How to Prevent Blisters & Foot Injuries on the Trail

[@richardanderson4916]

In the Army we used to stop mid day, change socks and powder our feet. Felt great afterwards! It's what I do, but I'm no expert. Always look forward to learning something new from this channel

[@andrewwolfe8742]

So I'm going to go on a big tear here Darwin on your video. First off thank you for addressing this. I agree with the sock liners. I was an infantryman in the army. We'd essentially follow this type of advice with women's nylon socks. It works plain and simple. I would say as an adjunct to pick up compression stockings on top of that. It helps with a lot of things with regard to swelling and with liners can prevent a lot of foot and joint issues. As a wound care nurse I see too many foot problems. Prevention is key. I like that you talk about nail care. I would say that you should splurge and take the minimal weight and room for some nippers. You can do great nail trimming and get rid of some extraneous callous that can create hot spots. Absolutely carry the sewing kit. Your advice on a wick with thread in blisters was spot on. If just add bring some antibiotic ointment along with your leukotape to prevent infection. Also some antifungal as well. Yes it's more weight but it's your tires so to speak. Sorry for the rant but you brought up a great topic and wanted to share my medical experience and hope it helps others.

[@jimbooher9199]

Darwin, great advice , I spent 4 years in a Infantry unit in the Army, it was drilled in our heads daily if you take care of your feet they will take care of you

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

That is Great Advice to live by in the Hiking World Jim! Thanks for Watching! Hike On, Darwin

[@heatherfeather1473]

Good advice! Good videos! Additions: 1. When cutting your toenails, make sure to leave a small amount of white at the end and cut straight across. If you round out your toenails, the sides are more likely to grow into the skin around your toe due to pressure throughout the day. 2. A cheap way to grab sock liners if you find that you need them on the trail is to go to any store and get pantyhose. Normal sock liners make my feet sweat more, so I use pantyhose. They also prevent chigger bites! 3. Callouses-mine get so thick, they itch at night. I bring a small amount of lotion to rub out my feet at night. This also helps with PF. I know it's a little heavy, but it's worth it!! It also helps with circulation and requires you to check your feet out. 4. Second the sewing kit and the airing out of the feet/elevating feet during lunch and at night/second set of socks. When running a string through a blister, make sure the skin is clean and stays clean! Otherwise, infection. 5. Finally, when breaking in new shoes, plan lower mile days or to slack pack. I found that these were the roughest days on my feet. Depending on how hefty your shoe is it can take 1-5 days to break in a new pair. Plan accordingly! Happy trails!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

KILLER TIPS Heather! Thanks for Watching & for the Great Feedback! Hike On, Darwin

[@Billshelbyhotmailcom]

Thanks, man! I had a toenail go bad on the Lost Coast Trail two months ago and almost forgot my clippers again. I'm packing for 50 miles in Yosemite with my 11 year old daughter and watching backpacking videos. You saved me.

[@00comm]

Hey man, like your videos been watching a lot but on this one I have to say something. As a hiker, a nurse, emt and combat medic please do not tell people to thread their blisters. This is begging for foot infections as 1) your needle wont be sterile, (even if you use a lighter) 2) even if you could get your needle sterile your thread is not. 3) leaving an improvised open system drain is a direct pathway for bacteria. With your feet stewing in your shoes you basically leaving an open line for germs and then standing in a petri dish all day. Your other advice is great, dry socks air out your feet mid day use anti fungle powder at night, dont sleep in your socks etc. All stuff I tell the grunts to. I've lanced a few blisteres but always with a sterile hypodermic followed by clean dressings and daily maintence. Anyway good stuff otherwise.

[@bulabulapesci]

I did think that the thread would wick up all sorts of bad stuff when Darwin showed the photo, so thanks for clarifying that. As you say, all good info otherwise.

[@annak3688]

Thanks for commenting! The thread and ingrown toenail totally grossed me out. 🤢

[@michaelgrimes5588]

Sometimesnya just gotta roll them dice baby...

[@christoole6820]

00comm sterilise the needle with alcohol from alcohol stove fuel or burn it with a lighter

[@maryjanne2642]

But what if a blister burst by itself? Isn’t it even wors?

[@Meattrapper]

This is a SUBERB video! In a world filled with endless gear"reviews" and backyard experts, the subject of footcare, socks and shoes is the single most important aspect of hiking. Well done! New sub.

[@pecarew2003]

I'm sure someone already touched on this foot happy tip, but icing your feet in a cold mountain stream is a great way to control swelling ... Happy trails all, thanks again Darwin!

[@durochervision]

Liner socks and insoles have made my last 100 miles 10x more enjoyable keep up the good work!

[@le4848]

Dude, I have only been watching your videos for less than a week, but I have learned so much. It has been close to 8 years, since I have hiked/backpacked since moving from NorCal to south TX, but am planning a trip in the 3rd quarter of 19 back to CA. Just wanted to give a big thanks for all the info you are sharing on many different subjects in the realm of hiking/backpacking.

[@kryzzet]

This is one of those times I regret having a light meal and relaxing with some youtube videos :(

[@gaylinlack726]

Interestingly, the author of the book you refer to advises strongly against the thread through the blister technique. She very thoroughly explains why in an additional article she has published. Although many might have gotten away with this in the past it could well result in a serious infection, especially in a dirty hiking shoe. I would suggest following her recommended techniques instead.

[@bobkat5145]

I wondered about the infection as well but heard about putting an antibiotic on the thread first would be a much better solution. What do you think?

[@420BLUNTLEY]

He don’t care cause he already made his statement and going back on that would be an ego crush.

[@scottrhoades9056]

Darwin, I really appreciate your videos! They have help inspire me to get back on the trail after recent bypass surgery. I was not able to find Leuko tape before our recent trip to Yosemite so we used Micropore tape. It worked amazingly well for our 20 mile romp in the park and stayed in place when my wife and I did a round trip on the Four Mile trail that day. It was a GREAT day! Thanks again and keep on keeping on.

[@SummitSeeker546]

Great video. 2 more helpful tips: 1) hydration!!! If you get dehydrated you'll feel it in your hands and feet. Nothing worse than dry cracked cuticles or painful skin splits in your finger tips or heals. If this starts to happen it's a sign of dehydration. 2) hydration #2. While hiking all day your feet are sweating and losing moisture. This is called transepidermal water loss. To aid in sealing in water, prior to jumping into your sleeping bag for a nights sleep, moisturizer your feet with an occlusive moisturizer like petrolatum oil or Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream (my favorite). This will help your feet and hands from drying out causing blusters or splits. Happy trails...

[@rafedavis935]

Unless your feet get really cold at night, sleep barefoot. Allow your feet to dry out overnight.

[@truepeacenik]

Yes! Let them air at camp.

[@irlvids2494]

As a Marine Corps Infantryman I was taught to check my boots for critters by shoving a hand in before putting them on. If something’s going to bite you it’s better to get bit on your hand then your foot. Some would also wear sheer nylon socks as a sock liner on longer hikes.

[@davidson_oldbull_sectionhiker]

I actually carry both Leukotape and Moleskin. I cut pieces of Leukotape and place it on the shiny side of mailing labels. Like to ones used by UPS or at the Post Office. Great Video. Prior to my hikes I tapes areas which have a tendency to become hot spots.

[@keidun]

Glad you showed the clippers...I have watched many gear videos and no one mentions the clippers... Or Q-tips and lip balm... big treat for those hiking the AT in TN/NC area or the Foothills Trail in SC in a few days... Total solar eclipse...

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

It's funny because I feel like alot of hikers cary clippers, but everyone leaves them out of there Gear List for some reason? Hike On, Darwin

[@crazyobservations3080]

All very good advice. Don't ignore foot discomfort at all. Its best to address foot discomfort immediately before it becomes a real problem.

[@GenkiGamer009]

Wish I had found this channel earlier. I went on a hike last year got black nails on both of my big toes. It..... wasn't good. Going in better prepared this year! Thanks for the video.

[@richardwalker5376]

Soaking your feet, and legs if possible, in a cold running stream or river helps greatly. I used to do that after long run training for marathons.

[@WillN2Go1]

I think I know a lot of this already.... but it's always good to check in, learn something new. I watched it twice in a row.

[@tomjohnson9338]

Thin plastic liner socks (polypropylene or polyester) and well ventilated shoes basically put an end to blisters for me. Plastic=slippery=low friction I just vary the outer socks depending on needs. Also use gallon freezer bag and a drop of Bronners (assuming have a water source) for end of day laundry of clothing that gets gross. Freshly washed socks and underwear in the morning! Like the poles for sock hangers idea if they weren't already being used for shelter.

[@bethsuter4637]

Burts Bees chapstick, a must have. For feet also? Yes! Dry skin caused chafing and bleeding between two of my toes. I was hiking in Mexico, could barely walk. Then, thought of my marathoning cousin: once saw him Vaseline up the back of his heels. Remembered I had a tube of Burts Bees, pulled off a glob and applied it between my toes. It stopped the bleeding and softened up the skin that caused the problem in the first place. Was able to easily walk back.

[@imout671]

destin diaper rash cream is great when you know your gonna be walking in rain all day. I kept a small zip lock bag full and would cover my foot soles and toes while i got ready in the am. wipe your hands off on the inside of your socks. it's a long lasting moisture barrier.

[@pete.thismoment]

Wife and I about to do our first long hike with Il Camino starting in France and finishing at the Spanish Atlantic coast: about 900km. We've been going through your vids and they're really helpful and informative. One tip we've picked up for feet is use Vaseline immediately after washing feet at night, but not in the morning before walking. Also using a vapour rub instead of Vaseline to make them smell nicer too (?). Many thanks. Pete

[@zsolttalloczy5222]

Glad someone ever mentioned nail clippers...

[@trailkrum]

Hey Darwin, I would recommend an ultra-thin cushioned merino wool sock: lighter, low bulk, prevents blisters, dries much quicker, cooler (temp-wise). I hiked the JMT last year with a thicker sock and (very) slightly too narrow trail runners, and I had bad forefoot blisters. This year I used a significantly wider shoe and thinner socks and had 0 blisters on the High Sierra Trail and other off-trail objectives despite miles upon miles of snow-cups and many water crossings. For wetter conditions, I would also definitely recommend using a foot balm/healing salve at camp to keep pruney-feet from becoming an issue. Happy trails!

[@decojuicer]

I recently read a trail journal from an AT Thru Hiker. He changed his socks twice a day, and cleaned and powdered his feet a couple of times a day. He said that he never even got a blister, much less lost a toenail.

[@jay-rus4437]

Ive been watching your videos to help me put a realistic emergency go bag. Much of your info has helped me to see the important factors, as well as what works. Because of you we have leuko tape in our bags, as well as have removed multiple items that likely would not have been beneficial and helped to reduce pack weight by getting rid of them

[@iannewton3820]

Something that I found useful while on the Bruce trail in southern Ontario was using moisturizers from hotels and motels; I never had a major blister and I used it often.

[@michaelgrimes5588]

I second that...moisturizer has been working fine for me

[@bobdylan2235]

As one who has hiked at Philmont, I would always coat my feet in Glide at the beginning of the day and wash them off and put Gold Bond on at the end of the day. Worked like a charm. Zero blisters or foot issues for 12 days.

[@sueriffe1046]

Didn't know about the string threw the blister for drainage. Nice! I've also used 'Dirty Girls' on the trail and they are the perfect uber light weight gater that comes in many fun patterns. Thanks Darwin!

[@lauraweiss7875]

I'm a big believer in toughening up the feet before a big hike.

[@bobkat5145]

How does one toughen up feet before a thru hike?

[@recycled3654]

Colin Fletcher mentioned using rubbing alcohol on your heels, toes and soles twice daily for about a week before the hike. Never tried it before but I wish I did several times when it was too late.

[@halifornia2001]

@@recycled3654 Rubbing alcohol is a dessicant, so it's basically pulling moisture out of your skin. On your feet this would harden the already dead skin by drying it out, so it might help, but any benefits will be lost as that skin naturally sheds from abrasion. Perhaps it's enough of a buffer to allow your feet to toughen on the trail.

[@willek1335]

@@bobkat5145 I know this is a long time ago, but it's for other viewers. Go for calculated walks. Start with a shorter trip. Then the next day, push your feet for slightly longer. Keep doing that for a week. Pay attention to hot spots and sore areas. If you get early blisters, you've gone too far that day. Hikerguy made a blister video about it.

[@trilbyarnold3341]

How your socks fit is as important as how your shoe fits. Years ago I trained for a major Grand Canyon hike. Every day for 2 months training I was climbing up a local mountain on a rough trail with the same gradient and length as the canyon trails. I did the equivalent of climbing Everest twice from sea level to peak in elevation gain and so many miles. Not ONE single hot spot. On the Canyon's rim I found I had somehow not brought my outer socks so I bought 2 pairs there. They were tube socks so there was no good grip on my heels, no real fit from heel to toe.aLso they were probably a different grade of wool. Even with my polypro inner socks within the first 3 miles I had a blister on each foot and I hiked the rest of the 80 miles with blisters.Mole skin, Second skin and bandages helped but ozing blisters are difficult. My feet hurt so bad I tried to end the trip on the North Rim but circumstances wouldn't let me for which I am eternally grateful. BE SURE THE SOCKS FIT!!! My Danner leather boots were heavy, stiff and didn't breath well. I'm looking forward to using my trail runner boots on the JMT.

[@HikerBiker]

Totally agree with the Cool Max liners, I've used them for more years then I can remember, love 'em. Quick question, have you ever used the water proof socks like Shower Pass. They are two socks in one with a 3-layer membrane that prevent water getting in but still allows moisture out. Yea, yea I know that sounds like Gortex but I've used them while cycling in the PNW with great results. A couple weeks ago I thought I'd give them a try since I'm now using trail-runners and from what I've been hearing the AT can be pretty wet for days on end. Anyway after hiking multiply days in steady rain multiple times I'm finding they work. I've had dry comfortable feet every day. I still wear my liner socks with them. I'm thinking I might take one pair of them and one pair of my usual Smart Wool on my hike starting April 9th. They do weigh a bit more but I'm thinking it might be worth the weight. Wear them while shoes are wet then switch to regular when shoes are dry. What are your thoughts? Thanks for all the great videos. PS. I'm a very experienced hiker/backpacker who started in the 70s so I've had my share of wet blistered feet.

[@uTKingster]

I needed this, thank you. The past few weeks I've been getting the gnarliest of blisters on the bottom of my feet

[@mwatercress]

Great advice. I also find that I can dial in my shoe fit with alternative lacing patterns. Marathon lacing keeps my toes from sliding into the toe box and keeps my heel from slipping. If my feet swell, I skip some lacing over the high parts of my foot above the arch too. Great videos!

[@kardoffl1416]

I did the needle and thread treatment a couple of times on the Camino de Santiago. I did not want to do it, but the regular blister-stuff did not work well when you continue to walk every day. 15+ miles. I soaked the thread in Desinfektion, and the needle as well. I only did this over night and made a knot in the thread so it doesn't fall out. Next morning remove the thread, tape the blisters and good to go again. Not doing this was not an option for me after 10 days, didn't like it, but worked quite well.

[@debsmith7050]

I learned much of proper foot care the hard way early on....then much experimenting. Surely hope everyone really listens to this video - it's great. Hope van life is treating you and Snuggles well :)

[@dreimann]

When I get to camp, I take off my trail socks and put on some fresh wool socks for camp/sleeping. Then I have a pair of lightweight flipflops for quickly getting in and out of the shelter.

[@IngoVogelmann]

Deer sebum cream. I don't know if there is such a thing in the USA, but here in Germany it is the # 1 foot care for hikers. Oh, and Merino socks. I never use any other kind of socks. Also, good trail running shoes for thruhikes, good hiking boots for the mountainous terrains.

[@Simonet1309]

Recently had to abandon a three day hike on just day two due to the mother of all blisters on the bottom of my foot. Ouch. Should have followed your advice way before I started.

[@michellestacer1965]

I cannot say enough about the book “Fix Your Feet”. As a nurse myself who has seen lots of foot problems in my patients, this guy knows what he’s talking about. I took so much away from his book and have had happy feet (and so have my patients) ever since.

[@uncletornadotimm2553]

Darwin! I saw your video pop up in my suggestion box! so glad to see you making awesome videos, hope all is well!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Hey Timm! What's up buddy? I was jut thinking about you the other day & how you scurried up that tree to get a bear line. All Hail the Lizard King (of Detroit)!!! Hike On, Darwin

[@bulabulapesci]

I'm sort of flip flopping between hiking and bushcraft. Ray Mears says pretty much the same stuff in his vids about foot care, but he rubs some athletes foot powder into his feet before going to sleep. It gives your feet a massage which improves circulation, but the powder also helps dry everything out, whether you have athletes foot or not.

[@TheActualCaveman]

Long hikes call for a small bottle of a blend of tea tree and vitamin e oil every other night after I dry my feet out I'll coat them with a small amount of that. No more fungus issues and less stink. Plus it's nice to get a light rubdown on the sore pups. And can be used on armpits to cut the stank down as well.

[@Inertia888]

Great advice Darwin. I never heard of the needle and thread trick... it's a good one, I will give it a try. I would say that it may be a good idea to first coat some antibiotic gel on the needle a thread? Thanks for the help getting my mind back into the groove.

[@michaelb1761]

I rinse my socks out during the day, usually when I stop for my midday break at a water source. I also soak my feet and dry them off when I filter water if it's a source where that is practical. Between that, toe socks, and trail runners, I've gone from bad blister problems to no blisters. The last blister that I had was while hiking the JMT in 2015, and I'm pretty sure it was because I didn't follow my own rules about soaking my feet at least once a day on the first day on trail just because I was amped up to make miles. At least it was a small one on my small toe that healed up by Muir Trail Ranch and never caused me any pain..

[@steveringwood2224]

One thing I would add is to wash your feet. When its warm I use cool water (not cold) and warm water when its cool. I use a small wash cloth and besides cleaning off the days sweat, it gets rid of all the small debris you have picked up.

[@glansberry]

Great video, thanks! Interesting technique of sewing thread underneath the blistered skin. I usually don't get blisters, but I developed a really bad blister two days ago (after only a 10 mile hike) and it refilled after treatment ~ ugh. I'll have to try that next time. I personally found success with a combination of Feetures lightweight compression socks (worn as a liner) under wigwam wool socks. I have yet to try wigwams liner though, but will definitely consider them. Thanks again, we look forward to your future endeavors... Happy hiking.

[@halifornia2001]

For feet swelling and general relief I would suggest soaking them in a cold stream/lake/etc if available when taking a break. This has helped me tremendously on high mileage and/or hot days. Remember to do this downstream from where folks will collect water. No one wants your dirty foot water in their bottle.

[@Nabagabo22]

Body Glide anti chap stick comes highly recommended as a pre-start treatment. Gel insoles also worth consideration - the chemist / drug store is a lot cheaper than an camping store.

[@whatroad5652]

every time i hear "find a good shoe/boot" i feel like its trying to find gold by hand. not impossible but its hard. especially since i wear a size 15 wide to extra wide boot lol

[@xsubsquid]

Extremely helpful. Thank you. Two questions, if you don't mind. 1. Does the need to ensure my foot won't smack into the toebox translate into generally wearing shoes a size bigger than usual? 2. Will I lose enough weight on the trail that I might find buying a shoe a size bigger initially will result in it being two sizes bigger after a period of time? I recognize this might depend upon my weight at the start. If I tend to portliness, there might be a lot more weight loss compared to a well exercised individual. Thanks for the videos!

[@ichigokotetsu9540]

The strange part, the longer I listen to you talking about emerging problems with the foot, I recognize all of those are caused by shoes (wet, stinky, crammed, ingrown toenails by bumping into the toe boxes front, blisters from rubbing, and so on... I walk barefoot all the time I can spend barefoot and gravel roads are becoming less and less of a problem.. you have to watch your step way more careful, but that's worth the trouble considering the problems above, in my opinion, and I enjoy the freedom I will slowly start to do hikes!

[@garylabro]

Sock liners and gaiters are the way to gooooooo!!!!!!!! Great job Darwin!

[@dgale1023]

What type of sandals for men could be used for hiking to give feet and shoes a rest Great vid

[@carriesaltsman5822]

Hey Darwin loving the video! In your opinion is it better to not pop a small blister and slap a moleskin over it or to pop it? Thanks man

[@brianschoeb6077]

Another tip for minimizing foot swelling, if you're lucky enough to be hiking through an area with streams from nearby snow melt, or otherwise cold water, I like to submerge my feet after a long day of hiking. I don't do it for long, maybe 5 minutes. It makes a world of difference.

[@nikamiw]

Thank you so much for directing me to leukotape, FINALLY found something that works to prevent my eternal blister on the ball of my foot.

[@waynecampbell7054]

Great video as always, but 2 comments - 1. Unless you can somehow sterilize the sewing thread, it's probably not a good idea to thread it through a blister. 2. A toenail clipper is a good idea, but you should carry one that has a straight edge. Otherwise, you may risk ingrown toenails.

[@halifornia2001]

I've seen other videos suggest soaking the thread in betadine before threading the blister, which keeps it sterile AND helps keep the inside of the blister sterile. For the nail clippers, I've found if I use a straight clipper the points it creates at either side of the nail will rip through my socks within a mile of walking. Not sure if that's a common problem.

[@z0uLess]

I am definitely going to try out leuko tape. I always used "sports tape", but that tape is not so good at sticking to skin. The absolute best is this second skin type of bandaid/plaster produced by compeed, but I imagine that leuko tape is a bit more versatile, and you can also remove it easily if you want to breathe out the skin.

[@rchampagne5125]

I was recently briefed on using Leukotape for blister management. I was doing some research on first aid and equipment repair this morning. I got to wondering if Leukotape could be used for short-term equipment repair. I did the normal online searches and did not find any useful posts/articles/videos. I am not a gram counter, but if I can use the Leukotape for another purpose, I might not have to carry some other strips of tape.

[@oldschool655321]

Hey Darwin, I have been hiking with shorts and gaiters, but a lot of the unmarked trails in Red River Gorge have some pretty think, thorny vegetation, so I was thinking about switching to hiking pants. Do pants perform the same function as gaiters to keep the sand, rocks, etc. out? Or should I still use the gaiters even if I'm hiking in long pants? Thanks for the videos!

[@saminthewoods]

I generally hike in sandles, avoiding 90% of these problems. It also keeps my ankles strong.

[@halifornia2001]

Same. I've been using Teva Terra-Fi sandals for hiking for the last 15 years or so. Haven't had a turned ankle yet, they dry quick, rocks/etc easily removed by lifting my foot and wiggling it, and I don't really get the foot funk that shoe-wearers do. Never had a blister from them either.

[@saminthewoods]

P W I switched to choko. They're also comfortable. Maybe a little more durable as well.

[@armaskin871]

Hey Darwin, good video, When selecting boots, the idea of a thumb width of space in front of toes to limit toe banging makes sense but is it additive to other advice that when selecting a boot you should be able to insert your thumb between your heel and the boot as a guide to offsetting the future effect of foot swelling?

[@gloryodeneal511]

Enjoyed your video on foot care on the trail. Do you use camp shoes of any sort at the end of the day of hiking.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

I have used Camp Shoes in the past, but I don't carry them anymore. Since I wear Trail Runners, I just switch my socks when I get to camp. Thanks for Watching! Hike On, Darwin

[@06Umiami]

How are the Altra Lonepeak 3.0's holding up? I'm due for a new pair of shoes and I see that Lonepeak 3.5's are out on the market. I need a wide toe box. Do you still recommend the Altra brand?

[@GoneFeralWithSquidly]

Really appreciate the advice in your videos. How did you get your trail name?

[@joepiol5105]

People are going to start hiking soon, once the trails open up (coronavirus), so I'd like to add to the good advice Darwin gave in the video. He touched on foot fungus ("athlete's foot"), which many people don't seem to recognize when they have it. I'm not a doctor, but I've had the problem enough and bad enough to know how to prevent it, how to recognize it, and how to treat it when I have it. The first symptom I usually get is an itch somewhere on one of my feet. Another common indication is the local house cat trying to lick my feet, especially my toes. Prevention is not difficult. Keep your feet clean and dry. If my feet have been wet for more than an hour or two, I can expect an infection to begin, so I apply clotrimazole cream as a preventative. It has always also worked as a treatment/cure for me. I find it for less than $1/tube in the foot care section at Walmart. I've noticed that if I have an infection starting, application of the cream will cause a minor stinging sensation. Other things you can do are carry a separate pair of shoes for wading or prolonged walking through wet areas, so that your main shoes can stay a bit drier. Never go to bed wearing wet socks. My guess is that much of the foot blistering is actually caused or contributed to by fungal infection.

[@leonardbrisendine1717]

I am walking the Camino de Santiago next month and blisters and other orthopedic problems are a big issue for people on this trail. Good advice here in comment section. I find that soaking the feet in a bucket of ice water for about as long as I can stand it every other day or so really helps. It isn't pleasant, but the feet feel really fresh the next day. And of course marino wool socks with liners are essential, as well as switching to hiking sandals when the day warms up. Looking forward to a challenging walk, but the Camino will provide, as they say.

[@craftyowlcreations3185]

Also doing the Camino i September and looking at all my options for pain free feet. I have just bought ArmaSkin sock liners Anti Blister socks which arrived today actually. Not cheap but if they work, happy days. Will be trying them out over the next couple of days.

[@jeffreytoman5202]

A month before I go out on a long hike, I start to prep my feet. I do this by toughening them up w rubbing alcohol and salt water soaks. It takes two minutes to do and I can do it while watching tv or KZbin videos. Also, I am diabetic and that comes with foot problems. I found that this has cut down on foot problems tremendously.

[@teatowel11]

Also as much as a bit of room in the toe is great make sure your shoe fits snug in the width, that will stop your foot moving around inside the shoe. I do a lot of hiking really really rough tracks and especially on descending if the shoe is too wide your foot will slide forward and cramp up your toes. Having a shoe with lateral support is important too if you have to walk on a track with a steep camber.

[@Dirt_McGirt_ODB]

Great video! I would also stress to anyone new to hiking, when looking for footwear take your time! Don't allow a bothered store worker to make you feel rushed in your purchase, especially when your spending good money on a good pair of hiking shoes or boots. I had one lady tell me I could walk around instead of "dancing" and had to explain to her I wouldn't be walking on a perfectly flat concrete floor and since they didn't have one of those nifty ramps to try I had to keep moving my foot around to make sure I was getting a good fit on that pair of footwear.

[@jjonsolomon]

What's your experience with the benefit of a sock liner over body glide? Body glide transformed my marathon experiences!

[@robertcourtemanche9185]

I really like wool socks - yes even in hot weather. My feet sweat less and feel better in wool socks.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Me too Robert! They keep my feet from sweating to bad. Thanks for Watching! Hike On, Darwin

[@Ranger24]

I wear a silk-ish dress sock with a merino wool sock on top every time...even in the summer. No blisters yet.

[@joshuarosenblatt]

Yup. Coolmax sock liners and wool socks. Helps keep them dry and reduces friction 👍

[@dreimann]

I mostly hike in wool 5-finger socks. I love 'em!

[@MrFishPirate]

Speaking of shoes, I'm on my third pair trying to find the right ones. One thing I found out, is when you are trying out shoes, make sure you have on the socks you plan on wearing. My Darn Toughs had a completely different feel than my "6 for $10" white socks. Could have saved $130 finding out that Salomons don't work for me.

[@IgraineOhnefurcht]

Darwin, I love your videos very much and I am also a big fan of liner socks and leuko tape (or Leukpoplast like we say here in Germany). But concerning blisters I wouldn't recommend to use a thread for draining a blister as it might cause an infection if you're unlucky. Usually, it's not sterile. :-( Nevertheless you are doing a GREAT job with your amazing videos! Keep it on and thanks for sharing your experiences with us!

[@ralph3503]

I have to agree. I once had a blister which got infected badly - it was on the camino frances. So badly, that they kept me for 1 week in the hospital - always on the verge to get a blood poisoning. It took another 3 week until the wound was closed. And I wasn't even using a thread. The thread method has one big disadvantage: Once the blister is drained, it can also transport fluid/dirt INTO the blister. The method I'm using nowadays is: A lot of antiseptic (Octentisept), and I cut open the blister in the evening, let it dry overnight with sterile bandage over it. In the morning I disinfect it again and tape it.

[@99Keek]

Watching that while removing dead skin from my feet from my last hike. :D Tried out a new pair of socks which did not turn out to be so great. Darwin, do you also put the tape on your feet to prevent getting a blister when you can already feel that it is hurting on a particular spot?

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Yep! That would be called a "Hot Spot".... I will usually keep a good eye on it & if it rally starts to hurt, I slap some LeukoTape on to make sure it's protected from turning into a Blister. Hike On, Darwin

[@sooof1839]

wait wont your body start rejecting that left behind bit of thread and make it all gross and worse?

[@josephmaschari1073]

Hi Darwin When trying shoes do you wear both socks and liner. Good video thanks. Joe

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Nope, I just plan on there being a little extra room for the liners. Thanks for Watching! Hike On, Darwin

[@resaharrison8346]

I watch your videos a lot and in a previous video you posted that you wear an insole in your Altra's. I would really like to know what insole you use. I wear Altra's and absolutely love them for running. Looking for a little more protection for the trail from rocks and would like to try out some insoles and thought of trying the one you use first.

[@sheilafry597]

A lot of people don't know how to use mole skin. Cut a hole in the mole skin the size of your blister or hot spot and adhere the mole skin to the healthy skin around your injury. This will keep the pressure off the injury, allow it to breath and not tear the skin off the blister when you remove the moleskin. Also as a marathon runner, we lube everything that rubs, including between the toes. Happy Trails!

[@Archie-td6ox]

Really important to do stretches and exercises specifically for feet to stay nimble and loose. 1. Sit on your feet, while kneeling, with the top of the foot facing the ground (hold for 30 seconds or longer) 2. Shift from the last position to sitting on your heals with the balls of you feet on the ground (gradually extend the time you can do this for - several seconds to start - this may be uncomfortable to start) 3. In Cat/Cow yoga position, and keeping the tops of you feet to the ground, curl your back and raise your knees off the ground and hold for a few seconds (do this several times) 4. Put your fingers between your toes and flex and rotate your ankle. Start with the top of your fingers first, and over time work toward the base of your fingers where they are the broadest. This will separate the toes nicely. 5. Stay hydrated! 6. Massage your feet and show them some love!

[@poppawolf26]

Do you use foot inserts/liners when your shoes get old to get back that new shoe feeling?

[@rainbowhiker]

The double socks method is 'thee' way to go. Thanks.

[@manyman8720]

Thanks for Darwin's advice. I have a question on knee-deep snow hiking. We can't avoid getting wet on shoes,socks and feet. How to stay dry? Is GTX socks applicable in this situation?

[@guyportal2619]

Hey Darwin, Where can I get shoes like yours (at 9:24) . On Amazon or etc. Thank you very much!

[@jamielukens9810]

Great video! Do you ever use Newskin for the trail?

[@Chriswilliams-lx9mx]

When you cross water,streams and the like do you take your footwear off or just walk through em,cheers chris

[@insatiabletreehugger7870]

Do you take a pair of crocs or sandals for camp?

[@stevenpricela]

REI - "Merino Lightweight Hiking Quarter Socks" The last word in socks, never a foot problem!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

I'm a Darn Tough Sock guy myself! Hike On, Darwin

[@ROBLOX5492]

Have you ever used Lems Boulder boots? If so what do you think?

[@dahveed284]

I like you videos. I've already ordered the tape and liner socks from that earlier video.

[@TheRoamingHazard]

Make sure to NOT trim your toe nails too short. If I go too short on my big toe it seems to be more susceptible to in grown nails later and once I went too short on my other nails and they dug into the front of my toes some.

[@anitavaughn1968]

Do you advise using some water shoes for crossing rivers?

[@operator8181]

Wish I knew about liners years ago, I have naturally sweaty feet. Had to finish a 12 mile hike in less than 3hr's and as you described, from toes to heel the bottoms of both my feet were one giant blister...

[@tommcgrew2880]

How do you feel about toe socks and compression socks

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

I wear Toe Socks when I run & Snuggles uses then as Liner Socks. Check out a Toe Sock called Injinji! Compression Socks are great too for Recovery, however I would probably never hike in them. Thanks for Watching Tom! Hike On, Darwin

[@HikeHikeHut]

I've changed my sleep socks to compression socks to help the body push the lactic acid out during the night. as a side sleeper it is hard to sleep with feet elevated so this is my compromise. Seems to help.

[@michaelb1761]

I use Injini toe socks like a liner as well with a wool or wool blend sock over them. It's worked great for me.

[@thomastrieschman7967]

HikeHikeHut yg

[@wewearmaskshere2577]

Thanks my feet are jacked up. Ive been doing 9 miles a day and my toes are sad. Cant do much more than 9 miles cause ive got to pick my kid up from school every day but I don't want to give up my hikes every day.