Camino Foot Care - How to Avoid Blisters on the Camino - Yes it can be done

[@robscamino]

Update. I recently spent 60 days walking 1,200 kms on Camino, in trail runners. Still No blisters 🙂 Same routine.

[@Silvia-gz4rp]

I used your routine last year and it was magical. Prepping for new Camino and training now, same routine! As always thank you Rob!

[@robscamino]

Glad to hear it worked for you 🙂

[@joehorn8985]

Thanks Rob. I watched your videos in preparation for my April 2022 Camino Frances. Success! I wore Hoka trail runners one size larger, Vaseline between toes and on the foot, thin liner socks or toe socks under Morino wool socks packed with that wonderful hikers wool. Also I was aggressive with Compeed and toe condoms. Not one blister! The wool also served as a pad for hammer toes and tops of the toes. Thanks for the great advise also on packing lists! I met some of your Aussie friends while on Camino! Keep up the good work.

[@robscamino]

A blister free Camino! Well done. 🙂 Yes, lots of Aussies on the Camino usually.

[@bbttresidder7224]

I so appreciate your knowledge on avoiding blisters. For any hike, this is great advice!

[@robscamino]

Glad it was helpful! It does seem to work. I had a few people on the Camino Frances this year tell me they had watched this video, and it worked for them. I'm a bit paranoid about blisters and make sure I avoid them! I'm sure there are other techniques, but this one I find works for me.

[@pammcfarland1727]

Love your channel, everyone should watch your excellent advice!

[@robscamino]

Thanks Pam. I don't claim to be a Camino 'expert' but just happy to share some thoughts and ideas that have worked for me and seem to help a lot of others. I met quite a few Pilgrims this year on Camino who said this video helped them a lot. A few less blisters has got to be a good thing 🙂

[@mtmoonan]

I used your methods and I was blister free, thanks a bunch

[@robscamino]

Glad to hear it worked! I hope it does for me again this year. Fingers crossed.🙂

[@alanday4343]

Hi Rob, Great anti-blister tips, I have done 2 Caminos from St Jean, never got one blister, I use normal hiking socks only, and my boots weigh 840gms each, the Secret is, get your feet used to the boots & the boots used to your feet, after the shower at night, I walk about in Tramping Sandals. Buen Camino. Alan

[@robscamino]

Well done. Blisters are not inevitable!

[@youkat07]

Thank you Rob. I really enjoy watching your vids. What a great tip. Bless you and your work. Appreciate it so much. 👍👏👏🙌❤️

[@robscamino]

If it helps you avoid Blisters and enjoy your Camino that is more than thanks enough. 🙂

[@chantalbelanger2054]

Thank I just discovered your videos I am in Quebec Canada I am leaving for Camino Frances sept 6 All your videos are very helpful 🙏🏻😀

[@robscamino]

Sorry I missed your comment. How was it?

[@vornwend]

Thanks for an interesting video, great advice. Never come across this wool before. I don't suffer much from blisters but as I'm planning 2 long walks this year including the Camino Norte I will probably get a pack of this wool. I was lucky enough not to get any blisters on the Camino Frances in 2019 - walked that in 34 days but I had done a LOT of training beforehand which I think is an important preventative measure too. I met quite a few folks who had never even walked 10 miles before let alone that distance and more day after day after day. The feet and other parts of the body will object to that!

[@robscamino]

Very true. Few of us are used to walking hours per day, day after day.

[@carriecassidy5514]

Hi Rob I did the Camino in April and yes no blisters because I used the wool

[@robscamino]

Glad it worked out for you! Though I find the double socks and vaseline equally important 🙂

[@BiancaCDE]

I walked in July 2016 and I have my boots about half size larger mostly due to the fact that I have a wide foot, but it also helps as I double up on my socks. The only other thing that I did was if we stopped for more than five minutes, I took my shoes and socks off to let my feet breathe, thankfully no blisters, but I did loose a toe nail(ha ha) and I was told that was mostly due to the friction at the toe box from coming down the mountains... The toenail did not hurt at all and I would rather that, than any blister.

[@robscamino]

Yes, I've lost a toe nail. They turn black and just fall off. Thankfully they grow back 🙂

[@BiancaCDE]

@@robscamino ha ha... I just had a bit of discoloration and it took about three months for it to grow back. I'd still rather that happen, especially since it was not painful, then have any blisters. Had to tell so many people to take care of their feet, vaseline I learned from my father from his time in the Army and the double socks, one wool for sure I learned from various pilgrim sites and hiking before I started the Camino. When I got there because it was a hot summer, someone that rested with us leaving Orisson told us about letting our feet breath whenever we rested.

[@gustavorueda7404]

Very interesting. Gotta try it my next Camino 👍

[@robscamino]

As with all Camino 'advice', best to do your own trials and research 😉 This works for me, but may not suit everyone.

[@michelletracey4700]

I walked the Camino from Sarria to Santiago de compostella not one blister. Wore 1000 mile socks and road shoes 👟. Changed and washed socks daily . 1000 miles socks are excellent. Longest day 32 k.

[@robscamino]

You obviously looked after your feet well.

[@michelletracey4700]

@@robscamino you need to take care of your feet prior to a Camino , at least a daily walk for about 6 months before the start date and making sure your feet are in top shape as they have to carry you . Foot wear and socks are essential to healthy happy feet 👣

[@nancyjohn9459]

Great advice. We followed this advice doing a couple of long distance walks across England, with great success. Locals there gave us fresh wool right from the source 😀🐑. For my liner socks , I used the Injiji toe socks to reduce friction between toes. Thank you for your videos!

[@robscamino]

Sheep's wool is great isn't it!

[@johughes5766]

Thanks Rob for your great advice. I have been doing the same routine for my hiking at home in Australia but now use Pawpaw gel instead of Vaseline to same effect but has healing properties as well and no petroleum jelly. Actually use Papaya Lips by P'ure Papaya Care (paw paw & calendula) so also a lip balm and first aid antiseptic cream in small 10 gm tube. Also wear the hikers wool for any likely sore spots as preventative measure. Thanks for your video. Jo

[@robscamino]

Sounds like a good product. I only use Vaseline because it's readily available and I can top up along the way. I use a lot!

[@cristinagalindo4946]

Wow!! Fantastic tip, thanks!!!

[@robscamino]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Hal_Jr]

Rob: First and foremost, many thanks to you for the quality of material you are producing. I’m planning my first Camino (CF), starting mid-May… your vids have been extraordinarily helpful. And now for what I fear is a bit of a silly question. What impact does the vaseline have on the liner sock when it’s time for washing? When one does laundry, how do the liners ever fully dry? Sorry to ask a laundry question, but I reckon you’ll know! Cheers!

[@robscamino]

There are no silly questions 🙂 The vaseline in my experience has zero impact on the socks.

[@CJonesApple]

Keep feet dry and clean. Double layered socks. This is what succeeded for me.

[@robscamino]

Yep, makes sense to me. Whatever works. We all have different 'regimes'. Just don't take blister avoidance advice from someone who got blisters! 🙂 You often hear things like "Oh, I only got a few small ones, it really worked" 😉

[@RobertPesserl]

Quality shoes that are brake in in advance, quality socks (I prefer synthetic materials because they dry quickly) and on every break longer than 10 minutes, I take off my shoes to let the socks dry a bit and to have the shoelaces adjusted again to a foot that is probably a little swollen.

[@robscamino]

Good point!

[@kanasatola5062]

@@robscamino હણ

[@klipitar2007]

Hi Rob! Do you «re-use» it a few times? Or do you throw it away every day? I would love to get your take on this! Thanks in advance! Love your videos, lots of it is things I have experience my self but after 4 camino’s I am still getting all the tips I can, and sharing experiences with pilgrims, it is the best feeling ever!

[@robscamino]

It can be reused a bit, though it loses it's effectiveness somewhat. Loses the oils a bit. I take a whole ack and that lasts me 800 kms or more.

[@labriquejaune39]

Hi Rob, I'm planning my next Camino in April. My question is how much of hiker wool you use for the Francès to give an idea..Thanks

[@robscamino]

I go through a large bag in about a month, and it's enough to share some with others.

[@Lautaro_Guindulain]

Dear Rob. I’m currently in Triacastela. I hope you remember me from September last year when I stared watching your videos. I am writing to thank you for all your videos. This particular video was crucial for me. I have been using the NZ wool regularly and the double sock technique. In these 27 days no blisters so far. I have been recommending to other pilgrims your videos and in particular I met a Spanish friend called Victor from Granada. He also watches your videos and we spent hours talking about you. The only advice that I want to flag with you I didn’t like is the use of disposable foam slippers when showering. In 90% of the times they were extremely slippery and dangerous. I think it is better to stick to normal slippers that you can use to shower and for later in the afternoon. I’m hoping to continue to Finisterre next Monday. Let’s see! I have until 28 October when I’m flying back to Sydney. All the best!

[@robscamino]

Glad it's all going so well! And good feedback with the slippers......... I'll add a warning on the relevant video. Maybe I was just lucky with mine......

[@Squirrel200]

Lanolin works for me in place of Vaseline. Your mileage may very.

[@robscamino]

Sounds good.

[@skeltongez]

Hi Rob, really love your videos and the insights you share. I’m looking to start my training as I have a plan to do the Frances as my first Camino in March April ‘23 but recognise I suffer very easily from blisters. In your blister video, you mentioned Icebreaker socks as the under layer to blister mgt. can you let me know please what material you suggest is best to act as the inner layer, I seem to only be able to see merino and also would you recommend their mini socks as an option from you’re experience? Thanks Gerry

[@robscamino]

Sorry I missed this comment, have you been yet? I just use a thin merino or blend inner sock. Haven't seen mini socks, sorry.

[@johnmcevoy6635]

Also please bring a nail clipper. You won't regret it 😄

[@robscamino]

I have one with me now LOL

[@13milesfromsantiago]

Another good way to avoid blisters is just by having tough feet! I’ve done two Camino from sjpdp to Santiago, both in brand new boots (not broken in), both times started in January and both well under a month and never had a blister. I spend a fair bit of time bare foot, I’m in my feet all day for work and my feet are as tough as iron 😂. Stop pampering your feet!!

[@robscamino]

LOL. love it...

[@loveboston2859]

Hello , I am planning Camino this beginning October but I really want to know . Cause I try Marino wool sock for walking 8 hour , I feel very hot . Any recommendations how to use and don’t feel hot . Thank you 🙏

[@robscamino]

I use a thin merino liner sock and a thicker wool outer sock. What type of footwear are you using? Do you take your footwear off to let your feet breath?

[@loveboston2859]

@@robscamino I use boot . I don’t take my footwear off to breathe. Maybe I should try to take my footwear off . Thank you 🙏 for reply

[@Lautaro_Guindulain]

Thanks for this video Rob. I just ordered the wool. You mentioned that your wife consumed this a lot the wool during the Camino. Did she put the wool after walking right when she felt the hotspot or also in the morning at the beginning of the day after applying the Vaseline ? Thanks again!

[@robscamino]

She would apply it in the mornings, anywhere she thought might become a hot spot! A bit of over kill. I use it on anywhere that 'feels' like a hot spot.

[@kay-jv3hz]

Have you tried to put hikers wool right from beginning of the walk rather than wait for hot spot then place the wool? And also are any type of socks for a first layer should be ok?

[@robscamino]

It would be hard to know where to put it until a hot spot occurs.... socks are a very personal choice. I use thin Merino / poly blend as my liner socks.

[@Chrisdotnorthwich]

Thanks Rob. How many pairs of socks do you carry with you?

[@robscamino]

I 'double sock' meaning liners and outers. So 3 pairs of each. That gives me a spare set for changing through the day if required. It also allows for damage. After 600 kms on this current camino one set of liners have holes.

[@Chrisdotnorthwich]

@@robscamino thanks so much for this and your great videos.

[@JoseFCosta-kc8sn]

I heard you’re doing Via de la Plata. How are things going? I’ll be starting near Xunqueira on the 16th April 💪

[@robscamino]

Won't be this year for me sadly. Buen Camino @Jose

[@JoseFCosta-kc8sn]

@@robscamino sad to know. Hope to see you when you come. I’m starting mine next 15th - alone as usual - and already planning the next year one with some foreign friends 😉. If you need anything from Portugal, just let me know. Cheers.

[@laurap.5804]

hi, shorter boots are not sort of dangerous to get an ankle feet distortion while hiking?Or is the Camino so flat one has hard chance to get it? Thanks!!!!Nice to know about blisters!!!

[@robscamino]

There is always a big debate about footwear. I have always worn boots, as I feel they hold my ankles secure. But a very experienced friend who tests hiking gear for a living tells me the extra support is a bit of a myth. Two physios (along the Camino) have also told me to wear lighter footwear. So this time I'm trying trail runners.

[@laurap.5804]

@@robscamino will wait for news on Your videos than!

[@encouragesolutions2595]

Another very good reason for having larger than normal shoes is toenail damage. When you are going downhill, as stated, your toenails push against the shoe/boot which can lead to toenail injuries and loss of toenails. Ouch ! You may benefit from a pedicure before you go. Long toenails are not good.

[@robscamino]

Good point!

[@julianlord5366]

Best way is to just let the skin on the bottom of your feet toughen up like leather -- but this works less well for women than men. From that, I haven't had a serious blister since 1994. Otherwise most people need the larger size shoes/boots but not everyone, as some people are lucky enough to have feet that don't swell when hiking. And 100% or 80% woollen socks are very helpful, including for when you do get a blister, as they both help your feet breathe and act as an instant bandage and liquid absorber for the blister, which helps dry it out and make it less painful.

[@robscamino]

I can remember back in my Army days with those old leather boots, we used to soak our feet in Methylated Spirit I think? To toughen the skin. Still got blisters though. 😞

[@julianlord5366]

@@robscamino Different people need different solutions -- but I don't think just toughening it works, I may have mistyped, it actually needs to get thicker ; typically nowadays when I get a small blister it just breaks leaving a tough underlayer of skin exposed ; often I just don't feel it at all, and sometimes just as a minor annoyance that passes after about 15-30 minutes. Often I only notice I had a small blister when taking my socks off at day's end, and seeing it's already burst and completely dried up. But this method generally works less well for women and children and others with thinner skin naturally. (I do sometimes still get small blisters on my hiking staff hand though !! Wearing a glove for a day usually fixes that.) Oh, and my current footwear, on Camino and off, is size 14½ French Army boots.

[@robscamino]

@@julianlord5366 So how do you make the soles of your feet thicker/tougher?

[@julianlord5366]

@@robscamino For me it was a result of a 42K daily average on my 1994 Camino from Paris.

[@robscamino]

@@julianlord5366 I think that would give me Blisters LOL

[@meqqui8249]

Rob, do you think I will be able to start The (so much awaited) Camino mid april???

[@robscamino]

April 2021? I doubt it, unless perhaps you live n Spain.

[@maryolsovsky6301]

Rob, I'm wondering what your thoughts are on walking in Teva or Chaco sandals? I have a bunion that doesn't hurt unless I'm in hiking boots or other close fitting shoes. I've found a few brands that accommodate the bunion but haven't tested them on the long mileage. I have done 13+ miles in the sandals and trust them more to keep my feet healthy. Thanks!!

[@robscamino]

Personally I need the support of boots or shoes. I have Teva sandals for evening wear and as a backup in case of some kind of foot issue. But I don't think I could walk far in them, with the lack of support. But......others certainly do! I know a few people who walk in them.

[@maryolsovsky6301]

@@robscamino Thank you so much! I plan to check out your other videos. I'm planning to go in September, probably the camino frances.

[@camilapereyra321]

Do you think cotton can be used as you use hikers wool? I dont think they are available where i live

[@robscamino]

I doubt it would work. Are you thinking cotton wool? It's tough, dry and abrasive. Compared to sheep's wool. The main difference with sheep's wool I'd say is that it contains natural oils like lanoline. I order mine from New Zealand here. Very good service. www.hikerswool.co.nz/ There are probbaly other places selling it online, but this is the product I use, so I know it works. 🙂

[@camilapereyra321]

@@robscamino thank you, but i recently found about it and im leaving in 2 weeks. I dont think they will get here in uruguay in less than 2 weeks

[@robscamino]

@@camilapereyra321 Oh I see. You could always have them send a packet to your start point....

[@davidmewburn1682]

To break in new shoes/boots, I have always put some Vaseline on the outside of the sock on the extremity points (heel, toes,etc) and this allows your foot to move in the boot without rubbing, and also rubs into the boot as well. Having grown up not wearing shoes to school when I was young, my feet are rather wide, so I have found a brand that really caters for wide feet, and I have never had a problem with them! 😉

[@robscamino]

Good tip

[@robscamino]

If you too have totally avoided Blisters walking the Camino, what's your tip?

[@jamescarson6815]

Terrific video! Thank you so much for your excellent advice. I've just ordered some hiker's wool :-) Just one other comment. If you have bought new boots or hiking shoes, make sure they are properly broken in before you start walking the Camino. This may take some time, so get them well in advance of your Camino.

[@robscamino]

@@jamescarson6815 That's a great point. Though most modern boots/shoes don't really need 'breaking in'. Leather footwear, certainly does I think. It might be more a case of breaking in your feet I think. Getting your feet used to the footwear. My Salomon boots felt like bedroom slippers from day 1. Same with the trail runners I'm trialling now. Hoka and La Sportiva.

[@cristinagalindo4946]

@@robscamino I like Salomon brand also for hacking

[@robscamino]

@@cristinagalindo4946 I love my current boots, but sadly Salomon have now 'improved' the design. With hiking gear this usually means cost cutting on materials. I wouldn't use the new versions. Not as comfortable.

[@britchie7224]

Any ideas from anyone on preventing cramping?

[@robscamino]

Always good to get professional advice on these things, but from my amateur viewpoint. 1 - Stay hydrated. 2- Keep up electrolyte levels. 3 - Regular stretching. 4 - I eat bananas! (magnesium) Lots of good tips online. www.backpacker.com/skills/fighting-cramps-on-the-trail/

[@britchie7224]

@@robscamino thank you. And thank you for your all your you tube information. Appreciate it .

[@fabianamagalhaes8350]

👏👏👏

[@robscamino]

glad it was useful

[@IvanJoel]

My feet tend to sweat quite a bit and I am fearful of wearing TWO pairs of socks when my feet get hot and sweaty with just one. Have you ever tired feet antiperspirants?

[@robscamino]

Maybe don't over think it :-)