 30 minutes. For longer runs or long periods of time, stick to your older shoes until you’ve fully broken in the new ones to prevent blisters. This reduces repeated stress and constant friction on the same areas of your feet.
Additionally, runners who switch between multiple pairs of shoes lower their risk of running-related injuries by 39%, according to a study published by the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports. Rotating footwear also helps keep your feet safe and gives your skin time to recover from minor irritation.
6. Wear Anti-Blister Socks
Another highly effective way to stop shoes from rubbing the back of your heel is to wear anti-blister socks whenever you take your new pair out for a walk, run, hike, or even when wearing a sandal or casual footwear.
Blister-free socks from Wrightsock feature temperature regulation, friction absorption, and complete moisture evaporation. Their design helps keep your feet dry, which is essential in preventing blisters on your feet caused by sweat and moisture buildup.
Due to all these qualities, they excel at preventing blisters, even when you’re wearing ill-fitting shoes, including shoes that are too big or slightly loose. They also help reduce friction and act as a protective layer against shoes rubbing.
Whenever you slip on new shoes, save yourself from blisters by putting on your favorite pair of blister-free socks. For added protection, you can pair them with blister patches, heel grips, or a bandage or plaster in high-risk areas to help reduce pressure and avoid blister formation entirely.
How to Find the Right Fit to Prevent Blisters Before They Start
Before you even begin breaking in new shoes, one of the most effective ways to prevent blisters is to make sure your footwear fits properly from the start. Many cases of foot blisters aren’t just from new materials. They’re caused by ill-fitting shoes that create unnecessary friction, pressure, or movement.
If your shoes feel tight, pinch at the toe, or rub against the back of your heel, they can quickly irritate the skin and lead to blisters on your feet. On the other hand, shoes that are too big can cause excessive movement, leading to constant friction and blister formation over extended periods.
Here are some top tips to help you find the right fit and avoid discomfort:
-
Check for Proper Toe Room: Your toes should have enough space to wiggle without hitting the front of the shoe. Tight toe boxes are a common type of issue that can lead to blisters forming on the top layer of your skin.
-
Watch for Heel Movement: If your heel lifts too much while walking, it can cause shoes to rub at the back of your shoe, leading to a painful heel blister. A secure fit helps stop shoes from rubbing and keeps your stride stable.
-
Avoid Shoes That Pinch or Feel Tight: Shoes that are too small can create pressure points that cause shoes to dig into your foot. This can result in irritation around the ankle, toe joints, and sides of your foot.
-
Choose the Right Footwear for the Activity: Whether you're wearing a sneaker, sandal, or performance footwear, make sure it matches your activity. The wrong style can increase friction and make it harder to break in your shoes comfortably.
-
Try Shoes with the Right Socks: Always try on new shoes with the same type of socks you plan to wear. The right sock can help reduce friction, improve fit, and help prevent discomfort over long periods of time.
Taking the time to find the right fit is one of the best ways to keep your feet safe and avoid unnecessary irritation before it even starts.
Extra Protection: Use Heel Grips, Blister Patches, and Barriers
Even with the best fit and gradual wear, some areas of your feet may still be prone to irritation, especially during the early stages of breaking in new shoes. That’s where added protection comes in. Using simple tools can help reduce pressure, stop shoes from rubbing the back, and provide a reliable way to prevent blisters.
These solutions work by creating a protective layer between your skin and the shoe, minimizing friction and keeping your feet comfortable.
Here are some of the best ways to add extra protection:
-
Apply Blister Patches to High-Friction Areas: Blister patches act as a cushion over sensitive spots like the back of your heel, toes, or sides of your foot. They help relieve pressure and prevent blisters on the feet, especially during extended periods of walking.
-
Use Heel Grips for a More Secure Fit: Heel grips are placed inside the back of the shoe to reduce slipping and lift your heel slightly. This helps stop your shoes from rubbing and prevents discomfort in the back of your heel area.
-
Create a Barrier with Bandages or Plaster: A simple bandage or plaster can create a barrier between your skin and areas prone to rubbing. This is a quick fix that helps reduce friction and protect against blister formation.
-
Layer Protection with the Right Socks: Pair protective products with moisture-wicking socks to enhance comfort. These socks help keep your feet dry, reduce sweat buildup, and maintain a breathable, comfy feel that supports a blister-free experience.
-
Reinforce Hotspots Before They Irritate: If you notice early signs of irritation or areas where your feet aren’t fully comfortable, take action right away. Addressing hotspots early can help prevent worsening issues, including fluid-filled blisters that may lead to the risk of infection if left untreated.
By combining these protective methods, you can significantly improve comfort, especially when wearing new or ill-fitting shoes for long periods of time.
Choose Wrightsock for Blister-Free Socks
At Wrightsock, we’re proud to provide our customers with socks designed for blister relief and long-lasting comfort. Whether you’re breaking in new hiking shoes, dealing with blisters on the feet, or wanting to prevent blisters during long workouts, our anti-blister socks are perfect for you.
Our moisture-wicking socks help keep your feet dry, reduce friction, and deliver a comfy, breathable experience even during extended periods of wear. This not only helps relieve discomfort but also lowers the risk of infection that can come with untreated blisters, especially when there is drainage or skin damage.
We have several blister-free socks designed for different activities, such as our socks for running or walking, trail running socks, military socks, and hiking anti-blister socks. With all of these options, you can use our socks to break in a new pair of hiking boots, dress shoes, or running shoes with ease. No matter the activity, choosing the right type of socks plays a major role in keeping your feet protected.
Check out our selection of men’s and women’s socks today and discover a smarter way to break in your shoes while staying blister-free. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
FAQs
How do I stop shoes from rubbing the back of my heel?
To stop shoes rubbing the back, focus on reducing movement and adding protection. Using heel grips, wearing thick socks, or applying a bandage to the back of your heel can help reduce friction. Choosing well-fitted footwear and ensuring your shoes aren’t too loose is also a key way to stop shoes from causing discomfort.
What is the fastest way to prevent blisters when wearing new shoes?
The fastest way to prevent blisters is to combine multiple strategies. Start by wearing moisture-wicking socks to keep your feet dry, apply petroleum jelly to high-friction areas, and use blister patches where needed. These methods work together to help reduce friction, help prevent irritation, and keep your feet comfortable while you break in your shoes.
