Preventing blisters on your Thru-Hike

[@kennethmarx7437]

Hey, Re: blisters, lots of great info. Only one small point on which I differ, as do most in the Emergency Medicine community. When cleaning the wound, only mild soap and clean water should go directly into the wound. Infection and healing are opposing forces. Antiseptics applied into the wound may kill microbes, but they also harm the cells that initiate healing. That’s a net zero benefit. The best way to reduce the microbe population without harming the good guys is via soap cleansing to remove any grime, then flushing with clean water (if available-doesn’t need to be sterile) to reduce the microbe population. Antiseptics can be applied to intact skin around the wound. (You didn’t mention soaking wounds, I’ll just add a word to say don’t do it.) Look forward to the next video. Ken Marx MD New York, NY

[@briansaucy4871]

While in the service, we were told to lance the blister with a sewing needle with a thick thread on it.....Neosporin liberally covering needle & thread, then lance the blister from one edge of blister to the other edge ( leaving thread) hanging out both holes. Now cut the thread, leaving thread out each side to keep "drain holes" for the bister. Now it won't seal up and fill with fluid again.

[@AmyB.]

Brian Saucy that's what I've heard! now after threading the string through it, do you dress it? or just a sock?

[@FollowBigfoot]

Thanks for sharing Brian!!!!

[@allenfackler]

I've tried the thread method before and got infected from the thread. Not a good idea IMO.

[@christoamato]

I'm afraid that would be a perfect opportunity to introduce an infection to an otherwise sterile environment. Pop it will a sterile needle if you must but then keep it clean and leave it alone.

[@00comm]

As a current infantry 68W(medic for civies) no. dont do this. it leaves a direct pathway for bacteria. I've seen this posted on lots of through hikers videos and I'm trying to correct as many as I can. I was glad bigfoot didnt say this method.

[@jonathanbrown7250]

I was rifling through my AT list and it hit me that I've followed more of your gear recommendations than anyone else's. You put me on to my poles, water filter, base layer, sleeping bag, para cord, body glide and that's off the top of my head. There are other good videos out there about various aspects of the AT, but when it comes to specific ideas and information about the AT, you and Hiker Trash are must-see-TV. Thanks a bunch!

[@FollowBigfoot]

Thank you so much J. Brown for the comment. I am humbled that I am able to help out so much. Glad to have content that you have found valuable!

[@dannyburkhalter547]

A friend turned me on to Body Glide. I lube my feet with it before a hike and, if I get a hot spot I stop and lube that. Haven't gotten a blister in the last three years using this method.

[@FollowBigfoot]

+Danny Burkhalter I have started to do that myself. I cannot live without air, water, food, shelter and body glide 😊

[@greenbuckeyelove]

Good advice and simple to do. Thanks

[@stevea611wax6]

When walking in Spain the local pharmacy recommended a hyper dermic syringe and iodine. You suck out as much blister fluid as possible and inject about half that amount of iodine back in ... I did this each evening and it really worked for me... ... no infections and blisters were manageable for the rest of the 600 mile hike .... I totally agree with the extra size and a half above your normal shoe size . I'd outgrown my normal size shoe after the first 3-4 days ... hiked without insoles till next outdoor shop !

[@AB-nv5ti]

Another great, thoroughly informative video. One of the things I really like about you is that you don't just rely on your previous knowledge but you are always expanding your knowledge base and finding out what other people are doing in order to share with us. I personally really appreciate that. I have one thing I can add to the shoe tying that may be beneficial to some people. When doing the first overhand instead of doing one wrap do two. This will hold the strings in place while you form your bow. It also puts less stress on the bow to come untied if you choose not to put a backup knot after you tie the bow. I learned that Loop technique that you taught about a year ago and it really does help to lock the heel into the back of the shoe to prevent back and forth movement. I'm sure this hint will be very beneficial to new and experienced hikers.

[@FollowBigfoot]

Thanks for the kind words A B. And appreciate you sharing your knowledge!!!

[@otterriveroutdoors5309]

Great advice Bigfoot. Love the lace lock, my boots are much tighter. Ill give it a try on the next hike tomorrow.

[@FollowBigfoot]

Awesome, works great for me and has made a difference.

[@mdnite2941]

Great tips on blister prevention.I'm glad you said something about trimming your toenails too.I lost my big toe nail up at Three Ridges hike because I didn't have my toenails trimmed properly.

[@FollowBigfoot]

Yes, same thing happened to me on a hike and it is terrible.

[@mtadams2009]

Great advice on purchasing one size up. I have always worn my normal shoe size and never had any issues. The truth is I only did two and three day trips my entire life. This year I retired and hiked the Long Trail. After about sixty miles both my feet were a mess. I used mole skin and things were fine for the next couple of days. I had planned to do one week and return in the fall to complete, which is what I did. I purchased the exact same shoes one size up and had zero issues with my feet. The ones that caused the issues worked fine for weekend trips in the Whites but not day after day. Great advice I was afraid to take. Lesson learned

[@kenk2345]

...little puchie there on the sofa took my attention away for a bit....had to rewind to see what I missed. : )

[@FollowBigfoot]

I didn't even know she was there until like halfway though the video. Pretty funny!

[@WesFosterHere]

Wow, cool Lace-lock technique. Definitely going to give that a try. Love all your videos. Thanks for sharing the wisdom.

[@FollowBigfoot]

Thanks so much Wes!

[@kenk2345]

great content on dealing with and preventing blisters.

[@guardianx1328]

Great info. I wish I had this info a few weeks ago when I did a section of the AT. My right toe nail hurt plenty and became black. Thanks a bunch.

[@mtthielsen8342]

Great info, I wish I would have bought that roll of KT tape I saw on closeout at Walmart awhile back. Speaking of a sewing needle, over the years I have come up with two ways to store it. I used to keep it in one of those match tubes with backup matches, now I keep it in the tube that comes with those little eyeglass repair kits, and that goes in a little zip pouch for repair stuff. Your dog looks like a miniature Yeti. lol

[@FollowBigfoot]

+Mt Thielsen Thanks for the tips on the needle. I think she might be a Yeti haha!

[@willholloway4224]

Lace lock hack sounds great, can't wait to try it out. thanks

[@robertware5076]

Ive done alot of hiking,running back in the military, I've used the thin socks (liner) first with thick socks over rarely get blisters if shoes are laced tight.

[@cathyhall8637]

Thanks for explaining lace lock. I was doing it wrong. :/

[@balkandancer]

Thanks for including that liner socks wick away the moisture from your foot. I keep seeing people referring to using two socks to allow for friction between the two but nobody mentions the wicking which is really why you use liner socks. They are a part of your base layer. Also, I've never heard of KT Tape until one of your videos and have been looking for it in my local stores with no luck so thanks for the link to find it. I want to check it out as I normally carry plain athletic tape and mole skin with me. I have narrow heels so I often get blisters on the back of my heel since boots/shoes don't fit tight enough for me.

[@FollowBigfoot]

KT tape is amazing. I will never go back haha!

[@vanillahip]

Most Walgreens haveKT Tape if you have them near you...probably CVS or any other decent sized chain...

[@mimibuckles]

Super helpful! Thanks! I am going to try that lacing technique.

[@pjstolitza694]

When I was active duty in the marine Corp we would wear a dress sock under our issued socks and it made a huge difference in blisters.

[@rumblechick73]

Another batch of great info. I'd never heard of the lace lock before. When I was much younger I was very active in roller skating (before anybody ever heard of in line skates! LOL) The method for buying the leather boots was to go at least a size smaller, get them wet and walk (or skate) them dry, that way they were actually a custom fit that held firm and didn't cause blisters. I always wore pantyhose and the boot tongue was padded with lambskin/fur. Often I'd be wearing them for 17-18 hours, even learned to drive my stick shift car wearing them, and never got a blister. If I tried that today I'd probably end up in foot casts! LOL

[@FollowBigfoot]

+Diana Hammond That's very interesting Diana. I can't imagine doing that today. It's funny how things change and evolve.

[@WanderingMonkHikes]

Thanks for the lace lock instructions. I never knew what those “wasted holes” were for. 🤣 BIG help.

[@trollsteadent.72]

Hey, man. Love the videos!!! Planning my own AT thru-hike. Planning for 2019 (wish me luck, :P). I'm a walking tour guide in N.O, LA. I also do Mardi Gras parade marches. I spend a lot of time on my feet. Super Glue for blister care is awesome!!! Pop and drain the blister, clean and sterilize the area, and then fill the "pocket" with the Super Glue. Let it set. The Glue seals the area and helps to reduce risk of infection. Also, it provides a nice friction reducing pad. When the Glue falls off, the wound is healed. I've had really good results with this method. Good trails, everyone!!

[@FollowBigfoot]

+Thanks Trollstead Ent. And best of fortunates on your upcoming thru-hike!

[@roberthofmann8403]

Hey. I'm going in 2019, too, northbound. Maybe I'll run into you. Good luck and happy trails to you!

[@deathcar]

Hey Bigfoot I was just out doing a trail magic run out on the PCT last week and was just staggered at how many seasoned hikers were coming into camp with major blister problems, many of them AT veterans. It must have had something to do with the extreme heat in the desert mountains, not sure, but it was the first time that I connected the dots that there is something different about that desert terrain as opposed to the AT that breeds tremendous blisters...lots of hikers were proactively starting to switch out socks several times a day. Very interesting topic though...

[@FollowBigfoot]

+Gary White yes, I'll tell you what, since I started lace locking my shoes, I can not recall a blister appearing. I wear a whole size and a half bigger than my feet to have the extra space needed for my wife feet, so that lace lock is essential. Interesting what you are seeing out there though. Thanks for sharing!

[@wildflower_gypsy]

Your dog is adorable 😍

[@redtango76]

KT tape is awesome! I had shoulder surgery a few years ago and my physical therapist taped my shoulders to retrain my muscles. I showered with the tape on and it would last me at least a week even when showing daily. Can't believe I didn't think about using it on my feet! Thanks for the reminder🙂

[@FollowBigfoot]

You are very welcome mate!

[@photomatt2000]

I just bought a pair of keen boots yesterday.I normal wear size 10 i went up to 11.Feels lot better.

[@FollowBigfoot]

Very nice! Your feet will be very happy!

[@AmyB.]

thanks, I'll have to try that lace lock thing.

[@FollowBigfoot]

+Amy B It's an amazing technique!

[@endoman9587]

Your dog is very cute; I just needed to say it😀 There may be another thru hiker candidate there; it was all ears.

[@onionhead5780]

Endo Man I thought that was a squirrel on his couch.

[@FollowBigfoot]

HAHA, that's funny. I honestly didn't even know she was there until she jumped off.

[@bfnfedboy2]

How are the trail shoes over rocky surfaces? I see that the northern part of the trail is very rocky. It seems boots would be better there.

[@Saron206]

Hi. Liked your video as always 😀 Adorable dog! What breed is it? And have you ever hiked with it? Have a small dog myself and we're both trying to learn to go hiking 😀

[@FollowBigfoot]

She is a Pomeranian/Maltese mix. We actually brought her on a hike on the Ozark Trail when I was living in Missouri. She can handle some small stuff. We will be bringing her along to Trail Days and she is going to love it!

[@Givemesomeyardwork]

Great stuff..thanx for all your effort on these vids

[@commonconservative7551]

concerning those tennis shoe lace locks ....how would you lace lock the ankle like that with 10 inch boots?

[@pvkjhilk8323]

great information

[@walkerbraden5843]

So a little off topic, but I have extremely flat feet. They're so flat that my arches touch the ground completely. If I walk for maybe 3 hours, my ankles and arch area will start to hurt. If I keep going it will get so bad I'd have to stop walking for maybe 3 hours. Do you know any gear that'll help people with flat feet? Thanks!

[@drshawnse]

How often did you change out the KT tape? I've used Leukotape P, which will stay on forever, but had an allergic reaction to it.

[@bigmac3006]

Great vid! Loved the dog.

[@jc10907Sealy]

Omg that adorable dog! 😍

[@FollowBigfoot]

+Jen Clark Her name is Bella. She likes to stop in and make an appearance from time to time

[@crowman5936]

The glue you showed isn't the Super Glue that you want to use yours looked like a waterproof glue that would take too long to cure. The one you need is like the Loctite Super Gel it cures in about one minute plus it's there most waterproof and flexible product. Another plus it's in a lot smaller container a lot more friendly to packers.

[@kflynn1867]

I prefer LeukoTape over KT tape for blister prevention. Skin prep for either is critical.

[@FollowBigfoot]

I have heard some good things about Leuko Tape. I will have to try it out sometime, but I do LOVE KT tape. Thanks!

[@dumpfile]

Is there a reason to go with a longer shoe rather than a wider shoe? I read all about the foot swelling but it would seem like the (W) wider format of a lot of shoes over the (M/D) medium width would be preferred rather than going longer with the same medium width shoe?

[@FollowBigfoot]

+dumpfile Most will not just see their feet swell but get larger. I have 10.5 foot feet and had to wear 12 wide shoes

[@spadam0]

There is athletic foot cream I use to prevent blisters. No blisters since I started using it, knock on wood.

[@SychJess]

Also, burning a needle doesn't necessarily sterilize it. It adds soot onto the needle, increasing risk of infection. Go for the boiling route!

[@FollowBigfoot]

Thanks Jesse, I think that is a common misconception

[@swatsullivan]

The most incredible stuff for covering blisters we found was second skin. Way better than moleskin. Never tried the KT Tape.

[@swatsullivan]

Also, Hiker Feet on KZbin loved your thru hike prep videos. She started about a week ago. Unfortunately, this video came a few days too late for her. She got blisters the first day. Zeroed at Neels Gap and got different shoes. Hopefully she will be ok.

[@FollowBigfoot]

I hope to run into her in the next couple of days if she isn't too far ahead of me. Thanks swat!

[@SychJess]

We just got a new product at my work (I'm a nurse) called "Marathon". It's quite expensive,!but completely worth it. You can put it on an open blister and it stays on for weeks. Better than a bandaid. It's available on Amazon, check it out!

[@FollowBigfoot]

Interesting, thank you for sharing. I will have to look into it

[@fuzzykitty4271]

Going over knee braces would also be a informative topic.

[@FollowBigfoot]

Okay, That would be something I would probably have to consult some other hikers as I never really used them and don't feel comfortable recommending anything I personally don't have any experience with. I'll see what info I can dig up through the help of others. Thanks!

[@fuzzykitty4271]

Ok, that would be awesome if you could, thanks!

[@markszawlowski867]

Brilliantly informative video, but I momentarily lost focus when that amazing dog sat next to you :))

[@TogetherinParis]

I've never had blisters on the trail, boots, trail-runners, ultra-lights: 100% NYLON LINER SOCKS is why. The US Army did several studies and found that nylon was the slickest commonly available fabric, you need 100% nylon sock liners. They gave nylon sock liners and all sorts of other options to tender-footed basic training recruits to increase readiness, and nylon liner socks won hands down. White 100% nylon socks, switch them out if they get dirty, and you, too, can hike blister-free. Leave the tape & mole-skin behind and just keep your feet clean, rinse them in streams. You'll be fine.

[@TogetherinParis]

I never had blisters myself, but I helped others with severe blisters. Squirting clean rinse water with a drop of iodine to rinse out beneath the filthy dead skin with a syringe is mucho importante.

[@ftyawb]

I use one point of those short grooming scissors to lance blisters (after sterilizing them). You can get more control with the scissor handles than with a needle and the wedge shape of the blade leaves a better, but still small hole for drainage. For foot prep, I put Body Glide Foot on known hot spots, then fat lady pantyhose (Legs Q+) cut down to sock length under my boot socks.

[@obiwanjacobi]

Remember that a the knot you tie your shoe with is basically a square knot where the ends are looped in. I think I saw you tie it wrong... [2c]

[@FollowBigfoot]

+Marc Jacobi I have been tying the lace lock like this for almost 2 years and has made a noticeable difference. What part is wrong?

[@obiwanjacobi]

If you do not make the double knot but stop at the single lace knot. Then pull the loops, you should end up with a square knot. You do it really quick in the video - but it looks like the it is not a square knot... If it is not a square knot, the easiest way to correct that is start the first part the other way around: so, left over right if you did right over left previously (or visa versa). Hope that made sense. See also: watch?v=zAFcV7zuUDA

[@carrjeep7538]

I always carry a small safety pin for lancing blisters. I'm gonna try the Injinji liners under my regular darn tuff socks next hike.

[@FollowBigfoot]

+carrjeep let me know about the those liners, I haven't tried them yet

[@timb171]

I used the injinji toe socks for 1 hike - I bought the right size for my feet, but the toe 'pockets' where too short and rubbed between my toes and actually gave me the worst blisters I've ever had. I've never used them since.

[@carrjeep7538]

Peak District Hillbilly dang. That sucks. I just got a couple pairs. Gonna try them out on some weekend trips soon.

[@frankbontoft7197]

I swear by Body glide, 'Up' skin shield. Two lubricants that stay moist all day.

[@_evilsis_8660]

Distracted by cutest dog 😍 What were you talking about?!

[@FollowBigfoot]

+Elin Julén Haha, she is a cutie. My girlfriend LOVED your comment!

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

Andrew Skurka's big on making sure your feet dry out thoroughly each evening, then applying a foot balm. andrewskurka.com/2016/gear-list-backpacking-hiking-foot-care-kit-blisters-maceration/

[@FollowBigfoot]

Thanks for posting Bart!

[@timb171]

Here in Europe a lot of us use Gehwol foot cream each evening after our feet have dried out, not sure if you can get it in the US. If not I'm sure there's something similar. www.gehwolfootcare.com/site/ Another option I've heard of, but not used myself is Lanolin cream (it's what nursing mothers use to prevent cracked nipples) as I understand it lanolin is an extract from sheep wool and it's what gives wool it's antibacterial properties.

[@HikeRx]

Blisters are caused by pressure too...not just friction.

[@fivesfish]

Blister Prevention should be your first step! The name says it all "Blister Prevention" I wouldn't advise buying shoe or boots too big, your foot may swell but you bones won't! Shoes which are too big wont allow a natural range of movement for your foot, leading to other foot related problems. Try Ibuprofen to reduce swelling? Also It's not your shoe which you break in it's the skin on your feet which changes, most modern synthetic shoes don't require breaking in.

[@GreetersThru-Hike]

Good job!

[@randysavage2430]

Use a liner sock or wear two pairs of socks. No blisters ever.

[@K1NGK0NG404]

I think it's funny "bigfoot" has a 7 & 1/2 inch foot😂

[@FollowBigfoot]

+KING JAMEZ they seem about 7 1/2 wide at times 😀. I got the name not from my feet though

[@GrottoGroveGroves]

you ask, what do you do when you get blisters ? me... hurt, walk funny, try to be stoic.

[@rolandchamp6115]

Ta Price funny, but crying at the same time

[@00comm]

For cleaning the needle. carry 1 alcohol swab. weighs nothing and its the legit way to clean. I love that you didn't do the foolish thread method and your spot on with cleaning, draining and applying antibiotic with covering afterword. spot on! But the cleaning with a lighter is not the way to go. a standard lighter is a yellow flame, which leaves behind a bunch of carbon. that means your introducing unclean gas byproduct into the wound. stick with alcohol because then your fingers that are touching the needle can be cleaned to. After all your not going to use your lighter to clean your fingers. Heck use the alcohol gel since your carrying it already! :) .. But ya don't use a lighter because carbon and stuff. plus blue flame sterilizes, yellow flame just poops carbon. cheers on the videos, just wanted to add something from an infantry medic, emt, RN point of view.

[@FollowBigfoot]

Thanks!

[@Nik0lay11]

You can heat the needle with lighter until it become red hot(i dont think anything on earth can survive that)

[@jurgschupbach3059]

Gurney Goo

[@casperblakskjr2638]

Am i the only one watching this video in 1.25?

[@lyfandeth]

Having spent a month caring for family that just HAD to pop a blister? All the best doctors said THAT IS WRONG. No matter how good you are, that opens the wound to potential infection. These were wound care specialists at a top national hospital. If you put a moleskin "donut" around the blister it takes off all the pressure, allows the wound to heal and guarantees it cannot infect. Hiker advice is not, but expert physicians sometimes do know better. Antibiotics no longer work on many bugs, why take that risk?

[@Nik0lay11]

Moleskin will make your skin wet and white and soft like if you have spent a day or two in a wet shoes. Such skin would be more vulnerable to friction then the blister itself and will come off completely. And if you are hiking a long period of time, you will tear the blister anyway - dead skin on the outside will lose its strength eventually(