News

If you love going on long walks or are training for a 5K, you know just how important it is to keep your feet comfortable and free from blisters. When blisters form on your feet, they can make it so you can’t even walk without pain, leading you to stop doing the activities you enjoy. Since blisters can hold you back from performing your best, you probably want to know how you can prevent blisters the next time you go out for a jog.

Find out more about what blisters are and the top five tips for preventing blisters.

What Are Blisters?

Blisters are fluid-filled sacs created by burns or fiction. Since activities like walking, running, sports, and hiking tend to create a lot of friction on your feet, many people living active lifestyles experience them. If you’re planning to up your walking or running soon, you probably want to avoid blisters on your feet. 

Learn more about the top five ways to prevent blisters below:

1. Make Sure You Are Wearing the Right Shoes

For some people, the right pair of shoes can make or break their likelihood of forming a blister. If your shoes are too loose or too tight, they can create a great deal of friction and rubbing with each step you take. This friction can create a blister, knocking you off your feet for a few days while it heals.

You can help solve this issue by wearing the right shoes for you. Ensure the shoes you choose fit well on your feet, with your toes not rubbing against the front and your heel not slipping. You’ll also want to have a finger’s width of length from your toe’s end to the shoe’s end. Additionally, select shoes that give your feet the space to expand but aren’t large enough that your feet slide. Depending on your unique situation, you may want shoes with more or less padding, support, and other features that can help you stay comfortable on the go. 

2. Toughen Your Feet

When you don’t walk or jog a lot, your feet will tend to get soft and prone to blisters. One of the simplest ways to prevent blisters is to train for long distances and more intense activities. Begin by walking, jogging, running, or hiking a little longer each day to help your feet start to develop calluses. These calluses will harden your feet and stop blisters from forming when you walk or jog long distances. 

When you’ve developed calluses, you’ll also want to start moisturizing your feet. Since calluses tend to dry your feet faster, you can moisturize your feet to prevent them from cracking and creating blisters in your heels. It’s usually a good idea to moisturize your feet with a hand or foot cream after taking a shower or bath.

It is important to note that calluses are not the right solution for everyone. Some have a harder time building calluses than others. You may also not like the feeling or the appearance of calluses. Others may find that their beautician takes off their hard-earned calluses each time they go in for a pedicure. However, if this is a viable solution for you, they can help toughen your feet to prevent blisters. 

3. Cover Problem Spots

You might notice that certain parts of your feet tend to develop blisters more regularly than others. We tend to call these “hot spots.” Before you go on a run or out for a long walk, you can stop blisters from forming by covering your problem spots. Some popular options for covering a foot’s problem areas include special socks, patches, moleskin, sports tape, gel bandages, and paper tape. 

Keep in mind that you may have to try out multiple options before finding the right one for your feet. Since some pads and tapes can shift around while you walk or run, some people find these DIY solutions actually make blistering worse. Specialty socks may be the way to go for you. These socks cover hot spots to provide added protection against blistering. You can also combine solutions or try out a few of the options mentioned above to find the best preventative method for you.

4. Keep Your Feet Dry

Unfortunately, the sweat created by running, hiking, sports, and even just hot summer days can make you more prone to blisters. Since moisture tends to enhance friction and leave your feet more vulnerable, it’s crucial to keep your feet dry whenever you go on a long walk, jog, or hike. So how do you keep your feet dry? First, check your sock material. Certain sock types can hold in moisture, leaving your feet more sweaty. You will want to switch to socks that help absorb moisture or wick it away. Additionally, thick socks during hot summer days can make sweating worse.

Another way you can ensure your feet stay dry is to place antiperspirant on them. Specially formulated antiperspirants can prevent sweat, so they’re often a good choice to put on before you go on a run or hike. Alongside using antiperspirants, you can keep your feet dry with talcum powder and cornstarch. Simply sprinkle some cornstarch into your shoes and socks to prevent excess moisture. You can also add talcum powder to your shoes and socks to prevent sweat from causing blisters.

5. Wear Anti-Blister Socks

Do anti-blister socks make a difference? The short answer is yes. Socks are another common source of blisters, especially those made out of cotton. Poor quality socks tend to retain a lot of moisture from your sweat and create a great deal of friction in certain areas, leading to blisters. In addition to making the blistering worse, they also leave you missing out on some advanced blister prevention sock technology. At Wrightsock, we know just how important high-quality socks are to blister prevention. As a result, we’ve created anti-blister socks specially made for sports, hiking, and running. 

So how do anti-blister socks work? To prevent blisters, we designed our anti-blister socks with a patented Double Layer® system proven to prevent blisters. This design stops excess moisture, heat, and friction—the three main sources of blisters—from occurring. All of our socks come with temperature regulation, complete moisture evaporation, and friction absorption qualities. We even offer specialized socks for hiking, trail running, and everyday walking and running. If you want a breathable, lightweight sock for the summer, you might also like our anti-blister Coolmesh™ II Quarter Socks.

Turn to Wrightsock for Anti-Blister Socks

Due to our many sock options and the need to prevent blisters, you might be interested in turning to Wrightsock for your anti-blister sock needs. We’re proud to offer the best anti-blister socks on the market, and we’re so confident in our socks that we offer them with a blister-free guarantee. If you still get blisters after wearing our socks or are dissatisfied with them, we’ll provide you with a refund.

Take a moment to browse our women’s and men’s anti-blister socks today. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

How do anti-blister socks work? Do they actually prevent blisters? Wrightsock is here to answer all of your questions about blister prevention technology in socks. 

The Science Behind Blisters

Let’s back up for a moment. Before understanding how to prevent blisters, it is essential to understand blisters and how they start. Here is a quick FAQ to help us unpack the science behind blistering:

• So what exactly is a blister? Healthline defines blisters as “a raised portion of skin that is filled with fluid.” In the medical world, they are also called vesicles.
• How do blisters start? Blisters happen when friction causes layers of skin to separate, which then fills with fluid. 
• Why do running and hiking cause blisters? Blisters are commonly associated with sports, running, hiking, and other fitness activities. Why? When you are active on your feet, your shoes are more likely to create the friction needed to start a blister. Heat and moisture are also known to intensify blistering, and these are common side effects of physical activity.
• How do I prevent blistering? To prevent blistering, you need to address these problems at the source. Anti-blister socks work to combat all of the troubles that lead to blisters. 

How Do Protective Socks Stop Blisters?

So how do anti-blister socks work? There are different methods of blister prevention available:

• Double-layer technology: Wrightsock’s patented Double Layer system works to absorb the friction between your shoe and sock. With this technology, we offer a variety of different features, materials, and thickness options. 
• Coated socks: Some sock brands coat the inner layer of their socks with sticky materials. This can prevent the movement of socks, but some may find it uncomfortable or ineffective. 
• Compression socks: Other sock brands work using compression. In theory, tight-fitting socks can help prevent movement and friction. 

Sock Materials: Preventing Heat and Moisture

The materials of your socks also play a significant role in preventing blisters. 

As we mentioned earlier, heat and moisture intensify blistering during physical activities. As such, preventing blisters also involves addressing the heat and moisture. 

Certain materials work to absorb moisture, while others wick moisture away. Breathable materials help you beat the heat (though you may opt for thicker socks during colder weather). Strategic padding can also help eliminate hot spots. Truthfully, every sock fitness level, material, and design is different. It is helpful to take a moment and explore your sock options and how they may support your adventures. You must find the right socks for YOU.

Beyond the Socks

Anti-blister socks are proven to help keep blisters away. In fact, anti-blister guarantees ensure you will not pay for socks that do not prevent blisters. However, sometimes the cause of blisters (and their solutions) go beyond your socks. Let’s take a look at some other causes of blisters on the go:

• Large fitting shoes: If your shoes fit loosely against your feet, this leaves extra room for movement. As mentioned above, movement causes friction and blistering. In severe cases, your shoes may offer more trouble than anti-blister socks can protect you from. 
• Tight or small shoes: Especially during a game, run, or hike, you might be tempted to tie your shoes as tightly as possible. This can keep them on your feet and may even help minimize the movement/friction of your shoes. However, when friction does occur, it will be sharply magnified because your feet and shoes are already pressed so closely together. With every miscalculated kick, slide, or fall, your shoes will cause intense friction that is amplified by the tightness of your laces. 
• Skin sensitivity: Blisters can be caused or worsened by certain skin conditions. If you experience abnormal blisters or sensitivities, consider speaking with a dermatologist. 

Wrightsock: Anti-Blister Socks for Running, Hiking, and More

Hiking Socks for Preventing Blisters

Hiking can provide a vast range of benefits—for your health, mindset, and overall well-being. However, it is not always good for your feet. One of the most common issues related to hiking is blistering. 

With heat, moisture, and friction, hiking creates a perfect storm for blisters on your feet and ankles. Thankfully, hiking socks can help. Using double layer technology, anti-blister hiking socks can keep your feet protected on even the most challenging treks. 

Healthy, Happy Feet

Everyone who hikes knows that it can lead to sweaty feet. Here is what you might not know: this moisture puts you at risk for several unpleasant foot problems. Sweat trapped in your socks can actually break down your skin, leading to MASD (Moisture-Associated Skin Damage). Ultimately, hiking leaves your feet vulnerable to infections like athlete’s foot and toenail fungus.

Anti-blister socks help address moisture—by wicking it away or absorbing it into the sock layers. Drier feet can help prevent skin damage, blistering, and infection risks. Do you suffer from hot, sweaty, itchy feet during or after your hikes? Are you looking for a way to prevent athlete’s foot or toenail fungus? Specialty socks may be able to help keep your feet happy and healthy. 

Kicking Feet and Shoe Odor

While we don’t always like to admit it, hiking can lead to smelly feet and boots. Why? Sweat provides a breeding ground for bacteria, which breaks down into smelly acids. 

Another pleasant side effect of hiking socks and their moisture-wicking benefits is that they can help reduce foot and shoe odor. Simply put, less sweat means fewer bacteria and the smells they create. Your hiking boots will thank you for making the switch. 

More fun - Less Discomfort

Blisters, discomfort, and other hiking inconveniences can out shadow the fun of your adventure—especially for children and those with sensitive skin. It can be challenging to look past this discomfort and enjoy the hike. After all, when your feet are hurting, you are reminded of this pain with every step.

Hiking socks can help breathe fun back into trekking and hiking. By preventing blisters and discomfort, you can enjoy the trails and spend more time focused on the great outdoors.

Some Considerations for Hiking Socks

So do hiking socks make a difference? The answer here is more complicated than it may seem. Why? Each person, sock, and adventure is unique. If you choose low-quality hiking socks, they probably will not make a difference in the comfort of your hike. Similarly, if you choose the wrong kind of hiking socks for your adventure, you might not be satisfied with the results. 

Finding the Right Hiking Socks for You

Once you find the right hiking socks for you—you are guaranteed to avoid blisters and find comfort in your journey. So here is a look at different kinds of hiking socks and how to decide if they will make a difference on your next trip: 

• Warm weather hiking socks: Hiking in the warmer weather can mean extra sweat and heat for your feet. Lightweight hiking socks with a higher thread count will provide airy comfort and sturdy protection on your warmer hikes. 
• Hiking socks for the cold: If you are hiking in the mountains during the cold winter months, you can find tall merino wool hiking crew socks that will provide a little extra warmth for your feet, ankles, and lower legs while offering the hiking support you need. 
• Long-distance hiking socks: Distance hiking and trekking require a careful balance of material. Socks that are too thick and bulky can create heat and irritation over long distances, while socks that are too thin will not provide enough protection. Lightweight cushioned hiking socks can provide the best of both worlds. 

Wrightsock: Your Source for Anti-Blister Hiking Socks

Read more

Read more